tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80613173583225748632024-03-04T22:47:58.793-08:00Papa's Toolshed Mama's KitchenA go-to for healthy eats and sweet DIY projects.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger98125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8061317358322574863.post-33812009632253999772013-03-28T09:04:00.005-07:002013-03-28T09:27:10.049-07:00March Projects<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This month I have been feeling really cool with my little projects.</div>
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I made cupcake toppers for the first time. Okay, now I know what all the rage is about. </div>
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They turn a party into a fiesta! haha. I also broke out my sewing machine. Our home is so tiny my sewing machine doesn't have a place to hang outside of it's box. But I have plans to turn a corner of our room into a craft area for me. So excited about that! (We kicked Athena out of our room. She is now sleeping with the big girls! And we feel like adults again now that we don't have to tip toes around snoring infants.)</div>
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A friend of mine is always posting super cute dresses she makes for her daughter. I decided enough was enough! I cut out a couple rectangles and sewed up this dress for Thérèse. Okay, so it wasn't that easy. It did only take me one afternoon, but since I didn't have a pattern and not much clue as to what I was doing, (I have never gathered before), I'm going to have to devote some more time to fixing it. And such is life. We got some fabric so I can make Monique a dress as well, but I have already come into problems with it since I want to add a sash. Clearly I have no idea how to do that.</div>
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Here is Thérèse's dress made from scraps of fabric and ribbon from around our home.<br />
The same friend gave me her fabric scraps! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaN4buaw_e78UBTlNmthFabzSdpvVT_YvR7Fd-XMlVNneEeWGL8mVE5nzsVe0l9UvmtUTM29vGtUlI4da-9XovB9_A2JVEgruAXQAOJzmUl6DF_CHBVBvXZj3gJtAQti048ulI9axTh3M/s1600/IMG_0325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaN4buaw_e78UBTlNmthFabzSdpvVT_YvR7Fd-XMlVNneEeWGL8mVE5nzsVe0l9UvmtUTM29vGtUlI4da-9XovB9_A2JVEgruAXQAOJzmUl6DF_CHBVBvXZj3gJtAQti048ulI9axTh3M/s640/IMG_0325.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJC-52bE2eelq9dmJFe4ieZUKbzSXlw4CZleEzaobGp9QNmYDu9sOLGZk40pIPq-29YD99GX7RGYN_YM2eVJO7H0IuSinFWZ2_iDU8BMlmclG5i4LkVo8ZXu_obNlxyk4zBRbvGUI61YI/s1600/IMG_0330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJC-52bE2eelq9dmJFe4ieZUKbzSXlw4CZleEzaobGp9QNmYDu9sOLGZk40pIPq-29YD99GX7RGYN_YM2eVJO7H0IuSinFWZ2_iDU8BMlmclG5i4LkVo8ZXu_obNlxyk4zBRbvGUI61YI/s640/IMG_0330.JPG" width="426" /> </a></div>
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Had a mini desert inauguration party on inauguration day. </div>
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You can find these awesome cupcake toppers and bunting <a href="http://christilynnphotography.wordpress.com/2013/03/15/throw-a-pope-party/">here</a>. </div>
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Served Babycakes NYC blondies the girls and I made. They were soooooooo</div>
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so so so so good. My husband requested we keep them around the house all the time. We've made these multiple times before but, I guess we just forgot how mind blowing delicious gluten-free, dairy-free goodies can be. I have the cookbook, but you can find the recipe online <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/40357071/Blondie-Recipe-From-BabyCakes-by-Erin-McKenna#.UVPBP4W1dBB">here</a>, along with Zooey Deschanels personal testimony of her deep love for them. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32o4-7F9qIQTab86G0r00aGg21eJImoMvC4xhmq7mtV0iYEoqD5AQGRaSakR-g-1E-XM8gfdpbvN_1Cm92mbtr8CDs4nbUiCEr5o8Kns9sUr4VEXN87g8VevqaB1oTH5cuE78Mhd4oUE/s1600/IMG_0386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32o4-7F9qIQTab86G0r00aGg21eJImoMvC4xhmq7mtV0iYEoqD5AQGRaSakR-g-1E-XM8gfdpbvN_1Cm92mbtr8CDs4nbUiCEr5o8Kns9sUr4VEXN87g8VevqaB1oTH5cuE78Mhd4oUE/s640/IMG_0386.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I was pretty excited to learn that a couple recipes I posted on The Kind Life were given four and five stars! Now that's just amazing. Thank you to those kind people who tasted and rated these dishes! You can find the recipe gallery <a href="http://thekindlife.com/recipes/2">here</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-wmblWxYEzXSIOzHq8rN5h3imAEZF5CaDBIkbA1HJi3nWY3MXWD1K1u53DL7VO7OYaBMT3o0hGJnIi4a3rHdN2UOvhkKCQ6BlwEShvjPTKEIRVITNSZ1i95RQI4DIXYTYeMKkv0xOsg/s1600/l_RU197524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh-wmblWxYEzXSIOzHq8rN5h3imAEZF5CaDBIkbA1HJi3nWY3MXWD1K1u53DL7VO7OYaBMT3o0hGJnIi4a3rHdN2UOvhkKCQ6BlwEShvjPTKEIRVITNSZ1i95RQI4DIXYTYeMKkv0xOsg/s1600/l_RU197524.jpg" /></a></div>
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Big fat fail. I didn't take any pictures of my last freezer crock pot meal making. Here is an itty-bitty picture of the ratatouille from fitness magazine. </div>
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I only had to make three dishes since I still had a couple meals left over in the freezer. That's the great thing about freezer meals. I don't have to worry about food going bad in the fridge if we have an unexpected meal out. Everything is frozen, ready whenever I need it. </div>
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I made <a href="http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/recipe/chickpea-ratatouille/">chickpea ratatouille</a>, <a href="http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/recipe/coconut-curried-tofu-and-spinach/">Coconut curried tofu spinach</a> and <a href="http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/thai-sloppy-joes/">Thai Sloppy Joe's</a>. I was a little disappointed that the sloppy joe's were only four small portions. We like leftovers. But if we end up not liking it, I guess it will work out. I was a little apprehensive about this dish. But last week I made her <a href="http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/zucchini-corn-cannelloni/">Cannelloni</a> and Daniel and I decided it was one of our new favorite meals. We were pretty upset it only made six cannelloni (how did I not realize that while I was preparing it?) In our house, that is enough for one and a half people, not four like the recipe suggests. That day my husband had ridden his bike to and from work, a mere 54 miles, so the guy could have easily ate them all by herself. I left off the top cheeses and I made my own <a href="http://www.veria.com/recipe/tofu-recipes-tofu-ricotta-cheese">tofu ricotta cheese</a>. Next time I make the ricotta, I will leave some miso out since I think the flavor was too sharp for the girls.<br />
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The last project March will see is the girls' early morning Easter celebration.<br />
Excited about the sweets and treats! <br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8061317358322574863.post-12018551504778497342013-03-26T09:21:00.000-07:002013-03-26T10:51:24.419-07:00The Girl Behind the Blog: Inner Foodie<div style="text-align: center;">
Linking up today with <a href="http://www.5ohwifey.com/2013/03/The-Girl-Behind-the-Blog-Your-Inner-Foodie.html">Ashley</a> and <a href="http://livelaughlynae.blogspot.com/">Chelsea</a> for my first ever video blog. Never thought I would do a VLOG but when I saw the topic was Inner Foodie, I couldn't pass it up. Be a sweetie and ignore my mom hair (aka: disheveled poof). I love how I started playing with Athena's hair and made it a thousand times worst. (FYI: I laughed because I realized I have no idea what I am saying.) </div>
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Here is a link to <a href="http://www.babycakesnyc.com/">Babycakes NYC</a> the girls that keep me sane and incredibly happy.</div>
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Also, here is my <i>favorite</i> recipe that I cannot live without. I could eat this every darn day and never grow tired of it. <a href="http://thekindlife.com/blog/post/how-to-fall-in-love-with-greens">This dish</a> is a must eat with udon noodles. It it serious comfort food. It's so nice to eat dark leafy green veggies and be seriously in love with what your eating. </div>
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Going to be making freezer meals today! Tomorrow I will link up some new vegan freezer meals I make. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8061317358322574863.post-56773955844866625542013-03-18T21:52:00.001-07:002013-03-19T10:28:41.871-07:00My Favorite Things & My Absolutely Least Favorite Thing EVER<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Wanted to share some of my new favorite things with you all. These are little items that make me oh so happy and I wonder how I ever lived without.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> We are <i>slowly </i>making our home non-toxic. It is really important to me to have safe dishes for the girls. We have cheap plastic dishes for them and it kills me. I just feel the toxins leaching onto their food. Finally added these wonderful dishes into our cupboard. <a href="http://www.greentoys.com/greeneats/index.html">Green Eats</a> is such a great brand. Made here in the U.S. out of recycled plastic, which is way cool. They feel so sturdy and safe. I love them! We have a couple plates and bowls for now. Looking forward to adding their utensils and cups in the near future.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5NNTQECnu5IkFMumcW8gkTWuTBWyaiBmjOD0YAx64Tzsb5mj2iLws9Mr8ea4XT766q8O3A5LM_n0RUrbeaH1Cbicmlz5pU21lrubaoC06bKwzqi1_y06K_43kuJXwCxooq2VeH3Cd34Y/s1600/IMG_0232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5NNTQECnu5IkFMumcW8gkTWuTBWyaiBmjOD0YAx64Tzsb5mj2iLws9Mr8ea4XT766q8O3A5LM_n0RUrbeaH1Cbicmlz5pU21lrubaoC06bKwzqi1_y06K_43kuJXwCxooq2VeH3Cd34Y/s640/IMG_0232.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Our dog really needed a bed. I finally made her one. It was so easy and super inexpensive. I knew I wanted a bed with a pillow case for her so I could wash it weekly. The beds sold at the store with cases were ridiculously priced. Seriously? It's just for my dog. She loves this thing. We used to find her sleeping on the couch in the middle of the night. And she used to wake up with us when we had to deal with the girls late night needs. The first night she got her bed she didn't move! We no longer find her wondering or on the couch! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> I wanted the bed to be a neutral color that blended into our home and hid any hair she would shed. I was so excited when this fabric was $1 a yard! I made the pillow orange. That pop of color really makes me happy. These were my first button holes! It was nice making something for a dog so I wouldn't be freaking out about it being made perfectly. It is what it is. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1EkYGUs4uFWxyQTHkAWXdzyBFmXP3DEU-9zchI3p7xsMaY-vcKmZls2raXc0r4g3uXmpE6BH6jQdvXtnHL94e7fUTWBSPpd4cgMCo1XfHu0Vb3Zm2YQMX7_ZEUeZTHakF0UeonAv0ZEo/s1600/IMG_0217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1EkYGUs4uFWxyQTHkAWXdzyBFmXP3DEU-9zchI3p7xsMaY-vcKmZls2raXc0r4g3uXmpE6BH6jQdvXtnHL94e7fUTWBSPpd4cgMCo1XfHu0Vb3Zm2YQMX7_ZEUeZTHakF0UeonAv0ZEo/s640/IMG_0217.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> This is my new favorite book series for kids. <u><a href="http://www.ignatius.com/IProducts/134911/my-first-pictures-of-easter.aspx">My First Pictures of Easter</a></u> is such a great book to teach kids about Easter. I love it because it is short while explaining important details about Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday and the rest of Holy Week. Kind of bummed it doesn't include the Agony of the Garden, but all in all, I think this book is fantastic. One reading, and it takes your kids right in the moment. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> I love how they portray the Resurrection. Mary Magdalene weeping, then rejoicing. Helps kids understand how everyone was feeling.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7QbQN9bCCNIyip21VXVqyCI11JWRXgpo42O6ASttHcan63HexZSVEMWiaa8avpzTCn-KemX3xQ8gEWwu44hsDZNTFpQV_4CAw-FjSEThEsRdEzJunikwbBoJZkcs-u3a8D2bzYtfM0A/s1600/IMG_0255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7QbQN9bCCNIyip21VXVqyCI11JWRXgpo42O6ASttHcan63HexZSVEMWiaa8avpzTCn-KemX3xQ8gEWwu44hsDZNTFpQV_4CAw-FjSEThEsRdEzJunikwbBoJZkcs-u3a8D2bzYtfM0A/s640/IMG_0255.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>FREEZER MEALS! </b>Okay, let me just say, I'm in love with freezer meals. The first time I made them, I was alone with the girls, I made a weeks worth of meals and had the kitchen cleaned by noon! This project makes the rest of the week dish and labor free! This is seriously amazing to me. I just stick the defrosted meal in the crock pot or in a pot on the stove on the day we are ready to eat it. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> After I did this the first time, I would find minutes here or there to throw a meal together to stick in the freezer. Yesterday I set the day aside to make a bunch of meals. I didn't go shoping for it, and it turned into me finding a way to use up all the produce we had in our fridge. I would have prefered to do this on Saturday and rest Sunday, but I was busy Saturday. I didn't get started till afternoon. Between this big project and the girls...really pooped me out big time. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> This is actually a picture from a couple weeks ago. What I made yesterday: Scalloped Potatoes, Tortilla Soup, <a href="http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/zucchini-corn-cannelloni/">Zucchini and Corn Cannelloni</a> (I made my own <a href="http://www.veria.com/recipe/tofu-recipes-tofu-ricotta-cheese">vegan ricotta</a> for this), Rice Frittata, Rustic Pot Pie. All dishes except the soup and cannelloni were from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1558327908">Fresh from the Vegan Slow Cooker</a>. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> I also made <a href="http://www.wholeliving.com/216607/cherry-date-oat-bars">oat bars</a> for snacks to eat throughout the week. I used cranberries instead of dried cherries. Monique and I love them. Thérèse doesn't know what all the fuss is about. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKlhxY22gcJmmWCtcqs49TGoXe7E5ST37fcO9WQnaUlkL1HAsNLIYQOT8D5HvHw8dMK_xDOZvR7HZ7rXD4ZWTRikacQqgK2zYd4JCOuV2CTUgvXYi3KpFAAQA2ZCVzObawFcVd6nXUSuw/s1600/IMG_0100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKlhxY22gcJmmWCtcqs49TGoXe7E5ST37fcO9WQnaUlkL1HAsNLIYQOT8D5HvHw8dMK_xDOZvR7HZ7rXD4ZWTRikacQqgK2zYd4JCOuV2CTUgvXYi3KpFAAQA2ZCVzObawFcVd6nXUSuw/s640/IMG_0100.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I also love reusable toys! A sweet friend is sharing this jumper with Athena. I've been wanting to get this for her, she is definitely my active one. I rearrangned my tiny living room to make space for this. I love changing our living room up. We've lived in this home a year and three months and I've change the living room around about four or five times. I can just see the girls as adults in therapy, "Our lives were so unstable as children. Our mom was always rearranging the living room furniture." </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT6yOvVpIjTSb4wkhQIrWeDPeBuZAUkqE_rBhKCxBr0Upz9x3E8gdMTLfoFf_X42J6E-68HcGwaw4-mc2Iuq5Qj5x_A1dRY86siTioRx7bDRoEwKytcGk1RRk2xxmT8PipA1Ik1lo3BWU/s1600/IMG_0221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT6yOvVpIjTSb4wkhQIrWeDPeBuZAUkqE_rBhKCxBr0Upz9x3E8gdMTLfoFf_X42J6E-68HcGwaw4-mc2Iuq5Qj5x_A1dRY86siTioRx7bDRoEwKytcGk1RRk2xxmT8PipA1Ik1lo3BWU/s640/IMG_0221.JPG" width="426" /></a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> OKAY, LEAST FAVORITE THING: SWITCHING OUT THE GIRLS' OUTGROWN CLOTHES FOR A BIGGER SIZE, which is actually way harder than it sounds. I used to hate doing this when I just had Thérèse. Now I have to do this times three. I can handle pretty much everything involving the care and hard labor of children and I love it. But this, THIS is just my least favorite thing about having kids. I must be doing something wrong because it is such a huge task and takes me forever. I go through every article of clothing to know if it needs to be stored, donated or for current use. It took me about eight hours to get all three girls' clothes done. But every box with clothes in the garage is now perfectly organized, and every drawer in this house looks so beautiful I don't even recognize it. It's like Real Simple came into my home and fixed 'em drawers. So I guess it was worth it. So glad it's over. This Saturday project drained me. And then to spending Sunday cooking! I was basically worthless today. We had a pajama party. Thérèse won since she stayed in her pajamas the longest. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> I feel like throwing up just looking at this picture. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtVAYriSztRg9plC7sI5C7mV-QWlYtChkeOKQrqXjatI4iMs5-XxkNStFC7DgRnCBzw9Vot1Pxa5im7OX3CAtS59hMbleGVXvA6MzY134pgc5Qdc1F710jA029dorXXxjvlXaXiyz1eJs/s1600/IMG_0277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtVAYriSztRg9plC7sI5C7mV-QWlYtChkeOKQrqXjatI4iMs5-XxkNStFC7DgRnCBzw9Vot1Pxa5im7OX3CAtS59hMbleGVXvA6MzY134pgc5Qdc1F710jA029dorXXxjvlXaXiyz1eJs/s640/IMG_0277.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So after this very hard weekend, I was so excited to <i>sleep. </i>Went in my room to find my spot on the bed occupied by this person. Which is the creepiest thing ever. I don't know who did this, but it's not okay. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Speaking of babies...my eight month old has SIX TEETH! Yeah...I've had kids before...and I've seen it all...but this is a first...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Sorry this is blurry. She doesn't stay still. </span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8061317358322574863.post-48426348576218547372013-03-06T07:39:00.002-08:002013-03-06T09:02:07.357-08:00What I Wore<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm participating in my first ever link party! So, here is my outfit, yo.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I love this outfit because it is so comfortable while being casual/nice.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Bonus: I got this skirt for $10! I love a good bargain. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm sure I'm supposed to tuck it in, but tucking in terrifies my short waistline. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It's nice to get into something that isn't running shorts or yoga pants. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> I asked Daniel to take a picture of Athena and me. Monique photo bombed our picture. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I invited Monique into our photo. Forgetting how offended she was at not being asked in the first place, she got distracted and started to unbutton her blouse. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCN0BG1x8WZ9oYlgxLWVJEX_-hGhitRCEuxNtycnEx06AJX4EMDckjGieM6WVru5Lza6hMls0tsxhV8Ym4PqlW2-iJhODtoscpTlQFv71rkqGrEcf8Hj7v24Qs7pNxGEWTbBwkA-0H-Iw/s1600/IMG_0169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCN0BG1x8WZ9oYlgxLWVJEX_-hGhitRCEuxNtycnEx06AJX4EMDckjGieM6WVru5Lza6hMls0tsxhV8Ym4PqlW2-iJhODtoscpTlQFv71rkqGrEcf8Hj7v24Qs7pNxGEWTbBwkA-0H-Iw/s640/IMG_0169.JPG" width="314" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Blouse: Banana Republic, Skirt: Express, Sandles: Reef</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Linking up to these blogs today:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://allthingsalisamarie.blogspot.com/">All things Alisa</a>, <a href="http://tuckerup.blogspot.com/">Tucker Up</a></span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8061317358322574863.post-50856828936325055522013-03-04T21:25:00.000-08:002013-03-05T06:54:35.774-08:00You mean that's a 'D' not a 'G'?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> It was my intention to post Disneyland pictures in the month of February since that is when we attended the place, but that never happened. Just like it was my plan to post my seeing Tony Bennett in January. OH MY GOODNESS! I SAW TONY BENNETT! This is my forth year working The Humana Challenge, a golf tournament in my hometown. I was so happy when I was asked to work the Opening Party. Bill Clinton introduced Tony Bennett (yes, as in former President!) Tony Bennett was <i>amazing. </i>Such a dream come true for me since he is the last of his kind. He is something like 87, and still managed to sing for nearly an hour and put on a great show. I was pretty much crying the whole time. Working that party was horrible/stressful, but Tony made up for it. It's still the highlight of the year for me. Although I did have a dream last month that I never actually saw him, but instead I saw a cover band! Talk about a nightmare! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Anyway, here are Disneyland pictures. We decided to go Superbowl Sunday in hopes of less crowds. There were definitely less people in the afternoon. We got great seats for the parade (a bench!) and also for the fireworks. We weren't going to stay up for the fireworks. The girls fell asleep in line for Peter Pan, so Daniel and I dropped them in the Stroller and had some very quiet alone time staring at Tom Sawyers Island and watching the lights in New Orleans Square. By evening there were <i>no people. </i>As we were walking through Downtown Disney on our way out, the girls woke up and decided they wanted another ride on the Carrousel. So we hopped on the Monorail and found ourselves back in the park. Glad we stayed because I haven't seen the fireworks in about ten years. Every time I do, I am always so amazed by Tinker Bell and wish I had her job. But I can't get on Dumbo without wanting to puke my brains out, so zip lining is out for me. That dream always gets kicked out fast. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> This is a safe distance from the characters. The mice from Cinderella tried to go in for a hug and Thérèse screamed murder and booked it. She's good at multitasking that way. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Scared of the door too. Hey, at least I know they have an imagination.</span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQj9UWsdv_BQtMNiue2YQApu04y2GWM10J5W3zZCIlyvPCUX42aR0i9T_Hde_o_jJV7JNgezDsuav4jn0aqhJpsNSBonMhHYTjOR3fXgTF02mJ9Apx0SIVNpuHDXChHvpvjU_uA2kb8S8/s1600/IMG_9108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQj9UWsdv_BQtMNiue2YQApu04y2GWM10J5W3zZCIlyvPCUX42aR0i9T_Hde_o_jJV7JNgezDsuav4jn0aqhJpsNSBonMhHYTjOR3fXgTF02mJ9Apx0SIVNpuHDXChHvpvjU_uA2kb8S8/s640/IMG_9108.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Toon town is not scary. Toon town, is awesome.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I love how she is sticking her tongue out. On the back of the fire truck too. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQk846Y1hccH5UwqJoE0UtvNzO8JU4Z7zmEERh47wTxthdLQsIiYES11gUFb_UuRQZIlqlz70psxf5GMx6JFnBcsLMgn6sRQhsL_NDcE4v785yvZb2OlOGOjG0sJf07-Z_FGGiMptAss/s1600/IMG_9169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQk846Y1hccH5UwqJoE0UtvNzO8JU4Z7zmEERh47wTxthdLQsIiYES11gUFb_UuRQZIlqlz70psxf5GMx6JFnBcsLMgn6sRQhsL_NDcE4v785yvZb2OlOGOjG0sJf07-Z_FGGiMptAss/s640/IMG_9169.JPG" width="426" /></a> </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> The parade was a major highlight. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczmazItE5ntLF2mZI7Ue4zsy98HPNJYWf1MPJcRIIDUnEka8q_uW5WJOwOPKGWbLpmdEX7xMI_YiFlYKK5lrgCE03FkM-QUDzBcE0opLi0Ha5NRpOsfKjrW8d63izxa40brfc2waRN6w/s1600/IMG_9182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczmazItE5ntLF2mZI7Ue4zsy98HPNJYWf1MPJcRIIDUnEka8q_uW5WJOwOPKGWbLpmdEX7xMI_YiFlYKK5lrgCE03FkM-QUDzBcE0opLi0Ha5NRpOsfKjrW8d63izxa40brfc2waRN6w/s640/IMG_9182.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> This is my favorite picture of the day. Monique was so amazed that she was seeing Simba, that she slipped into a trance and started waving both hands. She stopped, looked down at her hands, wondered how they got there, and just kept waving. She calls it her "Two Wave". </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZVHpAWjkRapLd434JIY9dojbFzYOGIB9b9epzYUUN5G8zNo3Iw0-6sQDlmkv71xmew_zdcBUovmRBva4vxBCRNN42DWUzm3QJQH2cpeKAgr6TaxBGDT6ISsHtmb9uC7Jh93Wv0dh66UE/s1600/IMG_9219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZVHpAWjkRapLd434JIY9dojbFzYOGIB9b9epzYUUN5G8zNo3Iw0-6sQDlmkv71xmew_zdcBUovmRBva4vxBCRNN42DWUzm3QJQH2cpeKAgr6TaxBGDT6ISsHtmb9uC7Jh93Wv0dh66UE/s640/IMG_9219.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Op, that's mine.</span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMXbF5sWbrF8x17UazrJEhYX6HS-j0wG9nOecOQN2Qz15St2Th-vyf8nEZ98A4YrDWRTgEfciDPbtml3q3BtAygOulaAUeq1g4ysf7P1B90Xxy6HRQ_dPZUscNzC-SW0a0S0CX1nEAxKo/s1600/IMG_9236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMXbF5sWbrF8x17UazrJEhYX6HS-j0wG9nOecOQN2Qz15St2Th-vyf8nEZ98A4YrDWRTgEfciDPbtml3q3BtAygOulaAUeq1g4ysf7P1B90Xxy6HRQ_dPZUscNzC-SW0a0S0CX1nEAxKo/s640/IMG_9236.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> At this point Daniel and I were thinking to ourselves, "We were almost to the car...how did we end up back in this place?" I think Daniel jokingly said something about "YOLO" and all I could think was, "We are going to be paying for this Monday!" </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Best fireworks show ever! Sorry 4th of July Firworks. You ain't got nothing on Disney. See Tink? Overall, I don't like the girl and her attitude. But really life flying Tink...amazing. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2u__iPxRJgRK9efwOI5P_2-U_bM5M_ebx1byDOu2Q_Lj95N-4kCNdk5WYeMiH78d-1xxxcyXN0rz44V3KQUMGwsw-AnHd-fvcjdlmVS14C-dkOIhhXQRF3ym9tNMQX0JrMlXFgSUvNw/s1600/IMG_9324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2u__iPxRJgRK9efwOI5P_2-U_bM5M_ebx1byDOu2Q_Lj95N-4kCNdk5WYeMiH78d-1xxxcyXN0rz44V3KQUMGwsw-AnHd-fvcjdlmVS14C-dkOIhhXQRF3ym9tNMQX0JrMlXFgSUvNw/s640/IMG_9324.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> I don't follow many blogs (I don't have the time to). For the past couple years I've been following <a href="http://cuteanddelicious.com/">Cute and Delicious</a> run by Alix. I like to go to her space to see what childless married vegans who reside in L.A. are up to. She has great food photography. She and her husband just hosted a Wes Anderson party, which I wish I had crashed. While we were walking through New Orleans Square, I saw them! I muttered something incomprehensible, "Thosearethosepeople" and took off running after them. Good thing Thérèse is a great runner because I totally forgot I was holding her hand and she kept up great. I ran up to them and said, "Not to be a big weirdo creep, but I TOTALLY FOLLOW YOUR BLOG!!" Super awkward introductions were made and I was super happy and they were smiling but I didn't know what to say. I wish I had gotten my nerd out and asked them what they were eating on this fine day, but everything happened so fast and before I knew it, I had said "bye". Daniel, who had no idea what was going on, ran up behind us with Monique on his shoulders and I was just like, "THAT WAS AMAZING! WASN'T THAT SO COOL?!" He was actually expecting the couple to be like, "um...yeah...we are not who you think we are crazy lady" but the names and faces matched. I was on a high all day from running into them. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Speaking of eating in D-Land. We packed so much food we didn't need to eat till dinner time. My favorite spot is the Burger Place in Tomorrow Land. They have the most delicious roasted vegetable sandwich on ciabatta bread. I look forward to that sandwich every time we visit. The veggies are marinated in balsamic vinegar and are so juicy. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. </span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8061317358322574863.post-87412962686834177602013-02-25T09:07:00.000-08:002013-02-25T22:14:01.783-08:00All In A Sunday Afternoon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Yesterday we went to mass and then ran a ton of errands. Usually afterwards, I'm beat and ready for a nap (I hate running errands), but yesterday I rested for a bit, and then spent the rest of the afternoon/evening working in the kitchen, made dinner, fit in a quick run, and gave all the girls a shower. The only way I can explain all this extra energy is that I went on a three mile run on Friday and the energy carried over throughout the weekend. Plus, I find working in the kitchen can be relaxing when you have someone to help with the kids! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I didn't run all last week. Consequently, my headaches were at a level ten (I have daily TMJ headaches), I didn't sleep well, and I was super depressed. I need to get my lazy feet out the door and remember to run at least every other day.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Anyway, here are a couple of the things I made yesterday:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hungry Man's Double Chocolate Trail Mix: Dark chocolate covered pretzels, dark chocolate covered raisins, dried cranberries, raw almonds, raw pecans. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Daniel is notorious for grabbing a handful of chocolate chips when he is hungry. This kills me because 1) Chocolate chips are for baking 2) There is zero nutrition in that and chocolate chips are not filling. I finally got around to making him this mix and stuck it where the chocolate chips used to be. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> We are trying to save money in every way possible. So I decided to be
the biggest freak on the block and make my own dog treats. I realize dogs aren't vegan, but obviously, we only have
vegan ingredients in our home, so these ended up being veg. Doesn't
matter because she loves them. This was a fun project for Thérèse and me while Monique and Athena slept. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qdgwWlxpMg6pWmIj5WkruR81VSo2KM491dPpY7RmbAS7JaU5mrfVAr2uGtNsbwWk8HzphTbW0w22tT7i_4gUT_4IEDja9fFsIhvCrd_3OAi8rjov180KedZFYcG9fsLrOZLZhaLeRn4/s1600/IMG_9954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6qdgwWlxpMg6pWmIj5WkruR81VSo2KM491dPpY7RmbAS7JaU5mrfVAr2uGtNsbwWk8HzphTbW0w22tT7i_4gUT_4IEDja9fFsIhvCrd_3OAi8rjov180KedZFYcG9fsLrOZLZhaLeRn4/s640/IMG_9954.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vegan Pumpkin Doggie Cookies</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 1/2 cups flour (I used self rising flour because I've been trying to use it up)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 tbsp ground flax seed mixed in 6 tbsps water</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2/3 cup pumpkin purée </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 tbsp peanut or almond butter </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 tablespoons canola oil </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Preheat oven to 350°F. Place flour, flax seed mixture, pumpkin and nut butter in a mixing bowl. Stir it together then add oil. Add more water if too dry, add flour if too wet. Stir and then knead together to form a dough. Roll out on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4-inch think. I used an empty spice jar to cut out 1-inch cookies. Keep rolling out and cutting till all the dough is used up. Place on a baking sheet, it's okay to crowd them since they won't be expanding. Bake for 25 minutes for crunchy cookies. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tip: I used canned pumpkin purée from thanksgiving. Since I didn't use the whole can, I divided the remaining pumpkin into three zip lock baggies putting 2/3 cup into each one and freezing, ready for the next time I make these. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">EXPERIMENT OF THE DAY:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I also made bagels! What?? They turned out to be more like unleavened bread. Daniel figures there must be something wrong with the yeast (expired or opened to long) because I followed the directions perfectly and they didn't rise. I didn't realize till the last step that they were not shaping up to be the way they were supposed to be. Whoops. I was about to have a melt down, but Daniel gave me a lecture about how I can't expect perfection when I try something the first time. Apparently this is the same talk he gives his emotionally disturbed students everyday. Great. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Here are some girl pics for you all:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Athena and Thérèse morning cuddles.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The four of us after our shower and so ready for bed! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After this busy weekend, I'm okay with it being Monday. Kind of. Kind of okay with Monday. You know what makes Mondays great? Freezer crock pot lasagna! All made and defrosting in the sink. I used one of my freezer slow cooker meals last week and was so excited by the zero work and five minute clean up! I was so pumped that I made two more meals Friday morning before I left town for a couple days. Why did I never do this before? </span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8061317358322574863.post-80039845092996725922013-02-18T15:29:00.000-08:002013-02-18T15:42:04.922-08:00R&R Family Style<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our family got to live life large with a four day weekend. Ordinarily, if we had time off, we would leave town or run errands or somehow find ourselves very busy. We are always so busy! This weekend we decided to take a mini family vacation in our own home. I mean <i>much needed</i> home family vacation. It was so relaxing. As relaxing as it could be with three little people, housework, cooking, bathing dog, Daniel doing homework and lesson plans...but all constant work aside, it was perfect. </div>
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Every day is vacation day for this girl. Lucky...</div>
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Saturday we went on a hike in Oak Glen. It was beautiful! So nice to get out and be away from the pollution. There was even some snow left over. We needed to take these girls to the snow before winter was over. Glad we get to check that off our list! </div>
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This is Mo in a nutshell. Really, I just asked her to smile. </div>
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Love how Thérèse is hiking up her pants to keep them snow free. </div>
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My view.</div>
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Post hike cuddles. </div>
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Today I found myself with some free time, hahahahahahahahahahaha! Oh my goodness, that was funny. So I decided to make up some crock pot meals. I really need crock pot meals in my life, especially on days that I'm busy running errands or cleaning. But on those days, I don't have time in the morning to stick my ingredients in the crock pot. Excited I now have them prepped in the freezer! I wanted to make more, but Wednesday is our food shopping day, so by Monday/Tuesday we are low on everything. I made what I could. We shall see how this works out for us and hopefully do this more often! </div>
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Rustic Pot Pie from <u>Fresh from the Vegan Slow Cooker</u></div>
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<a href="http://www.peta.org/living/vegetarian-living/recipes/make-it-and-leave-it-lasagne.aspx">Lasagna</a> (mixture) from <a href="http://www.peta.org/living/vegetarian-living/recipes/make-it-and-leave-it-lasagne.aspx">Peta,</a> but I added some tahini, miso and EVOO to give it more flavor.</div>
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Chili-Potato Gratin from <u>Fresh from the Vegan Slow Cooker</u></div>
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Last night I started reading <u>Wuthering Heights</u>. I wish I had realized it was from the Gothic Period <i>before </i>I started reading it. I thought it was going to be all sweet and cute like the Austen book I just finished (yes, I stereotyped all female authors into sweet and cute. How terrible is that?) I started wondering why I was suddenly COMPLETELY TERRIFIED OUT OF MY BRAINS (I've gotten weaker since birthing children), but now I'm at a point that I <i>have </i>to finish the book because it is so darn good. It's going to be lots of long nights till then. </div>
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I want to say a big THANK YOU to all of my followers. It is so cool to see my little blog being followed from ten different countries! I've been having a lot of fun getting to write again and share our family with you all. </div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8061317358322574863.post-74815440511459613112013-02-14T21:00:00.000-08:002013-02-14T21:14:12.634-08:00Valentine's Day Dairy-free, Sugar-free Tea Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We had our first Valentine's Day Tea Party today. I broke out my 100+ year old china from Germany, a wedding gift from my adopted Grandmother. The girls enjoyed drinking tea for the first time out of their little plastic tea cups and tea pot. I wanted the food to be as traditional English tea as possible, but kept it all vegan and sugar free! Love that. Still, I forgot how rich tea food is! Glad we had early tea so they could get all that sugar high out by nap time.<br />
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Note the clean shinny beautiful faces. Soon to be covered with chocolate.<br />
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I get a big girl plate. These shortbread cookies were to die for!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQmP6FGWhTKbkrFFSZZENyyalICIwsbSGdKLd1DjoCmtZG86UL7nt0CYNy_Vi3WEBumC-pDVq3yBcqvQ6GQXbtjBMNaRkdAPhEFBPyleFu-WSkqna4x4o0bql4qbPrwSkbMBYs57gi_A/s1600/IMG_9628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQmP6FGWhTKbkrFFSZZENyyalICIwsbSGdKLd1DjoCmtZG86UL7nt0CYNy_Vi3WEBumC-pDVq3yBcqvQ6GQXbtjBMNaRkdAPhEFBPyleFu-WSkqna4x4o0bql4qbPrwSkbMBYs57gi_A/s640/IMG_9628.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Menu:<br />
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* Raspberry Scones from Babycakes NYC Cookbook (Agave Sweetened)</div>
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* Gluten-Free Lemon Poppy Seed Teacake from Babycakes NYC Cookbook (Agave Sweetened)</div>
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* <a href="http://thekindlife.com/blog/post/cookies-and-hot-chocolate-for-a-cozy-night-in">Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Cookies </a>from The Kind Diet (Sweetened with Maple Syrup)</div>
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* Cucumber Finger Sandwiches with Chive Butter</div>
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* <a href="http://www.stockpilingmoms.com/2010/12/olive-nut-cream-cheese-spread/">Olive Cream Cheese Spread</a> Watercress Finger Sandwiches</div>
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* Farmers Market Sliced Strawberries</div>
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* Chamomile Tea for the girls</div>
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* Tazo Calm Tea for me</div>
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Substitutes: For the cream cheese replacement I used "This is not a tub of cream cheese" from Trader Joe's. Veganise to replace the Mayo and Earth Balance Butter to replace the butter. </div>
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Favorites: I was in love with the cream cheese and watercress sandwich. I just followed the recipe (posted above) and topped with a bunch of watercress. SO GOOD. I think I will make this for myself on a regular basis. The shortbread cookies stole our hearts. I've tired to make these a couple other times and they didn't come out quite right. Today I actually followed the recipe very carefully. I took one bite and was transported. We all fell in love. Now I get what the whole short bread infatuation is about. So delicious. </div>
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Special girl time with my crazy girls. They were excited about life. Monique always has some whack move going on. </div>
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Thérèse was a little liberal in her tea pouring. Monique taking a sip. So cute!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWmxBCUyqGD852MuDS8aFcRfayLKSO6GQG1XPCVA9Ihy-qhtEJJ7KVYhLl59gxcdE8aNIoXhVH_URF-ETDf4ggFbXuEjjNXX7TsspwRxCvPT_e1grLUSpPn8eF0uOT5ZHKtYmR9hNqg9o/s1600/IMG_9674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWmxBCUyqGD852MuDS8aFcRfayLKSO6GQG1XPCVA9Ihy-qhtEJJ7KVYhLl59gxcdE8aNIoXhVH_URF-ETDf4ggFbXuEjjNXX7TsspwRxCvPT_e1grLUSpPn8eF0uOT5ZHKtYmR9hNqg9o/s640/IMG_9674.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Tea was followed with a dance party. Monique got in this position and danced around the whole room like this. It's what she does. </div>
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Dinner! This was one of the best pizzas I've made. The dough was perfect and the sauce sweet. I've been working to perfect the potato pizza for a while now. Potatoes are a great alternative to cheese and vegan cheese. I paper thinly slice them and let them hang out in olive oil for a while. Once I get this recipe just the way I like it, I will share it. For now, it is still in the works. </div>
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We served this with steamed very dark leafy green veggies called broccoli greens? Never heard of it. Got it at the farmers market and the girls like it! Love it when dinner is easy!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1mQcypreu1xsMMY0JkMy1LtlQLh6N6ZntqCZVGLygEpa5El79w7bOInlCl2AoandrihEdqjyzkYEo1q_Osm7dACBVSraFvryWvZgQdv80vnFYclMP9g4uiSKTpZgSEtQd9wKciRdY0a8/s1600/IMG_9722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1mQcypreu1xsMMY0JkMy1LtlQLh6N6ZntqCZVGLygEpa5El79w7bOInlCl2AoandrihEdqjyzkYEo1q_Osm7dACBVSraFvryWvZgQdv80vnFYclMP9g4uiSKTpZgSEtQd9wKciRdY0a8/s640/IMG_9722.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Tea party was fun. We will be having another one Easter Morning! Can't wait! For now, I'm keeping out one of my pretty cups for my quiet time Mama moments. </div>
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Hope you all had a lovely St. Valentine's Day! </div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8061317358322574863.post-38509283566937322272013-02-11T21:51:00.001-08:002013-02-14T14:10:04.979-08:00So, What's the point anyway? A couple weeks ago, I ran my first 6k. Now, this is a big deal for me, considering all through high school I consistently made fun of runners. As far as my best friend and I were concerned, if a person was running down the street, he might as well have been wearing a sign that said, "Make fun of me, I'm running".<br />
"DAAAAA!! Look at that runner! Look at him running with his biceps and stuff. He thinks he's so fit. Te he he he."<br />
It may not seem funny to you, but we were always laughing pretty hard. <br />
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And then I married a runner. Never thought I'd do that. Let's just say, we wouldn't have been friends in high school. "So you think your all big and bad 'cause you run huh?" Is what I would have said with my mind.<br />
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Daniel didn't run when we were getting to know each other or when we were engaged. But after we got married, he was ready to get his shoes back on, and I saw it as a way to spend time with him. So I would jog with him down the street, stop at the corner, try to catch my breath, and try to remember the last time I smoked, "I'm not a smoker. I must be though because I can't breath" and he would be looking at that dumb running watch saying, "We've only run a minute, you got to keep going." As if.<br />
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I kept up with running and got semi better. I ran a 5k when I was pregnant with my first daughter, took a break, and then after I had Monique, I ran in the L.A. marathon. (THAT is another story. If you think I finished, you think wrong.)<br />
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I picked up running again after I had Athena (my last baby). Daniel was working at a running store. As is turns out, he found great enjoyment out of buying his very pregnant wife running clothes. Why? Oh the guilt. Now I HAVE to run. He made a deal with me that I'd get a dollar for every mile I ran. Cheap? Yes. But hey, it totally worked.<br />
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Then he told me about a 6k near my parents' house and I figured why not? We'd have babysitters, and I am already running 2-3 miles everyday anyway. So we signed up for it.<br />
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The night before the race, Daniel asked, "So are you going to run fast?" What? Yes, I had signed up for a race, but running fast had never ever occurred to me.<br />
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"Um...no...I was just going to run." Oh yeah, I had signed up for a race...why did I think this was going to be relaxing?<br />
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"No, Arisa, when you run in a race, you are supposed to push yourself and see what your best time is".<br />
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That sounds like, a terrible idea. Someone should have told me that, before we paid.<br />
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The morning of the race, we wake up early (which I actively avoid) grab a banana and go. We get there, get signed in and Daniel tells me, "Okay, so I want you to do 9 minute miles, k?"<br />
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"Yeah, sure." In one ear and out the other that went. Dude, I spend every day of my life trying to keep a house in respectable order, keep a massive dog semi-tame and keep three midgets alive. Running 9 minute miles is THE LAST THING I'm thinking about. This was supposed to be fun. Almost sure this was supposed to be fun.<br />
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The worst part of the race was that half of it was up hill. UP HILL. I tried not to laugh when the guy in front of me grabbed his buttocks. Sore there buddy? Should have worked on that stair master. But I listened to Daniel who also told me to just be in tune with my body, pushed myself, and surprisingly kept up a pretty steady pace.<br />
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The race went out two miles, and then had us turn around and double back. Two miles in I see Daniel coming up in the lead. Just as he is about to pass me, I try to whack him in the butt and he tried to give me a high five. (Note to self: in races you give high fives, not butt whacks.) But clearly I was trying to say "You are hott" not "Good effort chump".<br />
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It was downhill on the way back to the finish line, but it didn't matter, cause I was <i>dying</i>. A mile away from the finish line I realized, "Why am I doing this to myself?!?! I'm going to Disneyland tomorrow and I'm going to be so sore!" Thankfully, Daniel ran back to find me. "This is <i>stupid" </i>I told him. Deep emotion and emphasis on "stupid".<br />
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"You are at the end. Give it all you got."<br />
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So without even thinking, I took off (where did that energy come from) to try and catch this lanky girl I had a vendetta against because she had the audacity to pass me. As soon as she saw me, she took off, and I didn't have a chance. I crossed the finish line so frustrated and pretty sure I was going to throw up.<br />
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Unfortunately, I'm really competitive, so I had a lot of fun. Lame, I know. Daniel told me not to worry about that girl beating me, since her legs went up to my ears, and I ran 9 minute pace, which he wanted me to do, so he was super proud of me. It ended up being a really fun date for both of us. We ate gigantic bagels and fruit. He got first place (came in four minutes before the guy who got second) and I got second place in my age group!!! Who knew, right?<br />
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I'm starting to appreciate running, because I sleep so great at night, and have so much more long lasting energy during the day, which makes the sacrifice of running so worth it. I hope I don't give it up again! Maybe more cute running clothes would help...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVX4VR3QBVatIDshb_RKXaWQR9jbYYMjPy60oaH1jGCHVXS0keBazAywqxb3SzhO0DwB6hbsGJpRC42UrJK68pRA5mqUuekCrrILtPEF2aEIbZwoj4OWu9_f_ES1jI_xq9TNWl50CKyIk/s1600/484745_10151427365352697_1431076941_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVX4VR3QBVatIDshb_RKXaWQR9jbYYMjPy60oaH1jGCHVXS0keBazAywqxb3SzhO0DwB6hbsGJpRC42UrJK68pRA5mqUuekCrrILtPEF2aEIbZwoj4OWu9_f_ES1jI_xq9TNWl50CKyIk/s320/484745_10151427365352697_1431076941_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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After our race, they gave us hats instead of medals because we placed. I love that! I can use a hat! We don't need more medals. Btw: I always grow a little tummy when I run. How is that even fair?!<br />
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This past weekend, it rained and we had a crazy cold front. Daniel mentioned, the way I mention he needs to buy bananas at the store, that he was going to wake up at 5am on Saturday, and run up a mountain by our house to the snow. I didn't argue with him because, are you ready for this? That is how he gets his kicks. I know, I mean, I'd rather sleep in on a cold Saturday morning, but hey, if you want to run up a mountain, then how can I come between him and that dream? Round trip he ran 15.3 miles covering 3,500 feet of climbing. That's amazing! I would love to be able to do that, but, no. I don't think I'm being negative when I say, I do not have the ability to achieve that! Check out these spectacular pictures he took.<br />
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Our home is near the middle of this photo. Love the snow in contrast to the green valley. <br />
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Just him and the coyotes. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy-C-KNSmCiJ1xfCwukcK9CVHJ-tTyPftzlMwGvhLL4ZJKF7bvFNeQ0m4K-rbwszV2oVI3FdwgLfTFxfWivNTKNVRkD_1_M0YwmgSJmQfICcGp1sSn7A9NBwuZrLq92fmtssrGqxrqChY/s1600/IMG_2920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy-C-KNSmCiJ1xfCwukcK9CVHJ-tTyPftzlMwGvhLL4ZJKF7bvFNeQ0m4K-rbwszV2oVI3FdwgLfTFxfWivNTKNVRkD_1_M0YwmgSJmQfICcGp1sSn7A9NBwuZrLq92fmtssrGqxrqChY/s640/IMG_2920.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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This is my favorite. It reminds me of 'The Road Not Taken' by Frost, which is our poem. </div>
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That is so amazing! Seriously, I would love to do a trail run. Maybe in twenty years when I have time to get in shape. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8061317358322574863.post-66884141949106046272013-02-10T21:10:00.000-08:002013-02-11T14:13:49.543-08:00The Best Fried Vegan Eggplant<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Now that Daniel doesn't work on Saturdays anymore (we are still getting used to this greatness!) we are able to get down and party on the weekends! Which is why I spent all morning in the kitchen on Saturday. I made quiche, date bread and fried eggplant (all vegan). My in-laws took the girls for a couple hours and it was so great getting to cook without interruptions. Super therapeutic. So glad I got married so I could be forced to cook, so I would learn I love to cook! </div>
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Did you get your party moves on this weekend?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGLrXd023qOCWrhyphenhyphenW_VRpsV4GZeLaJGX4uduYukkCLO0W5MVv0fIFc-2P8a7tUSWTHXDoXDDSEFuIxSrdM5QU_iJ5fKkR7cT6C-G3VYZGIK-0ddLrTClEXx4H3U53yUMqBh9Wq6Ufzjc/s1600/IMG_9494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGLrXd023qOCWrhyphenhyphenW_VRpsV4GZeLaJGX4uduYukkCLO0W5MVv0fIFc-2P8a7tUSWTHXDoXDDSEFuIxSrdM5QU_iJ5fKkR7cT6C-G3VYZGIK-0ddLrTClEXx4H3U53yUMqBh9Wq6Ufzjc/s640/IMG_9494.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Oh, just so you know, sensory boxes are made to be played INSIDE OF. I know, it's confusing since we were always taught sensory boxes were for senses connected to your hands, but as it turns out, it is much more fun to get inside of a sensory box and pick the beans out of your toes. This is the only way to do it folks. </div>
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I was out of diced tomatoes, so my eggplant was sauceless. I actually ended up enjoying it this way. I was able to appreciate the flavors of the eggplant and pasta more. This is the best my eggplant has ever come out. Yesssss, I'm actually getting better at this! Love it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Fx0lxLV925q8W5LrUtj0dwXSm2dN4d7_55Ih80rT8S5ZDti0i8Ly-n-e8CF2m8azaBrHAfOqDIUzuzowQchk0rGqhSDA-Z2MbKIjIHvmE5u0iW-Sj4nWP3c_w4zsWiZuuJjPNU8ERIs/s1600/IMG_9528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Fx0lxLV925q8W5LrUtj0dwXSm2dN4d7_55Ih80rT8S5ZDti0i8Ly-n-e8CF2m8azaBrHAfOqDIUzuzowQchk0rGqhSDA-Z2MbKIjIHvmE5u0iW-Sj4nWP3c_w4zsWiZuuJjPNU8ERIs/s640/IMG_9528.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Fried Eggplant</div>
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1 Eggplant sliced</div>
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Salt</div>
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1 cup rice milk</div>
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2 cup flour</div>
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4 tablespoons Italian Style breadcrumbs</div>
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Olive Oil for frying</div>
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Spaghetti and fresh parsley for serving</div>
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1) Rub both sides of your eggplant slices with salt. Lay them on a cloth in a single layer and let them sit and sweat it out for a good hour.</div>
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2) Mix together your flour and breadcrumbs. Heat your pan up. </div>
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3) Dip your eggplant in milk then in the flour mixture. Fry on lightly oiled pan at medium high heat till crispy, about 5 - 10 minutes, turning once. </div>
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3) Serve on top of spaghetti pasta lightly tossed with EVOO (optional) and sprinkled with fresh parsley. </div>
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Yummy!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Jia3LfXt6uUFWCgFCOL4g2PAcgfO7-Ids5TYXlRbqiuIxryZzpELtIWviZNk5A-28IfsgfwzFvdzfnnb7ItO5j3ARHKu-Ueks2wa3seVPA3bnqol0GijqrINFVF436QBvtpFtR5W7qI/s1600/IMG_9543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Jia3LfXt6uUFWCgFCOL4g2PAcgfO7-Ids5TYXlRbqiuIxryZzpELtIWviZNk5A-28IfsgfwzFvdzfnnb7ItO5j3ARHKu-Ueks2wa3seVPA3bnqol0GijqrINFVF436QBvtpFtR5W7qI/s640/IMG_9543.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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I'm incredibly boring when it comes to my hair. I have a messy bun look and a down look. That's it. Today I decided to live a little and I did an up-do that I found on Pintrest. I'm definitely going to be doing more of these. I loved that it was out of my way, the baby couldn't grab it and I was semi stylish. Thank you Pintrest!</div>
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Papa's Toolshed Mama's Kitchen now has a Pintrest page! Scroll to the top of our blog and click to follow us! Great way to track our recipes and DIYs.</div>
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Have you reached a sad point in your life when you are excited to go to bed at 9pm? Not sad. Just full. I live a full life. With my fools. Okay, I'm stopping now.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8061317358322574863.post-10757673800268559672013-02-07T21:49:00.001-08:002013-02-10T19:46:25.160-08:00Life isn't worth being mad over<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"Don't get mad, don't get mad" I kept repeating to myself as I looked down at the keys in my hand. SOMEBODY had detached the house key from the car key. In a frenzy to get out the door I didn't realize it until I had pushed everyone outside and shut the locked door behind me. Just at that moment when I could feel my blood pressure rising and my panic mode setting off, our new dog jumped gently over our six foot fence to be with us. Fantastic. So now, not only do I have three little people locked out of the house, but I also have a massive Golden Retriever moseying around our front yard too. Ten years ago I would have flipped out. I mean, flipped out! Broke down, melt down, big major crisis. But now I know that everything has a solution. Or at least that is what I try to tell myself when I'm in these situations. I took a deep breath, shuffled everyone, including the dog into the van, and proceeded on our merry way to the park as planned. Only this time I was way stressed. I had had little motivation to do anything all day (thanks to little people who kept me up last night) so the stress tensed up my whole body and made me want to yell at the world. This was supposed to be a quick, simple trip to the park. </div>
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When Daniel and I were first starting off our relationship and he did something senseless (like detaching the house keys from the car keys. Who does that?) I would freak out on him. I would call him up in hysterics over how could he have possibly have the nerve to make such a thoughtless mistake. Didn't he love me? Didn't he care about me? My feelings? My needs? My emotions? Clearly not, otherwise he would not have done this. And then I would go crazy woman on him and go on and on about how, oh, if only he loved me. Well, good to know now before it's too late! And we would have a big unnecessary fight and he would tell me I'm making a big deal over nothing and that people make mistakes. I've been told that my whole life, from my brother and mom, that I'm "too harsh on people". That's what I tried to remember when I was at the park with the girls; there has to be a reasonable explanation for the keys, and people make mistakes. And, don't be mad. Don't get mad. Don't be mad. </div>
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Truth is, it was hard being mad while watching the girls. Athena was super chill, as usual, and Monique and Thérèse were walking around the park holding hands and hugging. That was weird, the hugging. Thérèse is not affectionate. But she was so happy about me making her a preschool homework packet, that she was drunk off of excitement. And that dog, the dog was just sitting in the van driver seat looking at us through the windshield like it's her everyday occupation. </div>
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Not being mad was hard to achieve while waiting to meet my father-in-law so I could get our house key from him. "Why why why why why why why why why why??" Was my text to my husband while we waited. These girls were supposed to be taking a nap right now, not locked out of the house. </div>
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When we finally got into our house, I gave the girls a snack and put them all down. Thérèse can always tell when I'm stressed. To ease her I told her, "I'm sorry I'm so bent out of shape right now, but you girls have been so so wonderful, you have helped me out so much!" Her face completely changed into pride and peace and I realized that most of the time I'm stressed, it's because of Thérèse or Moniuqe or Athena, the three people I dedicate my life to. The ones who I'm teaching the importance of maintaining healthy relationships. Yet they are the ones (especially Thérèse because she is so much like me) that I hold a grudge and lose my patience with when they don't act the way I expect them to. Daniel has taught me that he makes mistakes, and I need to accept him with all his perfection and all his carelessness. But now I need to accept my daughters in the same way, and not get frustrated when they don't take their naps for days, or complain about teething all week, or relentlessly suck their thumb. </div>
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Thankfully they all went to sleep and I sat down on the couch to watch some t.v. and stress eat. This is the one time stress eating actually helped me. I think it was because I was so hungry and just needed to sit down and have a few minutes of quiet time! </div>
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When Daniel finally called, he dropped a hint that he was expecting to talk to a crazy lady, but that lady didn't show up. I had relaxed, I was upset and tired, but mistakes happen and I was ready to get the explanation for the separated keys. But I didn't get one. He doesn't remember doing it, he doesn't remember why he did it. Terrific. Such an annoying situation, but at the end of the day, thankfully it wasn't that big of a deal. </div>
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After we talked about how big of an obstacle my day had become, Daniel told me a story about one of his students that finally made me laugh. He teaches emotionally disturbed 2nd and 3rd graders. One of his students (lets call him Jeremy) is itty bitty. He's a tiny little guy. Today they were working on an assignment and in the sweetest voice Jeremy says, </div>
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"Mr. Daniel, can you please come and help me with this?" </div>
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Daniel replies, "Sure Jeremy" goes to sit next to him, "What do you need help with?" </div>
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With disgusted strong emotion Jeremy spits out, "Get away from me you stupid idiot". </div>
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Now these boys are emotionally disturbed, so they don't really understand what they are saying and how what they say affects other people. So this statement is actually nice compared to other things Daniel is told throughout the day. If I worked there I would be on the floor crying everyday, completely crushed. But Daniel just says, "Okay, let me know when you are ready for my help".</div>
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Jeremy, "Mr Daniel, can you help me?"</div>
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Goes to sit down with him, "Sure Jeremy, what can I help you with".</div>
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"Get away from me you stupid idiot!"</div>
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This story made me laugh so hard. Daniel was laughing too. But the only explanation I have for my laughing exceptionally hard, is that the evil, crazy woman inside of me, was living vicariously through Jeremy. </div>
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Thankfully I do know the consequences of words, and Daniel knows the benefits of a hearty apology and our marriage grew because of this situation. Glad we have gone this far, looking forward to growing with the girls now too.</div>
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These are the moments that keep me sane, and the people that make it worth it.</div>
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Athena is beginner crawling. How 'bout that drool, huh? </div>
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Thérèse found her father's running hat and got to work on her homework. She took both to bed with her tonight.</div>
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This picture kills me. I always find Monqiue cuddling with Saddie. Look at where the dog's left paw is.</div>
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Yesterday I complained that I only had time to exercise my right leg. Well today my right leg is super sore, which makes me not want to exercise my left leg. Will anyone tell that they are different sizes? </div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8061317358322574863.post-88179524673073010722013-02-06T20:17:00.000-08:002013-02-06T20:17:20.142-08:00Organic, Local, Veg Heads<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's Wednesday! The day I finagle my hair into some sort of mom-do to make people believe it might actually be clean, watch the house go to shambles as I shuffle everyone out the door and put on my mom attitude face that says, "Driving a mini-van is too cool for you" (oversize sunglasses are a must). Translation: Wednesday is errands day. Trader Joe's, Target, Costco, Fresh and Easy, chiropractor, whatever needs to get done, we do it. But the highlight, is Farmers Market. O yea. </div>
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I used to get really annoyed when people talked about Farmers' Markets. What's all the hype? I thought it was just a passing craze. Let me tell you, I was wrong. Now I hope it becomes a way of life for everyone, because it insures you get the best quality ingredients, picked at just the right time, at a reasonable price.</div>
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A year and a half ago, I read an article about how many hundreds of miles our food travels to get to our plate and I was appalled. Gas emissions aside, when food is prematurely picked and takes days to get into your kitchen, it is not going to contain many nutrients. So why am I suffering through this veggie to get nutrition that isn't even there? Since then we have bought our produce exclusively at farmers' markets, rearranging our schedules and going out of our way to shop there. There have been a handful of times we have had to shop at a traditional store when we've been out of town. Those are the times I realize why America does not eat enough veggies; they look so lame, dull, gross and tasteless! Yes, I'm biased. Farmers market veggies just don't compare. Everything is so plump, bright and fresh. Plus, studies show that people who shop at FM's are happier than people who don't because of the satisfaction that comes from helping a family owned business.</div>
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Does your plate know the colors of the rainbow?</div>
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Yup, we eat lots of veggies here. You put life inside you, you will be full of life! This red leaf lettuce was picked this morning! So fun shopping for beautiful things! </div>
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This morning I tried to fit in Goop's 15 minute workout. I didn't even make it through the first five minutes, which means only one leg did major leg lifts. Which means my right leg feels like it belongs on Captain America and my left leg feels pathetic. I feel like I have an identity crisis. Oh, never mind, just a mom of toddlers. </div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8061317358322574863.post-84912907568443323582013-02-02T06:37:00.000-08:002013-02-02T14:11:57.083-08:00Valentine's Day Photo ShootThursday I threw a meal in the crock pot, completed all our laundry (seven loads), took Valentine's Day photos, went for a run, put all my contacts in my new phone and made spinach artichoke dip for date night with my husband. NOT.<br />
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What I did do was realize I wasn't going to have time to throw ingredients into the crock pot, did one and a half loads of laundry, completed all the props for the photo shoot, took the photos, freaked out at how messy my house had become from neglecting it so I could have some creative time, forced the girls to clean up their toys (which is equivalent to asking them to cross a barren dessert without food, water or shelter), and crashed at 2pm. Aaahhhhh....to sit again....everyone took a nap at the same time! So I read 100 pages of Northanger Abby on my Nook. I really should have slept too, since my eye was twitching, but I can't sleep when I have to pee and I couldn't pee cause I was terrified I would wake up my girls. And thus is life.<br />
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Daniel came home shocked at how messy the house was. What? We just "cleaned" it. He vacuumed the house and then he finished, yes finished, the laundry.<br />
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Bonus: We went on a family walk and I got my run in. Let me just say that I started running and I'm basically a completely different person because of it. My energy levels are unstoppable. Better than coffee! Don't look at me like that, I mean it.<br />
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I also taught my girls what chocolate dipping is. They started chanting "Chocolate dipping chocolate dipping" before they even started eating it. They knew it was going to be amazing. They ate their tempeh tacos, red leaf lettuce and broccoli without a fuss. Always looking for easy fun deserts to reward them.<br />
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Okay, so I didn't tell them we had chocolate dipped left overs. I enjoyed them all day Friday. Perk of being THE MAMA.<br />
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Heavy handed chocolate dipped pretzels, pecans, bananas and strawberries. Living in Southern California means it is the beginning of strawberry season at farmers market!! Shut-up! What? Didn't the season just end in October? Yesssssss!<br />
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Here are some pics of our Valentine's Photos. This photo shoot taught me that when it comes to toddlers, you need one person to take the picture and one person to make them smile. Get that? IT TAKES TWO PEOPLE TO TAKE A PICTURE. </div>
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This picture cracks me up. They are so not into the Valentine spirit. I just look at Thérèse and I think, tortured much? Athena has her hands on her hips like, really lady? This again? I ain't smiling.</div>
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Monkeys aside, I am very proud of my assembly. Total cost $3. For the cupcakes. Oh come on! You want me to put this shoot together, make the props, keep three people alive AND make the cupcakes? I think not. I justified the purchase by buying them at Trader Joes. So they can't be that bad...right? </div>
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I had fun making all the props from recycled materials from around our home. I really love the look of the pink flower made with the two different shades of pink tissue paper. I would love to do more creative activities like this. </div>
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Why is Monique holding her foot?</div>
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Oh, if you put infants on the grass, they will make this face. </div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8061317358322574863.post-46348842888846324242013-01-04T20:03:00.000-08:002013-01-04T20:03:00.479-08:00New Year, New Post<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Decided today I wanted to do something fun, like blog! Woohoo! Occasionally, over the last couple months I will grab my camera, and snap a picture of what we are eating. Check out some of our vegan meals.</div>
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This is the only surviving picture of Thanksgiving food. This was the second vegan Thanksgiving my mother-in-law and I put together. I made The Chew's Daphne Oz's Mushroom and Kale Stuffing. Next year I'm going to revise it a bit, and make it the day before so all them flavors will develop overnight. </div>
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I made this soup after a long rainy day of running errands and being out. We needed something warm and nourishing. I made miso soup with cubed tofu and kale <a href="http://www.wholeliving.com/130723/chard-potstickers">dumplings</a>, it made us feel warm and right. This dish was meant to be healing, not necessarily filling. So before bed we had almond butter, jelly sandwiches. </div>
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The girls told me I was the best Mama ever for making this dish. Two of their favorite things, miso soup and dumplings. </div>
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A poor mans meal: Fried potato tacos with spanish rice and steamed broccoli. This has been what I have been making lately when I don't feel like cooking and just want to eat fast food. We don't eat fast food in this house so this is the next best thing. I fry the tacos in safflower oil (NOT sunflower oil). Safflower oil is a great high heat oil and perfect for frying food in. It does cost more than other oils but it's so worth it. You eat these and you don't feel like you have eaten heavy fried food. </div>
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This is another meal I made after a long day and not much food in the fridge. Barley casserole from <u>The Kind Diet</u> with sauteed zucchini and sauteed cabbage. The girls were not down with the barley casserole, but Daniel and I love it. The girls did, however, devour their veggies,which made me realize we have gone so far in our veggie journey. Hurray! </div>
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Omelet and potatoes from <u>Vegan Family Meals</u>. The omelet was pretty good, but wasn't super satisfied with the inside texture. The potatoes were Divine. My brother-in-law made them to shear perfection. They were tossed with olive oil, salt, pepper and dill. I love anything with dill. </div>
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Enough of the food, check out my kids! How cute is this chunky monkey eyeing herself in the mirror? </div>
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Christmas morning, reading a new book, old school Curious George. They love this guy. </div>
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When I was little, all I wanted was a white Christmas. Now that I'm older and have kids, I just want comfort! It was raining all week at home, but we didn't suffer through it because we were visiting family in Palm Springs! It was in the 60's but it felt like 75-80. Loved sitting by the pool in the sun watching the kids play. Now, that is a vacation.<br />
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Ain't no sunshine when she's gone.<br />
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New Years Day we went to the Rose Parade. Now, I ordinarily don't believe in waking up early, and crowds and traffic, but this is the Year of the Family for us. So I figured I'd start it out right. It was so much fun! A new family tradition. </div>
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Daniel getting creative with changes.</div>
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The people in front of us had toddler chairs and offered them to Thérèse and her cousins. Everyone is so sweet for having woken up so early.</div>
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Our big five month old! It's not fair how fast they grow.<br />
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We are excited about the new year! Daniel got a teaching position and is planning on taking only one class at a time to finish up his credential. So we are looking forward to a little more normalcy in our lives. </div>
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After lots of fun vegan food over the Holidays, I'm excited to get my family back on a loosely based Superhero diet. The kids have been eating much less cheese and eggs, they no longer exist in our house. Love that. </div>
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I want to give a shout out to mi amiga Brittany. Her <a href="http://thelilyfield.blogspot.com/">blog</a> is great. From her I learned how to make my personal much loved lentil and rice tacos. (I fry the tortilla and add Veganaise to mine. Yes, I fry anything I can!) Today I was really impressed by her<a href="http://thelilyfield.blogspot.com/2013/01/welcome-to-new-normal.html"> honest story</a> regarding her conversion to a plant based diet. They eliminated so much pain and medication just by changing their diet! Something to think about now that a new year is starting up. I love the concept of taking charge, taking your health into your own hands and living life feeling your best! </div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8061317358322574863.post-66740459869991186592012-10-18T08:43:00.001-07:002013-02-11T15:00:04.058-08:00Feeding Children Vegan for a WeekI can't believe I have been able to feed my kids vegan for three entire days! The biggest surprised is they haven't ask for their beloved cheese. Huge bonus: I'm loving the fact I now only have to make one lunch. They've been great eaters these last couple days, here is what's been cooking in our kitchen:<br />
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Day 2</div>
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Lunch: Gardein Crispy Tenders, quinoa and pears. </div>
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I love this meal, because it takes zero work, and it includes a super grain! This is one of Monique's favorite meals as well. Thérèse isn't too big on quinoa, but with ketchup, she says it doesn't taste bad. </div>
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Dinner: Udon noodles with shredded zuccini and carrots with steamed broccoli. </div>
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Sorry! No picture for this one. I whipped this dinner up, threw everyone's shoes on and ran out the door for our evening walk. Then I totally forgot. Whoops! You can check out a past blog post about his meal<a href="http://papastoolshedmamaskitchen.blogspot.com/2011/07/how-i-get-through-my-day.html"> here</a>.</div>
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Day 3</div>
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Lunch: Hiziki Croquettes with millet, carrot, scallions, tahini and garbanzo beans. </div>
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This is from one of my favorite cookbooks, Vegan Family Meals. It's actually supposed to be a part of a salad, but the croquettes are so strong, I often serve them on their own. This dish is calcium overload. While whole milk contains 118 milligrams of calcium per serving, but chickpeas have 150, sesame seeds 1,160 and hijiki 1,400! Step aside, milk. Hijiki, a sea vegetable is pricey, but it's totally worth it because it lasts forever. Thankfully, Monique loves this dish and once again, Thérèse thinks it's great with ketchup. I'm telling you, kids appreciate basic flavors. It reminds me of surf and turf. Love that. </div>
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Dinner: Fidello with peas and carrots, beans and steamed broccoli. </div>
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As a kid, fidello was my all time favorite. Who doesn't love carbs? My bizarre children aren't crazy about it though. Don't ask me why. They did ask for two servings of my beans though. Apparently I make boss beans. I guess I'm going to have to make more since they are such a hit. </div>
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Broccoli still steaming when I took this picture.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2LVJRRJpFca8h2t0dLph82AShl-1tduTZhCxu__DZvPdGmZ4wutua_ScvkS_NFkQfEgM9V7vOLsv-kV-rO9-ujQxov9MZGBEAwm7t5rlZj-oy4hHEct_eqI-aNgBvmsL8tJZai-OQUuk/s1600/IMG_7474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2LVJRRJpFca8h2t0dLph82AShl-1tduTZhCxu__DZvPdGmZ4wutua_ScvkS_NFkQfEgM9V7vOLsv-kV-rO9-ujQxov9MZGBEAwm7t5rlZj-oy4hHEct_eqI-aNgBvmsL8tJZai-OQUuk/s640/IMG_7474.JPG" width="640" /> </a></div>
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My kids eat oatmeal with raisins and banana for breakfast every morning. Thérèse cannot live without her morning oatmeal. It was the only thing I craved when I was pregnant with her, which is strange, because I hate oatmeal.</div>
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This morning I decided we had an awesome three days and it was time for a treat. Thérèse and I mixed up these vegan, gluten and sugar free waffles. They are the best waffles. Period. We ate them with juicy farmers market peaches. You can get the recipe <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/printerfriendly/Waffles-366089">here</a>. </div>
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Are there any vegan dishes your kids love? </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8061317358322574863.post-22842027436136039732012-10-16T19:40:00.003-07:002013-02-11T14:59:32.560-08:00Cutting the Cheese<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Somehow dairy has made it into my body. I'm not sure how since I
know if flares up my eczema, makes my head stuffy, my emotions moody and my sleep less
sound. So I wouldn't consciously consume it. But somehow it's come in,
and I want my buoyant energy back. <br />
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Two out of three of the girls' meals are
vegan. They really only eat cheese, but making their grilled cheese for lunch is such a temptation, I decided I needed to cut all contact with cheese and make all their meals vegan. At least for a couple days. I figured it would do them more good than harm. But would I be able to feed them vegan meals without only making PBJ's? It's turned into a challenge, to see how long I can go without feeding them their typical quesadilla, grilled cheese or mac and cheese lunches.<br />
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Here is what they ate for the first day of their no cheese diet:<br />
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Yesterday we went to their library class. It's awesome. They do all kinds of dancing and singing and then they let the kids loose in a room filled with toys and puzzles. I love that the library provides this resource. Afterwards, we went to the park for a picnic. Thérèse knows if we have a picnic she gets a juice box, which makes her excited about life. <br />
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Lunch was a burrito: frijoles con papas. Boiled potatoes, salted and mashed in extra virgin olive oil with lightly fried and mashed beans rolled into a tortilla. I used canned because I didn't have any made. Not ideal but certainly practical. Avocado would be a delicious addition to this burrito. <br />
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Snack: Popcorn and pears.</div>
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Dinner: Fried rice and broccoli. I almost had a melt down because I ran out of soy sauce. Soy sauce is essential to fried rice. Plus my kids love it. They will eat anything if it is smothered and cooked in soy sauce. It is the equivalent to ketchup in this house. Thankfully, they ate this dinner right up. I did have to bribe them with vegan ice cream sandwiches, but still, they didn't complain about eating this. Simple flavors go a long way with kids. </div>
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Fried Rice: Sauté one leek, two garlic, add one zucchini, one small carrot, all finely diced. After veggies slightly brown, stirred in three cups leftover brown rice, two teaspoons soy sauce and add half a package of crumbled firm tofu. Serve with steamed broccoli.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigqJqx7DCRp7m-sZslkXy9QdUXCp6tE2ijZXLJgGC_dxOCGhoSpGmnxJNKOsPBOaIpsbrgxmH2SnFvYZsoFaRzrZP7BpPNFeR3xwqwoxDYparubhaSpXDS5gIHW6TbC7y6zqe3lLkhwWQ/s1600/IMG_7451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigqJqx7DCRp7m-sZslkXy9QdUXCp6tE2ijZXLJgGC_dxOCGhoSpGmnxJNKOsPBOaIpsbrgxmH2SnFvYZsoFaRzrZP7BpPNFeR3xwqwoxDYparubhaSpXDS5gIHW6TbC7y6zqe3lLkhwWQ/s640/IMG_7451.JPG" width="640" /> </a></div>
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Basic flavors go a long way with kids. And my husband enjoyed it too, so win/win. Don't ask why the baby stroller is on the kitchen chair. Thérèse said she put it their on purpose. Okay....</div>
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I know you all woke up this morning and thought, "I want to know what Arisa's kid look like messy and preoccupied with vegan ice cream sandwiches and a grain of rice stuck to her chin." Well here you are. My kids eat a lot of veggies. We need an incentive they love and that doesn't destroy all the good the veggies did. </div>
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I will be updating our adventures in Cheeseless Children. I can't make promises in how often. I started this post at eight this morning and it's almost eight in the evening now. There are a few distractions around here...</div>
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Monique just fell. I gasped and laughed at the same time. I didn't know I could do that. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8061317358322574863.post-73985362472062420852012-10-10T21:25:00.000-07:002012-10-11T09:36:10.167-07:00Soup's Up!Hey Y'all!<br />
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So I know I popped up, "Hey! I'm back!" and then, "Just kidding...Not back..." So this is the deal. My MacBook is dead. We are on a super tight budget so waiting to get it revived. But the main reason I'm often unable to blog, is because Daniel is working a full time job, part time job and attending graduate classes full time. Whew! I got winded just saying that. So I'm home alone with the girls all day everyday. We get Daniel Wednesday evening and night and all of Sunday. That's it! We miss him. Today's Wednesday so he's home! WooHoo! He's been swamped with finals. Today he came home from work, got the girls involved in playing an educational game on their own, helped with dinner, burped the baby and said, "What do you need me to do?" But I didn't hear him. All I heard was a symphony. I have the best husband.<br />
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On another note, being alone with three girls three and under all the time has made me incredibly strong. I can hold a 15 pound baby, squat and brush a kid's teeth all at once. Don't I get some sort of badge for that? No? Okay. I guess I'll settle for semi-strong legs and a clean set of toddler's teeth.<br />
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I've been spending the last ten days trying to get my toddler to stop sucking her thumb 24/7. Have you ever spent time with an addict being forced to get over a major addiction? Draining....Get the thumb out get the thumb out get the thumb out. The way she reacts to this request would make a person passing by believe there was some sort of real torture involved. No, no torture. Just fighting addictions. I can joke about addiction because I have an addictive personality. I hold a record for completing all seasons of Prison Break in record time. Hello, how is it possible to stop looking at Wentworth Miller once one has seen his face? Too bad the poor kid can't act. He'd be unstoppable. <br />
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So why am I blogging today? Oh, why to share one of my favorite soups of course! Today is officially the first day of Fall in our neighborhood. We broke out our pants! It'd been so long, I had totally forgotten what my pants looked like. We also got to wear sweaters. We hit up Farmers Market and the produce looked amazing! So beautiful. I wanted to kiss the growers. I wanted to make this meal to warm us up and use lots of our fresh veggies.<br />
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I love this recipe because it has a variety of veggies and instead of pasta contains quinoa. When I make this, I use only 4 cups stock and substitute the rest with water. I don't toast the quinoa and I omit the coriander (because we don't have any and I'm too cheap to buy it). My favorite topping to add to this soup are corn tortillas which I cut into strips and then pan fry till crispy. Yummy! <br />
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Saucy Southwestern Meal recipe <a href="http://www.veria.com/recipe/quinoa-recipes-saucy-southwestern-meal">here</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZPTXDp1woj03WG50l5ZXIGkbuja3mEE2tx54sZuWW7gQ3nMZi_B5O-V8N5QYw_blzlVgIlqfbPjYFi5zRLAi07Aq_pt5_ffaT66_mpOJ7ijATm9ahlUmmVo3Nc3qu-wEocuCaV3Taux8/s1600/nd110saucysouthwesternmeal220x100-195e68ffb87dad2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZPTXDp1woj03WG50l5ZXIGkbuja3mEE2tx54sZuWW7gQ3nMZi_B5O-V8N5QYw_blzlVgIlqfbPjYFi5zRLAi07Aq_pt5_ffaT66_mpOJ7ijATm9ahlUmmVo3Nc3qu-wEocuCaV3Taux8/s320/nd110saucysouthwesternmeal220x100-195e68ffb87dad2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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from <a href="http://www.veria.com/recipe/quinoa-recipes-saucy-southwestern-meal">veria.com</a></div>
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I encourage you to check out other recipes on this site by Ann Gentry. This is definitely the easiest one on the site, her dishes can get really complicated, but all her food is amazing and the site has great cooking videos by her as well.</div>
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Here is my baby! We called her Sunny in the womb and she definitely has lived up to her name. </div>
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How about that chunk! Her two faces are happy and terrified. Aw...they are growing too fast. Not allowed. <br />
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Today I scrubbed my kitchen sink so bright it almost blinded me. Yes, these are the things that excite me in life now. I love being a stay at home mom! All the sippy cups and the... the...mess...I take comfort in knowing that a cleaning fairy is going wipe the mess away. Yes, I'm the fairy. Do I get a badge for that?<br />
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I'm on the hunt for easy, quick, cheap vegan dishes (that does not include just rice and beans). Please share if you have a staple!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8061317358322574863.post-64685308514212084492012-09-18T10:32:00.001-07:002013-02-11T15:00:37.729-08:00How to Eat Your Kale Without Hating It<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yay! I'm blogging! I've missed it so much. Every day I think, "Tonight is the night I'm going to blog!" </div>
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But the reality is, that I'm home alone with the girls 12 hour days, four days a week. So the sad truth is, by bed time, I'm stone dead on the couch. Plus my Macbook has pooped out on me, so my blogging days on the couch are over. Sit at a desk? What? No, I can't get in that position at night. </div>
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So where did my burst of blogging energy come from? Well, I happen to have the most gigantic 9 week old baby on the planet. Want to know something special about gigantic babies? They start to sleep through the night earlier. So for two nights in a row, this chick has slept for over 8 hours straight! I know! Gift from God. Now that she is sleeping through the night, I need to relearn. I haven't slept through the night since early in my pregnancy when there wasn't a baby squishing my bladder.</div>
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A couple weeks ago I was really sluggish. I realized it was because I wasn't eating my greens! Eating my dark leafy veggies is super important because it replenishes my calcium and keeps me feeling Popeye status. The only way I can eat these hearty veggies is by dressing them up. When I was breast feeding Monique, I had Kale with Udon noodles every night. Ume plum vinegar literally change my life making it possible for me to eat these greens. If you don't have Ume vinaigrette, please try to get your hands on some! It's turns your greens into a party! I've shared my recipe for greens with Ume plum <a href="http://papastoolshedmamaskitchen.blogspot.com/2011/07/how-i-get-through-my-day_25.html">here</a>. I love this dish with quinoa or udon noodles, which can be found down your international foods isle at specialty stores. To me, this is an elegant, delicious dish, and whenever I have company over, I share this dish with them and everyone loves it! Even my toddlers enjoy it.</div>
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My husband gifted me this shirt. He was really excited to find a statement that embodied one of my major beliefs. I procrastinated wearing it because I don't like to call all kinds of attention to myself. Turns out to be a great conversation starter. Turns out I love to be able to actively promote veggies.</div>
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We often get caught up in the "One Perfect Food" idea. All dark leafy greens are fantastic: bok choy, collard greens, even parsley, are filled with the stuff your body craves. However spinach and chards, greens that leave a sticky feeling in your mouth, don't need to be consumed as frequently. </div>
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Because kale with ume plum is so darn good, I rarely seek out other ways to consume it. I'm actually pretty apprehensive that I can enjoy it any other way. But when my in-laws shared this rice bowl with me, I knew I had to add it to my circulated recipes! You can find this Spicy Peanut Ginger Kale rice bowl recipe <a href="http://kblog.lunchboxbunch.com/2012/01/spicy-peanut-ginger-kale-salad.html">here</a>. </div>
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When I made this dish for lunch a few days ago, I didn't have all the ingredients, like the ginger, I just threw in a dash of ginger spice, it was still delicious. This dish is super scrumptious. Put on top of brown rice, it feels like it's from a phenomenal restaurant. I definitely recommending you all trying this one!</div>
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I try to have dark greens at least once a day. I love to eat them for breakfast. This morning I had steamed kale, left-over long grain brown rice and left over potatoes. This meal took under five minutes to make and it was so nutritious and satisfying. </div>
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What are some of your favorite ways to eat kale? The more I'm learning to love kale the more I'm actually starting to be open to more ideas!</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8061317358322574863.post-48768967041735451782012-08-27T21:16:00.002-07:002013-02-11T14:59:01.974-08:00Vegan Lettuce Wraps<br />
I was really craving lettuce wraps. I decided to use tempeh because I wanted them to resemble red meat as much as possible. I love the meaty texture tempeh offers! The marinate ended up making the tempeh so moist providing lots of flavor with each bite! So delicious! This is something I would totally serve as an appetizer at a party. But we enjoyed them as dinner. The girls did not give me a hard time about eating them which is a huge plus. I'm always beaming with happiness whenever I see them eating a meal with ginger because ginger is such an immune booster. We served this with broccoli.<br />
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Vegan Lettuce Wraps</div>
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1/2 Cup Shoyu (or whatever soy sauce you got) </div>
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2 to 2 1/2 Tablespoon Minced Ginger</div>
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4 Tablespoon Water</div>
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1 Tablespoon Maple Syrup</div>
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1/2 Orange</div>
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1 Package of Tempeh (8 ounces)</div>
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1 Diced Red Bell Pepper</div>
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2 Peeled and Diced Carrots</div>
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2 Teaspoons Sesame Oil </div>
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Lettuce</div>
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Sesame Seeds</div>
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Diced Green Onion</div>
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1. Whisk shoyu, ginger, water, maple syrup, and juice from the orange in an 8x8 inch dish. Finely dice the tempeh and add it to your sauce. Toss to coat, cover and stick it in the fridge for 30 minutes.</div>
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2. At medium high heat add sesame oil, tempeh with the sauce, carrots and bell peppers. Cover and let simmer for ten minutes. Flip over and let it simmer for ten more minutes. Remove lid and allow it to brown stirring occasionally. </div>
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3. Let it cool a bit. Fill one leaf of lettuce with about 1/2 cup of tempeh (or less! Depending on the size of your lettuce leaf). Top with sesame seeds and green onion. </div>
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These were so juicy! Totally didn't taste like tempeh. I went a little overboard with the sesame seeds here, but they are actually really good for you, so eat up! </div>
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Alright guys, here is a picture of my 6 week old. She always looks slightly terrified. This is because she has two sisters that are constantly talking baby talk to her, kissing her, starring at her right up against her face and sticking stickers on her. </div>
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Back in the day, I used to make my posts in the evening after the girls went to bed, but our new baby doesn't believe in going to bed before 11:30. Our bed time is 10:00. Way to make us feel old by wanting to stay up later than us. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8061317358322574863.post-72196916473156608372012-08-24T12:54:00.002-07:002012-08-27T21:23:05.284-07:00Spaghetti Casserole <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Totally forgot how much work newborns are! I'm going to have to post how to transition from two to three kids. Since everyone is happy and I function without coffee, I feel as though I've perfected the art. </div>
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I hesitated posting this recipe because it is not totally vegan. Big fat apologies to all aspiring vegans out there. My goal is to make this a plant based blog, but I decided to post it anyway because this post is for you people emailing me, asking me how you can make a smooth transition into vegan or vegetarian cooking. </div>
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I love LOVE casseroles. I have always wanted to try The Pioneer Woman's Chicken Spaghetti but pretty much the only thing I could eat from it were the onions and pasta. Yesterday I broke down and made my own version. I replaced the chicken with zucchinis and created my own vegan cream of mushroom instead of using canned. My cream of mushroom is super easy and didn't have all the bad stuff canned food does. </div>
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This dish took minutes to make and was very little work. The fact that I was able to whip it up quickly with a fussy baby and another child yelling some such at me, says a lot. This dish is for all of you who want to consume less meat on occasion, or those who want to eat Pioneer Woman delicious goodness, but a healthier version. Enjoy!</div>
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Yummmm....I do enjoy having a bit of cheese every now and then. Note the cream of mushroom on the bottom of the dish. I'm notorious for skipping steps. Here I skipped the step of mixing all ingredients in a large bowl, which is why the cream is not evenly distributed. </div>
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Cheesy, Veggie, Spaghetti Casserole</div>
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About 3 cups brown rice spaghetti pasta</div>
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1 Tablespoon vegan butter</div>
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2 cups sliced mushrooms</div>
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20 ounces rice milk</div>
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2 Tablespoon white flour</div>
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2 diced zucchinis, about 2 cups</div>
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1 diced bell pepper</div>
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Salt and Pepper</div>
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2 cups shredded chedder cheese plus more for the top</div>
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1. Preheat oven to 350º. Cook pasta as directed. Set aside.</div>
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2. Melt butter in a small sauce pan over medium heat. Add
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3. In a large bowl mix together cooked spaghetti, milk with
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pepper. Pour into a 8x8 in. casserole dish and top with cheese. Bake
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Thérèse had just woken up from her nap to eat this. I asked Daniel to do something with her bed hair and this was his technique. She thought it was funny but <i>not</i> a solution. With three girls, giving Daniel a hair styling lesson is now on my list of things to do.<br />
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Hoping to share my perfected vegan chocolate chip cookie recipe with you this up-coming week and my mommy survival skills! I'm going to need to post up-dated pictures of my baby. Her growth has been rapid. I call her my Jolly Red Giant. </div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8061317358322574863.post-67407084876527844612012-08-06T15:07:00.000-07:002012-08-27T21:27:26.783-07:00My Favorite Plant Based Sandwich<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">I'm sorry I haven't posted anything in a week! Daniel went back to work last week and the girls and I enjoyed having different company over every day. It's great to have a new baby so you have an </span><span style="text-align: left;">excuse</span><span style="text-align: left;"> to have people over. Daniel picked up laundry duty when I went back to school, so this week I did laundry for the first time in eleven months! I don't know why people complain about laundry so much. It's so darn exciting. </span></div>
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Being home alone with the girls is slightly challenging. The biggest challenge has been finding time to eat, let alone cook my food. Since I'm so anti-processed food, I realized I needed to make up a few meals to have on hand so I could have instant healthy food. Tuesday my in-laws took the girls for the day so I could do visit with my old friend, laundry, and make some food to have in the fridge. I made:</div>
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* Hummus</div>
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* <a href="http://papastoolshedmamaskitchen.blogspot.com/2011/06/sneaky-veggies-swiss-chard-potstickers.html">Swiss chard pot stickers</a> (only up to the folding part so when we were ready to eat, I just fried them up and they tasted fresh)</div>
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* Vegan Paella (from Paltrow's My Father's Daughter. I <i>love</i> this dish!)</div>
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I made something else, but I'm sleep deprived. So parts of my brain sleep during the day since it can't sleep at night. </div>
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This is what I made with the hummus throughout the week. This sandwich is perfect for us. Daniel runs and swims almost every day, and often bikes to work, so he needs lots of protein and most importantly <i>fat</i>. I'm nursing a giant (she gained a pound and a half her first two weeks. holy cow) so clearly I am working harder than Daniel and need the fats even more than he does. Remember, being on a plant based diet the biggest challenge is getting enough fat, not protein! But these fats will keep you slender.</div>
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This sandwich is very near and dear to my heart. It was one of the first vegan meals I ever ate as a teenager. A local health food restaurant made this and I loved how delicious and satisfying it was. It's refreshing for summer and has lots of natural fats your body and brain need. Here is my rendition. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHuR73lDs1r251BsGCY7DtWBjseuwXo24EMy5-qRDkWv-2xOAl0ZLMWKOzSFfr84goH44XpM2jRApqA3RAP9uDLPmZfGLtCprWdJyrnjZfxPaqRrzu4u9NVwFznHraglzgKQheddd3cE/s1600/IMG_6541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyHuR73lDs1r251BsGCY7DtWBjseuwXo24EMy5-qRDkWv-2xOAl0ZLMWKOzSFfr84goH44XpM2jRApqA3RAP9uDLPmZfGLtCprWdJyrnjZfxPaqRrzu4u9NVwFznHraglzgKQheddd3cE/s640/IMG_6541.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Summer Veg Sandwich</div>
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Ingredients:</div>
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2 slices of bread (I use Ezekiel, but you can use something lighter)</div>
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2-3 Tbsp. hummus</div>
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1-2 tsp. sunflower seeds</div>
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1 Tbsp. Veganaise</div>
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1/2 ripe avocado, sliced</div>
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4 slices tomatoes</div>
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1 c. loosely packed alfalfa sprouts(these guys get a bad rep. Lay off the hateful talk, they are awesome!)</div>
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1/2 cucumber, peeled and grated</div>
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1) Spread hummus over one slice of bread. Sprinkle with sunflower seeds. </div>
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2) Spread Veganise over other slice of toast and layer avocado evenly over it.</div>
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3) Put tomato slices over avocado, then top with cucumber and alfalfa sprouts. Close with the slice of bread with hummus. </div>
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Serves 1</div>
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Hmmmmm....so good! I love the sweet and nutty taste this sandwich has. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjGfn0Vmf_dOZExKJsOPR_0wcZbPKHzqPxJrF3_GsH0-jKQ3wjPjUbLTSj6m1zMpHyOfmgxpQQdf93MC63pMBvjEphXZXBFJaofJuVNJhD0_8JCXUFPSb0-qnaTz0rBcqGK-UimiqOeo/s1600/IMG_6551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDjGfn0Vmf_dOZExKJsOPR_0wcZbPKHzqPxJrF3_GsH0-jKQ3wjPjUbLTSj6m1zMpHyOfmgxpQQdf93MC63pMBvjEphXZXBFJaofJuVNJhD0_8JCXUFPSb0-qnaTz0rBcqGK-UimiqOeo/s640/IMG_6551.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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It was nice to have food made so I could hang out with these people. </div>
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I will be making more meals ahead of time and more quick meals too. I'll be sharing! </div>
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I want to thank all of you for welcoming my baby and giving me such a warm welcome back into the blogging world. To those who have written me, sorry I haven't gotten a chance to write all of you a personal email back. You are much appreciated and thought of! </div>
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By the way, I would like to discourage you all from buying soft tofu. We got soft tofu instead of firm tofu this week and the texture is even less exciting than laundry. </div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8061317358322574863.post-34332913111712734622012-07-28T16:29:00.000-07:002013-02-11T15:01:25.472-08:00Saturday Indulgence<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I don't consider myself vegan. I consider myself on a plant based diet. Vegan focuses on the negative, someone who does not eat animal products. While a plant based diet focuses on what you can eat, everything grown from the earth! My body functions best when eating plant based, so we don't have packaged foods in our home. However, some days I like to indulge in food from my past. In these rare occasions, I eat vegan, because even though these options will be imitation, they don't contain all the hormones and saturated fat that I don't miss. I'm surprised how much I really don't miss meat. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I wanted a vegan hot dog! We got Light Life vegan dogs. They can be grilled so they are actually really good. We went crazy and got <i>white</i> flour hot dog buns. I know. Living on the wild side at our house. We never have white flour, so I was loving every bite. Topped with sauteed bell peppers and onions, delicious! I was having a really fatty craving, wanted me some tatter tots! Tatter tots rank on the top ten list of what was great about public elementary school. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPKNPxW4Z5ztgVVE9jOaFye0lzOufJP1YO_4TxLNxEw2yImvoYzAVcBXa0PZjnaP3YAAe7clxwbvziPmzJgThp_BcMSAL4btjsdFw8ZMIm-8pWqvAnaPjIXgIcedsEL1QAC94ux6WcsE0/s1600/IMG_6508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPKNPxW4Z5ztgVVE9jOaFye0lzOufJP1YO_4TxLNxEw2yImvoYzAVcBXa0PZjnaP3YAAe7clxwbvziPmzJgThp_BcMSAL4btjsdFw8ZMIm-8pWqvAnaPjIXgIcedsEL1QAC94ux6WcsE0/s640/IMG_6508.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I love getting to enjoy naughty food like this on rare occasion. Because it is vegan, I don't feel gross or fat afterwards! Love that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> It is a fact that it is impossible to have a bad day after waking up to this. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrdgNOJseec76s5rgmxMUNCs81MhpZIHlzBzxv_dgEY4TsHzCFwK9MgWoOX9kqaEjAaIcWNWB9I62-tG19LNGa-TJgbpx0OFDM80u7mf30rwJQo6E-kaM1oJCAqbvtUpioeXLEYBgq4XA/s1600/IMG_6500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrdgNOJseec76s5rgmxMUNCs81MhpZIHlzBzxv_dgEY4TsHzCFwK9MgWoOX9kqaEjAaIcWNWB9I62-tG19LNGa-TJgbpx0OFDM80u7mf30rwJQo6E-kaM1oJCAqbvtUpioeXLEYBgq4XA/s640/IMG_6500.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What foods do you like to indulge in? I'm nursing so I'm always looking for ideas!</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8061317358322574863.post-45578959487263073132012-07-26T21:29:00.001-07:002013-02-11T15:02:07.393-08:00Powerhouse Vegan Tacos & Girl Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> I haven't blogged about food for a while. Now that I'm nursing, I'm constantly starving, so I thought now would be a perfect time to start sharing some of my new favorite recipes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> These tacos are a huge lifesaver for me. I really miss fast food tacos. The problem with fast food tacos though, is they are made of chemicals and preservatives, making them a sluggish, sickening food. I came up with these tacos instead to meet my hard shell, fattening taco craving. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I make my hard shell tacos out of tempeh, which can be found at your health food store (Trader Joe's included) by the tofu. It's loaded with protein and fiber so it's an athletes food. Also, it's got a meaty texture to it so it's very satisfying. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Here are my taco toppings. Many vegans love to top their tacos with faux cheeses or tofu based sour creams, but I think those ingredients take away from the flavors of the delicious variety of veggies I top on my taco. I need fats right now 'cause I'm nursing. So olives and avocados are a must. Lettuce, tomatoes and bell peppers also get thrown on. I could have used some cilantro today too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> People think that vegans don't get enough protein, but actually, it's the fat content that we have to worry about. Especially vegan athletes and busy Mamas. Same thing right? Avocados, nuts and olives are healthy fats that won't stick to your thighs or hug your tummy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Something else I love about these tacos is that they are super easy! I finely dice a block of tempeh to mimic ground beef. Throw it in a lightly oiled pan over medium heat. Cover slightly with vegetable stock and season with taco seasoning. Use the taco season liberally as that is what gives the tempeh flavor. Let simmer for about 20 minutes. Add Veggie stock if getting too dry. Brown a bit. That's it! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I'm really craving protein right now. So even though tempeh is full of protein, I threw in a can of drained and rinsed black beans for good measure.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I love my "taco meat" on crunchy taco shells. They would also be good on pan fried corn tortillas or in a big burrito. Yummy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm a big taco lover, so I'll be posting more favorite taco recipes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Yesterday we had mandatory girl day in our house. All my to-do lists got put away and I spent all day playing with the girls. First thing in the morning we made <a href="http://www.self.com/fooddiet/recipes/2011/05/fudgy-chocolate-brownies">brownies</a>. I love this recipe because it's white-flour, dairy and refined sugar-free. We also played lots of restaurant with some felt food I made them. Playing with their felt food made me want to make more. So today, when Athena woke up at the horrific hour of five a.m, and Thérèse followed by waking at six, we started researching our next felt project. Thérèse requested this ice cream cone. How incredibly cool is the waffle cone? So easy too. You can find the tutorial <a href="http://feltorama.blogspot.com/2009/01/felt-food-tutorial-waffle-cone-and-ice.html">here</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have more felt projects planned! Can't wait to execute them. With allllll my free time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hope y'all are getting your solid eight hours in. </span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8061317358322574863.post-39680237365381349852012-07-22T21:27:00.002-07:002012-07-22T22:23:24.787-07:00First Week with Baby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">This first week has flown by! Everyday I wanted to blog, but by the time everyone was in bed, I wanted to be there with them! By the middle of the week, the lack of sleep caught up with me. Poor Daniel is the one who had to deal with my sleep deprived hostility. He told me I didn't have postpartum, he said I had the post-hate'ems. Sorry, dear. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Monique holding her new baby sister. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">One of her first requests right out of bed in the morning.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Monique is wearing one of the first onesies </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Daniel and I </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">bought at Gap </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">when we found out we were expecting Thérèse. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Crazy that soon our THIRD will be wearing it as well!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNpmq_TGEC4sPDzW5IHshmkLchOMx3N8-0YWOlXlX63mBLk_jsRD3j8xRU5dal3Lp_mX9jFeTgJhcLI5n81AkfgUg0soPt4fdotfHIjk-bfD1-DEcuDu4jeLm3Sh2qqs02zQkDpukHQME/s1600/IMG_6245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNpmq_TGEC4sPDzW5IHshmkLchOMx3N8-0YWOlXlX63mBLk_jsRD3j8xRU5dal3Lp_mX9jFeTgJhcLI5n81AkfgUg0soPt4fdotfHIjk-bfD1-DEcuDu4jeLm3Sh2qqs02zQkDpukHQME/s640/IMG_6245.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We usually spend a lot of time reading, but this week, we have been reading even more than usual since that was one of the only things I could really do with them. We have a giant Dr. Seuss collection book from my cousin, and yeah, we powered through that thing in one day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A sweet friend gave me these nursing smocks to wear after I had the baby. I love them! While I wore them, I spent half the time loving them and the other half hating that I didn't have some for my past two home births. They are so comfortable. We just kept washing them so I could rewear them. But by day five of wearing them, Daniel told me I needed to stop pretending I was in a hospital. I hesitated, because I was trying to figure out how to explain to him that I was planning on spending the rest of my life in them. Paired with leggings would make them trendy, right?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgjAHuw__OJWew9pTXmGa7-YZI1MMcODvlOro5lATdXjpj_qjzJ_WYpTemH55S0TaObam70O4D5eRENLm9V4wkFqDc3bC7dMviOh5CpuykPj4rZz6j099oQ_5dbEc0RScJJsHBKzP-_Hs/s1600/IMG_6256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgjAHuw__OJWew9pTXmGa7-YZI1MMcODvlOro5lATdXjpj_qjzJ_WYpTemH55S0TaObam70O4D5eRENLm9V4wkFqDc3bC7dMviOh5CpuykPj4rZz6j099oQ_5dbEc0RScJJsHBKzP-_Hs/s640/IMG_6256.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Daniel is such a natural with newborns. While I always forget how to treat them or what we are supposed to do with them, he always picks up right where we left off. Amazing. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifKIAYz3YO93aGRvFdTC_xt5SIGisfTlwLss4DpisOmCj0-WRRztkWkbHIidb0gpsGNQJNAVYzrU32AZjfS6ewi7MZNGYwBOGQFQZCb82rVJIpd4JuEWVMIqJly1YSuT2oqVenG1_UH9o/s1600/IMG_6277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifKIAYz3YO93aGRvFdTC_xt5SIGisfTlwLss4DpisOmCj0-WRRztkWkbHIidb0gpsGNQJNAVYzrU32AZjfS6ewi7MZNGYwBOGQFQZCb82rVJIpd4JuEWVMIqJly1YSuT2oqVenG1_UH9o/s640/IMG_6277.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">First bath or "pleasure bath" as the midwife calls it. Turned out to be shear torture for her. I kept telling Daniel that it's a good thing this isn't our first kid or we would be freaking out, "Oh no! Why is she crying?! Something's wrong! She's dying!" I love not being a first time parent anymore. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I love how baby lips and cheeks marsh mellow out when sleeping.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIvRF5j8pAw-sSxafghtdKzujEcLe0iNE4hFBNPUUx-PQvBu8oxMAXvynAQ2q0Y3S_JDbh_A-c9FZpxeKfEl6S8tXB9xSnEzW7eQX53V1HmnD5b8d5ryN5HXu4VJSpiyb2i9Md7QGAlzM/s1600/IMG_6294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIvRF5j8pAw-sSxafghtdKzujEcLe0iNE4hFBNPUUx-PQvBu8oxMAXvynAQ2q0Y3S_JDbh_A-c9FZpxeKfEl6S8tXB9xSnEzW7eQX53V1HmnD5b8d5ryN5HXu4VJSpiyb2i9Md7QGAlzM/s640/IMG_6294.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We gave the girls "Big Sister" gifts to congratulate them on becoming big sisters. I made them a card that told them how special being a big sister is and some of the new responsibilities it would bring. Thérèse loved it. She wanted me to read that card over and over again throughout the day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Notice how I have retired my post-labor nursing smock. Daniel always tells me he prefers me without make-up, never notices when my hair isn't done or cares when I forget to shave. So when the guy asks me to be a little more feminine, I'm not going to complain. Wearing my much loved <a href="http://www.target.com/p/gilligan-omalley-womens-side-sling-nursing-cami-assorted-colors/-/A-13793418#?lnk=sc_qi_detailbutton">nursing tank</a> instead. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Please note the raised eyebrows to keep the sleepy eyes open. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGOVG9BVnwtTf8rmcVaVENemGZPNpmehLQ5AkObetNTM6cus1rF4xRW-vrYfHQVaDSCzLyDjE6ubH70lvX-WooGpxhSFoisMptx4Cg4hgYX2xyDneUelDRB2ntKKgvW7a-8MfR63dfYqw/s1600/IMG_6301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGOVG9BVnwtTf8rmcVaVENemGZPNpmehLQ5AkObetNTM6cus1rF4xRW-vrYfHQVaDSCzLyDjE6ubH70lvX-WooGpxhSFoisMptx4Cg4hgYX2xyDneUelDRB2ntKKgvW7a-8MfR63dfYqw/s640/IMG_6301.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Dividing the gifts. When they share, I have hope for the whole human race.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Or at least for my sanity.</span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiICZTGfIjNfVxr-H2go98MTKrKDzsdzoXD_kb1k02KVRiqaljoYgGCmzuZkQGCcNMtC_BWEmIizkKh85SeuunSLeztZAJEhAczdsY5dNOBTJcs4pkEnEfpTGxd7AS8Mgt5yWk4kVx91ao/s1600/IMG_6303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiICZTGfIjNfVxr-H2go98MTKrKDzsdzoXD_kb1k02KVRiqaljoYgGCmzuZkQGCcNMtC_BWEmIizkKh85SeuunSLeztZAJEhAczdsY5dNOBTJcs4pkEnEfpTGxd7AS8Mgt5yWk4kVx91ao/s640/IMG_6303.JPG" width="425" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm super against giving videos as gifts to kids. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But these <a href="http://www.signingtime.com/">Sign Language</a> videos are amazing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">They say when kids learn sign language it opens up a whole new area of their brain<span style="background-color: white;">. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We dragged our feet with teaching Monique ASL. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So glad we did though! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's nice to communicate with her without fits or tantrums.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">They love being able to communicate their needs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And even though Thérèse can talk, she still loves the videos.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfKf_XcpQwAUg38ZbRVWsbPq5ALuBK4Y7MZDuLGrt_RCslXd4mr_lQT7TokgApkQly1bqIInbWjN8TkC_Gfp10BiY17MC_mkD1PvQizyH0DBHE0tLQ-KwSXnWlwFGgc3S4xu1230QL4oM/s1600/IMG_6304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfKf_XcpQwAUg38ZbRVWsbPq5ALuBK4Y7MZDuLGrt_RCslXd4mr_lQT7TokgApkQly1bqIInbWjN8TkC_Gfp10BiY17MC_mkD1PvQizyH0DBHE0tLQ-KwSXnWlwFGgc3S4xu1230QL4oM/s640/IMG_6304.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I also made them a felt board.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I had a lot of fun making it. Felt is very forgiving!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was a lot of fun getting to be crafty and sew again after so many months of homework.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I used a <a href="http://www.thebusybudgetingmama.com/2012/06/our-felt-board-tutorial-inspiration.html">friend's tutorial </a>as a guide.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I added a library, helicopter and a slide that Thérèse says the little girls broke </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">because they are too big for it. Proportions may or may not be accurate. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The girls put up their felt town like it was a 'Wizard of Oz' tornado.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Monique may not aspire to be everything her sister is, but when Thérèse is acting goofy, Monique jumps on that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I love this cause the girls can use their imagination.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Nice, quiet gift. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Already planning my next sewing project!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jesse and Bullseye. Who else did you think it was? </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hrWVLW5FYDbv_6Avcd2bd1Wxs3f2bhy9ns-teOj2jKcSTnT9SVObLHevcwish-vjlZ00EkwZos08ajkdxYBP-o0BV_cKExCyZJdTFjZRrU6AbewkCSk1Vz9pVuuphp-KAcAJOj-Ic6M/s1600/IMG_6362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hrWVLW5FYDbv_6Avcd2bd1Wxs3f2bhy9ns-teOj2jKcSTnT9SVObLHevcwish-vjlZ00EkwZos08ajkdxYBP-o0BV_cKExCyZJdTFjZRrU6AbewkCSk1Vz9pVuuphp-KAcAJOj-Ic6M/s640/IMG_6362.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Daniel did an art project with the girls.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And they started an art gallery in our hall which I love!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Newborn baby pictures! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Soak up the youth! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn_gA1Osp-T_t3RlhQsDArdbtEEMouxferoTrQcIAEv1h1EkW-nLw8Ez0WKFRGeUCBN6jTf-J4llOiaH3RZtRVzTsKcqFEcZOEI6KleI4zVdNrtQ8R-FpPNsrKM8WeAYyQUzzoI_1tC2s/s1600/IMG_6402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn_gA1Osp-T_t3RlhQsDArdbtEEMouxferoTrQcIAEv1h1EkW-nLw8Ez0WKFRGeUCBN6jTf-J4llOiaH3RZtRVzTsKcqFEcZOEI6KleI4zVdNrtQ8R-FpPNsrKM8WeAYyQUzzoI_1tC2s/s640/IMG_6402.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfz4bxv0vpm_7K5WWOq2fMg822jkEHqHMsZL9vLaKcUvSh53zIf5NUqcMtnAObTJ3Yhq4Bjb7ji4K3CILeksrcwyXdNV-ebefRZprdihSsR_1ZO6PfPQmbIY0xRCl_mQJBzzhJ6ORdRvM/s1600/IMG_6410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfz4bxv0vpm_7K5WWOq2fMg822jkEHqHMsZL9vLaKcUvSh53zIf5NUqcMtnAObTJ3Yhq4Bjb7ji4K3CILeksrcwyXdNV-ebefRZprdihSsR_1ZO6PfPQmbIY0xRCl_mQJBzzhJ6ORdRvM/s640/IMG_6410.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Took a great nap today and I'm ready to get back to normal life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">No more of this recovery nonsense.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anxious to get back in the kitchen and get moving. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've already started doing light yoga and swimming,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">but yes...still taking it very easy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I love having my body back and getting to enjoy my new baby! </span></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8061317358322574863.post-63206088548376616222012-07-16T22:23:00.000-07:002012-07-17T07:35:23.546-07:00It's A Girl!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Athena Rose was born on Sunday at 12:11 p.m.</div>
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weighing 8 lb. 11 oz, 20 in long!</div>
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We are so happy to have her out and enjoy her!</div>
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Thérèse is a natural with her. She's definitely a professional big sister, warm and loving.</div>
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Monique was timid at first, but now she won't stop stroking, laughing and talking to her. </div>
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Our new baby girl! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6xRtTvWahzRtIvKHCoxdXd45-BOBsu0mDDAafLll54E997fL93zC1xHvBf6rXeH9rw47sBXrdw5yWs5itojPvOZEIEHV1NeXoQclCI0tMlJIVfquYGegKMihtO3M8g_RPGFyfo7XKnw/s1600/603420_10101685005711877_1917090203_n.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn6xRtTvWahzRtIvKHCoxdXd45-BOBsu0mDDAafLll54E997fL93zC1xHvBf6rXeH9rw47sBXrdw5yWs5itojPvOZEIEHV1NeXoQclCI0tMlJIVfquYGegKMihtO3M8g_RPGFyfo7XKnw/s640/603420_10101685005711877_1917090203_n.jpeg" width="640" /></a><br />
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My dad with his girls.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBS_tbYqMkyHD-RF7GWGFF856YD-7xdroeiuBjXSdlWZ3yA63rAp2ZJoMJw-xtEgHiFow2LYgf_tqe76QnohIKGA2kRVCnVLKgvtE6ryki3BLc5wEseygUenUUgcKGw3k9pjkpfTeTmRY/s1600/IMG_6180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBS_tbYqMkyHD-RF7GWGFF856YD-7xdroeiuBjXSdlWZ3yA63rAp2ZJoMJw-xtEgHiFow2LYgf_tqe76QnohIKGA2kRVCnVLKgvtE6ryki3BLc5wEseygUenUUgcKGw3k9pjkpfTeTmRY/s640/IMG_6180.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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The happy sisters! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCRK39Wgnv_AAUaVK5oFGw1EWKgX3xThGFrxPMtfaGvrYTHd_1s96WZ5Klzw77GmbmC8K1vYUxSwcOaP3_4UbDqbaECLEoTx8ZXNKNSugQKmby0fc1D1H7u6rIezeJx6_wXha90TBnrfg/s1600/IMG_6191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCRK39Wgnv_AAUaVK5oFGw1EWKgX3xThGFrxPMtfaGvrYTHd_1s96WZ5Klzw77GmbmC8K1vYUxSwcOaP3_4UbDqbaECLEoTx8ZXNKNSugQKmby0fc1D1H7u6rIezeJx6_wXha90TBnrfg/s640/IMG_6191.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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When Monique first meet her, she wanted to kiss the baby, but she was shy to.</div>
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We'd tell her to kiss the baby and she would jump up and down with excitement, but end up shaking her head.</div>
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Thérèse waited patiently for her chance to hold the baby.</div>
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She was so excited to finally get a chance. </div>
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This was in her p.j's right before bed. Thérèse is so gentle with her. </div>
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We had another home birth, and while I love the home birth experience for so many reasons, I'm so glad labor is over! Saturday was my due date and we lived life like we normally would. We ran a bunch of errands and were exhausted by the end of the day. I started having contractions that evening but I really wanted to have a good night sleep. All night I had contractions ten minutes and later six minutes apart. <span style="background-color: white;"> I'd sleep in between them. It was super miserable.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">I was really surprised the birth went by so fast and how calm I was, but the transition period was the worst I've had in all my </span><span style="background-color: white;">deliveries</span><span style="background-color: white;">. I have very difficult labors in which I have traditional contractions with back labor and terrible leg pains. The human body can only withstand a certain amount of pain but when a woman is in labor, she surpasses that limit. I certainly felt it during transition and I kept saying, I can't do Ican'tdoitIcan'tdoit. Make it stop. My midwife suggested I go into the shower to help my body relax. I stepped in the shower, immediately shut off the water, got out and let everyone know, "I think I'm crowning!" My midwife wanted me to go into the next room and deliver the baby and started telling her "no" and we had a small argument about that. But once I decided to do it, my body calmed down, much of the pain went away, and after 15 minutes of pushing our baby girl was born! And I said, "It's a girl! I knew it would be!" Daniel and I really wanted a girl! The baby has been nursing non-stop since she was born so I expect my milk to come in at any minute. So with her eating and pooping I didn't sleep much last night either. Today I laid in bed and wondered when I'd sleep all night again and starting plotting for a way to get a full night of sleep. The big question for moms is, Would you want more money or more sleep? Humm...</span></div>
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We love our little family of five. Three girls is so exciting to us. Right now we are teetering between enjoying all our special moments and surviving. I forgot how incredibly special newborns are. So sweet and so tiring! I'll be glad when my body has fully recovered from labor!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4