Category Archives: Lifestyle

Join the Whole Food Challenge!

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This week has been SO. HARD. to get back on track with healthy eating. I was just talking to a friend about how hard it can be to get back on track. So… I figured it would be fun to get a challenge together so we can all keep each other accountable. Who knows, maybe there will be some fun participation prizes, too.

April 1st. Monday. Day after Easter. The perfect time to get back on track and commit to healthy eating. Do I have to mention that summer is going to be here before we know it, as well?

whole food challenge

Who is on board? Let us help each other! We can share recipes, tips, and encouragement. You can find me on Facebook and Tumblr

Leave a comment or add your blog or Facebook to the link collector below!



Who’s in?

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Two-week, grain-free meal plan and cost breakdown Feb 11-24

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This post is a couple days late, but I’ve had a sick baby on my hands and an over-worked husband!

I’ve been following a pretty strict primal/paleo diet these last few week and it’s going great. I’ve lost a few pounds without trying very hard and I’m feeling pretty good. We aren’t doing a diet as strict as the Whole30 program, but trying to do about 90/10.

Usually I post meal plans for the week coming up, but I’ve decided to start posting meals, shopping lists, and cost breakdown for two weeks at a time, since a lot of what we buy is in 1 or 2 week cycles.

The Lenten season has begun and I will admit, the start of Lent was not very self-sacrificing. I thought Lent was the following week and did not plan very well. I am breast-feeding my baby, so I am not fasting, but I am replacing breakfast with a shake that has lower calories than my typical cooked breakfast.

My husband eats dinner leftovers for lunch, but I have started enjoying protein shakes as meal replacements because it is quick and easy (which is necessary with my 9 month old!) and it ensures I get plenty of protein. We try and order the cleanest protein we can. We aren’t perfect, we aren’t nutritionists, we are just trying to figure out what works best for us.

two week meal plan 1

We eat a little cheese here and there, so I guess you can say we eat more primal than paleo. There are places to get paleo-friendly protein powder so if you are more strict in your diet, you can certainly find it. We could use more veggies in our diet (especially for breakfast), but we are a work in progress ;)

Meal plan, grocery list, and price breakdown after the jump.

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New Year Goals

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How is everyone’s New Year going? Mine seems to be pretty productive so far, despite having a sinus infection and a teething baby!

I keep reading people mention how they don’t have any New Year’s resolutions, just general goals; I have said something similar, but really, same difference.

My goals for this year are continuations from last year:

Be a better steward of my time and money – This includes not wasting time or income. To be more productive and not buy things we don’t need.

Personal and spiritual enrichment – to take the time to read and study good books, people of faith, etc.

Improving my home – getting those remodel projects done, taking care of the garden, meal plan, and cleaning.

Some more specific goals:

    Pay off consumer debt
    Mini bathroom remodel
    Plant and eat from our vegetable garden
    Finish 2012 photo book
    Develop a plan to eat more local produce and meat

What do you want for 2013?

On parenting, politics, and religion

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Parenting, Politics, and Religion, or another alternative title could be stop being an arrogant a**hole or rude b**** (please excuse the language).

I’m laying the baby down for a nap and this has been on my mind for a while, inspired by reading obnoxious comments on news articles and message boards and passive-aggressive parenting advice. I’m also posting on my phone, so I apologize for grammar and spelling or for any weird auto-corrections.

As humans, we vary greatly when it comes to beliefs, thoughts, experiences, and how we deal with those experiences. A group of people may live in the same town, go to the same school and maybe end up at the same workplace, but personality-wise, may be completely different. We can experience the same event but learn different things from it and react to the event differently.

Is it any wonder that we have different opinions? Is it so hard to understand that someone may think or act in a way different than your own?

Wouldn’t it be boring if we were all the same exact person when it came to our minds? Maybe we would have world peace, maybe not.

Why am I rambling about people being different when it seems so incredibly obvious? Because it seems like we forget this fact, get arrogant, and then become either hateful or extremely passive-aggressive. When does this happen the most? When it involves parenting, politics, or religion. And the Internet, with it’s ability to make one seem anonymous and invincible, brings out the worse in people.

Parenting

The majority of parents want to do what is best for their children. No one is the perfect parent, but through education, experience, hope, and reason, we try to come up with a system that works for us and for our kids. Some people ascribe to a specific type of parenting style, some pick and choose different parenting techniques and ideas.

Mommy wars is such an ugly thing. Whether it stems from insecurity and guilt, ignorance, or arrogance, it is completely unnecessary.

Just because someone does something different than you, does not make it wrong! And I’m not talking about a parent doing something illegal or dangerous.

So you didn’t breastfeed (or insert any parenting choice). That is your choice. I believe and it has been proven (other things may not be so scientifically supported) to be the best option, but that doesn’t mean I should be hateful to you, or vice-versa.

You know what is also really annoying? Being discouraging and negative to anyone trying. So you would never try cloth diapering, you hated breast-feeding, you can’t believe someone is trying to get their child to sleep more than 2 hours in a row when they are 6 months old; there’s a time and a place to share your experiences. Sometimes it’s better to be encouraging to a new mother, instead. I don’t want to be a negative Nancy when my loves ones have babies. Let’s use some tact.

You know what I think is even worse? Those who are adamantly against something they know nothing about. I see this the most with breastfeeding in public or extended breastfeeding. So you breastfed for a few weeks, never at all, or don’t have kids, you have never looked into child development or researched breastfeeding, but apparently you know so much about how easy it is to give a baby a bottle, feed him in the bathroom, or how nursing a 1.5 year old has no benefit and can cause brain damage!

Ignorant much?

It seems like those who are the most ignorant about something are those that are most opposed to it.

Politics and Religion

Again, we all have different experiences and even experience those same experiences differently from one another.

Education, relationships, income level, culture, and many more factors contribute to why we think one person would be a better president than the other or why you are Buddhist instead of Morman.

Can you believe you are right? Of course, why would you be committed to something you don’t believe in?

And again, why are we so passionate about something we know very little about? Let’s make sure we educate ourselves about that certain policy before we blast anyone who opposes it.

The point

Let’s try not to be so bitchy about other peoples’ opinions, beliefs, and actions.

We can believe we are right, but let’s be a little more patient and understanding with others.

Let’s have a healthy, rational, and educated conversation (or debate) without attacking each other.

There is not a one-size fits all when it comes to parenting.

You may have to agree to disagree when it comes to religion or politics.

It doesn’t hurt to educate yourself about different ways of doing things or different beliefs.

If you feel the need to correct, educate, or lead someone in a different direction, it can be done respectfully.

And you know what they say about assumptions, right?

I will step off my soap box now.

What’s your opinion?

Adventures in Breastfeeding + Altered Shirt Tutorial

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Little man is 7 weeks old now; where has the time gone!? Actually, much of it has been spent sitting on the couch watching Netflix and breastfeeding. Not many complaints here, though. My wonderful husband has done a great job with most of the cooking and house upkeep so that I can feed Gabe and keep him happy.  Plus, I get to stare at his sweet face on cuddle him. And steal lots of baby kisses, don’t forget about those.

It has been nice, though, that he has started going longer between feeds. It’s nice to have a little break!

Breastfeeding for a new mom can be a bit of a surprise (at least for me and those that I have talked to). Much of the time you expect it to be such a natural thing, but it can be hard work! Between getting that baby to latch correctly, worrying about supply, and having sore and sensitive nipples, it’s no wonder our breastfeeding rate is one of the lowest in the world. Having said that, nowadays there is so many resources available to new moms that can help. Le Leche League and hospital run courses are just the tip of the iceberg – just do a Google search!

Get through some of the tough patches and the benefits of breastfeeding make themselves more clear. Besides the health benefit of the milk itself, the amount of money we save, and the bonding experience, I really think little Gabe would cry much more if it wasn’t for breastfeeding. We are lucky that so far, he has never been inconsolable. If he starts to cry, it is usually because he is hungry. If he is crying for another reason, then breastfeeding automatically fixes the problem. Nothing the boob won’t fix and it’s always a pleasure having a happy baby.

My biggest breastfeeding problem currently? Trying to find clothes I actually want to nurse in (and can afford)! I think I have finally found the solution: altered camis/spaghetti-strap tanks with a nursing bra under a loose or stretchy shirt. This makes nursing easy and discreet and way cheaper than buying specialty nursing clothes. Sometimes nursing tanks don’t offer much support; by altering these tanks it is easy to choose the support you want by wearing it with a nursing bra.

All you need is:

He’s Here! Birth Story

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I haven’t been on the computer much these last few weeks because our handsome little man has been keeping me busy! Gabriel Joseph was born on May 12th, at 5:22am. We named him after Marc’s father, Joseph Gabriel (which we planned even before we knew we were having a boy) and it just so happens, they share the same birthday as well! Gabriel also decided to make his appearance the day before mother’s day (the day before I was due), so it was an extra special weekend.

Dad holding his son for the first time

Gabriel is currently asleep, snuggled onto my chest; the perfect spot to give lots of baby kisses. We are absolutely in love with him and think he is the sweetest thing ever. He is quite alert, even in the beginning, but he has been quite kind in the sleep department at night. In fact, there has only been 2 sleep-deprived nights, and that was a result of food I ate that didn’t sit well with him (broccoli the first time and Chinese food the second time). He sleeps 2.5-4 hour stretches at night, and usually goes to sleep easily after being changed and fed. We feel truly blessed!

Now onto our birth story, which is not sugar coated, may be a little TMI for some, but it’s the honest truth (click the “more” link under the picture to continue reading)

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37… or 36 Weeks Along. EDD and Induction Rant

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Sunday I supposedly hit the 37 week mark in my pregnancy. Although, when I count from ovulation, I am about a week behind. So really, I am closer to 36 weeks than 37.

Does a week off really matter? I guess only if the little Mr. decides he wants to be in there for 42 weeks (well, technically it would be only 40, since the first two weeks you aren’t even pregnant…). Most midwives and doctors alike don’t want you going past 42 weeks, so if they say I am 42 weeks, but I know I am only 41 weeks, it could be a problem. But we can cross that bridge if we get to it.

I’m feeling brave. Here’s the latest pregnancy picture:

Have you ever done internet research on due dates? It’s pretty crazy. Maddening really. There is really no accurate way to estimate due dates – even with a scan. Even searching “how to estimate due dates’ can get a bit confusing! I know exactly when I ovulated and when the egg implanted (thanks to Natural Family Planning/Fertility Awareness Method), yet the doctors have my estimated (key word there) due date about a week off.

You are considered full term at 37 weeks – 42 weeks (God forbid you go over!), yet two of those weeks you are technically not even pregnant. This logic states that you ovulated about two weeks after you started your period; something I do NOT do, and can vary with many other women.

For those who have absolutely no clue when they got pregnant (often due to hormonal issues; PCOS, Menopause, etc.), they have to depend measuring correctly via sonogram or ultrasound. Did you know that ultrasounds can be 2 pounds off? There is a big difference between a 5 pound baby and a 7 pound one (about 4-5 weeks gestation, sometimes).

So if your doctor estimates your due date 2-3 weeks ahead of schedule, come 42 weeks they want that baby out (even if there is no sign of distress from mother or baby), and you can be induced and deliver a baby that is really only 39 weeks. And not all babies at 39 weeks are ready to be born (hence why you probably haven’t gone into labor yet).

It just amazes me (and annoys me) how much information there is out there about why you shouldn’t induce in almost all cases, yet we live in a time where (according to the CDC) about 20% of labors are induced (another study, placed the rate at closer to 40%). I’m not just blaming the doctors either – mothers play a big part in it as well.

I guess this rant/babble goes along the same lines of why I get so confused when pregnant women make no attempt to educate themselves about anything regarding the health of themselves and their baby during pregnancy. There is so much information out there so readily available, why not take advantage of it? Even 5 minutes on Google and you could learn a few things.

I’m not saying there is no reason to induce, sometimes there is. I’m not getting on a high horse and saying that all women, everywhere, should have a natural, unmedicated birth. I’m saying that no matter what decision we make, it should at least be a somewhat educated one. And if you have internet, there should be no excuse.

It is also very easy to get biased information. If you are searching around on a certain topic, make sure you look at both sides and check your sources. It is very easy to find the information you want to see by how you word the search terms.

Anyways *gets off soap box*

I’m in no hurry for this little guy to make his appearance just yet. It may be uncomfortably warm, painful to roll over in bed, and unpleasant to have feet jammed up in my ribs, but we need to get moved and settled into our new house (which would close already if the selling bank would submit a from). I think my thighs are growing exponentially and it’s getting quite difficult to bend over, but I would rather not have to bring a baby home to a house full of unpacked boxes! We can revisit these feelings if we ever get settled into the new home.

 

Super Easy Slow-Cooker Chile Verde and a Trip to the City

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(Click “More” link at bottom of page for recipe)

Marc had the Monday holiday off and we decided to treat ourselves to lunch in San Francisco and I managed to slip in a trip to Ikea on our way back. While our ideal diet is grain-free (even if I eat more sprouted grains now that I am pregnant), processed foods-free, and only whole foods, we do splurge and treat ourselves. Marc’s a bit of a beer-lover (and a bit of a beer snob) and I will admit, when I went completely gluten-free, beer was actually the hardest to give up than anything else. Being pregnant has me not drinking at all, but when I wasn’t pregnant, I would enjoy a [good] beer now and then.

The Bay bridge was actually open yesterday going West Bound (they had planned to work on it during the holiday weekend). We had ABSOLUTELY NO TRAFFIC. We didn’t even have to wait in line at the toll. We got to our SF destination in about 20-30 minutes less than usual.

We had planned to go to Thirsty Beer Brewing Company – organic craft beer + tapas. We even called on Saturday evening to confirm they would be open, and after finding parking, we walk up to the restaurant and it says it is closed for the holiday! I was a little hangry, but I’m not one to let little things ruin my day. I emailed them the next day and the manager was very nice.

Marc really wanted to go to The Monk’s Kettle and after rereading their menu, their hamburger sounded really good and I agreed.

It was probably a good thing the other place was closed because The Monk’s Kettle was fantastic!

What Marc ate (plus beer):
Seared veal sweetbreads, pickled apple slaw, parsnip
Braised beef cheeks, polenta, horseradish

So rich! I tried both of them; the sweetbreads practically didn’t require chewing they were so tender and I liked the apple and parsnip slaw. The beef cheeks were so so so so rich. I could barely even eat it. The crusty bits on the polenta was good though.

Marc greatly enjoyed their beer selection (which is ginormous and high quality). I think the most common beer on tap was the Alagash White or maybe Stone’s Pale Ale… I guess that is a little subjective to where you are from though.

I had the burger:
Fresh ground burger, onion jam, aioli, aged white cheddar, fries

Seriously one of the best burgers I have ever eaten. I’m one of those people who orders burgers WITHOUT cheese and then covers it in ketchup, but not this one! It was super juicy and tasted great. Their fries were really good too.

We were lucky to get a little table when we got there (a little one sandwiched between 2 other little ones) because by the time we left, the place was PACKED. The service was great as well.

We then walked a few blocks over to my favorite ice cream place – Xanath Ice Cream. I always get a small scoop of one of their vanilla flavors (so much vanilla and vanilla bean! The ice cream is a light-brown because of the vanilla!), and a small scoop of their toffee, which pretty much tastes like brown sugar.

Mission District never fails us when we want something good to eat!

So while we were out enjoying the culinary delights of the bay and picking up curtains at Ikea, we had our Chile Verde cooking away at home.

Super Easy Slow-Cooker Chile Verde Recipe:

Continue reading →

My Favorite Things + Life Update

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*To those that get email notifications – ignore the email sent last night. Sorry about that!*

Busy weekend! The husband spent the day/most of the night in Oakland at the Social Distortion concert with the boys and my mom and I had a splurge day eating Chinese food and Cold Stone (their warm creations were disappointing). Sunday will be pent going to church then off to visit friends for their daughter’s 1-year birthday party!

I’m also 27 weeks along today! Just one more week and I will be into the third-trimester. It still seems so surreal, despite the fact that our little guy reminds me of his presence by wiggling and kicking (recently under my right ribs) quite often.

We are a few weeks into our Bradley classes and they are going well so far. I may forget some of the stretches/exercises that are assigned as homework, but I don’t forget the relaxation techniques that involve getting a massage before bed!

We are still waiting on the short-sale house we made an offer for (which was accepted by the seller, just waiting on the bank), so hopefully that goes through within the next few weeks. Having the house ready before the baby comes would be more than ideal.

For fun, here is a list of my favorite things / items that get me through the week!

Things that get me through the week

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Cocoon sweater
$23 – target.com – I have the darker red/long sleeve version of this sweater and it has been a main staple in my wardrobe this winter – so comfortable!

Orange Essence Facial Cleanser- Burt’s Bees
$8 – burtsbees.com – The smell of this is divine! I mix it with some baking soda for a gentle exfoliation

Physicians Formula
$14 – physiciansformula.com – LOVE this powder! It is also a great concealer as well.

Buy GNC Pro Performance 100% Whey Protein, Banana Cream & More |…
$23 – drugstore.com – I don’t normally support protein powders, but I need to get more protein in my diet and this powder with milk is so tasty – just like a banana now’n'later (sp?). It’s also good blended with 1-2 servings peanut butter and frozen milk and ice cubes.

Hanes Womens Stretch Bikini 3 pair ET42LC at hosieryandmore.com
$11 – hosieryandmore.com – So what if they aren’t fancy underwear. These are super comfortable and don’t fall down my nearly non-existent rear when wearing maternity jeans.

Oh Baby by Motherhood Secret Fit Belly Bootcut Jeans
$64 – kohls.com – These jeans fit great. They are a little stretchy and still look good when I turn up the cuff (because I’m short)

Iron Fist All Hope Abandoned Flats – Black (Vegan) – Punk.com
$30 – punk.com – I love these shoes. Not much support, but they match 95% of my wardrobe and I think they are awesome
You can see the rest of the items by visiting the set.