So, this morning, I was out of sunbutter (sunflower seed butter). I wanted toast but I did not want eggs. I had some raw sunflower seeds and my food processor and got to work. I put about 1 1/2 cups of sunflower seeds and blitzed them until they started to stick. Then, I added some sea salt and sunflower oil. After some vanilla, honey, cinnamon, a dash of allspice and lots of trial and error, I made my own sunbutter. You can too (be sure to taste after each blitzed addition).
Spiced Sunflower Seed Butter
1 1/2 cups of raw unsalted sunflower seeds (feel free to use roasted...but, unsalted)
1/2-3/4 t. sea salt (to taste)
2 T. honey (add an extra if needed)
1 t. cinnamon
1/4 t. allspice
1-2 t. vanilla (to taste)
4 T. sunflower oil
Blitz all in your food processor! Put on toast or anything else you would use with peanut butter (don't get me started on how bad peanuts are for our bodies!).
Please note that they do sell sunflower butter at our local grocer. But, I had spent so much on pantry staples on a single trip to Whole Foods, Trader Joe's and Fruitful Yield earlier this month (but, I saved by doing it all in one trip, right?) that I was determined to not buy anymore for the pantry until next month! That, I have decided is a really good way to try new recipes! Enjoy!
Dairy-Free Artichoke Spinach Spread (and pizza topping!)
This evening, I wanted to fit more veggies into our dinner of salad and pizza. So, I grabbed a can of artichokes and some frozen organic spinach (both from Trader Joe's) and some goat cheese and 2 cloves of garlic and blitzed it my trusty food processor! Result: Hello Yum!
3/4 of a bag (about 2 cups) of Trader Joe's frozen organic spinach ( I could have added the whole bag)
1 can of artichoke hearts in water (mine were from Trader Joe's)
1/4 t. sea salt
1/4 c. goat cheese
2 cloves garlic
After spreading my gf pizza dough (I like Pamela's brand) with my sauce, I dolloped this spread on the pizza (with no other cheese) and put it in the oven to finish cooking. Again, Hello Yum!
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Self Expectations
Recently, our nephew and his family stayed with us. My 6-year-old did not remember, until they arrived, that three of them did not speak English (including the two kids), as they live in Mexico.
I was a little surprised (mixed feelings, really...pride? protectiveness?) to find him in his room with his door closed shortly after he greeted them with a wave (instead of words). He had his Spanish-English books out, trying to figure out what words he wanted to use to communicate with them. I assured him that he would be able to easily communicate with the girls through play and that he could speak English whenever he wanted. He did not believe me at first; but, he opened up and soon no one could see the language barrier.
Today, my 3-year-old was at his library story hour (among mostly 4-year-olds). They were spelling out "a-p-p-l-e" in a variety of ways and identifying letters. When we got to the car to come home, he told me that "he wanted to do his letters on the computer" (he really likes www.starfall.com). I did not know what to say; but, I do know that I do not want to put more pressure on him than he is already putting on himself. I just want to make available to him opportunities to learn.
I was a little surprised (mixed feelings, really...pride? protectiveness?) to find him in his room with his door closed shortly after he greeted them with a wave (instead of words). He had his Spanish-English books out, trying to figure out what words he wanted to use to communicate with them. I assured him that he would be able to easily communicate with the girls through play and that he could speak English whenever he wanted. He did not believe me at first; but, he opened up and soon no one could see the language barrier.
Today, my 3-year-old was at his library story hour (among mostly 4-year-olds). They were spelling out "a-p-p-l-e" in a variety of ways and identifying letters. When we got to the car to come home, he told me that "he wanted to do his letters on the computer" (he really likes www.starfall.com). I did not know what to say; but, I do know that I do not want to put more pressure on him than he is already putting on himself. I just want to make available to him opportunities to learn.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
My Dad
Well, my dad's last visit to our naturopathic doctor was good. His trans fats are going down and his overall health is improving. His short-term memory has definitely improved and he is now down to just two medications a day. He is taking chlorella and amino acids to reduce the toxins in his body and further enable his body to heal. He experiences very little pain and sleeps well at night and gets around well during the day. We even recently got a basketball hoop for him from Freecycle (thank you again, kind lady!) because that has always been his favorite pastime. He has already enjoyed making baskets (lowered a bit; but, high enough for an ego boost!).
However, he has had a dramatic weight loss in the last few months. He only weighs 126 now (and, he is 6'2"). I honestly don't know how much he weighed in February or even last year. I do know that it seemed his weight loss was slow at first (I thought because of his eating healthier); but, it has seemed to go faster the last 3-4 months...and, obviously there is not more to lose! I was concerned about that and his muscle weakness; so, I contacted his medical doctor. She ran some blood tests which revealed some slight anemia, but nothing else. She probed him and checked his heart and lungs and said, "he does not have much time left." I started crying (thankfully, my dad was not in the room). She may be right; but, she may be wrong. Only God knows when he will take my dad home.
After consulting with my siblings (who have offered their input), we do not want to do any invasive, risky and uncomfortable tests because we also don't want him to go through treatment that could be painful in his already weakened state. I hope that I am doing the best things for him--keeping him as happy and as comfortable as I can, as long as I can. I pray that when his time comes, he is not in pain (physical or emotional) and that he is at peace. Amen.
However, he has had a dramatic weight loss in the last few months. He only weighs 126 now (and, he is 6'2"). I honestly don't know how much he weighed in February or even last year. I do know that it seemed his weight loss was slow at first (I thought because of his eating healthier); but, it has seemed to go faster the last 3-4 months...and, obviously there is not more to lose! I was concerned about that and his muscle weakness; so, I contacted his medical doctor. She ran some blood tests which revealed some slight anemia, but nothing else. She probed him and checked his heart and lungs and said, "he does not have much time left." I started crying (thankfully, my dad was not in the room). She may be right; but, she may be wrong. Only God knows when he will take my dad home.
After consulting with my siblings (who have offered their input), we do not want to do any invasive, risky and uncomfortable tests because we also don't want him to go through treatment that could be painful in his already weakened state. I hope that I am doing the best things for him--keeping him as happy and as comfortable as I can, as long as I can. I pray that when his time comes, he is not in pain (physical or emotional) and that he is at peace. Amen.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Hawai'i, The Best of
My youngest will say that his favorite part of our trip was the airplane (or, should I say airplanes...4 altogether!)...and, after he thinks about it a bit, "the bowl-cano". He also talks about the "Wiki-Wiki" bus from the airport ("wiki" means, quick).
My oldest has said that he loved snorkeling; but, I watched him soak up every minute of our trip. From experiencing the airplane, a new place, a live volcano, the underwater world and wonderful food to just chilling on the beach. My favorite was finding him often just sitting on our balcony, watching the ocean.
On our first night on the Big Island of Hawai'i, our youngest was up at 2am (7am our time!); so, my husband took him for a walk outside. My oldest and I were up by 4am; and, the sky that first night was so clear, we could see (what seemed like) the whole solar system! Unfortunately (oddly, I still think), that was the only night it was clear (not clouds, maybe pollution?).
One day, we decided to take a trip to the active volcano on the other side of the island. We got a map (the travel director pointed out all the "must-sees" along the way) and we headed to our first, "must-see"...a beautiful, scenic view (and, for the brave with a 4x4, a very steep drive to a pretty beach). It WAS beautiful; and, I am glad we saw it. But, we had a volcano to get to! Next stop, Akaka Falls (waterfalls!).
On the road to Akaka Falls, we stopped at a farmstand and bought some not possible to be fresher bananas and some homemade passionfruit lemonade. The cool thing was that he let us sample all the DIFFERENT KINDS of bananas (I recall apple bananas and sucres...but, there were more!). So, we got some of the ones we liked. The cool thing is, here at home this past week, when my boys and I went to the grocery store, they spotted some red bananas and wanted to try them (so, I bought them!). Love that! Oh, yes and Akaka Falls was breathtaking and lovely. Then, we headed to the town of Hilo for lunch.
Lunch took a looooong time (they must've been on "island time"); so, when we were done, we decided to head back to our hotel, feeling like the boys were tired and it was too late to head on to the volcano. The next day, we actually went back (straight there! no stops this time...except for the smoothie place we passed on the scenic road last time).
The volcano was amazing. It is incredible to not just know, but to SEE that the earth is ALIVE and burning inside. It was neat to hear stories and see the steam vents and realize how the islands were formed in the first place. I loved seeing it through my children's eyes.
We also felt we had to take a snorkeling trip. Our youngest loves boats and they both "practiced" snorkeling; but only our 6yo went (on a special board with a mask on which we could push him around). He was enthralled at the world under water. He had gotten an ocean creature book at the volcano gift shop the previous day and he knew what he was looking at (lots of "brain coral")! Our 3yo still loved the boat. It was a lovely day and a beautiful sail. I LOVE snorkeling and I LOVE sailing.
We spent our last full day just hanging out on the beach (me in a hammock...ahhh...I also LOVE hammocks). It could not have been more perfect and yes, we wanted to stay. We still daydream about what we could do to live there.
But, alas we had to say, "goodbye". When we went down to the beach to say goodbye to the ocean, my oldest and I had stayed behind a bit, watching a turtle (we saw many...they are so cool). And, when we looked again, that old turtle had one flipper up in the air, waving (totally serious). I showed my son that he was waving goodbye and he asked how he knew we were leaving. I said, "magic" (and, also, he MUST have heard us!). But, maybe we should have said, "See you later". We do hope to go back to Hawai'i again someday...SOON!
My oldest has said that he loved snorkeling; but, I watched him soak up every minute of our trip. From experiencing the airplane, a new place, a live volcano, the underwater world and wonderful food to just chilling on the beach. My favorite was finding him often just sitting on our balcony, watching the ocean.
On our first night on the Big Island of Hawai'i, our youngest was up at 2am (7am our time!); so, my husband took him for a walk outside. My oldest and I were up by 4am; and, the sky that first night was so clear, we could see (what seemed like) the whole solar system! Unfortunately (oddly, I still think), that was the only night it was clear (not clouds, maybe pollution?).
One day, we decided to take a trip to the active volcano on the other side of the island. We got a map (the travel director pointed out all the "must-sees" along the way) and we headed to our first, "must-see"...a beautiful, scenic view (and, for the brave with a 4x4, a very steep drive to a pretty beach). It WAS beautiful; and, I am glad we saw it. But, we had a volcano to get to! Next stop, Akaka Falls (waterfalls!).
On the road to Akaka Falls, we stopped at a farmstand and bought some not possible to be fresher bananas and some homemade passionfruit lemonade. The cool thing was that he let us sample all the DIFFERENT KINDS of bananas (I recall apple bananas and sucres...but, there were more!). So, we got some of the ones we liked. The cool thing is, here at home this past week, when my boys and I went to the grocery store, they spotted some red bananas and wanted to try them (so, I bought them!). Love that! Oh, yes and Akaka Falls was breathtaking and lovely. Then, we headed to the town of Hilo for lunch.
Lunch took a looooong time (they must've been on "island time"); so, when we were done, we decided to head back to our hotel, feeling like the boys were tired and it was too late to head on to the volcano. The next day, we actually went back (straight there! no stops this time...except for the smoothie place we passed on the scenic road last time).
The volcano was amazing. It is incredible to not just know, but to SEE that the earth is ALIVE and burning inside. It was neat to hear stories and see the steam vents and realize how the islands were formed in the first place. I loved seeing it through my children's eyes.
We also felt we had to take a snorkeling trip. Our youngest loves boats and they both "practiced" snorkeling; but only our 6yo went (on a special board with a mask on which we could push him around). He was enthralled at the world under water. He had gotten an ocean creature book at the volcano gift shop the previous day and he knew what he was looking at (lots of "brain coral")! Our 3yo still loved the boat. It was a lovely day and a beautiful sail. I LOVE snorkeling and I LOVE sailing.
We spent our last full day just hanging out on the beach (me in a hammock...ahhh...I also LOVE hammocks). It could not have been more perfect and yes, we wanted to stay. We still daydream about what we could do to live there.
But, alas we had to say, "goodbye". When we went down to the beach to say goodbye to the ocean, my oldest and I had stayed behind a bit, watching a turtle (we saw many...they are so cool). And, when we looked again, that old turtle had one flipper up in the air, waving (totally serious). I showed my son that he was waving goodbye and he asked how he knew we were leaving. I said, "magic" (and, also, he MUST have heard us!). But, maybe we should have said, "See you later". We do hope to go back to Hawai'i again someday...SOON!
Friday, July 6, 2012
Update on My Dad
Since his visit to the naturopathic doctor and implementation of the dietary changes she suggested, my dad has been doing very well mentally. His vision has also improved.
For example, this morning, before breakfast, I told him that it was going to be the hottest day of the year today and we had to be careful...and, when he finished breakfast he decided to stay inside (he usually sits outside for a bit in the morning) "because it's too hot out". His short-term memory and his awareness of us has definitely improved.
Being more aware of others, he is also his old "sensitive" self at times. For example, we walked to the car ahead of Dad so we could start the a/c; but, when he got to the car, he said, "I'm sorry I'm so slow" (that made me a little sad...but,also a little happy because he was aware of us). I was also crying about something last week and he asked me what was wrong (that made me cry some more...happy that I had a piece of "my dad").
He called me by my name for the first time since he has lived with us (a year now!).
He had a setback when he was talking gibberish one morning (I was worried and called all the docs...and, it went away while I was talking to them). We got him checked out that day; and, he did not have any infections or noticeable changes. But, over the next couple of days, I noticed some physical limitations appear. After a week, I called the doctor and they prescribed more physical therapy; so, please say a prayer for him that his physical abilities improve with his mental ones!
Thank you, God, for giving us the ability to heal him with things on Your Earth, things from Nature, especially love. We are grateful every day to have him with us (even when it is hard.). Thank you.
For example, this morning, before breakfast, I told him that it was going to be the hottest day of the year today and we had to be careful...and, when he finished breakfast he decided to stay inside (he usually sits outside for a bit in the morning) "because it's too hot out". His short-term memory and his awareness of us has definitely improved.
Being more aware of others, he is also his old "sensitive" self at times. For example, we walked to the car ahead of Dad so we could start the a/c; but, when he got to the car, he said, "I'm sorry I'm so slow" (that made me a little sad...but,also a little happy because he was aware of us). I was also crying about something last week and he asked me what was wrong (that made me cry some more...happy that I had a piece of "my dad").
He called me by my name for the first time since he has lived with us (a year now!).
He had a setback when he was talking gibberish one morning (I was worried and called all the docs...and, it went away while I was talking to them). We got him checked out that day; and, he did not have any infections or noticeable changes. But, over the next couple of days, I noticed some physical limitations appear. After a week, I called the doctor and they prescribed more physical therapy; so, please say a prayer for him that his physical abilities improve with his mental ones!
Thank you, God, for giving us the ability to heal him with things on Your Earth, things from Nature, especially love. We are grateful every day to have him with us (even when it is hard.). Thank you.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Gluten Free on a Budget
I love that there are more gluten free products (every day, it seems)...but, they all come at a cost. The cost of better ingredients can be daunting, especially for frugal moms like me!
Here are a handful of pointers that might help:
I have made my own pizza crust (thank you, "Healthy Breads in Five Minutes a Day"); but, when I don't have a few hours to let it rise, the next best thing is, "Pamela's Bread Mix" (also for pizza crust and bagels and more). There are a few different Pamela's products (I get mine from Kroger); so, be sure it is the one for pizza crust. We recently tried it and it is about half the price of buying Udi's crusts (for the same quantity of pizza, you would need 2, 2-paks of Udi's). Be careful when baking though...the 2 times I have made this, it takes much less time to cook than it notes on the package. Another money saver: I also make my own sauce...almost always...it takes like a minute (I buy the Private Selection Organic canned tomatoes from Kroger) and is always super yummy. I always start with olive oil, then fresh garlic, then tomatoes, then salt (sometimes I add basil and/or oregano, fresh or dry, to taste)...whizzed by my handy dandy immersion blender (or, with a potato masher when we are on vacation and there isn't one!)
I always buy dried beans and rice, cook them and freeze them in batches. They taste so much better and are much, much cheaper!
I try to always find gluten free bread on sale and stock the freezer! I do the same with waffles and the like. But, bread is what I buy the most...the other stuff, I prefer to make from scratch.
I find the store/s that sell the products I like (sometimes online) at the best regular price and get it when I am there. If I happen to find my favorites on sale, I always stock up.
I have lots of recipes within my blog that are gluten and/or dairy free and I like to find recipes and inspiration for new ingredients on others' blogs, too.
For nuts and dried fruit (usually plums and cranberries), and freeze-dried fruit (no sugar, easy to take anywhere, awesomely delicious), we stock up at Trader Joe's. They keep adding to their gluten free cache. They also sell unrefined coconut oil for an outrageously low price (perfect for granola or raw cookies or anything, really). They have gf pasta for less than most places and it is delish! They also sell Udi's bread there for about a dollar less than other grocery stores.
That is all I can think of for now. Do you want to share any ideas? My youngest brother and his family are going to try going gluten free to see if it helps their allergies! Say a little prayer. Frugally good eating!
Here are a handful of pointers that might help:
I have made my own pizza crust (thank you, "Healthy Breads in Five Minutes a Day"); but, when I don't have a few hours to let it rise, the next best thing is, "Pamela's Bread Mix" (also for pizza crust and bagels and more). There are a few different Pamela's products (I get mine from Kroger); so, be sure it is the one for pizza crust. We recently tried it and it is about half the price of buying Udi's crusts (for the same quantity of pizza, you would need 2, 2-paks of Udi's). Be careful when baking though...the 2 times I have made this, it takes much less time to cook than it notes on the package. Another money saver: I also make my own sauce...almost always...it takes like a minute (I buy the Private Selection Organic canned tomatoes from Kroger) and is always super yummy. I always start with olive oil, then fresh garlic, then tomatoes, then salt (sometimes I add basil and/or oregano, fresh or dry, to taste)...whizzed by my handy dandy immersion blender (or, with a potato masher when we are on vacation and there isn't one!)
I always buy dried beans and rice, cook them and freeze them in batches. They taste so much better and are much, much cheaper!
I try to always find gluten free bread on sale and stock the freezer! I do the same with waffles and the like. But, bread is what I buy the most...the other stuff, I prefer to make from scratch.
I find the store/s that sell the products I like (sometimes online) at the best regular price and get it when I am there. If I happen to find my favorites on sale, I always stock up.
I have lots of recipes within my blog that are gluten and/or dairy free and I like to find recipes and inspiration for new ingredients on others' blogs, too.
For nuts and dried fruit (usually plums and cranberries), and freeze-dried fruit (no sugar, easy to take anywhere, awesomely delicious), we stock up at Trader Joe's. They keep adding to their gluten free cache. They also sell unrefined coconut oil for an outrageously low price (perfect for granola or raw cookies or anything, really). They have gf pasta for less than most places and it is delish! They also sell Udi's bread there for about a dollar less than other grocery stores.
That is all I can think of for now. Do you want to share any ideas? My youngest brother and his family are going to try going gluten free to see if it helps their allergies! Say a little prayer. Frugally good eating!
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Let's Talk about the Naturopathic Doctor!
I took my father to see a Naturopathic Doctor a couple of weeks ago. My dad had a stroke in 2008 and has dementia, high blood pressure, diabetes, glaucoma and a few other things. But, since getting him off about 6 medications recently, I have seen a drastic improvement in his health. Even though I already knew the benefits of healing outside the pharmaceutical/chemical world, I was not sure my dad could still be helped.
I am now more optimistic. This doctor assessed my Dad's health and prescribed a probiotic because he has a build up of yeast in his body. She recommended a gluten free and dairy free diet (also, no sugar and very little meat) so that his body can focus on healing, which she said IS POSSIBLE. It is possible to heal blocked arteries, high blood pressure, diabetes, cataracts (and lots of other things!) just by changing your diet! She recommended organic whenever possible to minimize any chemicals interfering with natural body functions (including personal care products...remember what goes ON our bodies still goes IN!). She said Dad has a build up of trans fats in his body which need to be minimized by increasing his consumption of vegetables (raw is best, steamed is next, roasted is next...after that, there are not many nutrients left). Fortunately, we already do many of these things...we just had to take it to the next level.
After he is on this diet for a couple of months, she wants to work on reducing the metals in his body that are furthering his dementia. When we reduce the metals, we can slow it down.
I look forward to keeping you posted on his progress. I like learning more about how to care for my dad because it also helps me take better care of myself and the rest of my family!
I am now more optimistic. This doctor assessed my Dad's health and prescribed a probiotic because he has a build up of yeast in his body. She recommended a gluten free and dairy free diet (also, no sugar and very little meat) so that his body can focus on healing, which she said IS POSSIBLE. It is possible to heal blocked arteries, high blood pressure, diabetes, cataracts (and lots of other things!) just by changing your diet! She recommended organic whenever possible to minimize any chemicals interfering with natural body functions (including personal care products...remember what goes ON our bodies still goes IN!). She said Dad has a build up of trans fats in his body which need to be minimized by increasing his consumption of vegetables (raw is best, steamed is next, roasted is next...after that, there are not many nutrients left). Fortunately, we already do many of these things...we just had to take it to the next level.
After he is on this diet for a couple of months, she wants to work on reducing the metals in his body that are furthering his dementia. When we reduce the metals, we can slow it down.
I look forward to keeping you posted on his progress. I like learning more about how to care for my dad because it also helps me take better care of myself and the rest of my family!
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