Monday, July 14, 2014
Paring it Down
If you have visited this blog in the last year, you have noticed that there has been nothing new. Nothing new on either of my blogs actually. That is not because I've been dead in a ditch or anything like that, just jncredibly busy. Since my last post we have built a new house. WE have built a new house. That takes up a lot of your personal time and energy. Now that we are settled in (mostly), I thought it would be nice to get back to blogging a little. From this point I will only be keeping one blog though. If you are interested you can follow me at my Guarding the Garden blog. Starting today, you will get several new posts. Mostly about sand plums. Like, What is a Sand Plum?, Now What do I do with All These Sand Plums, and You Can Make Something Besides Jelly with A Sand Plums?! Then more on the garden and everything that goes along with it. Gotta go, camp laundry is beeping at me!
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Big News!
It's been awhile, but life has been pretty normal as of late, so nothing much to write about. That is until this morning! My little girl is going to Jerusalem!!! We don't have much detail yet, other than the names of those going. We are so excited for all of them, but admittedly more so for her. She's ours after all. While this may put a kink in our family trip this summer, I wouldn't have it any other way. Barring a tsunami, Hawaii will be there next year. This Jerusalem trip may be a once in a lifetime event!
Never would have thought when I took this that she would be heading to Jerusalem in 20 years.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
So Much Blogging, So Little Time!
Wow! It has been a while since I've sat down to do this. There has been a lot going on since August. I guess a lot has happened here and around the world.. I'll assume you watch the new, so I won't bore you with headlines. I'll just bore you with the goings on around the Burks' household. :-)
August
Camping and hiking near Antonito, CO again this year. No "Death Hike" though. It was great fun, We camped at the opening of a very small cave. Probably really can't even be called a cave, but it did provide adequate shelter from the rain. We took the dog with us too. He even had his own pack. Mainly because I was not going to pack in enough food to feed a 100 pound dog for 4 days.
4th grade officially began and so did Tab's Junior year at AC. She's pretty excited about it with all that is going on. She applied for a job in the publishing department and got it and she was also made RA of her dorm. Along with all that is going on in Jerusalem, it is making for an exciting year.
September
Other than our usual busy time with Holy Days and heading off to the Feast, not much went on. That may be due to everyone we know it seems, including us, being in quarantine for whooping cough. We did hit Oktoberfest in Choctaw and that was about it. Oh, and Elijah began taking Hebrew lessons.
October
Elijah turned 10 on the 14th. He is no longer a single. Well, a single digit at least.
This was also when we actually went to the Feast. Where did we go? Tobago of course. Our 5th time for those of you who are counting. For a little bit of a change this year we spent one night in Trinidad and were introduced to Doubles. Mmm, Mmm, good!
When we got home we began converting Tabitha's room and the office/classroom into an apartment. It has turned out really cute. Full kitchen and bath and a single living/sleeping space. Just perfect for one person.
November
Tabitha turned 21 on the 5th, on the 6th she got her braces mostly off. On the 30th the rest came off.
We went to Elk City to spend Thanksgiving with my family. We also had family pictures made. We have not had professional portraits of our family (the 4 of us) since before, way before, Elijah was born. My parents and my sibling have not had them done since about 2 weeks before I got married. that was 1989. My 15 year-old niece was 2 the last time they had a family picture and that was with us and my brother. I think it was time. We will have grand kids before it happens again. And I am not rushing that!!
December
Not too much going on during the first part of the month. We did take a spur of the moment snowboarding trip. It was just for a couple of days, but lots of fun anyway. We wanted to make sure we got one final trip in just in case the world ended. That was a little anticlimactic! Towards the end of the month we had several friends from around the country and world (well western hemisphere at least) here for a fun dinner one evening. Perhaps the biggest two events this month, in order of occurrence, were Elijah falling out of the tree house and Tabitha being baptized. Really excited about one of them at least. still waiting to see if the other will need surgery.
August
Camping and hiking near Antonito, CO again this year. No "Death Hike" though. It was great fun, We camped at the opening of a very small cave. Probably really can't even be called a cave, but it did provide adequate shelter from the rain. We took the dog with us too. He even had his own pack. Mainly because I was not going to pack in enough food to feed a 100 pound dog for 4 days.
Drew and his pack (backpack)
Part of the Rio Grande-Antonito River
4th grade officially began and so did Tab's Junior year at AC. She's pretty excited about it with all that is going on. She applied for a job in the publishing department and got it and she was also made RA of her dorm. Along with all that is going on in Jerusalem, it is making for an exciting year.
September
Other than our usual busy time with Holy Days and heading off to the Feast, not much went on. That may be due to everyone we know it seems, including us, being in quarantine for whooping cough. We did hit Oktoberfest in Choctaw and that was about it. Oh, and Elijah began taking Hebrew lessons.
October
Elijah turned 10 on the 14th. He is no longer a single. Well, a single digit at least.
This was also when we actually went to the Feast. Where did we go? Tobago of course. Our 5th time for those of you who are counting. For a little bit of a change this year we spent one night in Trinidad and were introduced to Doubles. Mmm, Mmm, good!
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| Englishman's Bay, Tobago-from the beach |
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| Englishman's Bay, Tobago-from the water |
When we got home we began converting Tabitha's room and the office/classroom into an apartment. It has turned out really cute. Full kitchen and bath and a single living/sleeping space. Just perfect for one person.
November
Tabitha turned 21 on the 5th, on the 6th she got her braces mostly off. On the 30th the rest came off.
We went to Elk City to spend Thanksgiving with my family. We also had family pictures made. We have not had professional portraits of our family (the 4 of us) since before, way before, Elijah was born. My parents and my sibling have not had them done since about 2 weeks before I got married. that was 1989. My 15 year-old niece was 2 the last time they had a family picture and that was with us and my brother. I think it was time. We will have grand kids before it happens again. And I am not rushing that!!
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| Mi familia |
December
Not too much going on during the first part of the month. We did take a spur of the moment snowboarding trip. It was just for a couple of days, but lots of fun anyway. We wanted to make sure we got one final trip in just in case the world ended. That was a little anticlimactic! Towards the end of the month we had several friends from around the country and world (well western hemisphere at least) here for a fun dinner one evening. Perhaps the biggest two events this month, in order of occurrence, were Elijah falling out of the tree house and Tabitha being baptized. Really excited about one of them at least. still waiting to see if the other will need surgery.
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| Hopefully the first and only time this will happen to him |
Thursday, August 23, 2012
P.E.
"Physical fitness is not only one of the most keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity."-JFK
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Jamming' With the Sophomores
For the past few years I have demonstrated how to make jams and jellies for the AC sophomore Home EC class. It is always a blast! I have had as many as 11 girls in my kitchen. This year it was just 4 in the Home EC trailer.
We have made a few tried and true jams and some new combinations. Today we made strawberry-peach and kiwi. The girls like to give them as gifts and these turned out looking very nice. The strawberry-peach tasted great! We didn't have any kiwi to taste test though I think there will be some very happy AC guys!
In two weeks we'll make some marshmallows. That's always fun too
We have made a few tried and true jams and some new combinations. Today we made strawberry-peach and kiwi. The girls like to give them as gifts and these turned out looking very nice. The strawberry-peach tasted great! We didn't have any kiwi to taste test though I think there will be some very happy AC guys!
In two weeks we'll make some marshmallows. That's always fun too
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Looking Forward to the Summer
With tomorrow being our last day of golf for the spring session, I realized that I hadn't gotten Elijah signed up for the summer session. Then I began to think about what we would be doing and wondered if we would even have time for it.
First of all, life is going on. Just the everyday activities are expanded in the summer. There is the extra added work of a garden and lawn care. The fruits of the garden (and hopefully there will be many this year) will have to be preserved in one form or another. This usually takes a great deal of time. School work does ease up a bit, but since we school year round, it never really stops. There will be summer reading programs, more field trips, and maybe an extra class or two. Doesn't sound much like a slowdown does it? We are cutting baseball but may add swimming. Not just the regular swim lessons, but we may look for an actual team as well. I think Elijah may be built for it, long and lean.
Next we are looking forward to our new tradition of heading off to the mountains to camp. We had such a great time last year when we went. I expect to be in much better shape this year as well, so it should be more fun. I don't think we will be able to get in two trips again, but we are thinking that hitting Angel Fire and their new zip line will be a great addition to our trip!
Then there is PYC. I don't have a camper going and haven't for a few years. What I have done for the last several years is laundry. That may not sound all that exciting, but it is always a nice time with the ladies and since most of us seem to have little boys, I think they have a lot of fun too. This year there may be a shortage of regular camp workers because there are many (at least we are hoping) heading off to Jerusalem. So, I applied to be a regular camp worker. I am still waiting to hear about that. If accepted, that will make things a bit busier. At least Elijah is old enough to help Jeff out and go with him if necessary. Depending on where I would be needed, he may also be able to come with me. If I end up with laundry again, he'll just go with me as usual.
Then at some point during the summer there is the trip to Elk City to see my mom. I would also love to head down to Possum Kingdom where my family spent a several cummer trips. I haven't been there in years and would love to go camping and fishing down there. Maybe even get is some time with my cousins who still live in the area.
In spite of the busyness (spell check says it is correct at least) of summer, I think we can work in First Tee and only miss one lesson. They don't begin until June 13th, and since May seems to be busiest on Sundays with Mother's Day, a wedding, Tabitha's graduation, our anniversary and a holy day. Oh, and NBA playoffs and Memorial Day. Now, how many would he miss in the fall session?
First of all, life is going on. Just the everyday activities are expanded in the summer. There is the extra added work of a garden and lawn care. The fruits of the garden (and hopefully there will be many this year) will have to be preserved in one form or another. This usually takes a great deal of time. School work does ease up a bit, but since we school year round, it never really stops. There will be summer reading programs, more field trips, and maybe an extra class or two. Doesn't sound much like a slowdown does it? We are cutting baseball but may add swimming. Not just the regular swim lessons, but we may look for an actual team as well. I think Elijah may be built for it, long and lean.
Next we are looking forward to our new tradition of heading off to the mountains to camp. We had such a great time last year when we went. I expect to be in much better shape this year as well, so it should be more fun. I don't think we will be able to get in two trips again, but we are thinking that hitting Angel Fire and their new zip line will be a great addition to our trip!
Then there is PYC. I don't have a camper going and haven't for a few years. What I have done for the last several years is laundry. That may not sound all that exciting, but it is always a nice time with the ladies and since most of us seem to have little boys, I think they have a lot of fun too. This year there may be a shortage of regular camp workers because there are many (at least we are hoping) heading off to Jerusalem. So, I applied to be a regular camp worker. I am still waiting to hear about that. If accepted, that will make things a bit busier. At least Elijah is old enough to help Jeff out and go with him if necessary. Depending on where I would be needed, he may also be able to come with me. If I end up with laundry again, he'll just go with me as usual.
Then at some point during the summer there is the trip to Elk City to see my mom. I would also love to head down to Possum Kingdom where my family spent a several cummer trips. I haven't been there in years and would love to go camping and fishing down there. Maybe even get is some time with my cousins who still live in the area.
In spite of the busyness (spell check says it is correct at least) of summer, I think we can work in First Tee and only miss one lesson. They don't begin until June 13th, and since May seems to be busiest on Sundays with Mother's Day, a wedding, Tabitha's graduation, our anniversary and a holy day. Oh, and NBA playoffs and Memorial Day. Now, how many would he miss in the fall session?
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Pomegranate Deseeder
It really worked. It may be better than the mango splitter. Why can’t I think these things up? And yes, I had pomegranates still in the fridge. They are waaaay out of season right now, but they keep surprsingly well. I am making grenadine as we speak.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Land Run Fun!
Yesterday was the 123rd anniversary of the very first Oklahoma Land Run. We spent the day celebrating with the students of Imperial Academy. In13 the years that I spent in Oklahoma public schools and the 4 that Tabitha spent in them, we had never done this. It was a lot of fun. Here is a brief history of what the land runs were all about.
"April 22 was Oklahoma Day! Previously known as 89ers Day or Land Run Day, it marks the date in 1889 when the Oklahoma Territory opened for settlement. For those who didn't grow up in Oklahoma, Boomers were those souls who waited until the BOOM of the cannon at high noon to set off and stake their homestead. Sooners didn't see a reason to wait and chance losing the prime lands, so they hid out and staked their property a little SOONER than legal." (Yes, the University of Oklahoma has named their sporting teams for a bunch of cheaters. That's my own bit of info there.)
"There were actually seven land runs in Oklahoma. April 22, 1889, the first land run began at high noon and involved the settlement of the Unassigned Lands. In September 1891 there were three land runs to settle Iowa, Sac and Fox, Pottawatomie, and Shawnee lands; County B, later renamed as Pottawatomie County; and County A, later renamed as Lincoln County. On April 19, 1892, a run settled the Cheyenne and Arapaho lands. On Sept. 16, 1893 the largest land run in U.S. history opened nearly 7,000,000 acres of land purchased from the Cherokees for $7,000,000. The final land run was held May 23, 1895 to settle the Kickapoo lands." -events.oucpm.org (Part of the deal with the runs was that you had to make improvements in the land that you were given. You had a certain length of time in which to do it. If you did then the land was yours free and clear.)
After they all staked their claims, we were treated to live music and a great potluck. Then the kids could put up their tents if they brought them. The main stakes Elijah had for his were too blunt to go into the ground, so we made a tent today as part of our history lesson. He is planning on sleeping in it. We'll see how that goes.
They also has games and activities for everyone to enjoy including stilts, wagon races, and bread making
.
 |
| Then |
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| Now |
"April 22 was Oklahoma Day! Previously known as 89ers Day or Land Run Day, it marks the date in 1889 when the Oklahoma Territory opened for settlement. For those who didn't grow up in Oklahoma, Boomers were those souls who waited until the BOOM of the cannon at high noon to set off and stake their homestead. Sooners didn't see a reason to wait and chance losing the prime lands, so they hid out and staked their property a little SOONER than legal." (Yes, the University of Oklahoma has named their sporting teams for a bunch of cheaters. That's my own bit of info there.)
"There were actually seven land runs in Oklahoma. April 22, 1889, the first land run began at high noon and involved the settlement of the Unassigned Lands. In September 1891 there were three land runs to settle Iowa, Sac and Fox, Pottawatomie, and Shawnee lands; County B, later renamed as Pottawatomie County; and County A, later renamed as Lincoln County. On April 19, 1892, a run settled the Cheyenne and Arapaho lands. On Sept. 16, 1893 the largest land run in U.S. history opened nearly 7,000,000 acres of land purchased from the Cherokees for $7,000,000. The final land run was held May 23, 1895 to settle the Kickapoo lands." -events.oucpm.org (Part of the deal with the runs was that you had to make improvements in the land that you were given. You had a certain length of time in which to do it. If you did then the land was yours free and clear.)
After they all staked their claims, we were treated to live music and a great potluck. Then the kids could put up their tents if they brought them. The main stakes Elijah had for his were too blunt to go into the ground, so we made a tent today as part of our history lesson. He is planning on sleeping in it. We'll see how that goes.
They also has games and activities for everyone to enjoy including stilts, wagon races, and bread making
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| Tractor ride bandit |
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| Tabitha |
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| He's not very happy. He jumped off of his bike and the handle bar jammed into his ribs. |
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| Sharing with his friend. |
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
2012 Snowboarding
Finally have a moment to breathe since our trip. We normally just head to Sipapu. This time they only had a room available for part of the time we had set aside, so we went to Angel Fire for a day.
Angel Fire is a nice resort. This was our first time there and we enjoyed it. It is much longer than Sipapu. I only made one run. It's all my poor legs could take.
No one broke anything and everyone managed to stay conscious. This made a good trip even better! Here are a few pics from our day in Angel Fire.
Angel Fire is a nice resort. This was our first time there and we enjoyed it. It is much longer than Sipapu. I only made one run. It's all my poor legs could take.
No one broke anything and everyone managed to stay conscious. This made a good trip even better! Here are a few pics from our day in Angel Fire.
Not sure about this pic. I think I was trying to get video. Elijah learned to go from heel to toe this year! That just leaves me to learn it.
The view from Summit cafe at Angel Fire
Taos Ski Valley in the background
Finally made it down.
We decided to take the long way home this time. It actually wasn't any longer or any slower but it was a nice change of scenery. A portion of one of the highways we took was actually a one lane dirt road. Yes, it was actually a highway. NM 120 to be exact. Then we came to the Canadian River. Here is Oklahoma it is a wide and shallow river for the most part with sandy banks. Not in this part of New Mexico. It has created a canyon. It was a pretty interesting site and we got a few pictures there. After that it was just varying landscapes that we had not seen before. We stopped at Ute Lake briefly. We may camp there for a night this summer. We followed the rain most of the way home. We finally caught up to it about Weatherford. Lovely rainbow greeted us there.
Good bye Angel Fire
Some fatted calves
the road (highway) less traveled
Canadian River Canyon
Again
One end of the rainbow...
...and the other.
Jeff and Elijah in the canyon. No, really.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
The Wait is Over!
Today the AC sophomores found out if they are staying for 2 more years or not. Tabitha is!!! I had to pick her up for a shopping run and she came running out to the car war, slung open the door and tearfully exclaimed, "I'm re-accepted!". I am so very proud of her. She has worked so hard to get to where she is but she was very unsure of what would happen with her reapplication. I'm glad they all know and no longer have to wait. For those going home, i know they will do well if they apply all they have learned while here for the last two years. I wish them all the best and remember you can always reapply if you want to. To those of you who are continuing at AC, I am proud of all of you! Keep up the hard work and keep your focus.
Congrats to all!!
Congrats to all!!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
New Blog
For those of you who don't follow near enough blogs, here is another one. I have decided to keep a seperate blog for my Paleo stuff. I think it will be easier for me to keep track of what is going on with my challenge and the results. I'll post recipes, info, and tips. If you want to follow along, here is the link:
http://practicallypleasingpaleo.blogspot.com/
http://practicallypleasingpaleo.blogspot.com/
Friday, February 24, 2012
Sweet and Sour Sauce
I love teriyaki sauce on my stir fry, but since it is soy, it is a no-no on the Paleo diet. Here is a very easy substitute.
Citrus Sweet and Sour
juice from 1 each
lemon
lime
grapefruit (pink, from Texas of course)
2 tbsp honey
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp granulated garlic
Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce to a simmer and reduce to desired consistency.
Yesterday did not go so well. My blood sugar was low, too low, all day. (I don't think cavemen used insulin, so they didn't have to bring their blood sugars back up.) I drank several ginger ales, ate sugary snacks like they were, well, candy. Then we went to the Thunder/Lakers game and it dropped twice while we were there. That.'s after eating a meal at home before going and another at Toby Keith's (it got low there too). So I finally said the heck with it yesterday and just ate whatever and let me tell you, the baked potato with sour cream and butter and cheese was awesome and it wasn't even that great of a potato. The few bites of Jeff's chicken fried steak were good too! Feeling much better today. Not sure what the deal was, but hoping it doesn't happen again.
Citrus Sweet and Sour
juice from 1 each
lemon
lime
grapefruit (pink, from Texas of course)
2 tbsp honey
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp granulated garlic
Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce to a simmer and reduce to desired consistency.
Yesterday did not go so well. My blood sugar was low, too low, all day. (I don't think cavemen used insulin, so they didn't have to bring their blood sugars back up.) I drank several ginger ales, ate sugary snacks like they were, well, candy. Then we went to the Thunder/Lakers game and it dropped twice while we were there. That.'s after eating a meal at home before going and another at Toby Keith's (it got low there too). So I finally said the heck with it yesterday and just ate whatever and let me tell you, the baked potato with sour cream and butter and cheese was awesome and it wasn't even that great of a potato. The few bites of Jeff's chicken fried steak were good too! Feeling much better today. Not sure what the deal was, but hoping it doesn't happen again.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
The Seniors
Last night the Alumni played the AC Jr./ Sr. Team for the championship. We (Alumni) won ending our season with only one loss. Just a couple of weeks ago Elijah asked why the seniors played the students. I was a bit confused, thinking that the seniors are students. Then it dawned on me,
"Do you mean the old people?"
"Yes."
"We aren't old. I'm the oldest one of the team."
"But it's not fair."
"Why not?"
Is he about to redeem himself?
"Because they are younger and more athletic."
No redemption. My indignant reply?
"Well, we've beaten them all!"
Long live the Seniors!!
"Do you mean the old people?"
"Yes."
"We aren't old. I'm the oldest one of the team."
"But it's not fair."
"Why not?"
Is he about to redeem himself?
"Because they are younger and more athletic."
No redemption. My indignant reply?
"Well, we've beaten them all!"
Long live the Seniors!!
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Three Hurdles
I have found three basic hurdles to a strict paleo lifestyle (besides not scavenging): Cheese, brain farts, and Thunder basketball. Cheese- because I loooooove it, brain farts- not just sticking any food item in my mouth without thinking, and Thunder basketball- water is the only thing at the concession stands that is Paleo.
Cheese I'm doing okay with, even though I really do want a big chunk of Brie right now. it's just sitting in my fridge calling to me as I write this. (Don't worry little Brie, open meal is coming up!) Brain farts are getting better, at least there are fewer of them. Thunder basketball is another story. Well, it wouldn't be if I would just eat before the game. Problem with that is that we leave around 5 to get there.
Solution: I am just going to have to sneak food into the games! So today I am preparing my Thunder snack food. I bought strawberries and they are dehydrating. I have coco-coconut bars I could take or just some nuts. Then I can always take some jerky for some protein.
Paleo is taking a little more planning than I would have liked, so it had better be worth it. Not seeing anything to be able to say one way or the other yet. Of course there have been two Thunder games this week and one more to go.
On another subject. I have been working out one-on-one with Jason at Crossfit OKC. I can see improvements there and I finally did some lifting today. That's the part I like! He told me to be ready for a big workout tomorrow. Great, he may actually be trying to kill me. Especially since he convinced me to buy some fish oil. It helps get rid of excess belly fat. It doesn't come by the gallon though.
Cheese I'm doing okay with, even though I really do want a big chunk of Brie right now. it's just sitting in my fridge calling to me as I write this. (Don't worry little Brie, open meal is coming up!) Brain farts are getting better, at least there are fewer of them. Thunder basketball is another story. Well, it wouldn't be if I would just eat before the game. Problem with that is that we leave around 5 to get there.
Solution: I am just going to have to sneak food into the games! So today I am preparing my Thunder snack food. I bought strawberries and they are dehydrating. I have coco-coconut bars I could take or just some nuts. Then I can always take some jerky for some protein.
Paleo is taking a little more planning than I would have liked, so it had better be worth it. Not seeing anything to be able to say one way or the other yet. Of course there have been two Thunder games this week and one more to go.
On another subject. I have been working out one-on-one with Jason at Crossfit OKC. I can see improvements there and I finally did some lifting today. That's the part I like! He told me to be ready for a big workout tomorrow. Great, he may actually be trying to kill me. Especially since he convinced me to buy some fish oil. It helps get rid of excess belly fat. It doesn't come by the gallon though.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Blast From The past
I got to thinking about this earlier when I was asked what my goals were for Paleo. Do I want to be healthier, stronger, faster? Those are all great and the answer would be "Yes", to all. But if I must be honest, it is purely vanity. I want to look good naked (TMI, I know). Anyway. as I was thinking, this came to mind. Captain Caveman was probably Paleo, and I am pretty sure that is not a look I am going after. Wait, are any of you even old enough to remember Captain Caveman?
Day 4-I Think
I didn't bother to look back to make sure, but I am pretty sure this is day 4. I had a basketball game tonight. It went really well. First of all, I didn't injure anything but my thumb nail, so that's good. Second we won. We played against my daughter's team, this means I am playing girls that are quite literally young enough to be my daughters. This was the least tired I have felt all season.
Well, for breakfast this morning I had leftover Chicken "Noodle " soup. I figure that cavemen probably ate whatever they had around, so I guess I will too. Besides, what makes that any weirder than cold pizza (besides the delicious cheese)? For linner (lunch/dinner) I had ocean perch (wish we could get fresh fish around here) with lemon, smoked paprika and garlic, with cauliflower and salad. on the salad and cauliflower I had a homemade dill vinaigrette. The recipe is below. Then after my game it was a boiled egg and coco-coconut square.The recipe for them is below as well.
Dill Vinaigrette
Ingredients:
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar (some say it's not paleo, some say it's fine you can replace with citrus juice)
1 tbsp honey (or 1 packet of Splenda)
1/2 tsp dried dill weed
1/8 tsp onion powder
1/8 tsp garlic powder
1/8 tsp dry mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
In a blender, combine the oil, vinegar, sugar, dill weed, onion powder, garlic powder, dry mustard. Blend until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate until chilled.
Read more: http://www.marksdailyapple.com/10-delicious-diy-salad-dressings/#ixzz1mn71nB3l
Coco-coconut squares
1/2 cup of each of the following-2 1/2 cups total
raw almonds
raw walnuts
raw pecans
raw macadamia nuts
raw hazelnuts
raw pumpkin seeds
6-10 dates
2-4 tablespoons virgin coconut oil
to taste
cocoa powder
freshly ground coffee (very fine)
Shredded coconut
Place nuts and seeds in food processor and blend t a course meal. Place in a bowl to the side. Put dates and coconut in the processor. Process until smooth. Add nut mixture back and add coconut oil, cocoa, and coffee. Process until it starts to form a ball. (The amount of dates will depend on personal taste and also on how well the mixture sticks together.) Sprinkle shredded coconut evenly in 8x8 dish and spread nut mixture over that. Sprinkle more coconut over the top and press in to mixture. Cut into 1 inch squares. Set in fridge to harden. Best stored in the fridge since coconut oil melts at such a low temperature.
You can also roll the mixture into balls and roll in shredded coconut, or use mini cupcake liners or candy foils and sprinkle with the coconut. The 8x8 pan is the laziest and easiest way to do it!
Well, for breakfast this morning I had leftover Chicken "Noodle " soup. I figure that cavemen probably ate whatever they had around, so I guess I will too. Besides, what makes that any weirder than cold pizza (besides the delicious cheese)? For linner (lunch/dinner) I had ocean perch (wish we could get fresh fish around here) with lemon, smoked paprika and garlic, with cauliflower and salad. on the salad and cauliflower I had a homemade dill vinaigrette. The recipe is below. Then after my game it was a boiled egg and coco-coconut square.The recipe for them is below as well.
Dill Vinaigrette
Ingredients:
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar (some say it's not paleo, some say it's fine you can replace with citrus juice)
1 tbsp honey (or 1 packet of Splenda)
1/2 tsp dried dill weed
1/8 tsp onion powder
1/8 tsp garlic powder
1/8 tsp dry mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Method:
In a blender, combine the oil, vinegar, sugar, dill weed, onion powder, garlic powder, dry mustard. Blend until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate until chilled.
Read more: http://www.marksdailyapple.com/10-delicious-diy-salad-dressings/#ixzz1mn71nB3l
Coco-coconut squares
1/2 cup of each of the following-2 1/2 cups total
raw almonds
raw walnuts
raw pecans
raw macadamia nuts
raw hazelnuts
raw pumpkin seeds
6-10 dates
2-4 tablespoons virgin coconut oil
to taste
cocoa powder
freshly ground coffee (very fine)
Shredded coconut
Place nuts and seeds in food processor and blend t a course meal. Place in a bowl to the side. Put dates and coconut in the processor. Process until smooth. Add nut mixture back and add coconut oil, cocoa, and coffee. Process until it starts to form a ball. (The amount of dates will depend on personal taste and also on how well the mixture sticks together.) Sprinkle shredded coconut evenly in 8x8 dish and spread nut mixture over that. Sprinkle more coconut over the top and press in to mixture. Cut into 1 inch squares. Set in fridge to harden. Best stored in the fridge since coconut oil melts at such a low temperature.
You can also roll the mixture into balls and roll in shredded coconut, or use mini cupcake liners or candy foils and sprinkle with the coconut. The 8x8 pan is the laziest and easiest way to do it!
Friday, February 17, 2012
Day 3 The Taco Salad Dilemma
Yesterday went fine. Turkey, boiled egg, strawberries, and my no grain granola bar (a mistake that turned out to be okay). Then a salad for lunch and dinner. Vinegar really isn't on the Paleo plan but I did use just a bit on my salad. I'll use citrus next time.
Today I really wanted taco salad. How can you do that without chips, cheese, sour cream, and olives? Here's how- leave them out! Fine, but now you have meat and lettuce with some tomatoes, mmmmm! Well, since cheese is gone I added a boiled egg for a little more protein. To replace the sour cream or any dressing I just stirred in some guacamole. It was good but man I miss the cheese!
Now time to get dinner ready. Friday is dessert night so I am going to try coconut milk ice cream. If it's good I'll let you know.
Today I really wanted taco salad. How can you do that without chips, cheese, sour cream, and olives? Here's how- leave them out! Fine, but now you have meat and lettuce with some tomatoes, mmmmm! Well, since cheese is gone I added a boiled egg for a little more protein. To replace the sour cream or any dressing I just stirred in some guacamole. It was good but man I miss the cheese!
Now time to get dinner ready. Friday is dessert night so I am going to try coconut milk ice cream. If it's good I'll let you know.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Oops
What do you do if you let you granola process too long and it turns into a paste? Press it into an 8x8 pan and bake for 20 minutes. Then you will have something like a Lara Bar. I used figs in this batch (didn't have enough dates). We'll see how it goes. It smells like Fig Newtons. Mmmm!
I tried frothing my coconut milk this morning. It did okay. I also put a little cocoa powder in my coffee grounds. It makes the stevia a little easier to take.
So, it is only day two and I have already found that one of the bigger challenges will be not snacking off of what I make for the guys. Tuesday was my last night of regular eating. We went to the Thunder game so before it we stopped at Toby Keith's. I love the nachos there but they could feed 4 people so I brought the rest home. I heated them up for Elijah and before I even realized it I had eaten 3. Sooooo not on the Paleo diet. Old habits die hard I guess. Oh, did I mention we stopped at Marble Slab after the game? Might as well go out with a bang!
I tried frothing my coconut milk this morning. It did okay. I also put a little cocoa powder in my coffee grounds. It makes the stevia a little easier to take.
So, it is only day two and I have already found that one of the bigger challenges will be not snacking off of what I make for the guys. Tuesday was my last night of regular eating. We went to the Thunder game so before it we stopped at Toby Keith's. I love the nachos there but they could feed 4 people so I brought the rest home. I heated them up for Elijah and before I even realized it I had eaten 3. Sooooo not on the Paleo diet. Old habits die hard I guess. Oh, did I mention we stopped at Marble Slab after the game? Might as well go out with a bang!
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Day 1
Day 1 started out a bit hectic. The girl called saying she was sick and needed some delicious soup. So I started the morning out making soup. Then I hit the shower and headed out for my workout with Jason. He has yet to kill me! On the way I realized I had forgotten to eat breakfast. Fine, I'm sure cavemen missed meals but they didn't take insulin. I do, so I had to get something. Mickey D's offers nothing, no time to hit the store. Subway, here I come! Ordered a flatbread omelette minus the cheese, added turkey, spinach, and tomatoes plus a bag of apple chips (they are apples and lemon juice only). Tossed the flatbread and headed to Crossfit.
I had taken the girl her soup and we had it for lunch at home too. Chicken "Noodle". Just make your favorite recipe minus any non Paleo ingredients and use spaghetti squash in place of the noodles!
I had taken the girl her soup and we had it for lunch at home too. Chicken "Noodle". Just make your favorite recipe minus any non Paleo ingredients and use spaghetti squash in place of the noodles!
Monday, February 13, 2012
What is Paleo? Why Try It?
What did cavemen eat? Well, contrary to popular belief, I wasn't around back then, so I can't say for sure. Fortunately for the world, (I need sarcasm font) science believes it has figured it out. That is what this Paleo lifestyle (not a diet they say) is all about. They feel our "ancestors" lived healthier lifestyle than we do today, mainly due to the foods they ate. Once again, I wasn't there so I can't vouch for that. I also know that they were not my ancestors. Why then would I want to eat like them. I mean they were probably scavengers as well as hunters and that does not appeal to me at all. And the first time the hubby tries to drag me somewhere by my hair, well, let's just say that will be the last time he does it too! I digress. Again, why would I want to eat like a caveman? In a few words-maybe I can lose some weight and feel a little more energetic.
Here it is as simply as I can put it:
-cavemen were hunter/gathers and did not farm, there for they would have eaten very little, if any, grain, legumes, dairy, or concentrated sweets (sugar, honey, maple syrup).
--since they did not farm or raise livestock their meats would have been wild and subsisted on a grass diet, not one of grains. Their fish and seafood would have also been wild and not farm raised. This also means they would have had more omega-3 acids in their meat.
--They would not have had access to processed foods. No Twinkies, not TV dinners, no Buffalo Wild Wings (poor guys). They also have eaten a lot of raw foods. Very simple meals.
What busy mom these days wouldn't love to have simple meals all the time? Sounds good to me. And raw foods means less cooking, therefore less clean up. Right?
So here are some things to avoid in your Paleo lifestyle (not a diet, remember):
--Grains-even ancient grains, sprouted grains, and grain-like seeds-buckwheat, amaranth, quinoa
--dairy products-all dairy products (I will miss you cheese)
--legumes-beans, peas, peanuts, lentils, miso, soybeans
--Starchy veggies-potatoes (sweet too), starchy tubers, tapioca (that will be a hard one, not)
--Salty foods-condiments, bacon, processed meats, olives
--fatty meats-bacon, ribs, fatty cuts of meat, lamb
--fruit juice
--concentrated sweets, including honey and maple syrup (although these two can be used in strict moderation), candy, cookies cakes
--anything containing any of these products
Now you are thinking "Great! What can I have? That is my entire diet!" I know, that is the typical American diet (lifestyle). Here you go:
--lean meats of any kind-preferably grass fed or free range, organ meats also
--wild or game meats-bison, deer, elk, fish, turkey
--eggs-about 1 a day, remember, for cavemen these would have been seasonal
--Nuts and seeds-but not peanuts, they are a legumes. Walnuts are the best. You want a good ratio of omega 6/omega 3
--flax seed and it's oil
--low glycemic fruits and veggies-basically stay away from the starchy veggies.
--dried fruits in moderation
The Paleo Diet-Loren Cordain, PhD is a great reference book. It has a lot of info and some good recipe ideas. I would recommend reading through it if you are interested. Also check out www.everydaypaleo.com This mom and Crossfitter has some great recipes and info on her site. She also has some personal examples of how it has affected her family's life since they started eating this way.
Two more day of the American diet and then I will try this new lifestyle Will I stick with it? I don't know. I may only make it two days and then decide I want my dairy. Especially my cheese. One day at a time for the next 30 is what I am aiming for. I'll have some more info in my next post.
Here it is as simply as I can put it:
-cavemen were hunter/gathers and did not farm, there for they would have eaten very little, if any, grain, legumes, dairy, or concentrated sweets (sugar, honey, maple syrup).
--since they did not farm or raise livestock their meats would have been wild and subsisted on a grass diet, not one of grains. Their fish and seafood would have also been wild and not farm raised. This also means they would have had more omega-3 acids in their meat.
--They would not have had access to processed foods. No Twinkies, not TV dinners, no Buffalo Wild Wings (poor guys). They also have eaten a lot of raw foods. Very simple meals.
What busy mom these days wouldn't love to have simple meals all the time? Sounds good to me. And raw foods means less cooking, therefore less clean up. Right?
So here are some things to avoid in your Paleo lifestyle (not a diet, remember):
--Grains-even ancient grains, sprouted grains, and grain-like seeds-buckwheat, amaranth, quinoa
--dairy products-all dairy products (I will miss you cheese)
--legumes-beans, peas, peanuts, lentils, miso, soybeans
--Starchy veggies-potatoes (sweet too), starchy tubers, tapioca (that will be a hard one, not)
--Salty foods-condiments, bacon, processed meats, olives
--fatty meats-bacon, ribs, fatty cuts of meat, lamb
--fruit juice
--concentrated sweets, including honey and maple syrup (although these two can be used in strict moderation), candy, cookies cakes
--anything containing any of these products
Now you are thinking "Great! What can I have? That is my entire diet!" I know, that is the typical American diet (lifestyle). Here you go:
--lean meats of any kind-preferably grass fed or free range, organ meats also
--wild or game meats-bison, deer, elk, fish, turkey
--eggs-about 1 a day, remember, for cavemen these would have been seasonal
--Nuts and seeds-but not peanuts, they are a legumes. Walnuts are the best. You want a good ratio of omega 6/omega 3
--flax seed and it's oil
--low glycemic fruits and veggies-basically stay away from the starchy veggies.
--dried fruits in moderation
The Paleo Diet-Loren Cordain, PhD is a great reference book. It has a lot of info and some good recipe ideas. I would recommend reading through it if you are interested. Also check out www.everydaypaleo.com This mom and Crossfitter has some great recipes and info on her site. She also has some personal examples of how it has affected her family's life since they started eating this way.
Two more day of the American diet and then I will try this new lifestyle Will I stick with it? I don't know. I may only make it two days and then decide I want my dairy. Especially my cheese. One day at a time for the next 30 is what I am aiming for. I'll have some more info in my next post.
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