My favorite Crock-Pot! (and DF days 9-16)

I have to rave about my crock pot for a few minutes.

I have had this crock pot for about 6 years.  It has seen me through many a cold winter and provided my belly with delicious and hearty meals.  About a year ago, I was getting ready to make a pot of soup when I noticed the handle on the lid was partially broken.  If you know anything about crock pots and their lids, you understand my challenge.  You really need to be able to lift the lid without getting burned by the heat/steam/etc.  I was making due with the back end of a spatula to prop up one of the sides and using a pot holder, I could grab the other side and lift the lid in order to stir or add other ingredients, BUT this was only a temporary solution.  So for a period of time, I just stopped using the crock-pot, all together.  Then over the summer, I read an article that expressed the level of value companies place in customer service.  I took a shot and emailed the customer service department for "Crock-Pot". 

What do you know?!

The asked for some key pieces of information and sent me a new lid FREE OF CHARGE!

I received it in a few days and have been using it and raving about the brand, "Crock Pot" ever since!

Why do you love your crock pot?  Do you think one brand is better than others?  Have you even had a situation where a company replaced a part FREE of charge?

Let me know in the comments below.  And don't forget to subscribe!

Be blessed!

Teri

Okay, changes

Normally, I don't like changes. Not right away anyway and not in all aspects in life. In work somehow I can adapt easily, but in daily life and when I don't choose the change.  NO Thank you!  (blog design doesn't not apply to this example - I love changing those - lol)  

Well a little over six months ago, I didn't get to choose to lose my job.  I really loved the work that I did there.  I was good at it.  I enjoyed it. I made an impact on my customers and co-workers and was well liked by my team and others.

I really didn't want to hear that there was another plan.  I mean, I knew there was. I just didn't want to hear it at that moment and for a few months after that.  I really didn't understand it and I'm not saying that I am totally in the know at the moment, but, I do know there is a reason bigger than, "sorry, people aren't refinancing anymore and we are going to have to let you go."  I do not know what that is and frankly sometimes I wonder what could possibly be a better fit for me.  But I know the Almighty sees all whereas I only see my little speck on the planet.

So here's to bigger and better things. New job is on the horizon, I know it is coming soon. The in between is really hard.  That is part of the reason I chose the Daniel Fast also. For breakthrough.  Boy, do I need a breakthrough.  as I come into the home stretch, so to speak, I am pressing in and expecting one. 

Please share your comments and don't forget to subscribe below.  
 
Thanks and Be Blessed!


Teri

Part 2 Day 8 DF with Oven-Roasted Greek Potatoes

How to make these delicious little yellow bites of delicious, you ask?

Aw, have no fear.. your recipe for them is up next!

Another great one from Susan Gregory's Daniel Fast book, The Daniel Fast.

  

Ingredients:
food processor
parchment paper
1 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 pounds large russet potatoes cut lengthwise into thick wedges or quartered
tip: make sure you wash the potatoes first, fill a large bowl with water and put potatoes in, you can use a small amount of veggie wash if you choose right in the bowl.  Swish and rinse. Then cut into quarters.
2 lemons, juiced (tip: if you don't have a juicer, roll the lemons (unpeeled) on the counter-top a few times to loosen the juice before you cut it in half. Then, squeeze into a separate bowl or cup. If seeds get in the juice, use a strainer over the food processor and pour the bowl with juice in it over the strainer over the food processor.)
1 clove fresh garlic, minced
1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
1 tbsp dried oregano
1/4 cup fresh Italian parsley, coarsely chopped (Rinse it off well: add water to a bowl, take a few sprigs out of a bunch and swish in the water a few times and remove to drain on paper towel or napkin/clean towel)
Salt and freshly ground pepper

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
2. To make vinaigrette, place olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, onion, oregano, and parsley in a food processor, add 1 tsp salt, puree until smooth, adjust seasoning with black pepper and more salt if needed.

 

3. Toss the potatoes in a large bowl and toss with 1/2 the vinaigrette, spread in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet (lining with parchment paper will make getting off the pan much easier).

4. Place in pre-heated oven and roast turning occasionally for 45-60 minutes until the potatoes are fork tender and golden brown.

5. Serve potatoes in a large platter and drizzle with more of the vinaigrette, serve the remaining vinaigrette on the side or use later as a salad dressing.

That's it!  Easy, right?

Post your comments below and let me know how you like these!! Don't forget to Subscribe!

Another recipe from The Daniel Fast book by Susan Gregory.

Be Blessed!

Teri

Bean Curry and Quinoa (or Rice) (aka OH MAH GOODNESS) Part 1

Day 8 goes down with a new favorite recipe.  Below is the finished product, using Quinoa, but you can also use rice (which is what the recipe was calling for, but I was in more of a Quinoa mood, plus it cooks faster than brown rice).

Ingredients:
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (my favorite brand, also the last time I bought, I got the small bottle for under $5 at Giant. Don't know if that deal is still up though - about 2 or 3 weeks ago)
1 large white onion, chopped
1/2 cup dry lentils
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp curry powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 pinch cayenne pepper
1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz)
1 can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed (15 oz)
1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed (8 oz)
1/2 cup raisins (if you don't like raisins, like me, use them anyway, I'm telling you it really makes the dish so much better!!! YUM)
8 cups cooked brown rice (or quinoa)
salt and pepper to taste (I used Himalayan sea salt from Marshall's (yes, the clothing store - they have great kitchen finds too!)

Directions:
1. Prepare the brown rice (or Quinoa) according to package directions so you have enough for 8 servings.
2. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat, and cook onion until tender
3. Mix in the lentils and garlic, and season with curry powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Cook and stir 2 minutes.

4. Stir in the tomatoes, garbanzo beans, kidney beans, and raisins. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Reduce heat to low, and simmer at least 1 hour, stirring constantly.

Recipe from The Daniel Plan, by Susan Gregory.

Please share your comments and don't forget to subscribe below.  Have you tried to make this yet?

Be Blessed!

Teri

Hello Pilates, my dear old friend ..and DF days 6, 7, & 8

More and more in the news, on talk shows, and online there is much more talk of health. And not just health for  the sake of eating your apple a day, but the beneficial-for-us-to-know-and-embrace kind. For instance, for the first time in quite a long while, I've heard mention of the dangers of white sugar, high fructose corn syrup, GMOs in food, etc. and the detrimental health affects if consumed over a period of time they can have. (Like the food, most of us grew up on..sigh) There are actually states refusing GMO foods!  Hey, it's a step in the right direction.

One of my favorite blogs, by Max Goldberg, is a very helpful site when learning about GMOs, organic foods, clean (er) eating, etc.  If you 've never heard of Max Goldberg or a GMO, I would encourage you to take a look through his blog. If they're listed and they're dealing with organics, they are my top site choices. I'm not currently getting any kind of promotion credit from their sites or anything, I just believe in what they say and like to use some of the guidelines from each and integrate into my daily regimen as I can.  That being said, I'm not a doctor and if you are sick, go to your doctor.

So in light of all this GMO talk and health, I finally felt good enough today, to go about reacquainting myself with Pilates.  This is my favorite form of exercise in the Fall and Winter. In Spring and Summer, I prefer to be outside on a bike.  But with an injury suffered in January, biking was off the table this Spring and Summer.  After a refreshing RICE treatment for my poor little knees today, I thought it was time. (Yay!)

In my humble opinion, Mari Windsor's Pilates DVDs are the best.  And yes, even that "wonderful Windsor Band, we all love" is actually pretty dandy! I have a bunch of her videos that I bought a few years ago.  I always feel better after and my back gets loosened up as well as my hips.  The other thing I like, is there is no judgement from her.  She seems practical and realistic in helping you sculpt yourself into strong, lean, and long muscle.

Now for day 6, 7 & 8 DF fast...  Saturday was tough due to some physical pain. I prayed through it and put ice packs on each knee. I laid low and listened to my body, which told me to relax and just don't move around much. I have been realizing more and more how much I really enjoy the bible study portion of my mornings. especially those days I have to rush off to work.  The weekends are a little difference because there is really no time constraint. Sunday (day 7) I made 2 new dishes:

Rice with Bean Curry. and Greek Potatoes (recipe and picture link coming soon!!) SO  GOOD  !!

I will post the recipe and photos tomorrow, I promise, but I wanted to get this up before bedtime - eek!

Please share your comments and don't forget to subscribe below. 

Be Blessed.

Teri

Daniel Fast Days 4 - 5, raisins, and a technical tip

I'll give you the tip first because I can't believe I let things go this far..  I typically leave my work up on my computer - at night and really, during the week also. You know, because it is such an 'inconvenience' to reopen your tabs on chrome (not). Chrome is the best browser, in my opinion. The thing I most like about Chrome, aside from it rarely crashing, is that you can set your tabs to reopen up to certain pages every time you restart your computer and open the browsing page.

Yes, I know, we all hear from the IT guys at work that shutting down every night is ideal. So, I imagine this just boils down to laziness? Hmm..  Perhaps, I need to readjust my priorities.. it would certainly save my little computer some 24/7/365 anxiety.. or whatever it is that the processor "feels" by being overworked.. poor 'lil guy..

Okay, personification over.  My internet is again working and my little computer didn't crash. Phew!

I didn't have a chance to post last night.

I wanted to share the delicious creation I had planned to make prior to my computer "scare."

No new creation - tomorrow I plan to make more flat bread - this time from rye flour.  Same basic recipe.  I will include process photos too.

Daniel Fast for days 4 and 5 came with a delicious new respect for raisins, albeit the yellow ones.  I mentioned in my last post a recipe I made which included them.  If you are not normally a fan of raisins, I would urge you to try them in this recipe and see what you think.  Take it from someone who has picked raisins out of every thing from cookies to rice pudding and anything else in between. Go figure too, because I love grapes!

I think because they were cooked the sweet flavor was less intense.  Also, coupled with the sunflower seeds - or nuts, if you choose - and spicing, the flavors just seems to meld together nicely.

Have you tried this or a similar recipe before?  Let me know if you plan to try it and your results in the comments below.  Don't forget to subscribe!

Thanks for reading!  Be blessed!

Teri

Quinoa and Veggie Bake (Daniel Fast Day 3)

Day 3 came and boy, waking up earlier and earlier is great!  I hope to continue this even after the fast.

As I do love the barley soup, I was getting tired of it and spent a few minutes looking for a recipe.
I didn't want anything super complicated and I didn't want to have to shop for anything. Here's what I found in Susan Gregory's book: The Daniel Plan, and here is the recipe:

Ingredients:
3 to 4 quart covered casserole dish
1 cup Quinoa (organic is best, I pay $3.49/pound at Wegman's bulk section.. I've seen it for $7.99/lb so this is a steal)
1/4 cup raisins - I used yellow raisins and while not a lover of raisins, they made the dish quite tasty.
1/4 cup raw sunflower seeds (if you can't handle seeds, you can leave these out)
2 bay leaves
2 TBSP Extra Virgin Olive Oil (I like "California" brand of EVOO best, you can also use Coconut oil. If you don't like the scent of coconut, you can purchase it deodorized so it has no smell - it doesn't have to be organic, just make sure it is not refined.)
1 Cup celery
2 medium carrots, diced
2 small zucchini, diced (I used 1 medium squash because I had it and didn't have zucchini)
1 tsp ground coriander
A pinch of cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp dried ginger
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1-1/2 to 1-3/4 cups boiling water
1/4 cup minced parsley or cilantro for garnish

1. Soak the quinoa for an hour in a bowl, then rinse until the water runs clear using a fine mesh strainer. 

2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (I didn't preheat the oven till about 7 or 8 minutes on the timer for the quinoa)
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; add the celery and saute until it starts to become transparent ; add the carrots and cook for 5 more minutes; add the zucchini and cook for about one minute more.
4. Add the coriander, cayenne pepper, ginger, cinnamon, cumin, salt, and pepper, adjusting the seasoning to your liking. Add the quinoa, raisins, sunflower seeds, and bay leaves; stir until integrated and continue cooking until vegetables are tender, about 3 more minutes.  

5. Pour the vegetable and quinoa mixture into a 3 to 4 quart casserole dish with lid; add the boiling water or broth; cover.
6. Bake for 20 minutes or until all the water is absorbed.
7. Remove Bay Leaves.  Garnish dish with fresh minced parsley or cilantro before serving. 

I tried to make the font as small as possible for this one since the recipe took up most of the post.  This was really a delicious recipe and I will be making this again.  You can really swap out any of the recipes that maybe are not a favorite of your kids, spouse, or even yourself.  I didn't have celery, so I used a small yellow onion and the zucchini I used was actually a yellow squash. I also added mushrooms because I needed to used them up and I love button mushrooms.

Please let me know in the comments if you liked or didn't like this recipe.  Again, this one came from Susan Gregory's book, so the credit is not mine.  I'm not sure if she created it or got it elsewhere but I would guess it was her creation.

Enjoy and let me know what you think in the comments below! And don't forget to subscribe!

Be blessed!

 

Teri

Daniel Fast Day 2 and popcorn

Here we are on day 2. While my menu remains not really changed from Day 1 except dinner where I had some of the Chapattis I made and am debating on popping some popcorn, organic and non-gmo, of course.

I will definitely be making this flat bread again. (just flour, salt, and water)  It probably made about 8 or 9.  I could have made them thinner perhaps, but they are wonderful even when not fasting. I had them tonight along with some black bean hummus I also made using a recipe found in Susan Gregory's book, "The Daniel Fast" and will be sharing links as soon as I can on both of these recipes and photos - hoping by tomorrow.

The experience of making my own flat bread left me feeling like a "carefree" Old Testament gal, making my own flat bread. (Yes, I realize the irony, as for many who would be making their own bread, their lives were anything but carefree) scenes from old biblical movies flashed in my mind and I couldn't help but drift back there for a second or two in my mind.

Have you ever done a fast?  Do you have any suggestions or things you'd like to see?  Do you have any fasting suggestions in general?  I'd love to hear your comments and any questions you may have below.

Please share your comments and don't forget to subscribe below.  Have you tried to make this yet?

Thanks and Be Blessed!

Teri

Daniel Fast Day 1

So, today was Day 1 of the Daniel Fast.

The fast that I am following is according to the book written by Susan Gregory, "The Daniel Fast." Susan was inspired by God to write about this plan as a way of fasting. She writes in her book, "Fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline designed by out Creator to draw us closer to Him, and the Daniel Fast is an experience for your whole person: body, soul, and spirit."  Just reading that sentence in the introduction portion of the book settles any anxious thoughts. At least it did that for me.

I have to say, I do feel different physically at the end of my day today, partially due to eating cleaner foods. I feel far less "full" and completely satisfied. I do not crave the sweets as I may have before: Nutter Butters, Cookie Dough Ice cream (or let's face it, most any flavor as long as it's ooey and gooey), pie, brownies, etc...)  As I was sitting down reflecting after dinner at around 8pm, I really wondered if anything had happened today, in my heart or my mind, etc. After all, I thought, it's just the first day.  Am I too hopeful that anything should change on day 1? The thing is, something did change inside. I"m actually full and satisfied, not over-full or bloated from stuffing my face. I have to thank the Almighty and his Holy Spirit for that.

In case you are wondering what I ate today, here is my menu below:

All of my food was prepared in my kitchen from something grown or mildly produced (flour and oat bran is milled, etc.):



Breakfast:
Oat bran (Bob's Red Mill Organic)
Diced organic apple (bag of organic apples from Aldi)
Cinnamon
Caraway seed
Raisins or sunflower seeds (optional - I forgot to add sunflower seeds but I plan to tomorrow)

Snack:
2 rice cakes
Organic peanut butter (no sugar or sweetener added)
Black bean hummus
Carrots and cucumbers

Lunch:
Homemade veggie barley soup

Dinner:
Had the barley soup again because I really did love it earlier today.
Had just made the Chapattis (Indian flat bread), so I got to enjoy some of those with the soup.

And of course, plenty of water.

I am looking forward to the remaining 20 days of this fast and of the changes about to take place in my heart and soul and spirit.

Amen!

P.S. Don't forget to subscribe below! Thanks!

Teri

Daniel Fast Prep

After much considering, praying, reflecting, I have decided to do a 21 day Daniel Fast.  I am new to fasting so would love to hear your experiences with the fast - this one or any others you have enjoyed.

Prepping for Day one through probably day three took place the last 2 days.

I decided to start on the Daniel Fast for Spiritual Connection, Self Control, and Weight Loss.  I purchased the book called The Daniel Fast by Susan Gregory.  It arrived over the weekend and I will be using the guide throughout the fast.  I am very excited to see where God would meet me and where he will take me.

I've done a Daniel Fast before in 2012 but with my church and for 40 days.  This one, however, was not guided - as we were free to choose the type of fast and how we would set ourselves up on and with it - and may have allowed for some foods which are not really to be eaten for these 21 days.

I will let you know the outcome of day 1 tomorrow!!

Here I go!

Please share your fasting experiences in the comment area below. I'd love to hear your ideas and of your breakthroughs.

Please share your comments and don't forget to subscribe below.  

Be Blessed!

 

Teri

Coupons....for organics! **UPDATED**

What a wonderful summer and staycation!  Over the last month, I enjoyed a wonderful time with family, I decided not to blog during the time and really had a great opportunity for relaxing with them.  These moments were quite necessary.  :)

So, over the past little while (and probably longer while in process-mode in my head), I've been developing - or trying to develop - my own savings strategy while grocery shopping.  As it stands now, in order to get all the products I use/eat, I have a few stores that are rotated into or out of the rotation - depending on savings and distance - for shopping needs while also trying to keep costs at a minimum to fit in with my budget needs. 

Some of my favorite stores include:  Giant, Aldi, BottomDollar, Wegmans, Walgreens
Be aware that not all stores take coupons, Aldi for example doesn't take coupons (or credit cards, it's debit or cash only here) - unless they issue it: they occasionally will offer a $10 coupon (to use on your next purchase (dated)) when your purchase is at least $40. Sounds easy, right?  I've often gone to Aldi and not spent $40 though - their prices are that good!  If you have never been to an Aldi before, make sure to take your own bags or buy a few there (unless you are lucky enough to get there when they have boxes out - take them - they're free!). You will also need a quarter (or 25 cents) to "rent" a shopping cart which you will get back upon returning the cart.  What a great deal, though! 

BottomDollar does accept coupons, however bring your own bags.  They also accept credit cards and of course cash. There are usually boxes available if you would prefer - and the boxes are free!  I usually take a few to make the 'taking the trash out' chore a bit easier.  Some stores require renting the cart for a quarter which you get back when you return the cart.  (There is a slot on the cart for it, you'll see it.)

Walgreens does something that Rite Aid and CVS haven't (yet) and that is to provide a monthly paper coupon booklet located at the front of the store along with the current weekly flier.  You can find really great deals, find it on sale and use the coupon on top of that!  You can also virtually clip coupons to your Walgreens card

Rite Aid has printable coupons which is wonderful!  

CVS has printable coupons also, for use at any one of their participating stores.

I often recommend Aldi or BottomDollar to college kids if it is near their school. Wish they were around when I was in school, I could have eaten 2x as many boxes of mac and cheese - ha!
So, if your shopping trip doesn't include Aldi, check out these two great coupon sites that offer you guessed it - coupons for ORGANIC products - YEAH!:  

Mambo Sprouts - I like this especially because it lists also if the product is a Gluten Free, Non-GMO, or other classification important to consumer needs.  

Common Kindness - This site is twice a great because you can actually choose to have your coupon "work for" a charity of your choice once you print and use them.  They also have other couponing options for online shopping and discounts. You can even donate food to a local (to you) food bank. The site name really suits it and what a great idea!

Check them out and see what you think.  

Please share your comments and don't forget to subscribe below.  What are your experiences with coupons? Do you use them?

Thanks and Be Blessed!

Easy Peasy..and healthy?!

Quite possibly the tastiest quick and easy breakfast you will EVER try!! I can't get over this one.  It is just that good!  

This is a recipe by Nick and Gen - two of my favorite bloggers who tell the truth about nutrition.  Nick's book, The Truth About Fat Burning Foods, really opened my eyes and I've not turned back.  You can buy his e-Book or if you aren't in the position yet to do so, you can get a ton of information from his blog. The thing I like the most about them and their outlook is that they don't demand you do it all perfectly all at once - or at all.  They are real people and know the difficulties in life, they have this way to put you at east about Real Nutrition.

So this recipe above is called Cottage Cheese Bowl, I used a pear in the photo above however I think apples are tastier.  Using organic (no pesticides) is best but again maybe it is not feasible or desirable quite yet.  

For 1 serving you will need an apple (peel the skin off if not organic), 1 cup of Cottage Cheese, 1 tsp of Cinnamon, a handful of Almonds, a handful of raisins (optional), 1 tsp raw honey.

Crush the almonds (I use a mortar and pestle for this step but you could put the almonds in a magic bullet, or towel and use a hammer or something to break up the almonds) and set aside.

Cut the apple into bite size pieces.

In a bowl add the ingredients, I like to layer them: Cottage Cheese, Apple pieces, Almond pieces, drizzle the raw honey (I heat mine up because it pours easier), cinnamon.

Add spoon. Mix it up and eat!  YUM!

Leave me a comment below and don't forget to subscribe!  Thank you for reading.

Be Blessed!

Teri

OH MAH GOODNESS!!

I went a little off the beaten path today and tried this new breakfast recipe Smarter French Toast (picture below) created by Gen Gauvin of N & G Media. (See ingredients below)

Pretty simple to make, the "Smarter" in is the ingredients. The added boost of protein powder helps to keep you full for longer and all the ingredients combine to make one spectacular breakfast meal:
(serves 1 - for more just add another set of ingredients)

1 TBSP Expeller-pressed Coconut oil (Find out why Coconut Oil is best, here)
3 slices sprouted grain bread
1 and 1/2 whole eggs
1/2 scoop protein powder
1 tsp maple syrup (optional)

As you heat the Coconut oil in the pan, you can mix the remaining ingredients (minus the maple syrup)
If you store your sprouted bread (as I do) in the freezer make sure to thaw it a bit ahead of time, so it will soak up the batter.
Soak each side of the pieces of bread, one at a time, in the egg and protein powder mixture and place in the coconut oil on the stove.  I could fit 2 pieces of bread in my pan at a time. Continue until each piece is coated and cooked. Depending on how hot your stove-top cooks, will determine how hot to get the burner. My stove-top cooks very hot on medium-low and I can melt the coconut oil in the pan on low. You know your stove, so gauge it depending on that.
Stack on a plate, add a nut butter or maple syrup spread on top if you choose. Enjoy!

If you liked this recipe and want to try more of these great treats, check out Nick Pineault's blog here and tell them Teri sent ya!  Thanks!

Teri

SLEEP-less (Originally posted 6/1/2014)

So. Here I am again… WIDE AWAKE!

I had been trying to sleep for the past 3 hours, so I got up and followed my “can’t sleep, need at least ‘X’ hours for ‘Y’ tomorrow” routine (where X is however many hours of sleep I will need to function and Y is whatever event I have to be alert for)

I went into the kitchen to make some chamomile tea along with some of the raw honey I just bought - expensive but I'm willing to guess worth it. I figure I’d kill 2 birds with one stone (No birds ..or stones.. were harmed, I promise!).  The label claimed it helps with allergies and coughing so I was hopeful the allergy or cold would soon leave my chest and throat.

I chopped the remainder of the red onion from the fridge and put the chopped pieces in a little container – I’ll be happy when I make my morning omelet. Maybe I can actually shave off a few minutes from chopping as I cook tomorrow - or today as the case may be? 

I thought about chopping up other ingredients but the tea was ready and the intent was to become sleepy enough for lasting sleep.  At least I have the red onion done; I use that in a lot of recipes.

When I experience times like these, my natural tendency is to try to figure out ‘what is keeping me awake.’ It is the analyst in me. I'm also a logical thinker who tries (without a second thought) to come up with solutions to challenges.. This time, the pain was worse than usual and any position I chose was not comfortable.  Then there were the many things rolling around in my brain which still need doing or finishing. There was also the new pain that presented itself tonight. I also wondered if my cutting out processed foods could have had anything to do with this.  Then going with that last one, I tried to count the number of weeks since I had started trying to move toward clean eating. I guessed about 4, maybe a little more.  So I dismissed that.  After all it takes you 21 days to create a new habit; right? 1 month was on average 30 days. That’s over 21... 

Hmm.  No dice..still awake.  Hmm.  Back to square one.  Maybe I can find something else to chop.

Teri

Progress!! (Originally posted 6/2/2014)

Progress is progress! Sleep comes easier for many -including myself- with an increase in exercise, so that's the plan. I have a few things on my mind as well today as far as incorporating grass-fed/Finished Beef into my daily intake. Does anyone have suggestion on brand? I've seen Grass Fed Beef at places like Wegman's and BJ's Wholesale Club but I will have to check on if it is Grass finished as well.  I love research!

So this morning, after some much needed coffee and coconut milk (great alternative for creamer), red onion (yes, the ones from the chopping session), & Aldi's Simply Nature Uncured ham omelet, I had some greatly appreciated Quiet Time in my favorite spot on my living room couch.  (btw, now at Aldi - at least on the Eastern coast of the US -, pay $4.99 for 16 oz jar of Organic Virgin unrefined Coconut Oil!!)

For a few weeks, now, I have been contemplating the idea of eating beef again. For me it is health reasons. A few weeks may seem like a bit too long to some, but I like to take my time when introducing new foods to my daily intake regimen, especially beef.  Prior to this past Memorial Day, I had pretty much stayed away from all red meat - mostly due to the smell of it in raw state but also due to the pesticides, hormones, and diseases I'd heard about in milk and beef production and finished products. I have allergies to Cow milk anyway - organic or not. So I completely cut that out of my daily intake in all forms - no cows.  Until, like I said several weeks ago, I stumbled upon a Blog, that it even occurred to me that there just may be another way into eating red meat again with all of its nutrients and health benefits. I am pretty convinced about the Grass-fed and finished beef now.  I see Wegman's has a nice selection on Grass Fed beef (and hopefully finished with grass as well) and I believe I saw some at BJ's Wholesale.  Now I've just got to budget this in.

Clean eating is fairly new to me.  I was introduced to it a few months ago more fully and at that time had started to incorporate little changes to my daily intake.  I do not believe in DIEts, not anymore that is. One of my favorite blogs also mentions this and although I've heard it for years, I'd have to give credit to Nick Pineault for really drilling the idea home. I do believe in lifestyle and eating changes, call it a diet if you like but to me, as my readings and understanding has led me to understand them, Diets start with the word "die" and I want to create a positive change, and not invite any negative subliminal or subconscious thinking into my healthy changes. There that's my 2 cents on that topic...

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Thanks and Be Blessed!

Teri

Not bad nut-butter (Originally posted 6/13/2014)

I've been away for a bit due to some computer issues and crashes.  But, I'm back!

I have been reading a lot about nutrition and have been trying to incorporate my new changes little by little.  I'm not sure it's made a weight difference but I feel like my energy level has changed.  That being said, I sure am enjoying trying the new foods that are organic and Non-GMO. In fact, I've been so excited about my new finds, that I've lent my reviews to brands and shops that carry them...

Well, I finally tried Walnut Butter (also tried a few other items: Pecan Butter, Nutiva's Hemp Seed Protein Powder, Wegman's Organic Free Range Chicken - although I wished it said if it was free range or not, and a few other things! Last week, I had been shopping in the Nature's Marketplace at Wegman's and "happened" to see this packet of "Artisana Walnut Butter, RAW!!" I loved it so much that I provided a review for it on Wegman's site so others could have an idea of what to expect and feel confidant in trying this delicious treat.

It is a much different flavor than peanut butter and if you're anything like me and get an occasional burn from peanut butter, this will be a much nicer experience.  

Wegman's Review

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Thanks and Be Blessed!

Teri

Egg Hunt (Originally posted 6/14/2014)

Originally posted 6/14/2014

I recently found that the eggs I'd been buying for years actually are not pasture raised and are fed grain - albeit organic grain - still not what I had thought and hoped I was eating. Sad for me because I now need to search for pasture raised eggs. as much as I like researching things, I would like the Pasture Raised Egg fairy to just drop by my door each week with a dozen or 2 eggs. I think the next step is to find and go in on a local CSA  (Community Sponsored Agriculture) or one that will ship to me the other option is buying online from reputable sources and having them shipped to me. So far, though, I am not finding a CSA nearby.

LONG SIGH

Until...

http://www.localharvest.org/ (enter Pasture-Raised Egg fairy)

EUKEKA!

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Thanks and Be Blessed!

Teri

I FINALLY FOUND IT!

I Finally found Grass Fed Beef and Pastured Eggs! YAY!

So I was at a locally owned organic food store today, I shared that I was a new customer and came for the pasture-raised eggs.. The owner, Terry, showed me around and acquainted me with some of their products..(so yay to pastured (Soy Free) eggs, and yay to grass fed beef), but when I asked if they carried pastured chicken meat, it seemed that he was trying to cover for why they didn't carry it, he was like 'pasture-raised chicken meat would be too tough because the chickens are running around all the time..and it's okay to eat organic grain fed chickens' Then he took me off topic..without my fully realizing it. [Seriously, I was standing there like.. 'Um, are you kidding me?!  What do you think the Grass Fed Beef is doing?' (I didn't say this out loud).]  I think he was trying to "cover" for the fact that they just didn't have it (yet).  So I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt.. :)  In fact, I'm sure he's sitting at home kicking himself for saying that very thing.. hahaha  just kidding.

Although, I was already already buying grass-fed beef and eggs.. so ... it's not like I wouldn't have bought it anyway.. who knows.. I just thought it was weird.. on the positive side though, I FINALLY got pasture raised eggs!!  I've been missing my morning eggs!  AND I got some Grass fed beef patties and ground (grass-fed) beef.  I may just have to settle for purchasing online pasture-raised chicken.....

I didn't get the organically-fed chicken that he recommended as a good brand..  I need to look into the brands they carry first, they are organically fed - but not pastured (they don't forage for their food but they are "cage free and/or allowed to run anywhere they want.. which I"m still not sure about - because that would mean they still have them in a large barn with no outside access.  I guess saying "outside" is a key word when speaking with grocers.  I will remember that next time.

Their meats are local though (Lancaster, PA) and humanely treated throughout, the farms he purchases from have a strict policy against any violators of treatment of animals.  He was also quick to point out the chickens are air cleaned? chilled? as opposed to water.  Anyway.. this post is too long..

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Thanks and Be Blessed!

Teri