Friday, May 31, 2013

Primal No-Sugar Chocolate Ice-Pops


It's been getting warm out...really warm out. My daughter has been pestering me for chocolate ice pops, and I couldn't find any recipe that looked good to me.  I have issues with using raw eggs to get a creamy smooth texture, especially since bananas do it so well, and sweeten things a bit, too.  So I threw this together, and it was super good, and even the kids in the neighborhood liked it.  If you're not doing milk, a can of high fat coconut milk would be a good substitute for all the milk and cream.




Directions:

  • 3/4 cup of milk 
  • 1/2 whole cream (or skip all the cream and milk and use 1 can of full fat coconut milk)
  • 3 tbsp Cocoa Powder
  • 1 banana
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • a dash of cinnamon
  • a sprinkle of salt

  1. Put everything in a blender, and mix it well.
  2. Freeze for at least two hours, really does well after 4 hours.
  3. Enjoy!!


Monday, May 27, 2013

Menu Plan Monday - All Primal

Busy week ahead of us as we begin the process of moving to our new house.  Here's what's on our menu while our kitchen is still open.  I'm thinking it will be closed by the end of the month. Linking up with Organizing Junkie for the menu this week.  I'm wishing I had half her organizational skills right now, packing up seems so overwhelming!

Anyway.  Food.  Here. :)

Monday: Primal Coconut Shrimp
Tuesday: Italian Sausage with Cauliflower
Wednesday: Primal Chicken and Mushroom Casserole
Thursday: Loaded Buffalo Chicken Cassrole
Friday: Grilled Moroccan Chicken
Saturday: Leftovers
Sunday: Grilled meat!

Friday, May 24, 2013

Final Pregnancy Update...

I had hoped this week's post would be a cute, happy update on my 13th week of pregnancy.  Instead, I'm having to inform you of our loss.

Up until this moment, everything had been going beautifully.  Two weeks ago, I had an ultrasound which I had posted a picture of.  At the ultrasound everything was perfect.  A strong heartbeat, a perfect tiny bean.  I knew I felt flutters now and then, and my cravings were so strong and weird. Monday, I had my OB appointment which I had mentioned I was looking forward to.  Only because I needed that reassurance that all was well, and I wanted to hear that strong heartbeat again.  However when I got there, first thing they did was go to listen for the heartbeat, and one couldn't be found.

My doctor moved me to the ultrasound room, seemingly unalarmed.  I tried not to be too worried. He booted up his old machine, and took a look.  There's my baby...with her arms and legs, but nothing moved.  The tears came.  I told the doctor I was scared, and I asked what was going on.  All he said was: I'm not an ultrasound technician, let me grab another doctor and see if he can find something.   He handed me a tissue box.

A few moments later, another doctor came in to join him.  Again, pressing the wand to my lower abdomen, in hopes of finding a heartbeat.  Nothing. I lost it. They both told me it looked like I had lost the baby, and that I would need to go get another ultrasound today to confirm.  I called my husband, sobbing uncontrollably.  He couldn't understand me at first.  My kids were in the waiting room, I had thought this was only going to be a quick routine visit. Not the end of my pregnancy.

Fast forward a few hours, my kids are at my girlfriend's house, and we're getting our next ultrasound.  It confirmed everyone's fears.  The baby had died about 3 days ago. The doctor said, it's not my fault, please know that first.  These things happen for reasons we never know, and he urged me to consider getting a D&C.  Initially I balked at the idea, but I was such an emotional mess I couldn't decide that day.  He said don't decide today, nothing will happen today, or tomorrow.

After lots of research, and conversations with friends, and my husband, I decided that a D&C was the best option for me.  It was a late term miscarriage, all things considered.  Passing it could take upwards of a month, and could potentially be very painful. Wednesday, I went in, sad, scared, and was received by a knowledgable doctor, and a caring, sympathetic staff. As I waited in the prep room, I heard the delivery of a baby.  The doctor who I was waiting for just did a c-section.  It was such a beautiful sound to hear that baby cry. I felt so happy for that mom, that she didn't go through what I was about to go through.   Her day today would be enjoying her new baby. I felt a small twinge of sadness for my baby...that it would never make those sounds, or be held in my arms.

After things were done...they were done, and I can now begin healing my heart, and my body.  Miscarriage is something I feel women do alone, even though we're not alone, we grieve alone.  We grieve the most, but I feel so blessed to be surrounded by so many people who help me through my grief. I've been leaning so hard on my friends, and family.  I don't know how long I will tear up in quiet moments, maybe always.

Her name would have been Anna, and she was already so deeply loved.  Be well sweet, Anna. You will always be in my heart.

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Summer Bucket List

This morning I was thinking of some nice things to do with my kids today, and asked on Facebook for some suggestions.  I got some awesome suggestions, but some that weren't practical to do on a whim.

So, were not ones who like to sit still, and next summer will be very different with an infant.  SO, let's make the most of this summer right?  Here's my bucket list.




Things to do, see, visit:



  1. Visit Dutch Wonderland
  2. Visit Columcille
  3. Bushkill Falls
  4. Visit Catocin Zoo
  5. Go to Florida to see my new niece!
  6. Visit Gettysburg
  7. Visit Colonial Williamsburg
Whew...that's a lot to do on a tiny budget.  Hopefully we can check through it all.  Florida being the big trip for us.  What are your plans for the summer?  Anything exciting?

Friday, May 17, 2013

12 weeks!

I think I need to start getting my husband to take my picture instead of doing self pics in a mirror.  What do you think? ;) Not much change from last week.  I even still have on regular jeans, albeit they're my fat jeans. :)




How far along: 12 weeks

Total weight gain: 0lbs

Maternity clothing: Not yet, but it will be soon.  These are my fat pants, and they fit around my waist, but they're baggy everywhere else, so they look horrible.  I did break down and get some clothes.  It's fun.

Stretch marks: No new ones yet.

Sleep:  Pretty good.  I'm getting up less to pee at night.  I think I read somewhere that my uterus starts to move upward this week relieving pressure on my bladder.  I can definitely feel that.

Best moment: Went to the neurologist last week, and was told that my eyes are absolutely perfect.  I have no increased pressure.  They are being extra careful though, and I have another neurologist appointment next week.

What I miss:  Energy..still.  Even though it's getting better, and I'm finding I have actually had some afternoon energy this week.  Hopefully it continues to improve.

Movement: Nothing yet. 

Food cravings: Chik Fil'A.  I know, it goes against all green, natural eating with it's processed junk and soybean oil.  Before last week it had been over 5 years since I stepped foot in a Chik Fil'A, and now I have gone twice in two weeks.  *sigh*

Gender:  Don't know yet, but I still haven't found a boy name that sits right with me.  I'm beginning to wonder if that's just because I'm having a girl.

Labor signs: None.

Belly button: in

Symptoms: I haven't really had many symptoms this week.  Early on this week I've had more energy, and rarely do I feel nauseous anymore.

Wedding ring: On and loose.

Looking forward to: my OB appointment next week.  Maybe I'll get a final due date...even though the baby won't care, and will stick around after.



Thursday, May 16, 2013

Green Polka Dot Box

About a month ago, I discovered The Green Polka Dot Box, and online grocery store that sells only Organic, Non-GMO products.  Win!

My long time readers know, last year I moved to rural Maryland after living in a suburban neighborhood located between Boulder, Colorado and Denver Colorado.  Square in the middle.  Boulder boasts three Whole Foods stores, and when I was leaving there was a whisper of a Trader Joe's being built there, too.  Between that, and Mile High Organics (a local organic delivery) I was absolutely completely set for natural, organic, and non-gmo foods, and products.  I was pretty spoiled, too.

I moved out to rural Maryland, and was suddenly faced with the challenge of finding fresh organic fruits and vegetables, and meats.  Finding safe household cleaners was laughable.  The closest Whole Foods is in Annapolis, which for us is an hour and a half away. Do you live in an organic/natural foods black whole?  Is the only store available to you a tiny little natural foods store that charges the highest full price for their items? (Oh I know all about that, too).

If you have a hard time finding food and products you trust, you should check out The Green Polka Dot Box.  I recently had my first order with them, and I am seriously impressed.  I messed up the order..of course I did.  It's me we're talking here.  Well, their customer service number is easy to find.  It's right on the bottom of the page.  No clicking contact us, no emailing and waiting a day or two.  I called, and a LIVE PERSON answered the phone.   There was no wait, no cheesy hold music.  There was a cheerful, likeable, funny person on the other side of the phone who fixed my mistakes and got my order correctly taken care of.  It took all of five minutes.



So here's my rundown of things I love about The Green Polka Dot Box.

  • They have a huge selection of foods, ranging from dry foods to fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats.
  • They have dog and cat food, they have cleaners, toiletries, even seeds and grow kits.
  • They have baby food, body products, vitamins and supplements.  They even have a kitchen gadget section. 
  • Have I mentioned the huge selection of stuff?  This is with out a doubt, all the kinds of things I am used to finding at Whole Foods, and other natural type stores...with out the big price tag.
  • They are a small business, with personable people.  I would not be surprised if I called customer service again and spoke with the same friendly girl.  They have one office, and helpful staff.  I'm a hard win when it comes to customer service, and they are truly about as good as it gets. You know when staff is happy, they are treated well by their employers.  A happy business is easy to do business with.
  • When your order is finished, your items are quickly shipped to you.  They also have cold shipping so they can ship delicates like milk, and cheese to you.

Go check out their website see what they've got.  Their Facebook Page sometimes has special promotions and deals, so be sure to check that out too. I'm about to place my next order with them, I will be sure to let you all know how it goes!

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Honey Sweetened Strawberry Jam

For my birthday a few weeks ago for my I made some awesome grain free honey biscuits.  When Danielle, the author of Against all Grain pictured with a side of jam, I knew I had the perfect compliment sitting in my fridge.

I've been making and canning my own jams for a few years, and initially I canned with traditional sugar methods.  However after committing to a primal lifestyle, I've swapped the sugar for honey.  This is still a temporary treat, and I'm currently working on a low sugar recipe.  Once that is perfected, I will be posting that as well.  You won't miss any sweetness with this recipe, and it spreads so wonderfully.





Ingredients:

4 cups of organic strawberries (or pick your favorite berry, any will do!)
2 tbsp organic lemon juice
1 package of powdered pectin (I use Pomona)
1 cup of honey (local, and/or raw)

Put the berries and lemon juice COLD in a saucepan.  While still cold (COLD!) mix the pectin, juice and berries.  Now turn on the burner on high, and stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil.  Add the honey and stir again until it gets to a boil that cannot be stirred down.  Now start your timer for about 10 minutes, and stir slowly the whole time.

Ladle the jam into half pint canning jars.  This recipe may be put directly into the fridge, where it can be kept for a few weeks.  If you choose to process them (which I would recommend), sterilize your jars beforehand (10 minutes in boiling vinegar water), and ladle the jam into them.  Leave about 1/4-1/2 inch head room and process for 5 minutes.  (Note you will need to increase the boiling process time if you live in a higher elevation, please check government standards).

Enjoy!!


Monday, May 13, 2013

Menu Plan

Oh let's see what my pregnancy cravings have in store for me this week.  Hubs has to work a crazy week this week so I'm on my own in the kitchen.

Monday: Coffee Pot Roast
Tuesday: Spinach Stuffed Chicken
Wednesday: Moroccan Beef Skillet
Thursday: Leftovers
Friday: Coconut Curry Shrimp Stir fry
Saturday: Barbeque Chicken Cookout
Sunday: Leftovers

Here's what we had to get:
5-6lb chuck roast
cilantro (had to buy later this week)
2lbs of ground beef
chicken legs/thighs
3 garlic bulbs
2 onions

Linking back to Organizing Junkie



Thursday, May 9, 2013

11 weeks!

My neighbor pointed out last week I had a baby bump, so I decided I'm going to start weekly updates on how the pregnancy is going.  Just cause it's fun! :)




How far along: 11 weeks

Total weight gain: 0lbs

Maternity clothing: Not yet, but my pants don't fit anymore around the waist.  I've been living in yoga pants, but I just went out and got some maternity capris..hopefully they'll last me all summer. :)

Stretch marks: No new ones yet.

Sleep:  Pretty good so far.  I get up a few times at night to pee, but I think that's supposed to stop for a little while (until I have a bowling ball sitting on my bladder).

Best moment: My husband and I have birthdays one day apart, and they were last weekend.  It was a fun weekend. :)

What I miss:  Energy!  I'm used to being able to go pretty solid all day long.  Now my days have an early afternoon intermission (nap).

Movement: Nothing yet.  Now and then I think I feel a flutter, but it's just too soon.

Food cravings: Oranges, pimento cheese, ham and fish.  Just not all together. :)

Gender:  I have a girl name picked out so far, and have not settled on a boy name that resonates with me.  So, life would be slightly easier if it's a girl, but who knows just yet.

Labor signs: None.

Belly button: in

Symptoms: I wake up nauseous still, but it goes away when I shake off the grogginess.  All of my nausea has pretty much revolved around being tired.  I also hit a wall about 1:00 in the afternoon where I must nap, and if I don't manage to get that nap in, I'm in bed by 9:00.  Generally I'm pretty happy too, I don't think I've been overly moody.  My husband would know best.

Wedding ring: On and loose.

Looking forward to: finding a new house for us all to move in so I can start getting babies bedroom ready.  We've been house hunting for so long, and it's frustrating and tiring.

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Oh...baby?

Well, I think it's time to announce it.  This green momma is having a green baby!  We had our "oh crap" moment about 6 weeks ago when my like clockwork system came to a screeching halt.  Hubs and I have been talking about ending our reproductive abilities and then this!


We couldn't be happier though.  I always wanted three babies, and assumed about two years ago we were just done.  My youngest will turn 8 before this little one is born, so quite an age difference here.


Here is the ultrasound I got last week.  What a beautiful thing.  We couldn't hear this little one's heart beat just yet, but I saw it beating strongly.  What a moving moment.  We're so thrilled.  Now it's time to move, and start researching who to have the greenest, most natural baby I can and share what I learn with you all.


Thursday, May 2, 2013

10 Eco-Friendly Mother's Day ideas

It's May and mother's day is around the corner and if you have an Eco-conscious mom you're shopping for here are some ideas for gift giving.  My husband thinks I'm so difficult to shop for, but here's a list of things I know I'd love to have.




1. Fair Trade Chocolate.  My favorite is dark chocolate.  Two brands that are most commonly found in grocery stores are Divine pictured to the right, and Black & Green.  Spoil your mom (of wife) away with some yummy chocolate. These bars are large, and typically cost about $4 each.

2. Organic Flowers. Here's an online store to get some organic flowers for your mom.  If they are out of your price range, check the local farmer's market for flowers.  Remember organic is good, so is local and it's great to support local farmers.

3.  If your mom has a green thumb, get her a gift that will keep on giving.  Some fruits that grow well in pots include strawberries and blueberries.  One of my favorite gifts I received two years ago was a blueberry bush.  It's still alive, it's easy to care for and it still gives me blueberries once a year.

4. Get mom some pretty grocery shopping bags.  My favorite is the Envirosax.  They usually run about $8 a pop, and they come in a multitude of colors and sizes. If you follow Mama Bargains she sometimes has them for about half the price, which is where I got mine.

5. If mom is a practical gal, one idea would be glass food containers.  I recently got some Pyrex glass containers.  I got new ones from Target but if your mom is into vintage stuff, I think something along the lines of those on the right would make a snazzy gift.  Storing your food in glass instead of plastic helps reduce your exposure to nasty chemicals like BPA.

6.  Make her dinner!  Taking her out to dinner is ok, but we tend to skip that in my house because Mother's Day is one of the busiest restaurant days of the year. Make the dinner special by getting her favorite foods locally.  If mom's a meat eater, get some meat from a local farm.  There really is a huge difference.  Fresh vegetables are available in some parts of the country now, get a nice spring mix of veggies and make her something special.

7. If mom is really into the local food movement, while you're out getting meat and veggies for the dinner sign her up for a local CSA so she can have fresh fruits and veggies all season long.

8. Mom like the outdoors?  One lovely way to spend the day is going on a hike.  I could give you a few links of how to find the best local places to go hiking, but honestly the best way is word of mouth.  Ask your friends on Facebook, or your neighbors (or her neighbors!).  The best places are almost never online (because people want them to be kept secrets!).

9.  Get mom a gift certificate from an online (or local) boutique that sells natural and organic hair care items and cosmetics like Soap for Goodness Sake.

10. Lastly, don't forget to give her a card.  Be sure to check for recycled green options like these or you can get crafty and make her something yourself.

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