tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87451931580679101452024-02-07T00:16:29.485-05:00Reclaimed LifeReclaimed Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08645784961752814994noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745193158067910145.post-61907941817044792892014-02-28T09:01:00.001-05:002014-02-28T10:54:21.116-05:00Strep Throat SmoothiesWe love smoothies here! We also love the way we sneak essential vegetables and even vitamins into the smoothies our kids drink. The key...have some strong tasting fruit or lemon juice in there with a little raw honey and you're good to go. <br />
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Our boys are prone to strep throat. They had it 5 or 6 times last year. This school year they had it in September and then I heard about a naturopath that had some vitamin/mineral supplements that could help. I was skeptical. I do the natural and medical path for our family. I read up, research, try, and sometimes we're successful...sometimes we're not.<br />
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So we started taking Standard Process supplements and when my boys are taking "Congaplex" they don't get strep. When they stop for awhile or refuse to drink the smoothies I make with it in them... Sure enough they get strep throat. The only problem is it's a strong tasting supplement. So here's a sample smoothie that I make which hides the flavor. I also sneak other Standard Process supplements in for nose bleeds (Cyruta Plus), severe runny noses (Antronex) as needed. I test on myself first and the stuff works! I do all of this under the guidance of the naturopath who recommends the correct dosage for their weight and age.<br />
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<i><u>Strep Throat Smoothie</u></i><br />
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3 capsules of congaplex<br />
3-4 Tbsp lemon juice<br />
1 cup apple juice<br />
4 frozen strawberries<br />
4 chunks frozen mango<br />
4 chunks frozen pineapple<br />
2 Tbsp raw honey<br />
water to the 2 cup line of blender<br />
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Blend to a smooth consistency and drink away! Enjoy!Reclaimed Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08645784961752814994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745193158067910145.post-84060069386948619662014-02-18T10:32:00.000-05:002014-02-18T10:40:34.049-05:00Tasty Tuesday...Hopefully a regular postSo here is a simple goal for myself. On Tuesday's...hopefully every Tuesday...I will post a simple REAL food recipe for you. One that doesn't take more than 10-15 minutes to prep. Cook times will vary on the recipes. But REAL food doesn't have to be hard.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg8JwSTz19D2FWO6oFdQjVrykUB6oGBmYoVNhleBbPbkEVkf5E_-08YWZ5IbK1AXtlanpnaZ69lpKtASWgd0fyOPjNUaV1M7bpR6spIWcwnFZfCFYw3RTC21gIX9nMqjugL2la2arVq2g/s640/blogger-image--1495787796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg8JwSTz19D2FWO6oFdQjVrykUB6oGBmYoVNhleBbPbkEVkf5E_-08YWZ5IbK1AXtlanpnaZ69lpKtASWgd0fyOPjNUaV1M7bpR6spIWcwnFZfCFYw3RTC21gIX9nMqjugL2la2arVq2g/s640/blogger-image--1495787796.jpg"></a></div><br>
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My recipe today is Strawberry Banana Applesauce. My boys love those little applesauce packages that you get at stores. The portable ones...that look all cute and are handy to throw in your purse. Well awhile back I bought my own reusable applesauce packs and now I've been making applesauce to put in them. <br>
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Last fall we picked apples at a friends house. We literally had 3 or 4 diaper boxes full of apples! I have left them in our porch against the house wall so they haven't frozen. Gradually we've been eating them and using them in recipes, hot cereal, etc. Today I decided to use a big chunk before they warmed up and started to go bad.<br>
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So here's the recipe...<br>
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You'll need enough apples cut in chunks to fill a stock pot 3/4 of the way.<br>
4-5 bananas (brown ones are sweeter)<br>
1/2 cup lemon juice (to preserve sauce and prevent browning)<br>
2-3 cups frozen strawberries<br>
Coconut sugar to taste (this is just to sweeten it to our liking naturally)<br>
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Simmer in a stock pot on low. Stirring every now and then. I leave the peelings on the apples and then blend it all up in my vitamix. Then we get the fiber along with everything else. Once the apples are mushy...blend them up and serve!<br>
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Here's a link to the reusable snack bags we use for applesauce. They wash up easily and seal well.<br>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Squooshi-Reusable-Food-Pouch-Assorted/dp/B00AWJHB5G/ref=sr_1_2?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1392737438&sr=1-2&keywords=reusable+snack+bags" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/Squooshi-Reusable-Food-Pouch-Assorted/dp/B00AWJHB5G/ref=sr_1_2?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1392737438&sr=1-2&keywords=reusable+snack+bags</a></div>Reclaimed Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08645784961752814994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745193158067910145.post-56213981815246324562014-02-17T19:47:00.000-05:002014-02-17T20:04:04.359-05:00Getting My Groove Back, With a 3 Year Old on My BackExercise...my arch nemesis and best friend. I have always gone through waves when I've been more diligent than other times. However, over the past two years, I've made it a top priority because it strengthens my heart, boosts my mood, helps me keep my sanity, and sets a great example for my kiddos.<br />
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I have a confession to make. I have not "formally" exercised since snowshoeing December 26, 2013. I have been sledding with the boys (a great workout) a few times. But other than that we've had one wave of sickness after another sweep through our home. If I'm not sick, then one or both boys will be so I lose sleep and as a result don't make it to the gym in the morning.<br />
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I don't say this for self-pity. I say this to show my reality and share that it happens to everyone! I know there have been days I could have fit it in. I just lost my groove. I lost my motivation. We've had a lot of personal upheaval and to be honest...I just didn't care. I knew I should care but I didn't.<br />
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My scale number kept going up and my pants got a little more snug and finally, I said, "Enough is enough!". So Saturday, I went and pushed myself hard with cardio for 45 minutes. Sunday, I did 30 minutes of cardio and 30 minutes of lunges, squats, man push-ups, crunches, and tricep curls. Last night, the boys were up for various reasons, so we played musical beds and as a result...are all exhausted. <br />
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I knew I wasn't going to make it to the gym but I am recommitted to my health. What could I do? We have Amazon Prime and can stream the Instant videos onto our T.V. So I decided to search for their free videos. There was a Jillian Michaels Yoga work out. Keep in mind...I am exercising with a 3 year old and 5 year old boy. They are sitting on the floor with their legos but I know they're not going to stay there.<br />
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They easily accepted that I was going to work-out and before I knew it they were both down to their t-shirts and boxer briefs doing yoga. I'm not into the spirituality side of yoga but the stretching and strengthening...totally up my alley! I'm a kickboxing kind of gal. This was a workout video I could do with the kids without kicking them in the face or across the room. I didn't sweat as much as running but I did feel the burn.<br />
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So three days in a row. I'm hoping to incorporate the yoga video into my week with the Superheroes. They enjoyed it and even though some of the push-ups and planks involved a 3 year old sitting on my butt...it was worth it. Crunches involved an added 37 pound weight sitting on my chest as I lifted and lowered my legs. I know I'll feel the burn tomorrow and I know my kids had me model health and quality time with them. Reclaimed Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08645784961752814994noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745193158067910145.post-88244520021342221432014-02-12T20:44:00.002-05:002014-02-12T20:46:10.289-05:00Beauty for AshesAs I sit here and watch the 2014 Winter Olympic games, I see athletes who have been to previous Olympics. Who thought they were at their prime then and now realize they had more to learn, they've trained better, strengthened their mind and body and are now more well rounded for the pressure and demands of the Olympic games. It's easy to see how their past challenges have brought them to where they are now. We see the forest. They had to walk through the trees.<br />
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I know at other points in my life I have felt change blowing in. Earlier this year I felt that. Little did I know how many things would blow in, the greatest of which being the loss of my dad. The details of my life, the things I struggle with are much like anyone else's life. So I won't bore you with all of the specifics. Bottom line...there seems to be a season change in progress. Remember when I talked about the <a href="http://reclaiming-your-life.blogspot.com/2014/01/life-lessons-from-hermit-crab.html" target="_blank">hermit crab</a> we got. The link to the post is there in case you missed it. Part of me loves the excitement of change and the other part of me just wants to stay safe...even if the tank is crowded.<br />
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It's like the Olympians who think...this is it. This is my one chance. This is what I'm supposed to do! And then there's a fall. An injury. Hope is gone. They could stop trying or they could get back up and try again. My Handsome Hubby and I repeatedly catch ourselves saying..."Can you imagine how much they have to practice to get to this point?!?! To get it right?!?!" We could learn a lot from them.<br />
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Last night, we lay in bed and I said, "I miss Dad. I miss his encouragement and hope that he'd give when I was down or faced with a big challenge." I went on saying, I know that I've been through a lot in life. I can see how all of the big changes, big challenges, big sorrows, have brought with them great growth, joy, or <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">opportunities. I know this. I read my devotions, my Bible, and it's like God is tapping me on the shoulder whispering gently, "Trust Diana, just trust," In Matthew 11:28-29 he says, <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;">Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. </span></i></span><br />
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I know this stuff. But when I'm faced with my challenges... When it seems like everything is so confusing and there is SO MUCH unknown. It's tough for this human mind to trust. Yet once we do it is the easiest thing in the world. My Handsome Hubby held me as I said, "How can you know something, have lived through challenges, seen the fingerprints of God all over your life, and still get discouraged when tough times come? Why is it I still struggle to see the forest in spite of the trees?" <br />
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Last night, I fell asleep to the lyrics of this song running through my head. I hope it encourages you like it does me. Click the link to the video in the song title below.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/2CZ6IsGjEug" width="420"></iframe>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CZ6IsGjEug" target="_blank">Beauty For Ashes</a> </i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>written by Randy L. Scruggs; John W. Thompson.</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Sung by Crystal Lewis</i></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>He gives beauty for ashes<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Strength for fear<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Gladness for mourning<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Peace for despair</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>He gives beauty for ashes<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Strength for fear<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Gladness for mourning<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Peace for despair</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>When sorrow seems to surround you<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />When suffering hangs hangs heavy o'er your head<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Know that tomorrow brings wholeness and healing<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />God knows your need, just believe what He said</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>He gives beauty for ashes<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Strength for fear<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Gladness for mourning<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Peace for despair</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>When what you've done keeps you from moving on<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />When fear wants to make itself at home in your heart<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Know that forgiveness brings wholeness and healing<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />God knows your need just believe what He said</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>He gives beauty for ashes<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Strength for fear<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Gladness for mourning<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Peace for despair</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>I once was lost but God has found me<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Though I was bound I've been set free<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />I've been made righteous in His sight<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />A display of His splendor all can see</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>I once was lost but God has found me<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Though I was bound I've been set free<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />I've been made righteous in His sight<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />A display of His splendor all can see</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>He gives beauty for ashes<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Strength for fear<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Gladness for mourning<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Peace for despair</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>He gives beauty for ashes<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Strength for fear<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Gladness for mourning<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Peace for despair</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></i></span></span></span>Reclaimed Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08645784961752814994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745193158067910145.post-53738876655996613522014-01-13T20:22:00.000-05:002014-01-13T20:34:14.056-05:00Life Lessons from a Hermit CrabIn life you get advice from people on dating, parenting, school, food, diet, etc. It's been two years, to the day, since my heart attack. At this time 2 years ago, I was sitting in an emergency room and they were trying to figure out what in the world had happened. Since then, I've realized more and more...that my advice needs to come less from other people and more from God. More from examining myself, examining my heart, praying for His clear guidance and stepping out in faith.<br />
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So how does this relate to a hermit crab? Last week, my oldest Superhero had earned his hermit crab. He had taken care of our dogs for a full month (and then some) and now got to get a new pet. Since I'm not comfortable with taking on more than I need...it was narrowed down to hermit crab or fish. We went to the pet store with my starry eyed boys. They were soooo excited. Each one had a small cart and planned on helping stock up on the supplies we needed. We quickly found an employee to stock up our cart and then went to get the two crabs.<br />
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Easy right? Superhero #1 got his and it was gently set in the palm of his hand. He patiently sat there and the crab sat patiently. Superhero #2 picked his and since he was a little skittish, we set the hermit crab on my hand and the kind young college employee left to get a container. This is where things got a bit dicey! Superhero #2's crab decided I was a fun surface to latch onto. Not just latch onto but DEATH GRIP! It took plus or minus 5 minutes, two employees, four to five removal techniques, and finally a full body baptism of the crab in a pitcher of water to get him to release and even still he held on under water for 30 seconds or so. Three days later and I still have a little pincher bruise from the bugger!<br />
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So what did I learn from the crab? I'm a lot like him. I get a little skittish when I'm out of my comfort zone and then when I relax and decide it's my new comfort zone...I LATCH ON WITH A DEATH GRIP and refuse to let go. It might not even be in my best interest! At the big chain pet store...there were a TON of crabs in one little tank. I was offering him greener pastures, he didn't know this, but he needed to trust me. But once we trust God and allow Him to (stay with me now...I know it's a stretch) submerse us with His spirit...we may hang onto the old for a bit but eventually we learn that it's just so much better to let go than to be suffocated by our old ways.<br />
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This has been my journey the past 2 years. I've been learning little by little with many steps forward and many steps backwards that I need to trust God more even if I don't know what's ahead. I'll be honest with you...right now I'm having a hard time sitting and trusting what is in our future. The loss of my dad, the anniversary of my heart attack, seeing my boys growing so quickly, leaves me a bit unsettled. I want to KNOW what is up next. I want to have a plan. There are things I want and long for but I don't know if they're in our future. But God wants us to trust and His plan has always been so infinitely better than mine.<br />
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Oh...and by the way. We did get the hermit crabs, Hermie and Mike. They're happily living in a 20 gallon tank with fresh water every day, daily misting by their boys, and fresh food in their dish daily. They even have a little cave to hang out in if they feel like "getting away from it all." The only one a bit skittish around them is me. :-)<br />
<br />Reclaimed Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08645784961752814994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745193158067910145.post-5696428251928350312013-12-10T22:14:00.000-05:002013-12-10T22:14:00.986-05:00Picking my Battles in Simplifying ChristmasSo it's Christmas and like everyone else...I'm busy beyond belief. We have Christmas programs in church and at school. We have shopping to do. We have a trip to Minnesota coming up that includes a long drive and packing traveling food. Doctor and chiropractor appointments are in the mix the next two weeks along with school and just general life. I need to make 2 or 3 more Christmas gifts, wrap our family ones, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. You get the picture. I'm sure you could give me a list that is WAY longer than the one I listed.<br />
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My point in all of this is to pick your battles. We complain about Christmas being too commercial. Christmas is too stressful. There is just too much to do. We create our own prison in many ways. So my tips for enjoying Christmas more...<br />
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<u>Choose a few traditions for your family</u><br />
Traditions are important. I GET that. I like that. Choose a few that work for you. Ones that aren't too stressful. Whether it is an Advent calendar, Elf on the Shelf, Santa Claus, decorating the tree together, matching jammies, you pick! This year with my dad's passing...I pared down some. We decorated the tree together in our new Christmas pajamas, revisiting each ornament that was given with each year of their life. We set up the kiddo and adult nativity set, talking about who each character was and retelling the story of Christ's birth. We placed their newest ornament on the tree. That was it. Later, we'll open gifts and stockings and make our Baby Jesus Birthday cake.<br />
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<u>Keep the Gifts Simple</u><br />
Every year we struggle with how much or how little to give. We're not perfect and would NEVER claim to be. A neighbor explained how they were simplifying Christmas giving and it inspired me to follow suit. So this year...other than their stockings...our boys have 4 gifts total. They have one gift from each other and 3 from us. We choose not to do Santa but still teach the story of who St. Nicholas was. He was a "real" man who did kind things because he was a follower of Christ. We keep our spending to a minimum. Some of our things are second hand but in like new condition. That is ok in our book. If we can save some money here and there and put it towards college what a wonderful gift for later on! The Wise men brought 3 gifts to Jesus and we have 3 gifts for our sons. <br />
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<u>Make it a Christmas for ALL to Enjoy</u><br />
I love making everyone else happy but the risk with that...is losing sight of taking care of my own physical and emotional well being in the process. HELLO! I HAD A HEART ATTACK! For goodness sakes...I was a professional perfectionist that berated and held myself to a higher standard that anyone else. Christmas is for your entire family. If you're so strung out tired and stressed from creating Advent or Elf on the Shelf Activities and baking more than the Cake Boss...then your entire family will suffer. Enjoy it! If that means one year you have to scale it back and the next you can add more stuff in...then do it.<br />
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Christmas isn't about the activities, or the gifts, or the cookies, or the music. All of those things add to the wonder of it and are in celebration of one incredible thing...Christ's birth. Our Redeemer, the infant King who came to Earth to die for and cover all of our sins. A baby who pooped, peed, teethed, nursed, slept, and learned how to walk like our kids. We celebrate and make it an event because IT IS ONE! If you celebrate your children's birthdays then for goodness sakes celebrate the birth of our Saviour! But if you lose sight of His birth in all the hustle and bustle of societies standards, that doesn't mean you shouldn't celebrate it...it just means you need to use your filter and figure out how to make it significant in your family.<br />
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I'm not sure if this made sense. It's just the ramblings of a tired mom who sees many people doing it up BIG so it's not about Christ anymore and the opposite end of the spectrum doing it up small so it seems like it's just another day. Use common sense. Pray about it. Use moderation. <br />
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I hope I can share in the wonder and joy of Christmas with my kids like my parent's did. My dad used to sit quietly on the couch smiling as we opened gifts not even touching his own. My mom, likewise sat by his side with a smile on her face. Enjoy it...Merry Christmas!Reclaimed Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08645784961752814994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745193158067910145.post-18379699315535945732013-12-05T21:09:00.001-05:002013-12-05T22:16:43.518-05:00Walking Through Grief..So when I started this blog, I fully intended it to be about healthy eating, health tips, time with family, etc. I soon realized it became a place where others followed my journey and walked through their journey at the same time. We all have different challenges in this road to health. We all struggle with different things. Nobody is perfect and I don't want anyone to think I don't struggle too. But I have two little boys who I need to be around for in body and in spirit. So here is my journey...<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYuBoCUzzV-iCmIkQ_epBxwpfihGdbnJp7rrw3b44uh9Q5ZmlfBO4eVbwHH6gX6Vfm6Cy2hyphenhyphenwYStrAQspoehyphenhyphenJIGtjlzWNMCg1cM6hGwginHWGx7e2ka4fVZ1thSDc0lctu8sQQHv3xCM/s640/blogger-image-1009447027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYuBoCUzzV-iCmIkQ_epBxwpfihGdbnJp7rrw3b44uh9Q5ZmlfBO4eVbwHH6gX6Vfm6Cy2hyphenhyphenwYStrAQspoehyphenhyphenJIGtjlzWNMCg1cM6hGwginHWGx7e2ka4fVZ1thSDc0lctu8sQQHv3xCM/s640/blogger-image-1009447027.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYuBoCUzzV-iCmIkQ_epBxwpfihGdbnJp7rrw3b44uh9Q5ZmlfBO4eVbwHH6gX6Vfm6Cy2hyphenhyphenwYStrAQspoehyphenhyphenJIGtjlzWNMCg1cM6hGwginHWGx7e2ka4fVZ1thSDc0lctu8sQQHv3xCM/s640/blogger-image-1009447027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmiUHJ33B0_4kmzUhNS5BmC9yCxe5NzlzsXVWFqxqbzbjoGNrtIsqAVOFfANKcjatYRMNTmr83Rhc-OwNc6SoR4f5DsSDwdGBOfays1XBnOQI3X68cDPmXqjD_zEnEG_LTug9ywVl0xOo/s640/blogger-image-600957742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmiUHJ33B0_4kmzUhNS5BmC9yCxe5NzlzsXVWFqxqbzbjoGNrtIsqAVOFfANKcjatYRMNTmr83Rhc-OwNc6SoR4f5DsSDwdGBOfays1XBnOQI3X68cDPmXqjD_zEnEG_LTug9ywVl0xOo/s640/blogger-image-600957742.jpg"></a></div></div><br><div><br></div><div>As some of you know my dad passed away a month ago. So in this health journey I now am stress eating...it's so easy to do and so hard to stop. I bake when I am stressed. Then the baking must be eaten. So then I gain weight. Then I stress about that. It's a vicious unhealthy cycle. But it's reality. </div><div><br></div><div>I strive to be honest here. I may not tell you all the specifics of my life but grief is something that strikes us all. And from grief we all must rise and move forward. So it is that path I hope to share with you. I miss my dad. I miss his gentle nature. I miss his wise advice. I miss his jokes. I miss seeing his eyes light up every time he sees his grand kids. But missing him won't bring him back.</div><div><br></div><div>I have been through deep depression one time in my life and it was debilitating. I never, ever want to return there. I learned I had to keep moving. I had to keep living because I was still alive. I had to reach outside of myself to help others so I was reminded its not just about me. I had to shower. I had to eat right. I had to exercise. I had to pray and walk so closely with God that He carried me because in truth I just didn't have the strength to walk on my own. I had to cry...really cry and ask God for help. I had to lean on others and in leaning on others, in letting God hold me, I found my strength again.</div><div><br></div><div>I don't have that strength back yet. My five year old could "hear sad in" my voice last night as we talked about cousins and Grandpa. But I do have the complete assurance that my Heavenly Father cares very much about my pain and my sadness and is providing what I need when I need it...even if it's just a shoulder to cry on or a blog entry to write.</div><div><div class="heading passage-class-0" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 15px; "><h3 style="margin: 0px; "><span style="font-size: 17px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Psalm 23</span></h3><p class="txt-sm" style="margin: 0px; "><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">King James Version (KJV)</span></p></div><div class="passage version-KJV result-text-style-normal text-html "><p class="chapter-2"><span id="en-KJV-14237" class="text Ps-23-1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="chapternum" style="font-weight: bold; position: relative; bottom: -0.1em; left: 0px; ">23 </span>The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps; ">Lord</span> is my shepherd; I shall not want.</span></p><p><span id="en-KJV-14238" class="text Ps-23-2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top; ">2 </sup>He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.</span></p><p><span id="en-KJV-14239" class="text Ps-23-3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top; ">3 </sup>He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.</span></p><p><span id="en-KJV-14240" class="text Ps-23-4" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top; ">4 </sup>Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.</span></p><p><span id="en-KJV-14241" class="text Ps-23-5" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top; ">5 </sup>Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.</span></p><p><span id="en-KJV-14242" class="text Ps-23-6" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top; ">6 </sup>Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps; ">Lord</span> for ever.</span></p></div></div></div>Reclaimed Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08645784961752814994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745193158067910145.post-48897946350346199782013-12-02T17:12:00.001-05:002013-12-02T17:14:11.275-05:00Cookies, Cookies, and More Cookies<div><br></div>So we are in Arizona for Thanksgiving at my Handsome Hubby's mom's house. She is on the same page as us in terms of eating so we didn't need to make a crazy grocery trip or anything. I did have a good friend ask me how we adapt when traveling and I realized one thing I am doing is keeping a stock of high protein cookies available for the kiddos along with fruit and veggies. <div><br></div><div>However, when I am at someone else's house I don't want to have to go out and buy a ton of ingredients. So thanks to my lovely friend and neighbor I adapted this recipe to fit our needs. I do want to reiterate that I am not as "paleo" with our boys as I am with myself or my husband. We allow peanuts and some processed sugar in the form of white chocolate chips, etcetera from time to time. So keep in mind your needs. If the slightest amount of starches causes you to "fall off the wagon" then don't do it. Also...treats like cookies should be just that...TREATS. You need to limit yourself. If it becomes too hard to stay away then don't make these.</div><div><br></div><div>So with that being said...here are my nut butter cookies. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>These would be great to prep and freeze for Christmas treats. They also traveled well on the airplane. They would be great for camping trips as well.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFWPL_GmWPh0C_u2jt6e1M731fNvgmx-7wc0LCreM-i7-O4H71BiUMs4v8jBmCmwilsSh8sJjTqAjZ9hx1AAxGEo3eSCJ43snjHjqIwKip5YyKngNKUtOEEL73P5OAz9gMD4pWzvr1EY/s640/blogger-image-1817260963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFWPL_GmWPh0C_u2jt6e1M731fNvgmx-7wc0LCreM-i7-O4H71BiUMs4v8jBmCmwilsSh8sJjTqAjZ9hx1AAxGEo3eSCJ43snjHjqIwKip5YyKngNKUtOEEL73P5OAz9gMD4pWzvr1EY/s640/blogger-image-1817260963.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div><u>Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies</u></div><div><br></div><div>1 cup natural unsweetened peanut butter</div><div>1 cup coconut sugar</div><div>1 egg</div><div>1 cup mini semisweet chocolate chips</div><div><br></div><div>Blend well...I use a food processor. Bake at 350 for 11-13 minutes. Enjoy!</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVaaLu00cB35S3y3vwk9kR3gXuXGa2dikyrIBChwxFptlcO77xIBe_2WvD7p8RV2diO43ihjIgRnSNTiaPZBJDsguE-RXij93L1LA2IQI0cj3winaQT4VY1go98J2JqmnY38AVNtXV3zQ/s640/blogger-image--1413023991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVaaLu00cB35S3y3vwk9kR3gXuXGa2dikyrIBChwxFptlcO77xIBe_2WvD7p8RV2diO43ihjIgRnSNTiaPZBJDsguE-RXij93L1LA2IQI0cj3winaQT4VY1go98J2JqmnY38AVNtXV3zQ/s640/blogger-image--1413023991.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><u>Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies</u></div><div><u><br></u></div><div>1 cup Justin's brand chocolate hazelnut butter</div><div>1/2 cup pecans</div><div>3/4 cup coconut sugar</div><div>1/2 cup finely shredded unsweetened coconut</div><div>1 cup white chocolate chips</div><div><br></div><div>Blend well...Again I use the food processor but you might want to chop the pecans ahead of time. Bake at 350 for 13-15 minutes or until done. Enjoy!</div>Reclaimed Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08645784961752814994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745193158067910145.post-4147086132518866682013-11-07T15:49:00.005-05:002013-12-02T17:12:35.760-05:00Some things take time...I love cooking. I love trying new recipes. I love waiting for the final product and seeing other's reactions. I love finding the perfect combination of flavor complexity even if it takes numerous attempts to get there. I love the challenge.<br>
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Yesterday, I made a crockpot marinara sauce from our leftover garden tomatoes that have been slowly ripening in our three season porch. I used the recipe from <a href="http://www.budgetbytes.com/2011/11/slow-cooker-marinara/">BudgetBytes </a>with just a few minor alterations. I needed to add a bit of shallots since I didn't have enough yellow onion. Then in keeping with our unprocessed diet I added coconut sugar instead of brown sugar. In the end, I went to bed while it cooked and I wish it didn't have as strong of an onion flavor. I was able to add one can of organic tomato sauce and then I put it in 2 ziploc quart sized freezer bags to use for sauce later.<br>
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I also worked on making another variation of chocolate chip cookies. I used recipes from a few sites.<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirsRDQRWu402nsm0X6-IzW0YiTAFqI-_8CftF2mkgZ4fBiOrOu53Hj8LES4AllSga2j9_c2jQ3QBC12iknmPi0wFaGznlpPGLDwdy4N7CjUzFrcNa7EiIMSZntCKPBwX2n2gZaOgf2Cv0/s640/blogger-image-1708477923.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirsRDQRWu402nsm0X6-IzW0YiTAFqI-_8CftF2mkgZ4fBiOrOu53Hj8LES4AllSga2j9_c2jQ3QBC12iknmPi0wFaGznlpPGLDwdy4N7CjUzFrcNa7EiIMSZntCKPBwX2n2gZaOgf2Cv0/s640/blogger-image-1708477923.jpg"></a><br>
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Tweaking each to try to get the right flavor, texture, crispiness but chewiness. You can see pictures of my final product.<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLrGXpEOKD5le7AZssafklFQTsdIp0Go8YnOVh3WnQcxseHFIWDwXR-VwOV0VoSP-d3PPOS81padjQ0WpqL-5IPsEPvJhV93hxbDoI6k_u1gYMG5vc5BXKBm2o8SFBtNJNOW1-Uqf1xQM/s640/blogger-image--1141265820.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLrGXpEOKD5le7AZssafklFQTsdIp0Go8YnOVh3WnQcxseHFIWDwXR-VwOV0VoSP-d3PPOS81padjQ0WpqL-5IPsEPvJhV93hxbDoI6k_u1gYMG5vc5BXKBm2o8SFBtNJNOW1-Uqf1xQM/s640/blogger-image--1141265820.jpg"></a><br>
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So here's the final recipe.</div>
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<u>Crispy and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies</u></div>
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2 cups blanched almond flour</div>
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2 TBSP. coconut flour</div>
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1/4 cup coconut sugar</div>
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2 TBSP. honey</div>
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1/2 tsp. grassfed gelatin</div>
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1/2 tsp. baking soda</div>
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1/2 tsp. sea salt</div>
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2 tsp. vanilla</div>
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1 egg</div>
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6 TBSP. grassfed butter OR palm oil shortening OR melted coconut oil</div>
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1/4 cup finely shredded unsweetened coconut</div>
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1/2 cup mini chocolate chips</div>
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Move oven rack to middle position. Mix above ingredients and using 1 inch cookie scoop place cookie dough balls on the parchment lined pan. Press balls down to flatten. Bake for 11-12 minutes until golden brown on the edges. Allow to cool before removing from the pan.<br>
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So I had to wait for the sauce, I had to wait for the cookies. It seems waiting is what I have been doing lately. My dad passed away last week unexpectedly from a heart attack. He was an honest, kind, generous, hardworking, intelligent man. He made time for everyone. He valued his faith in Christ, family, and those he cared for above "stuff". </div>
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As a child in a family with 6 kids we never had to do without but we also didn't always have all the materialistic things our peers had. We shared bedrooms. We wore hand me downs. We worked for what we had. We waited and it was good. </div>
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We didn't eat out much and that was ok because when we did it was a huge treat. We didn't get every toy we saw in the stores but when it was our birthday or Christmas...it was that much more special because my mom and dad didn't cater to our every whim. We waited and it was good.<br>
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Now as I wade through grief on my own and with my family I am reminded to wait. You can't rush grief just like you can't rush the sauce in the crockpot or the cookies in the pan. They are only good if you wait. You need to cry when the tears come and pick yourself up and move when you have the energy to. You keep stepping one foot in front of the other until you realize you're not as sad anymore.<br>
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When I was a kid waiting for Christmas I hated waiting. I was so impatient. Yesterday, was a tough day for me and I was impatient with myself. But I let myself cry. I let myself remember his smile, his laugh, his mannerisms. I lay on the floor a little longer playing Legos with my Superheroes knowing that if today was my last day...I want them to remember me playing. I want them to have a mom who emulates the love my dad emulated. Who teaches the value of working, patience, waiting, and love.</div>
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But in order to not let the grief consume me I need to wait. I need to grieve. I need to cry. I need to let my husband hold me and then...bit by bit...I also need to remember to live in the present and enjoy the life I have here. At a pivotal point in my life, facing the loss of a job and a serious relationship, my dad asked, "If you could be doing anything in your life, what would it be?" When I told him my answer he said, "So what are you waiting for? Life is short...go do it." So I will get through this grief and then I will remember him saying life is short and I will live.</div>
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<i>"They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles. They shall run and not grow weary, they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31</i></div>
Reclaimed Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08645784961752814994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745193158067910145.post-30184445909288122522013-10-23T10:41:00.001-04:002013-10-23T10:42:07.180-04:00When Life Gives You Apples...We have oodles and oodles of apples thanks to the generosity of friends with 7 apple trees in their backyard. So what to do? I made apple sauce, put the apples in our cool three season porch, and am starting my first batch of apple chips today using the food dehydrator.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0zGjENXeeBchXdjtAIUWr76iU9mVfjzNMp_VKXEW9ruTOvIimz4b4fk2LALNqcZSaVuvUgPz_IvL64Q0Avha4GL7C1-4P9KOXQNmYq4FMCGOpO3EBlGqryA6NrIQngHIdU-4HUWKQgw/s640/blogger-image-1940623954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0zGjENXeeBchXdjtAIUWr76iU9mVfjzNMp_VKXEW9ruTOvIimz4b4fk2LALNqcZSaVuvUgPz_IvL64Q0Avha4GL7C1-4P9KOXQNmYq4FMCGOpO3EBlGqryA6NrIQngHIdU-4HUWKQgw/s640/blogger-image-1940623954.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My Superhero helped with the process. Here's our recipe.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">8-10 apples peeled and sliced thin (1/8 to 1/4 inch thick)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Water to cover apples</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Lemon juice</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Cinnamon and coconut sugar to taste</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">1. Peel and slice apples. Add to lemon juice and water mixture.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">2. Sake excess water off apples and lay in a single layer on a parchment paper lined pan (for the oven) or the dehydrating trays.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">3. Sprinkle with cinnamon and coconut sugar if desired.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">4. Bake at 165 degrees for 2-3 hours flipping once or twice. In the dehydrator, set it to 135 degrees and let it dry for 6-8 hours.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">5. Allow to cool before bagging. They will crisp up more when cooling. Enjoy!</div>Reclaimed Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08645784961752814994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745193158067910145.post-53600952330314481672013-10-21T13:17:00.001-04:002013-10-23T10:32:17.480-04:00Bacon and Black Bean SoupSo in my effort to budget better and save more for the future I have been shopping all the deals as best I can. Last week, I found 2 pounds of dried black beans for $1.56. This would make the equivalent of 6 cans of beans! So I bought the bag and decided to make some black bean soup.<div><br></div><div>I have never made black bean soup...but not to be deterred I found a recipe with bacon and cilantro and thought I'd give it a go. Beans are a cheap meat substitute and while higher in carbs they are fine to have provided you are burning the carbs off with physical activity. I do want to emphasize that you soak the beans for 24 to 36 hours first. Soaking helps get rid of the phytic acid in the beans and makes them easier for your body to digest. Phytic acid is what is in beans that make you have gas. By soaking them your body can benefit more from the heart healthy benefits of beans.</div><div><br></div><div>So last week, I soaked the beans and had them cook in my crockpot. After they were fully cooked, I froze them in 2 cups portions. Today, I took those bags out and made my soup. The recipe,is not paleo but it is healthy and easy to make for your family. Here's the recipe below.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrwi7VFZF1Tq7UF3TNf2jZ6who17cZ9kesxL788a704_u0OqUwRn2d9HNQgpZXVtnighHn2WZrnNdNHVl-PNcJCSTVzYrAx-FTqI_mgMit7_Wwj66MBQe8vFAOfgGFN6V6iQgHSGId6b0/s640/blogger-image--858807003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrwi7VFZF1Tq7UF3TNf2jZ6who17cZ9kesxL788a704_u0OqUwRn2d9HNQgpZXVtnighHn2WZrnNdNHVl-PNcJCSTVzYrAx-FTqI_mgMit7_Wwj66MBQe8vFAOfgGFN6V6iQgHSGId6b0/s640/blogger-image--858807003.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>4 cans (8 cups) of black beans</div><div>3/4 cup dried minced onion</div><div>6 TBSP dried cilantro</div><div>1 TBSP garlic powder</div><div>2 TBSP chili powder</div><div>1 TBSP cumin</div><div>1 tsp chipotle chili powder ( for a smoky flavor)</div><div>1 can fire roasted tomatoes</div><div>Salt and pepper to taste</div><div>32 oz. chicken broth</div><div>10 slices of bacon, cooked and chopped finely</div><div>2 carrots chopped finely</div><div>1 celery chopped finely</div><div>2 cups frozen organic corn</div><div>1 tsp Worcestershire sauce</div><div>2 TBSP of ketchup </div><div><br></div><div>Dump all the ingredients into the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer 20 minutes. Cool and serve with fresh avocado, scallions, and cheese if desired.</div>Reclaimed Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08645784961752814994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745193158067910145.post-69067224132443718972013-09-03T21:05:00.001-04:002013-09-03T21:43:07.244-04:00Navigating Life...The Good, the Bad and the UglyI like to think (hope) that I've learned a few things in my 36 years of life. Getting comfortable in my own skin has been a long and hard learned lesson. Now with my Superheroes I get to see them navigate this awesome and brutal world. My oldest started Kindergarten today. He is an introvert much like I was at that age. We have worked at helping him to speak up when he needs or wants something. He's great at sharing his emotions, his wants, his desires. Unfortunately and fortunately he speaks what he needs to his peers but being 4, 5 and 6 year olds they don't always listen. He's the quieter kid. The one that's helping out, encouraging and kind to others. The one that get's hurt feelings easily but hides it inside.<div><br></div><div>Today he asked a couple boys in his class to work on a puzzle with him. The two boys were already friends before entering class and were having a grand time together. They turned and listened to him and then went back to what they were doing. The other boy he asked was an introvert like my boy and new to the class and school. He looked at him but continued working on his activity with the teacher. As my Superhero explained the scenario more quiet tears formed in his eyes. "Why is it when I say what I want or need kids just keep doing what they're doing and don't listen to me? Why do they listen to other kids instead?" It broke my heart.</div><div><br></div><div>So I had to carefully navigate those old paths from my past. Sometimes kids are just being kids. They're not trying to be mean...they're just having fun and don't want to stop. But one thing in life that is true is that you can have a ton of sometimes friends or a few close friends who will be there for you no matter what. Those are the friends that are like pirate's gold. The other friends are like shiny rocks...they look cool, they're fun to be with, but they're not quite what you're looking for. The pirate's gold is what you've been hunting forever for. I listed 3 friends that he is close with, a cousin, his brother, and a friend since birth. "They're your pirate's treasure buddy...if you have that...you'll make it through life because you know they'll be there no matter what." He smiled and said..."Yeah...they're the real deal. They're real friends."</div><div><br></div><div>I sincerely hope he becomes close with the other kids in his class. Ideally, they would all bond. But if they don't I want him to know it's not because of him. Everyone is different and every person becomes friends with different kinds of people. It doesn't mean on person is better than the other...we're just all different.</div><div><br></div><div>My wish is that we all could know at our core that God made us a specific way for a reason. He gave us a natural "bent" that makes us unique and I wish for you all to embrace that and see what He has planned for you. I used to hate that I'm so sensitive, wear my heart and emotions all over my sleeve and face, sometimes loud, quick to act, a neat freak, etc. But I'm learning that I can use my gifts for God's glory and He'll make the best of them. It's when I'm trying to be someone that I'm not...when I feel increasingly unhappy. So be who you are. Let your kids be who they are. Be patient if you're fast and they're slow...if you're stoic and they're emotional...if you're an extrovert and they're an introvert. Be patient.</div><div><br></div><div>Train up a child in the way they should go and when they are old they shall not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6</div>Reclaimed Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08645784961752814994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745193158067910145.post-79404732155438753532013-08-28T09:35:00.000-04:002013-08-28T09:35:28.244-04:00If you Smack Yourself in the Face...Don't forget to LaughSo this summer, I have been stress eating. I won't go into what the stress is about. This isn't a sob story about me. I've gained 10 pounds since January and I know it's time to lose it. I don't feel like I'm at my peak and my heart, my energy level, and my jeans show that. :-)<br />
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I haven't been my "Superhero Mama" self so I needed to get back into it. Not working out as much, not reading my bible as much, not going to bed as early, eating more 'sometimes' food, just not feeling as positive. I try to be careful how I talk about my body and my weight in front of the superheroes. I want them to know that strong can come in many shapes and sizes and that it's a full body, mind, faith in God package that develops strength. So I've never said anything about it in front of them but I have made a shift backwards so I need to make that conscious shift forward again.<br />
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Step 1...I got back into my daily Bible readings (somehow life crowded them out). Step 2... I started doing the couch to 5k program with the goal of increasing my speed (I can already run a 5k but I'm slow.). So I run the intervals at a faster pace and the challenge is motivating me again. Step 3...Then I started looking for new strength training routines I could do to "shake things up" a bit.<br />
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This brings me to the laughing part. I was doing a new routine this morning. You take a medicine ball. Hold it over your head with your feet a little wider than shoulder width apart. Then with your arms straight you (in one fluid movement...hypothetically), throw the ball down, move to a squat, pick up the ball from the floor and stand back up with the ball above your head...ready to start again.<br />
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Sounds great right? I picked the 12 pound ball...seemed good since I've been doing more than that for other things. Then I read the directions...it said "Throw forcefully". So I did. Wouldn't you know it...that ball bounced back up...hit me in the chin and threw me off balance. Needless to say, I didn't complete the squat but I did start laughing. In the past, I would have been mortified and not wanted to try again. I would have berated myself for my clumsiness and not wanted to have anyone see me attempt it again. I would have cut myself down. But instead...I laughed. I picked the ball up again and this time...I didn't "throw forcefully". It went much more smoothly.<br />
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When I got home my muscles were happily sore and I was still laughing. I woke up my Handsome Hubby for the day and shared my highlight with him. He just smiled. "I bet you didn't know you married such a graceful woman!".<br />
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My point. Don't be afraid to try. Don't take yourself too seriously. This journey to health is hard! I was smooth sailing and let myself slip some. So I gained 10 pounds. It's OK! I will get back in shape. I just need to find a new challenge. Now I've found it and away I go. I also needed to focus on my entire self, my faith, my food, my sleep. Working out alone doesn't cut it. I needed to drown out those negative voices from the old me and tell them to SHUT UP! Then I needed to relax and take it ONE...MOMENT...AT...A...TIME! The journey is long but it's worth it. Cut yourself some slack...laugh when the medicine ball smacks you in the face...and keep moving. <br />
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God wants you close to Him...taking care of your relationship with Him (#1 priority!!!) and the body/mind He gave you is part of that.<br />
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Matthew 7:13-14</h3>
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New King James Version (NKJV)</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal;"><span class="text Matt-7-13"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup><span class="woj">“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide <i>is</i> the gate and broad <i>is</i> the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.</span> </span><span class="text Matt-7-14" id="en-NKJV-23331"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;"> </sup><span class="woj">Because</span><sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NKJV-23331a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+7%3A13-14&version=NKJV#fen-NKJV-23331a" style="color: #651300; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup><span class="woj"> narrow <i>is</i> the gate and difficult <i>is</i> the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.</span></span></span></h3>
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Reclaimed Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08645784961752814994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745193158067910145.post-31466566785449057182013-08-21T08:54:00.001-04:002013-08-21T08:55:17.092-04:00Chunky Monkey MuffinsSo I have a cold and needed something easy to make for the Superheroes. The bacon was in the oven as I searched my pantry. Much to my joy I had everything I needed to make the Paleo Parents<a href="http://paleoparents.com/2011/chunky-monkey-muffins/" target="_blank"> Chunky Monkey Muffins</a> (click on the muffin name for the link). I did use sunflower seed butter, reduced baking soda to 1 1/2 teaspoon, and added some chopped white chocolate for the boys. When you use the dates it does help to rehydrate them some if they're dry by letting them soak for 10 minutes in HOT water. This helps when you try to chop them up with the banana in the food processor. I was very generous in my cup of dates too. I hope you try this recipe. The kids love it and so do we. Definitely worth the time in the kitchen. <br />
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Reclaimed Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08645784961752814994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745193158067910145.post-36998485434758380102013-08-12T20:45:00.001-04:002013-08-12T20:45:20.621-04:00Coconut Milk Alfredo SauceSo I have a new toy...a spiral veggie slicer. With it, I've been making zucchini noodles. However, there is only so much spaghetti a family can eat. So I needed new sauces. Enter my sister, she has lactose intolerance in her family as well and was missing alfredo sauce. So she played with coconut milk and found a winner of a recipe. You can find her blog at: Justb-adoptionblog.blogspot.com.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbjp1BekGFuzeMQBzqinmGwR1cdgKnhdVVBV3DG9nI8RCiA2C2StlQJmGiOGO1Hywi10xUqiSxsVaViNDUN9aDCMS8iiP5NdjpOCW89yDS9qAeLS_wZTdfxYTG_wp0h8VfC8PJ5KaxYW4/s640/blogger-image--905258014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbjp1BekGFuzeMQBzqinmGwR1cdgKnhdVVBV3DG9nI8RCiA2C2StlQJmGiOGO1Hywi10xUqiSxsVaViNDUN9aDCMS8iiP5NdjpOCW89yDS9qAeLS_wZTdfxYTG_wp0h8VfC8PJ5KaxYW4/s640/blogger-image--905258014.jpg"></a></div><br><div><br></div><div><b><u>My Sister's Alfredo Sauce</u></b></div><div><br></div><div>2 cans coconut milk</div><div>1/2 cup parmesan cheese</div><div>2 lbs. ground italian sausage</div><div>1 tsp. garlic powder</div><div>1/2 tsp. onion powder</div><div>fresh ground pepper</div><div><br></div><div>1. Fry up italian sausage and drain grease.</div><div>2. Add 2 cans of coconut milk to sausage along with remaining ingredients.</div><div>3. Allow to simmer on low 20 minutes stirring occasionally to prevent burning but to allow the flavors to meld.</div><div>4. Enjoy on your favorite paleo or non-paleo noodle!</div><div><br></div><div>As a side note...my boys enjoyed the sauce but had snacked so much today they weren't too hungry. We paired it with some paleo breadsticks, raw veggies and my homemade veggie dip. It was such a treat. You could leave the parmesan out and it would still taste delicious. I liked it better added to give it the extra tanginess of alfredo. Either way...it's a great meal with a ton of heart healthy fat for the entire family.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div>Reclaimed Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08645784961752814994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745193158067910145.post-24202235094152626242013-08-07T15:35:00.001-04:002013-08-07T15:59:46.905-04:00Chocolate Cherry SconesSo I wanted to use some cherries from my fridge before they went bad. I started searching the web for scone recipes and decided to add my own twist, change multiple ingredients, and see what happened. Here's the result...I hope you enjoy them like we did. How can you go wrong with antioxidants from dark ripe cherries and antioxidants from the chocolate (depending on how dark you go.)<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE1IE0pbrC6b7cSA5SerxZbz34g9uiNMM7Y2TjRrAsDHMgurpKLUrbKCp0lwdYY67eztpQbkuvdZs9H-WojH1H5hakecBZNzGqD367l7LaR3mhhKV5rfvnQUckJP__hLDn5gve11gqgRI/s640/blogger-image-800134816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE1IE0pbrC6b7cSA5SerxZbz34g9uiNMM7Y2TjRrAsDHMgurpKLUrbKCp0lwdYY67eztpQbkuvdZs9H-WojH1H5hakecBZNzGqD367l7LaR3mhhKV5rfvnQUckJP__hLDn5gve11gqgRI/s640/blogger-image-800134816.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><div><br></div><div><b><u>Chocolate Cherry Scones</u></b></div><div>1 cup blanched almond flour</div><div>1/3 cup coconut flour</div><div>1/3 cup arrowroot starch</div><div>1/3 cup coconut sugar</div><div>1 tsp vanilla</div><div>3/4 tsp baking soda</div><div>1/2 tsp. salt</div><div>1 TBSP. ground flaxseed meal</div><div>2 TBSP. honey</div><div>1/2 cup coconut oil, melted</div><div>1 egg</div><div>2 TBSP. water</div><div>1/2 cup chopped, pitted cherries</div><div>1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (We use Enjoy Life Brand since they're free of soy and dairy)</div><div><br></div><div>1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees</div><div>2. Mix almond flour, coconut flour, arrowroot starch, coconut sugar, salt, baking soda, and flaxseed oil well.</div><div>3. Add vanilla, honey, coconut oil, egg, and water to dry mixture. Mix well.</div><div>4. Add chopped cherries and chocolate chips. Mix well.</div><div>5. Scoop onto parchment lined pan and pat down flat with your hand or a spoon.</div><div>6. Bake 15-17 minutes (until centers are done and golden).</div><div>7. Enjoy with a nice cup of coffee or tea!</div><div><br></div></div>Reclaimed Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08645784961752814994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745193158067910145.post-3458915341620204492013-08-05T21:20:00.001-04:002013-08-06T16:27:16.773-04:00Waiting...Waiting for the big stuff is hard. There's no way around it though. When I was single I was waiting to meet the right guy. When I met him we had to wait for our wedding day to arrive and my house in another state to sell. While pregnant we had to wait for the birth. Then there are all the little things...teething to be done, learning to walk, learning to talk, etc. <div><br></div><div><div>We're in a holding pattern now that has lasted for quite some time. I went to my hairdresser this weekend and she said, "you seem so calm today." I had to think about it for just a moment. I think what was different is that in this wait I reached my breaking point and realized at my core that it's not worth stressing about. Everything is truly in God's hands and as hard as it is...sometimes for the big things in life and the little things in life...you just have to wait and be ok with what is.</div><div><br></div><div>So if you're waiting, please know you're not alone. There are others out there waiting too. </div><div>However, more importantly, God is there to help carry the load.</div><div><br></div><div><i>They that wait upon The Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles. They shall run and not grow weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31</i></div></div><div><i><br></i></div><div><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT4O1q-iHUtj3SbGPOh-DhpA0wYHS-G-YwxLGJnQOBNZ8Xp0coR5rsMOxETtxvjOJzXf7oQSLTpN6c65l7VSnp6xn46UdofjNgOyw2iNiYlwLnIbNF4m7zEj09V6Zqj5IwdyIFtBdD3S0/s640/blogger-image-1044334398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT4O1q-iHUtj3SbGPOh-DhpA0wYHS-G-YwxLGJnQOBNZ8Xp0coR5rsMOxETtxvjOJzXf7oQSLTpN6c65l7VSnp6xn46UdofjNgOyw2iNiYlwLnIbNF4m7zEj09V6Zqj5IwdyIFtBdD3S0/s640/blogger-image-1044334398.jpg"></a></div><br></i></div>Reclaimed Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08645784961752814994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745193158067910145.post-5967495165887860632013-08-01T16:09:00.001-04:002013-08-01T20:25:23.816-04:00Movin' to the country, gonna eat me a lot of peaches...So it started out with some almost too ripe peaches from Costco. I found a Paleo Peach Crisp recipe from Elana's Pantry but decided to tweak it some to our liking. We loved it and then today I tipped over a flat of peaches. So alas...I had 9 bruised peaches. When life hands you bruised peaches...make more peach crisp!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6QIwoc7ZWb3VpcPXbSXpmnGs_zz-JkrObTxvEFM9u-L_CRG7y6v7UwC8FExIiInC6CtHedl9Q8riN95HSn2V6VCKBOljYrV5zxc5SarQbrWdvvWRzbnTXTZukGLEhdWsvk_MeE-Wc_jA/s640/blogger-image--1595131610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6QIwoc7ZWb3VpcPXbSXpmnGs_zz-JkrObTxvEFM9u-L_CRG7y6v7UwC8FExIiInC6CtHedl9Q8riN95HSn2V6VCKBOljYrV5zxc5SarQbrWdvvWRzbnTXTZukGLEhdWsvk_MeE-Wc_jA/s640/blogger-image--1595131610.jpg" /></a></div>
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9 peaches, peeled and sliced</div>
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1 1/2 cup blueberries</div>
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1 Tbsp. lemon juice</div>
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1 tsp. cinnamon</div>
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3 Tbsp. arrowroot starch</div>
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1 Tbsp. coconut sugar</div>
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3 cups almond flour</div>
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1/2 cup raw honey</div>
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1/2 cup melted coconut oil</div>
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1 tsp vanilla</div>
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1 tsp salt</div>
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1 tsp cinnamon</div>
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1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit.</div>
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2. Mix peaches, blueberries, lemon juice, coconut sugar, 1 tsp. cinnamon and arrowroot starch. Pour into 9x13 glass cake pan.</div>
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3. Mix almond flour, honey, coconut oil, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon. Crumble onto the top of the peach and blueberry mixture. Try to break the clumps small.</div>
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4. Bake for 45 minutes covered. Then remove cover and bake a few more minutes until the crumble starts to brown. Enjoy!</div>
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Reclaimed Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08645784961752814994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745193158067910145.post-78022180640081056602013-07-27T10:49:00.001-04:002013-07-27T10:49:16.793-04:00I Feel Like Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tonight!So...I didn't know what to make for dinner. A common dilemmna. However, I had a wide variety of foods in my fridge. So I knew that I could come up with something. We had chicken breasts in the freezer a large number of veggies in the garden and time to be had. So I went bean, cucumber, herb, and tomato picking with my boys and here's what we came up with!<br />
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<b><u>Cucumber Salad</u></b></div>
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2 cups cucumbers (cut into bite sized pieces)</div>
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4 TBSP dill dip (made with sour cream) Here's a link...</div>
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1/2 tsp. sea salt</div>
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1. Mix cucumbers, dip and salt. Serve and enjoy!</div>
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<b><u>Green Beans with Bacon and Green Onions</u></b></div>
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2 cups green beans (snapped to size)</div>
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4 strips of bacon fried and crumbled</div>
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1 green onion minced</div>
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1/4 tsp. sea salt</div>
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1. Saute green beans and onion in pan with a tiny bit of bacon grease.</div>
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2. When beans are tender add bacon.</div>
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3. Serve and Enjoy!</div>
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<b><u>Stuffed Chicken Breasts</u></b></div>
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4 boneless skinless chicken breasts</div>
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8 strips of bacon</div>
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1/4 cup mild cheddar cheese (We use Tillamook)</div>
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3 Tbsp minced parsley</div>
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3 Tbsp minced baby spinach</div>
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2 tsp. minced garlic</div>
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2 small green onions (minced)</div>
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1 small baby red onion (minced)</div>
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1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.</div>
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2. Line baking pan with foil. (We all hate the clean-up!)</div>
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3. Lay out bacon strips in pairs on large pan.</div>
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4. Finely mince herbs and veggies.</div>
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5. Mix filling ingredients together (cheese, feta, parsley, spinach, garlic, and onions).</div>
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6. Thaw and dry chicken. Cut a 2-3 inch long slice one inch deep down the center.</div>
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7. Stuff chicken breasts and wrap with bacon.</div>
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8. Bake 40 minutes or until done.</div>
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So that was dinner! Enjoy! Let me know if you try any recipes and how you adapted them.</div>
Reclaimed Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08645784961752814994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745193158067910145.post-3474178782037066832013-07-25T16:27:00.001-04:002013-07-25T20:47:14.518-04:00Paleo "Oatmeal" Cookies!<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">So I used to love making oatmeal chocolate chip cookies for Superhero #1. I loved the added texture and complexity of flavor of having more than one grain used. Well...I stumbled upon a recipe from PaleoMom her mock Oatmeal cookies. Here's the link to her <a href="http://www.thepaleomom.com/2012/01/recipe-chocolate-chip-oatmeal-cookies.html" target="_blank">recipe so you see the original</a> and below is the way I altered it based on what was in my pantry and what I felt like doing. Let me know what you think and give me some feedback folks! Desserts are what we miss most right? So lets put our heads together and figure out what you miss the most and we can search and try to create a recipe for those indulgences. These are slightly chewy cookies and don't taste the same as every other almond flour cookie recipe out there. I like the different textures and flavors in it. Let me know what you think. </span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGort9p1gViDVX6Lq7B5_M8n2Tz2wpNVDiPVB_dLtMUx5PbxFU9dm7xHgoa17pv5rNi4FGN45JkEbntRmjsr-f2n6EGiOs0VUJieyLjRYUotSgSJiEhKwH0giL5_lJHDhFXHeSCOIo_6M/s640/blogger-image--66700475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGort9p1gViDVX6Lq7B5_M8n2Tz2wpNVDiPVB_dLtMUx5PbxFU9dm7xHgoa17pv5rNi4FGN45JkEbntRmjsr-f2n6EGiOs0VUJieyLjRYUotSgSJiEhKwH0giL5_lJHDhFXHeSCOIo_6M/s640/blogger-image--66700475.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">3/4 cup of coconut oil melted and cooled (if you skip this step you have a puddle of oil on the bottom of the bowl.)</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">2/3 cup of coconut sugar</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">1 egg</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">1 tsp vanilla</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">1 1/2 cup blanched almond flour</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">3/4 tsp baking soda</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">1/2 tsp cream of tartar</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">1/2 tsp sea salt</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">1 TBSP sesame seeds (I had the light colored ones on hand)</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">2 TBSP Flaxseed meal</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">1/2 cup finely shredded unsweetened coconut</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">1/2 cup raw pecans</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">2 TBSP raw sunflower seeds</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">1/4 cup raw sliced almonds</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">3/4 cup mini chocolate chips (I use Enjoy Life brand since they're dairy free)</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">1. Preheat Oven to 350 degrees.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">2. Mix oil, sugar, egg, and vanilla well.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">3. Add almond flour, baking soda, cream of tartar and salt to sugar mixture and blend well.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">4. Pulse pecans and sunflower seeds in food processor until they resemble coarse sand. Then dump into batter.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">5. Pulse almond slices until they resemble oatmeal flakes. Add to the batter.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">6. Add remaining ingredients (coconut, sesame seeds, and chocolate chips. Mix well.</span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">7. Form 1 inch balls and flatten on a parchment paper lined pan. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhed-BM6NFPWM_CNkp-g9FAaKxcDWRmHfjD2KTeKKTK5DJ1klWWOMY3mwr9O2jw_j_j4wI3GrGf6zHZ4pZbbaK4ZbbnpHhxLY7XmEgrO7hC9qK0teL4tYnO-905ojh9KNACWyrZhDpo0qg/s640/blogger-image--1561397471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhed-BM6NFPWM_CNkp-g9FAaKxcDWRmHfjD2KTeKKTK5DJ1klWWOMY3mwr9O2jw_j_j4wI3GrGf6zHZ4pZbbaK4ZbbnpHhxLY7XmEgrO7hC9qK0teL4tYnO-905ojh9KNACWyrZhDpo0qg/s640/blogger-image--1561397471.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);">ENJOY! These are flattened out by hand but you can bake them as balls...they'll just stay in that shape.</span></div>
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Reclaimed Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08645784961752814994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745193158067910145.post-42002467185954171612013-07-19T20:58:00.000-04:002013-07-19T20:58:25.012-04:00Needing to WaitI am not a patient person by nature. Needing to wait for anything is difficult for me. Waiting for my garden to grow...tough but exciting. Waiting to find out if we were having a boy or a girl for both of my pregnancies...tough but exciting. I am the person at Christmas and birthdays that wants to see the surprise and joy on the other person's face when they open their gifts. I have a hard time waiting.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyNZgC661DxKKsSoGvfVByVd5X0QbUuKB86dJXyUoSH9maJ7ELQCde764YAgObjMcxzT-8cAdL9RkTfc2Tunfh4yJDQ3JmZjm7mrVaJKCERzuAyvIs-JZw37734po7utOnufKHHzmo4QA/s640/blogger-image-1542372603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyNZgC661DxKKsSoGvfVByVd5X0QbUuKB86dJXyUoSH9maJ7ELQCde764YAgObjMcxzT-8cAdL9RkTfc2Tunfh4yJDQ3JmZjm7mrVaJKCERzuAyvIs-JZw37734po7utOnufKHHzmo4QA/s640/blogger-image-1542372603.jpg" /></a><br />
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This morning, I poured my first batch of kombucha into small bottles and added a bit of flavor...strawberry lemonade to one and mango juice to the other. Now I wait for 48 hours for it to ferment again. I have to admit...I tasted it plain and was scared at first and then delightfully pleased.<br />
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So here's to waiting...the best things come to those who wait.</div>
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"They that wait upon The Lord , shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles. They shall run and not grow weary. They shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31</div>
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Reclaimed Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08645784961752814994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745193158067910145.post-90535607691996258522013-07-19T13:41:00.001-04:002013-07-19T21:01:52.717-04:00Camping food at it's bestSo we love camping! I jokingly say my hubby lucked out that his wife enjoys roughing it and everything that goes with it. We have food allergies so prepping for any trip requires some amount of thinking ahead. For this 4 day trip we have some premade things but mostly homemade stuff. So today is food prep day. Yesterday, I cleaned the house for the dog sitters, packed our clothing, and played with the boys.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnCkzuFrzWQ-xwa0BlT-tixNoIBBvPks0i67ITthQb0K8k_kFrefx7R8Wjsqdl4BQ_MbsxFOpiilfdvv-iJsDAdZsOc_y_QXvKUcPjMawl3T0z3UmmR8OpSRXFM2tY3AIFDjCw02dqMqk/s640/blogger-image-938076991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnCkzuFrzWQ-xwa0BlT-tixNoIBBvPks0i67ITthQb0K8k_kFrefx7R8Wjsqdl4BQ_MbsxFOpiilfdvv-iJsDAdZsOc_y_QXvKUcPjMawl3T0z3UmmR8OpSRXFM2tY3AIFDjCw02dqMqk/s640/blogger-image-938076991.jpg" /></a></div>
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Here's our list:</div>
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<i><u>Breakfast</u></i></div>
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Scrambled Eggs with veggies and cheese</div>
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Banana Muffins (see Elana's Pantry recipe for Paleo Banana Muffins...I use honey)</div>
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Applegate Farms Chicken and Maple Breakfast Sausage</div>
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Milk (organic whole milk and Almond Milk)</div>
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veggie smoothies</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzXqObu53eKmS-Bwi9YTCBsiZKsO0XpX_O3bHuHaZskY4Yrg12rp3E_qa9ugJD5arY1D9zxrlpkWNnLD9zBBprAnJ1Bun-ts5IjJP2zmaNywvYC_dJ-ljESlvsbliQGUhw4Hu4OBlneWA/s640/blogger-image-923194310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzXqObu53eKmS-Bwi9YTCBsiZKsO0XpX_O3bHuHaZskY4Yrg12rp3E_qa9ugJD5arY1D9zxrlpkWNnLD9zBBprAnJ1Bun-ts5IjJP2zmaNywvYC_dJ-ljESlvsbliQGUhw4Hu4OBlneWA/s640/blogger-image-923194310.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i><u>Lunch</u></i></div>
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Spicy Black bean salad<br />
Salsa<br />
Avocado<br />
Tortilla chips</div>
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raw veggies</div>
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veggie dip (see recipe below)</div>
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Uncured Beef Hot Dogs (Applegate Farms)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV5MIcGfYhgbuC-UhHm0sEtYT20FrJR_gy0G6611pi5_CZqdQ6gvBU-cxfMn0xhcJbi5ZAfqQHCHyIp9Z1gPyEigyFftlZucC-LgGUhyCuNE2bK1JE1oazOOHIDsOMjScBG3St7V90kyg/s640/blogger-image-2035788843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV5MIcGfYhgbuC-UhHm0sEtYT20FrJR_gy0G6611pi5_CZqdQ6gvBU-cxfMn0xhcJbi5ZAfqQHCHyIp9Z1gPyEigyFftlZucC-LgGUhyCuNE2bK1JE1oazOOHIDsOMjScBG3St7V90kyg/s640/blogger-image-2035788843.jpg" /></a></div>
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raw veggies</div>
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taco meat<br />
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Avocados<br />
Black bean salad</div>
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organic corn chips (for the Superheroes)</div>
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Tillamook Cheddar Cheese</div>
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Hamburgers</div>
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<i><u>Snacks</u></i></div>
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70% Cacao Organic Dark Chocolate</div>
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Organic Apples</div>
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Organic Oranges</div>
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Organic grapes</div>
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Sunflower Seed Butter Blondies (Elana's Pantry...I use 1/2 maple syrup and 1/2 honey for this recipe instead of the agave nectar)</div>
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Now...for the recipes!!!</div>
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<b><i><u>Veggie Dip</u></i></b></div>
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8 ounces organic full fat sour cream</div>
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2 tsp onion powder</div>
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2 tsp garlic powder</div>
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1 tsp sea salt</div>
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1 TBSP dried dill</div>
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1 TBSP dried parsley</div>
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Mix above ingredients and enjoy!</div>
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<b><i><u>Hamburgers with Feta (</u>Thanks to our friend Jana for this recipe...with some minor additions)</i></b></div>
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1 1/2 lbs. ground beef</div>
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3/4 cup crumbled feta</div>
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3/4 cup finely chopped spinach</div>
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1 TBSP fresh minced basil</div>
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1 TBSP fresh minced garlic</div>
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1/2 cup minced red onion</div>
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1/3 cup finely minced red bell pepper</div>
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1 tsp. sea salt</div>
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Mix above ingredients and fry on griddle. Sooo good! Enjoy!</div>
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Reclaimed Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08645784961752814994noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745193158067910145.post-90781569291222312013-07-10T21:57:00.001-04:002013-07-19T21:00:07.060-04:00Opening Up Each MomentOne of the things I value most about working with kids and having kids of my own is how everything can be seen through their eyes if we just take the time to listen and "be" with them. I'm trying to soak up every moment of time with my boys. You see...I desperately want more children. My heart and soul aches for them but we're trying to see what direction God wants us to go at this point. Every milestone, every moment, every laugh, every look of sheer joy...it is cherished these days as it should always be.<br />
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I look tired in the picture above. My younger one has been up with growing pains the past 3 nights and I'm trying to get back into the 5-7 day per week workout routine while trying to keep and maintain that fine balance of being a mom, a wife, and a person who exercises 5+ hours per week. But I wouldn't trade the sleepless nights for anything. It's the time I get to snuggle with an almost 3 year old boy who is usually moving non-stop during the day. The time I have his fuzzy head nuzzled next to the crook of my neck hearing him breathe and smelling his little boy sweat.</div>
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My older son, just got his first pair of glasses. I almost cried seeing the excitement and joy on his face as he realized the picture books from the library had more words and the pictures were so "crisp and clear". To think of what he'd been missing? All those coloring sheets he hated in school. All that handwriting work? All that stuff he couldn't see but quietly and without complaining did. It breaks my heart. Now he wears his glasses proudly right up until he crawls into bed. He sets them carefully into his case every night and gently cleans them with his special cloth every morning.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu1QqQXM9vp4KGj25j-AcAXyXcVtorG5jW2W6ZhjeKwX-Imo3B5GUpFDLS7lMToakStaUB5Eg6VuLNEPSFT_ljFNXayg8uNRH0G4gMQnSooiX2y1YFhbAVTRzBF5fg2zavVTEi-hlOnYg/s640/blogger-image-1639710355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu1QqQXM9vp4KGj25j-AcAXyXcVtorG5jW2W6ZhjeKwX-Imo3B5GUpFDLS7lMToakStaUB5Eg6VuLNEPSFT_ljFNXayg8uNRH0G4gMQnSooiX2y1YFhbAVTRzBF5fg2zavVTEi-hlOnYg/s640/blogger-image-1639710355.jpg" /></a></div>
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I know it seems I'm rambling and in fact I am to some extent but there is a point. Just be patient with me. I had my cardiology check-up today and it went well. I'm shifted to the yearly schedule instead of the 6 month schedule. I feel good. I did gain 6 pounds since the last visit which was a bummer but he wasn't concerned. I type that here to be honest and to hold myself accountable. I can't keep slipping...I'm 12 pounds from my heart attack weight. In all honesty...I've been lazy. I let life get away from me and stepped away from my commitment to work-out. I've snacked a bit more. Cheated a bit more. And I can see it and feel it.</div>
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I seem to be hyper-aware of the time we have on this earth these days and making my moments matter. I'm sitting on the floor and playing more. We've gotten rid of a few more overflow toys so there's less cleaning for me to do. In 3 weeks time, we've had friends over for 2 dinner parties, been to a dinner party and are having another one tomorrow. I want to enjoy the moments I have left here and also make the moments impact others in a positive way.</div>
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All of these little snapshots are mundane, day to day things that could seem meaningless. We're in a reality t.v. show society that enjoys and thrives on drama. So much in fact that the media and even individuals try to create their own drama to make life more exciting. But in the midst of that we forget to enjoy the simple everyday. The moments that we can choose to be frustrating or fun. The moments we can choose to enjoy or get uptight about. The moments we can choose to work or play. </div>
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I'm not saying we shirk every duty or that we can't ever be serious...but I am saying that God gave us a gift. He's given me a second chance at life. I can enjoy this gift He's given me or I can whine, complain, pout, micro-manage, clean, or get frustrated about everything until I've somehow sucked out all the joy from the life that He's tried to hand to me on a silver platter. Don't just wait for the big moments. </div>
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Enjoy the sweaty head snuggles at 3 in the morning when you just want to be sleeping. Enjoy the endless hours of playing Thomas the Train, tower building, Hot Wheels, and playground play. Enjoy the laughter, the giggles, the stories, their innocence, the butterfly chasing, dragonfly spotting, and talking to the bird feeder birds. Engage in it. Be part of it. Don't sit on the sidelines. Life's too short and every single moment is a gift. Open each moment with the joy and wonder you had as a child.</div>
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Reclaimed Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08645784961752814994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745193158067910145.post-75255249937212021092013-07-02T17:16:00.001-04:002013-07-19T20:58:54.058-04:00I Scream! You Scream! We all Scream for Ice Cream!One of the challenges of being lactose intolerant is missing ice cream. Sure, Breyer's has a great lactose free substitute for the chocolate and the vanilla versions...but what about all the flavors? I miss having choices!<br />
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So with my Mother's Day gift (an ice cream maker) I am on a mission to create my favorite ice cream flavors. This weekend, I made a pecan praline and a chocolate chip cookie dough version that met great reviews from our dinner guests. Tonight...I'm making Chocolate Sunbutter Ice Cream.</div>
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I found a recipe for Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream on DeliciouslyOrganic.net but didn't like using peanut butter since it is prone to mold and not the best for you. Sunbutter is more allergen friendly so it makes this recipe more accessible to all. I also like blending ingredients in the blender instead of heating because then I don't have to wait for the mixture to cool. I'm not that patient when it comes to ice cream! The banana adds smoothness but you can't taste it at all.</div>
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2 cups full fat coconut milk</div>
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1/4 cup cocoa</div>
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1/2 cup maple syrup</div>
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1/2 cup Sunbutter</div>
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1/2 a banana</div>
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Blend well in blender until fully mixed. Pour in ice cream machine and freeze according to your ice cream makers instructions! Enjoy!</div>
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Reclaimed Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08645784961752814994noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8745193158067910145.post-81891259657921502302013-06-21T22:26:00.002-04:002013-06-21T22:26:23.548-04:00Take the RiskSo I love paddling. Love it! I planned this trip out for my birthday thinking I would get a large group of women to go. I invited more than is wise thinking that people would have commitments and have to cancel. That's exactly what happened and it got down to 2 people and myself. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking the Risk moving away from my home state to another one...6 years ago on my birthday I married this handsome man. Thankful for our journey together!<br /></td></tr>
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I really didn't know either well. I just knew their names. They didn't know each other at all. But as we talked I realized the common threads that were woven between our stories. In a few hours, we shared thoughts, stories, feelings, and emotions that will not be posted here out of respect to them and myself. <br />
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What I want to post is how important for us to reach out of our comfort zone and take the risk. Take the risk of making a new friend and meeting a new person. Take the risk of sharing a little more about yourself and taking off the mask of a "perfect" life. When I do take that risk...I'm so much more free. I don't have to live under the fascade that I don't make mistakes and that my life if perfect. I can live under the truth that I'm me and it's enough and it's great.<br />
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Before I left, I'll admit, I told my Handsome Hubby, "I'm a bit nervous. I hope we find stuff to talk about. I know it will be good but I'm nervous." He smiled, kissed me and said, "Go have fun. It will be great." He was right.<br />
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Three women who didn't know each other very well (other than names) went paddling today. We took the risk. It was freeing. Happy Birthday to me! :-) Now go do something for yourself...even if it's not your birthday.Reclaimed Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08645784961752814994noreply@blogger.com0