What To Do With Leftover Muffins...Make Bread Pudding!

Normally when I bake muffins I use them for a couple breakfasts and freeze the rest to have later.  But last week I made a batch of muffins...and it sat on the counter.  I didn't get around to freezing them.  I had already served them for breakfast twice.  And they were made with wheat, so Rebecca and I couldn't eat them.

I decided to serve them again in a new way.  I made bread pudding with them.

This was so easy to make.  I assembled it in minutes.  And Justin really enjoyed it.

The next time you have a few leftover muffins turn them into something new.  Make a unique bread pudding with a variety of flavors.  I happened to be using orange cranberry muffins.  That's definitely not a flavor of bread pudding I've ever made before.

This is a small dish since it's made with a few muffins.  But you could easily make it larger.  This made enough for 2 or 3 servings.
Leftover Muffin Bread Pudding
2-3 servings

2 or 3 muffins
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
2 - 6 Tbsp. organic cane sugar, sucanat or coconut sugar (depends on the sweetness of the muffins)

Heat oven to 375 degrees F.  Grease a small baking dish.

Add the eggs, milk and sugar to the baking dish.  Beat with a fork.  Crumble the muffins and add to the dish.  Push the muffin pieces down to get fully coated.  If there is not enough moisture add extra milk.  Adjust sweetness to taste.

Bake for about 1 hour, until golden on top and baked through.

Meal Plans Week of 5-19-13

Sunday already?  Somehow last week went by very quickly.  I guess that happens when you stay busy.  This week should be fairly low key.  Just the way I like it :)

backyard water park

Only two more days of preschool and then it's summer break.  It's time to do some brainstorming for summer activities.

This week we have another speech therapy appointment.  It's been a couple months since we've been there.  And Rebecca is doing quite a bit better with her eating/chewing lately.  So maybe we won't be going so much anymore.  This is also the last week for Kindermusik.  Abram has his family night this week where the whole family is invited to sing and dance and have snacks.  No other big outings.  But we might head to the library, the park or the zoo if we're bored.

picnic at home after a field trip to the zoo

I was busy in the kitchen last week and will likely be busy again this week.  I have so many experiments I'd like to try.  Since I made marshmallows last week I might try using them to make rocky road ice cream or s'mores ice cream.  I might also make some kind of s'mores cookies.  I'm about out of my safe snacks.  So I'll probably be making some of those - graham crackers, scones, bars, etc.  I didn't have time last week to try making gluten free bread.  So maybe I'll get to it this week.  I might also try making gluten free noodles.  And we are just about out of our homemade gummies.  Time to try some new flavors :)

A trip to the farm to see my grandparents

Last week was pretty good for me overall.  But yesterday was a rough one.  And still is this morning.  I really hate it when things get painful.  It's hard to pinpoint one cause.  I'm sure it's a combination of things.  A few tastes of this or that.  And I tried some fermented cod liver oil again...nope, just can't do it.  My body does not tolerate fermented foods.  Hopefully some extra magnesium and some soft/safe foods will help calm everything.  And plenty of rest too.

Rebecca's fun Saturday breakfast - frog on a log with grass juice

My other plan for this week is to get caught up on some writing.  I've got some longer posts I want to get to.  But I have to have the right focus and enough time.  Hopefully that will happen this week.  I've got one particular post that I need to get out of my head :P

On to the menu.  Nothing extravagant this week.  Keeping it simple and healthy.  What are you eating this week?
________________________________
S (make cream cheese, prep lunch, church, make fruit dip, prep smoothies, make gummies?) D3
  B - muffin bread pudding, orange (J), pumpkin with pesto and chicken, rice scone (M), yogurt (R/A)
  L - cp potato carrot soup, crackers w/ cheese (family), salmon, pumpkin w/ pesto (M)
  D - grilled kielbasa, corn pudding, apples w/ fruit dip (family), salmon, sautéed zucchini and mushrooms (M)

M (bake cookies, SP, PS) D4
  B - smoothie, TBD (J/R/A), yogurt, squash (M)
  D - hamburger corn bake, broccoli, applesauce

T (bake cookies, Meijer, KM) D1
  B - yogurt w/ granola (J/R/A), sautéed broccoli, TBD (M)
  D - KM family night at dinner time...snacks there...plus pb sandwiches at home?

W (make gf bread, PS, co-op, soak flour) D2
  B - smoothie, TBD (J/R/A), rice scone, peas, cheese (M)
  D - croque-madame (sans egg for the kids, duck egg for me), peas, fruit

Th (make amaranth bars, skim cream, make ice cream) D3
  B - hard boiled egg, toast (J), pumpkin, amaranth bar (M), toast w/ almond butter, gummies (R/A)
  D - sweet and sour stir fry over rice

F (make scones, soak flour) D4
  B - granola w/ milk, fruit (J/R/A), squash, coconut flour scones (M)
  D - scrambled eggs, sausage, toast, broccoli, fruit

S (make graham crackers) D1
  B - TBD
  D - fried perch or white fish, baked beans, chips, fruit

Homemade Corn Tortillas

Tacos are a staple on our menu.  We don't eat a lot of Mexican food.  But we all love tacos.  They are easy to make.  Each person can assemble them with their preferred toppings.  And tacos actually make a really great gluten free meal.

The problem...finding taco shells or soft tortillas that don't have gluten.  The bigger problem...finding taco shells or tortillas that don't contain nasty chemicals and vegetable oils.

My daughter was asking for tortillas the other day.  We looked at the corn tortillas at the store.  The only pack without gluten contained parabens!!!  Seriously?  I'll make exceptions once in a while for some ingredients, but not parabens.  No way.

As luck would have it shortly after that Health Starts in the Kitchen posted a recipe for homemade corn tortillas.  Perfect!!  And they are so easy.  If I had known they were this easy I would have tried making them a long time ago.

I do not have a tortilla press myself.  I just rolled the dough in plastic wrap.  I think a tortilla press would be great for getting them just the right thickness and size.  Maybe someday :)

At least I have an easy alternative for healthy gluten free tacos with delicious soft tortillas.

Thanks Health Starts in the Kitchen for this great recipe!!

I only made a half recipe.  It was more than enough for a meal for us.  I'll just post the half recipe.  You can make a big batch and freeze them to have on hand.  I also kneaded my dough by hand.  I tried my stand mixer, but with only 1 cup of flour it didn't fill the bowl enough to work.

Homemade Corn Tortillas
makes about 8 tortillas

1 cup organic corn flour/corn meal
1/2 - 1 cup warm water
1/2 tsp. sea salt

Place the flour and salt in a bowl or stand mixer bowl.  While mixing gradually add 1/2 cup of water.  As the dough combines, add additional water to create a dough with the texture of play-dough. Knead the dough for 10 minutes then let rest for 10 minutes.

While your tortilla dough is resting, begin heating your cast iron griddle (keep it dry/no fat).

Scoop 1/4 cup portions of dough and press in a tortilla press or roll between plastic wrap.

Fry each tortilla until lightly browned on each side, about 1-2 minutes on a cast iron pan.

Store wrapped in a clean dish towel if dry-fried to be soft (this helps keep them warm and pliable if you are going to eat them fresh) or to drain on paper towel if fat-fried to be crispy.

Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator or freezer.

Gluten Free Yellow Cake With Vanilla Buttercream

For my son's second birthday last week I made a yellow cake.  I decided to stick with gluten free so that my daughter could eat it.  It turned out so well!!  Not too dry.  Not too dense.  We all enjoyed it.

The other nice part?  It's really easy to make :)

Gluten Free Yellow Cake
makes an 8" or 9" layer cake or 9x13 cake or about 30 cupcakes

1 1/2 cups white rice flour
1/4 cup brown rice flour
1/4 cup tapioca flour
1/4 cup amaranth flour
1 1/2 cups organic cane sugar
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1 1/4 cups milk
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. sea salt
1 tsp. vanilla
3 eggs, separated
1/2 tsp. cream of tartar


Heat oven to 350 degrees F.  Grease and line with parchment paper the bottom of your cake pan(s).

Beat the egg whites with the cream of tartar until stiff peaks form.  Set aside.

Beat the egg yolks for 2 minutes.  Add the remaining ingredients.  Beat for 2 minutes.  Fold in the egg whites.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s).

Bake for about 35 - 45 minutes (for 8" or 9" rounds), 40 - 50 minutes (for 9x13) or 30 minutes (for cupcakes).  Let cool for 10 minutes, remove to a cooling rack and let cool completely.

Vanilla Buttercream
makes enough to frost a 2 layer 8" or 9" cake or a 9x13 cake

3 cups powdered sugar (you can make your own!)
1/3 cup butter, softened
1/3 cup organic palm shortening
2 tsp. vanilla
milk (if needed)

Place butter and shortening in a bowl or stand mixer bowl.  Beat until smooth (about 30 seconds).  Gradually add the powdered sugar.  If the frosting becomes too thick add more butter or shortening or add milk a tsp. at a time.  If the frosting is too soft/loose add more sugar.

The frosting can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a few weeks.  Allow it to come to room temperature and stir or beat it before using.

Gluten Free "Goldfish" and "Cheese-It" Crackers (egg free, corn free, nut free)

Since going gluten free I've had to periodically send separate snacks to school for my daughter.  I do my best to send food that is as close as possible to what the other kids are eating.  Usually it's pretty simple.  But next week is Goldfish.  I haven't seen any store-bought cheesy gluten free crackers.  And I don't have any really cheesy homemade crackers in the house either.

That means it's time to experiment!!  My favorite thing to do :)

I brainstormed about how to make them look kind of orange, like the real thing.  I decided on adding squash and some yellow cheese.  And it worked!!

Both kids had some for breakfast (I do most of my baking in the morning before they get up...and they instantly run to the kitchen and start eating if they smell something good :).  I couldn't keep their hands off.  They paired the crackers with homemade gummies (full of nutrient dense gelatin) and strawberry lemonade (made with locally grown strawberries and real lemon juice).  Delicious!

You can make these crackers in any fun shape or size you like.  I decided to try to make them look like the "real" thing.  I also made some stars, circles and letters.

This is a fun snack for kids, and it's very healthy.  No vegetable oils.  No gluten, egg, corn or nuts.  Just real ingredients.

Gluten Free "Goldfish" or "Cheese-Its"
makes about 2 cups of crackers

1/2 cup white rice or brown rice flour
1/2 cup tapioca flour
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1/4 tsp. baking soda
2 Tbsp. melted butter
4 Tbsp. pureed winter squash (this adds color, so the deeper the color the cheesier the crackers will look)
1 Tbsp. water
2/3 cup finely grated cheese (cheddar works well, a yellow cheese like colby will add extra color)
1/2 tsp. organic cane sugar, sucanat or coconut sugar

Heat oven to 350 degrees F.

Mix the flours, salt, soda, butter, cheese and squash.  Add 1 Tbsp. of water.  Mix.  A ball of dough should form that does not crumble.  Knead it with your hand for a minute or two to get it all combined.  If after mixing the dough for a couple minutes it is still crumbly gradually add water a tsp. at a time.  You don't want the dough too wet or the crackers will not get crisp.

Place half of the dough on a piece of parchment paper.  Place another piece on top of the dough.  Roll until the dough is about 1/8 - 1/4" thick.  Cut into desired shapes or cut into squares with a pizza cutter.  Transfer shapes to a parchment lined baking sheet.  Transfer parchment paper with squares to a baking sheet.  Repeat of the second half of the dough.

Bake for about 20 minutes, until crisp and just starting to get golden on the edges.  Allow to cool completely.

Gluten Free Pancakes

My whole family enjoys breakfast for dinner sometimes.  A few days ago I decided to make pancakes.  I made a simple batch of gluten free pancakes...that everyone loved!!  I've never seen my daughter eat that much pancake in one sitting.  Even my husband asked if it was a new or special recipe because they were really good.

This is an adaption from a recipe I got from my mother-in-law shortly after I got married.  We've been making these for years.  But now we can enjoy them in a gluten free form...and not miss a thing :)

Gluten Free Pancakes
makes about 8 pancakes

1/2 cup white rice flour
1/3 cup tapioca flour
1/4 cup teff flour
1 egg
1/2 cup buttermilk, kefir or sour milk (2 tsp. vinegar + milk to equal 1/2 cup)
1/2 cup smooth, unsweetened applesauce
1 Tbsp. organic cane sugar, sucanat or coconut sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. sea salt

In a medium bowl whisk egg.  Add remaining ingredients and mix well.  If the batter is really runny add extra tapioca flour until desired thickness.

Scoop 1/4 - 1/3 cup batter onto a hot griddle coated with butter or coconut oil.  Cook pancakes until the edges dry and bubbles form.  Flip and cook the other side for a few minutes until cooked through.  Repeat until the batter is used.

You can keep the cooked pancakes on a baking sheet in the oven on low heat until all of the pancakes are done.

Store leftovers in a seal container in the refrigerator or freezer.

To reheat wrap the pancakes in a damp paper towel.  Heat at 350 degrees in an oven or toaster oven for 3-6 minutes, until warmed.

Meal Plans Week of 5-12-13

Happy Mother's Day!!  Yes, I'm still here.  I just haven't had much time to write posts this week.  And there's that little detail about trying to take it easy this month...so sometimes I just say I don't feel like it right now and give my mind a break :)  I have quite a few posts coming, though.  Be on the lookout.

And for all you moms of little ones, soon-to-be moms or future moms don't forget to check out the Natural Fertility Bundle.  The sale ends tomorrow!!!

I also wanted to mention the book The Nourished Metabolism by Elizabeth Walling.  I am re-reading it right now.  It is seriously the best health/healing book I've ever read.  It puts all of my years of reading and research and trial and errors into one neat package.  I wish I had had this book many years ago.  It is 35% off right now (for a limited time).  So be sure to grab a copy today!

 Last week we had fun celebrating my little guy's 2nd birthday.  We also got to see some of my family at Tulip Time.  It was a chilly day...cold enough to get the winter coats and hats back out.  But of course in a week the forecast is for 97 degrees.  Gotta love Michigan weather :P

This week will be somewhat busy.  I need to make a trip to the health food store.  The kids have their last Kindermusic class of the semester.  Abram has his 2 year check up.  I might take the kids to visit my grandparents.  Rebecca has a school field trip to the zoo.  Abram and I will be going with her.  Justin and I might be going out on Saturday.

As usual I have a list of things I'd like to bake this week.  I got a head start and made a big batch of homemade fruit snacks yesterday.  The kids LOVED them.  They kept begging for more.  I offered birthday cake and ice cream...no thanks, more gummies please :)  I guess I didn't have to worry about how I was going to get my kids to consume some gelatin.  I even got an early Mother's Day present while I was making them...candy molds :)  So now we have homemade gummies in the shape of hearts, stars, circles and squares.

My potential projects for this week are gluten free goldfish crackers, gluten free noodles, gluten free buns and some kind of breakfast baked good.  I also need to make smoothies, pesto and kefir.  I might also do some baking for our mom's group.  This is our last meeting of the year, but I can't go because of the field trip.  But I might drop off some food anyway on our way to the zoo.  I could also make a meal to bring to my grandparents.  We'll see what the week brings.  If the weather is nice we'll be outside instead of inside baking.

No real update on me.  Just plugging along.  Still some daily struggles, but I'm getting there.  I did have a pretty big breakthrough on some issues last week.  When I have time to write I'll be doing a long post about it.  It may take a while since I have a  lot to say.  And I have other writing I have to get done first.  Right now I'm focusing on rest and balance and letting God work out the details.  And allowing Him to work through me to give Him glory.

So, my plan for this week is to get caught up on some writing and get some summer/fall plans made for the kids' activities.  I want to do a few baking projects.  I want to spend lots of time in the sun with the kids...when it decides to come back again.  And try to keep Rebecca away from mosquitos.  We found out last week that she is allergic.  One bite and the whole top of her arm was puffed up, itchy and painful.

Here's what's on the menu.  I'm trying to keep the meals simple so there is plenty of time for other stuff.
_______________________________________________________________
S (prep lunch, church, prep smoothies, make chocolate suckers) D4
  B - banana yogurt, granola (J), squash, beef, coconut flour scone (M), gf pancakes (R/A)
  L - cp meatloaf, baked potatoes, carrots
  D - bacon and grilled cheese sandwiches, chips w/ salsa, broccoli, milkshakes

M (bake muffins, HH, PS, make noodles?) D1
  B - smoothie, orange cranberry muffins (J/R/A), fried duck egg, beets, coconut milk ice cream (M)
  D - chicken noodle soup, crackers w/ cheese

T (make gf goldfish, KM, make pesto) D2
  B - TBD baked good (J), beets, cheese, rice bar (M), yogurt (R/A)
  D - pork chops and apples over rice, peas

W (make marshmallows, Dr. S., PS, grind millet) D3
  B - smoothie, orange cranberry muffins (J/R/A), gm yogurt w/ blueberries, amaranth bar (M)
  D - turkey pesto pasta, garlic toast, applesauce

Th (prep breakfast, make gf crackers, visit grandparents) D4
  B - hard boiled egg, toast (J), squash, yogurt (M), gf crackers, hard boiled egg (R/A)
  D - sloppy joes, broccoli, home canned peaches, chips

F (pack picnic, clean, zoo) D1
  B - muffins, yogurt (J), fried duck egg, sautéed broccoli and cauliflower (M), yogurt (R/A)
  L - picnic - sandwiches, yogurt, peaches, carrots, olives, ice cream
  D - chicken tacos or meatballs

S (make rice scones, make lemonade gummies, dinner out) D2
  B - TBD
  D - hot dogs, tator tots, peas

Soaked Gluten Free Breakfast Cookies

I keep adapting some of our favorite recipes to make them gluten free.  The other day I took some breakfast cookies out of the freezer...and couldn't let my daughter have one.  So of course I had to tackle that challenge this week :)

Soaked, gluten free and delicious!  Fresh baked this morning for a nice treat for the family.  Do you ever have cookies for breakfast?  If not you should give these a try.

Soaked Gluten Free Breakfast Cookies
makes 10 - 12 cookies

1 cup oats
1 cup any combination of gluten free flour (I used white rice, brown rice and teff flours)
1/2 cup butter or coconut oil
1/3 cup kefir, buttermilk, sour milk or water + lemon juice
1/3 cup honey
1 egg
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 cup add-ins (chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruit, coconut)

Melt the butter or coconut oil.  Mix the oats, flour, butter and kefir.  Let soak 7 - 24 hours.

Heat oven to 350 degrees F.

Add the remaining ingredients to the soaked mixture.  Mix well.  Drop large mounds onto a parchment lined baking sheet.

Bake 20 minutes, until golden.

Serve warm or allow to cool and store in an airtight container.  They freeze very well.

Natural Fertility Bundle May 6 - May 13

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This really is an amazing deal.  You get 92% off all of these resources!!!  It only lasts for one week.  So hurry and get your bundle today!!  All of the details are below.  It's almost too good to be true.  So many resources all packaged together for such a low cost.  Take control of your fertility today!

9 ebooks about fertility and health

Fertilise Yourself by Natalie Kringoudis of Melbourne Natural Fertility ($19.95)

This ebook is all about priming your body for fertility, with plenty of tips and tricks for a wellness overhaul, and the ‘how to’ steps to set yourself up to win. If you’re struggling with your fertility, or even just your general health, this ebook can help you navigate your way to being fueled and fighting fertility fit!

Making Super Sperm by Bridgit Danner of Joyful Mammas ($29.00)

The genetics of your baby are 50% from the dad, and 30 - 70 % of infertility cases involve male factor. Get a strong start for your baby by Making Super Sperm from the start!

Fertility Smoothies: Elixirs for Optimal Fertility by Hethir Rodriguez of Natural Fertility Info ($19.95)

In this book Hethir shares with you how to create a wide variety of delicious superfood smoothies to help boost your fertility naturally.

Overcoming Infertility with EFT by Sarah Holland of Fertile Mindset ($20.00)

The ultimate guide and practical workbook using the cutting edge technique of EFT for emotional healing on your fertility journey. Includes detailed but simple to follow EFT instructions, and easy to use worksheets to recognize and reverse your own negative beliefs and self-talk surrounding trying for a baby, heal yourself from traumas and damaging experiences that may be harming your fertility and much much more!

Eat Your Way to Parenthood by Gabriela Rosa of Natural Fertility Breakthrough ($35.00)

Gabriela Rosa reminds us how a balanced and nutritious diet provides the building blocks for a healthy sperm, egg and baby. This book is both a guide to the process of fertility and the basics of good nutrition, as well as a manual of recipes that cleverly combine the scientific research with balanced, tasty and nutritious ingredients.

Maiden to Mother by Stephanie Brandt Cornais of Mama and Baby Love

The Mama and Baby Love Guide to a Conscious Childbearing Year, containing easy-to-understand information about everything you absolutely must know as you begin your journey to motherhood. Stephanie gives you all the juicy tidbits, and lessons she has learned from working with pregnant couples for the past decade and from her own experience with being pregnant and a new mom.

Zero in on Ovulation by Sally Moran of Get Pregnant Fast ($17.00)

Knowing when you ovulate shouldn't be a mystery, but many women struggle to understand when their most fertile time of month is. Learn about the different methods of determining ovulation, what can delay ovulation, what herbs help promote ovulation or cervical fluid, symptoms of ovulation, problems with ovulation (including PCOS and luteal phase defect), the effects of using Clomid or Femara, and more. Bonus sections on male infertility, baby gender selection, frequently asked ovulation questions, as well as one-on-one e-mail consultation with the author.

A Modern Girl's Guide to Natural Fertility by Marni Hotchkiss of Bridge to Baby ($15.00)

Natural fertility in today's modern world encompasses the foods we eat, our behaviors, and our thoughts. Take a deeper look into how tools/apps as well as the right foods and other holistic approaches can positively impact pregnancy success.

Cleansing for Conception by Donielle Baker of Naturally Knocked Up ($6.95)

There are times in our life where we need to simply slow down and allow our bodies to clear out the toxins we're exposed to on a daily basis. One of these times is when you're thinking about becoming pregnant. This ebook will show you the many ways that you can alter your diet and lifestyle so that your body naturally and gently cleanses in preparation for conception. (pre-release copy - no one else will see it until late summer 2013!)

Three Strategies for Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Russell Davis of The Fertile Mind ($9.97)

Research shows utilizing mind-body techniques can double your chances of getting pregnant. This ebook contains practical steps to get off the emotional roller-coaster, find a sense of peace on your journey and actively utilizing your mind-body link to increase your chances of success.

2 ebooks that speak to the heart

Pain Redeemed by Natasha Metzler of NatashaMetzler.com ($4.95)

The author of Pain Redeemed takes you on a journey through her own walk with infertility and with honesty and raw truthfulness tells the story of God meeting her there, right in the middle."

Celebrating Pregnancy Again by Francesca Cox of so this is love ($8.00)

This book is to encourage any bereaved mother experiencing pregnancy again, and help her embrace this bittersweet journey.

 

12 real food recipe ebooks

The Food Healing Recipe Book for Endometriosis by Melissa Meyer of Cure Endometriosis ($27.00)

Specifically chosen recipes to help women with Endometriosis. Having personally used these recipes and this way of eating, I decided to compile some of my favorite recipes. My partner, also happens to be a chef, so they are all tasty and nutritious!

Meal Planning Guide for Healthy Thyroid by Magdalena Wszelaki of The Thyroid Diet Coach ($17.00)

Struggling with meal ideas? No time to cook? Bored with the same menu each week? Confused what you can or cannot eat for thyroid health? Then this guide will equip you with tools to make cooking fun, easy and nourishing. Learn about evolving meals, 15-min meals, dressing ideas, get healthy snack lists and a meal plan.

Thrifty Food Plan Experience by Millie Cooper of Real Food for Less Money ($8.95)

You can enjoy traditional foods while on thrifty budget. 67 pages of thoughts, tips and ideas plus a 2 week menu plan, over 40 recipes and links to many more.

Divine Dinners: Gluten-Free, Nourishing, Family-Friendly Meals by Lydia Shatney of Divine Health From The Inside Out ($14.95)

A collection of recipes that can be paired together to make entire meals. All the recipes are lower in sugars/carbs than that of the standard American diet. Recipes are gluten free and tested time and time again on family and friends with great results.

Lacto-Fermentation by Wardee Harmon of GNOWFGLINS ($20.00)

A 155-page, 23-lesson digital book with detailed instruction on fermenting fruits, vegetables, beans, meats, dairy, and grains. The book will expose you to a variety of fermentation methods — using salt, whey, or other starter cultures. Recipes go beyond fermentation methodology and include spices and seasonings to improve the flavor of the final product.

Real Food Ingredient Guide by Kelly of Kelly the Kitchen Kop ($22.95)

Confused about which ingredients are good for you and which ones to avoid? Get a quick-reference list of what to look for at the store or farm, with many listings including a good-better-best recommendation. Also this newly REVISED edition includes bonus material: Bringing Your Family from Junk Food to Real Food!

The Everything Beans Book by Katie Kimball of Kitchen Stewardship ($8.95)

Fall in love with legumes because they're frugal and delicious. Kimball's recipes span everything from appetizer to dessert, and the introductory pages will help you cook dry beans like a pro, understand their health benefits, and even get ideas to reduce the...you know...flatulence often connected with beans.

Just Making Ice Cream my Marilyn Beard of Just Making Noise ($12.00)

Because we all deserve a special treat now and then - but it doesn't mean we can't choose to do it in a healthier way! It includes 113 pages and over 70 recipes to choose through all 4 seasons of the year... who says ice cream is only for the summer?!

Grain-free/Gluten-free Baking by Stephanie Brandt Cornais of Mama and Baby Love ($9.99)

If you can’t cook and you can’t bake – this book is for you. I taught myself how to cook, and then I taught myself how to bake. You can too. 20 easy recipes, full of tips and tricks for beginners; recipes for cookies, cakes, pies, pizza crusts and more!

Simple Food for Spring by Shannon Stonger of Nourishing Days ($10.00)

Simple Food {for spring} is a grain-free cookbook that emphasize real food and sustainable living. This 80-page edition contains all of the freshness of spring with a focus on cultured dairy salad dressings, wild edibles, and using all of those fresh greens. Each of the 28 recipes includes full-color photos.

Simple Food for Winter by Shannon Stonger of Nourishing Days ($10.00)

Simple Food {for winter} is the first of what I hope to be four seasonal cookbooks that emphasize real food and sustainable living. This 58 page book contains 30 recipes, 10 full-color photos, and three essays.

Happy Mom, Healthy Family Meal Planning Workshop and eCookbook by Lisa Byrne of Wellgrounded Life ($29.00)

A practical, flexible and enjoyable way to make peace with the task that comes every day: preparing meals. This workshop equips you with techniques to make truly family-friendly, whole-foods recipes through a webinar presentation, meal planning templates & worksheets, demo videos plus a downloadable cookbook filled with 89 tried-and-true delicious recipes. Who could want more? (Besides a personal chef perhaps!)

6 pregnancy and birth ebooks

Healthy Pregnancy Super Foods by Kate Tietje of Modern Alternative Mama ($8.95)

If you're struggling with how to eat healthy to prepare for and during pregnancy, simplify it with this book. There are only two rules: avoid junk, and eat super foods. Plus 30 healthy, super-food-filled recipes!

UnBound Birth by Jenny Yarbrough of UnBound Birth ($4.99)

Unbound Birth: How to Have a Natural Birth in the Hospital is an inspiring collection of natural hospital birth stories. With determination, information, preparation, and support, Jennifer offers women hope for the beauty of a natural birth within a hospital setting.

Breast to Bib by Kate Tietje of Modern Alternative Mama ($8.95)

Make feeding babies easier with this practical guide to healthy breastfeeding, introducing solids, and handling picky toddlers. The book also includes over 30 baby and toddler-friendly recipes.

My Buttered Life: Baby Edition by Renee Harris from MadeOn Skin Care ($5.00)

This ebook includes 5 recipes, each with 5 ingredients or less. The recipes include baby massage oil, baby balm, creamy baby lotion, diaper rash cream and oatmeal milk bath. Each recipe has an accompanying video, a list of where to buy ingredients and supplies, and a cost analysis to compare with store-bought products.

Forty Weeks of Pregnancy Development by Angela England of The Untrained Housewife ($9.95)

What happens during each week of pregnancy? Now you'll hear how each week of pregnancy brings changes to both you and your baby! Enjoy the extra information about common issues such as morning sickness, back pain, and more!

Embracing Beauty: practical style for every shape and season of motherhood by Trina Holden of trinaholden.com ($9.00)

A style guide that gets to the heart of beauty, and helps women identify and embrace their personal style through all the changes of motherhood.

Bonus Material

• Six Tips to Enhance Fertility in Women with PCOS by Jess Pedersen CHCC of Be Mama Be Well
• Top Food Myths by Dr. Marlene Merritt of Merritt Wellness
• Break the Sugar Habit ebook by Lisa Byrne of Well Grounded Life
• Primal Moms Look Good Naked, audio book by Peggy Emch from The Primal Parent
• Secrets of Stress Resilient Moms, audio teleclass by Lisa Byrne of Well Grounded Life
• Making Super Sperm, audio book by Bridgit Danner of Joyful Mammas
• It Takes Two to Make a Healthy Baby (audio) with Dr. Erika Siegel of Nourish Me
• Food for Fertility daily checklist by Donielle Baker of Naturally Knocked Up

7 week long meal plans

To help you get started on a whole foods diet, we've also included a variety of meal plans to fit your needs!

• Jess Pedersen CHHC of Be Mama Be Well The Be Mama Be Well Meal Planner is an alkalizing plant-based, gluten-free, dairy-free plan that excludes highly processed foods. The Be Mama Be Well Meal Planner is meant to help you detoxify your body, cleanse your liver, balance your hormones, eliminate food-induced mood swings, and boost your nutrient intake.
• KerryAnn Foster of Cooking Traditional Foods The Cooking Traditional Foods' Menu Mailer covers breakfast, lunch and dinner based on the guidelines in the Naturally Knocked Up Fertility Foods Checklist.
• Mary Vance of www.MaryVanceNC.com Autoimmune plan for those who have Hashimoto's autoimmune thyroiditis or other autoimmune conditions. Excludes the inflammatory foods most likely to aggravate autoimmune conditions: gluten, dairy, soy, grains (for the most part, at least corn), nightshades, nuts, eggs.
• Jill Marks of Modern Alternative Pregnancy Proper nutrition plays a vital role in fertility, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. This meal plan is gluten-free with real, whole foods to optimize your health and give your baby a wonderful start!
• Therese Asmus of Artistta This menu plan does it's best to include a variety of meals that aren't only pleasing to the pallet, but are also excellent sources of the many nutrients needed for a healthy pregnancy.
• Amy of PCOS Diva Spring Meal Plan (includes: Getting Started Guide, Recipes and Shopping List) is a whole food based, gluten-free, processed soy-free, and low dairy (or easily can be made dairy-free) plan. You don’t need a crazy diet to increase your fertility, you just need to get in the kitchen and start cooking delicious, nutrient-dense meals.
• Joanna Steven, author of Well-Rounded. Plant based, whole foods based, with a mix of nourishing raw and cooked recipes for the vegan or vegetarian woman.

Bonus Offerings

• Three month meal plan subscription from My Humble Kitchen ($24.99)
• Free Fertility Relaxation Program from Circle and Bloom
• One month premium membership at Fertility Flower ($5.00)
• one hour video seminar with Russell Davis of The Fertile Mind

Giveaways worth $908.00!

But that's not all - it's $908.00 times two! There will be one grand prize winner who will receive each and every one of the following products/services.¹ All of which will help you on your way to growing your family. And then we'll be giving away each of the products separately to individual winners as well, so you get more chances to win these fabulous products.

$25 gift certificate to MadeOn Skin Care ($25.00) - Choose from Simply Soothing Rash Cream, or Beesilk Jr for your baby. Or, shop for you and buy Beesilk hard lotion bars or a pack of tinted lip balms. All products are made with safe and natural ingredients. (includes free shipping)

Fertility Detox Cleanse Program from Bridgit Danner ($125.00) - Get your body primed for baby with this professionally-led detox program (food supplies to be purchased by recipient.)

Still Standing mug from Still Standing Magazine ($13.99) - Still Standing is an online magazine for those dealing with infertility and baby loss, offering resources and hope.

Making Babies DVDs from Bulk Herb Store ($75.00) - Three fun, informational, and colorful DVDs include deliciously healthy recipes, remedies and herbal concoctions that cover the fertility, pregnancy, and post-partum time in your life. At the Bulk Herb Store we want to teach you what we know and inspire you to learn and research beyond that with our homemade herbal remedies, our experiences, and the tested wisdom of others.

ibasal thermometer from FairHaven Health ($59.95) - The ibasal is a computerized digital basal thermometer that helps you maximize your changes of conceiving by accurately measuring your BBT and interpreting this data to produce a fertility prediction in advance of ovulation.

One bottle of FertilAid for Women from FairHaven Health ($28.95) - FertilAid for Women is a fertility enhancing supplement designed to help restore hormonal balance, support reproductive wellness, and optimize your chances of conceiving.

Femmenessence MacaHarmony from Natural Health International ($69.98) - Femmenessence MacaHarmony is a natural approach to hormone balance and supporting fertility without introducing hormones from outside of the body.

Medium Fertility Kit (LH and HCG tests) from Kisses from Above ($18.00) - Includes 30 ovulation and 10 pregnancy tests. Everything you need in one easy-to-order kit! Both the ovulation and pregnancy tests will come in the strip format, as shown in the picture.

Herbal kit from Mountain Rose Herbs ($56.20) - FecundiTea, Nurse-Me Rhyme Tea, “Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Years” by Susun Weed, Evening Embrace Aroma Spray, and 4 oz. each of Red Clover, Dandelion Leaf and Raspberry Leaf.

One bottle of cod liver oil from Green Pasture ($44.00) - Green Pastures is dedicate to providing their customers with high-quality sacred-food oils just as they were made prior to the industrialized food and farming revolution. They are committed to providing the community with nothing but pure, unadulterated, non-industrialized wild-caught fish liver oils.

Set of six essential oils from Plant Therapy ($48.68) - Romance Set Includes 100% Pure, Therapeutic Grade of: Sensual, Peppermint, Energy, Headache Relief, Tranquil, & Invigor-Aid. 10 ml each

Natural Cycle Relaxation Program from Circle and Bloom ($59.00) - Start today to feel in greater control over your fertility success with our downloadable program which includes 28 unique guided meditations to support you in communicating with your body and tapping into your innate ability to create.

Year subscription to Fertility Flower (sympto-thermal charting) ($40.00) - Fertility charting is simple, effective and teaches you about your body. When you "chart", you learn to recognize when you're fertile and when you're not so that you can target your baby-making activities at the most fruitful time.

Complimentary consultation at the Metabolic Treatment Center ($100.00 value) - Dr. Schuler or another metabolic treatment specialist at Metabolic Treatment Center will review an individual's history, medication, supplementation, diet, and symptoms and provide an initial assessment review (phone, Skype, or at the Bloomington office).

SpermCheck Kit ($39.99) - The only at-home sperm test for men! Results in 10 minutes, 98% accurate, private and convenient!

Preseed lubricant from Baby Hopes ($21.50)- Pre~Seed lubricant replenishes your natural moisture while providing an optimal environment for sperm.

A Practical Guide to Children's Health ebook by Kate Tetje of Modern Alternative Mama ($17.95) - A well-researched ebook on raising healthy children.

The Woman Code book by Alisa Vitti ($25.99) - WomanCode by Alisa Vitti will guide you on how to Perfect Your Cycle, Amplify Your Fertility, Supercharge Your Sex Drive, and Become a Power Source.

Naturally Knocked Up book by Donielle Baker ($18.95) - Your guide to increasing the odds of conception through natural living and nourishing foods.

Rebuild from Depression book by Amanda Rose ($19.97) - This book on depression describes the research basis for the nutrient-depression link, highlighting the nutrients with the strongest basis in research. With seven specific nutrients in mind, the authors review each of the food groups recommending how to improve the diet for the long-term.

 

Extra discounts for bundle purchasers

• 25% off ebooks from Kate Tietje at Modern Alternative Mama
• 25% off any purchase at Cooking Traditional Foods, including our renewable menu plan subscriptions.
• $3.00 off a large Simply Soothing Rash Cream from MadeOn Lotion
• 20% off products from Sarah Holland at Fertile Mindset
• 40% off any ebook from Katie Kimball at Kitchen Stewardship
• 20% off books by Millie Cooper at Real Food for Less Money
• 10% off essential oils and products at Plant Therapy
• 40% off all Making Babies products from the Bulk Herb Store
• 15% off products at Kisses from Above
• 25% off BeMama Fertility Cleanse Programs with Jess Pedersen CHHC of Be Mama Be Well
• 10% off at FairHaven Health (excludes OvaCare and Preseed)
• 25% off your first visit at the Metabolic Treatment Center
• Receive 2 boxes Femmenessence MacaHarmony, 3 boxes of pH Quintessence, and 1 box Sole Stones for only $99.00 (52%off) at Natural Health International
• 20% off all programs at The Fertile Mind

Important fine print to read 1) All purchases are non-refundable due to the short duration of this sale and no late sales will be offered. 2) All giveaway products are sponsored by the individual companies, most of which are limited to shipping within the United States. The grand prize package will be shipped by Naturally Knocked Up LLC and is available to US and Canada, excluding the consultation which is available only in the US. ¹To enter the giveaway without purchase send a 3x5 postcard to Naturally Knocked Up LLC PO Box 26 Burnips, MI 49314 by May 14, 2013. 3) All products are downloadable ebooks and audio files. You will not be shipped any physical goods with your purchase of the natural fertility ebook bundle, but will be sent a link where you can download all of the material. 4) It is your responsibility to download all the files before June 1th, 2013. 5) Bonus offers are only eligible once per purchase, expire at midnight on May 31, 2013 and are the sole responsibility of the sponsor. 6) The above links are affiliate links, thank you for supporting this affiliate partner. 7) Please understand the information shared through this natural fertility ebook bundle is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, but rather to encourage perhaps a new discussion or conversation with your own physicians and health care providers and to inspire you to continue to research healthy alternatives.

Meal Plans Week of 5-5-13

Feliz Cinco De Mayo!  Happy Sunday.  It looks like it's going to be a beautiful week in Michigan.  That means lots of time in the sun :)  Unfortunately we do have a busy week.  But hopefully we can still get out quite a bit.

Our big event this week is Abram's 2nd birthday!  How did my baby get so big?  He is so independent.  And yesterday we found out that he can pedal on his own.  He sat on the tricycle...and off he went!

We did manage to make it to the zoo yesterday.  And Rebecca and I went shopping.  I got new tennis shoes (haven't had a new pair in 5 years...and I use them a lot) and a dress for my BIL's wedding.  It's exciting to have one cute new dress :)  We also got to make soft serve ice cream.  I've had a soft serve maker sitting in the basement for over 5 years!  My daughter found out and begged to try it.  I'm glad we did.  Delicious homemade mint soft serve!  Unfortunately we also had to make another trip to the pediatrician last week.  Abram had some kind of virus causing fevers, aches and pains.  No infection at least.  And he seems to be doing a lot better now.

This week we have to grocery shop, pick up milk, celebrate Abram's birthday and hopefully make it to Tulip Time.  We'll see if we feel like going to the zoo again or the library or the park.

Since I didn't do too much in the kitchen last week I have a lot I'd like to get done this week.  But I'm still trying to do it without getting up too early or stressing myself out.  So we'll see what gets done.  I have to make Abram's cake.  And I might make more ice cream.  Aside from that I'm hoping to make soaked rice bars, almond butter, gluten free gold fish, soaked gluten free breakfast cookies, soaked amaranth bars and maybe gluten free bread.

No big updates on me.  I've been doing quite well with diet and managing stress.  I made it to a hula hoop class on Friday.  That was a lot of fun.  I got a real treat last week and found duck eggs at the store!  I had one last week...and seemed to do ok.  I had another one for breakfast today.  So good!!!  I was tempted to have another, but I'm trying to be smart and go slowly.  I waited 5 days after the first one to try another.  So far so good.  And what a treat!!  I also got some gelatin yesterday.  So I put a little in my hot cocoa this morning.  We'll see how that goes.  I may have to add gummy candy to my to-do list this week now that I have the gelatin to experiment with.

Here's what's on the menu for the week.  Thursday we'll be going out for Abram's birthday...to Rebecca's Restaurant :)  Best place in town...and they serve real food!  What are you having?
__________________________________________
S (prep lunch, soak flour, cook beans, church?, prep smoothies, make pesto) D1
  B - applesauce bread, lemon yogurt (J), garbanzo flour pancakes, fried duck egg (M), yogurt (R/A)
  L - cp chicken breasts, mashed potatoes, carrots
  D - (cinco de mayo) - rice and beans w/ beef fajita meat, chips w/ salsa cheese dip

M (make breakfast cookies, make rice bars, soak flour, Meijer, PS, make decorations) D2
  B - smoothie, gf breakfast cookies (J/R/A), blueberries, cheese, rice bar (M)
  D - cp pork steak, pesto rice, peas

T (make amaranth bars, KM, vote, make almond butter, make decorations) D3
  B - yogurt, granola, fruit (J/R/A), pumpkin, amaranth bar (M)
  D - salmon cakes, buttered noodles, corn

W (bake cake, milk, PS) D4
  B - smoothie, gf breakfast cookies (J/R/A), squash, coconut milk ice cream (M)
  D - gf sloppy corn muffins, sauteed broccoli and zucchini, applesauce

Th (frost/decorate cake, skim cream, roast beets, make egg puff, park or pool, make ice cream, Abram's birthday) D1
  B - egg puff, toast (J), fried duck egg, tbd (M), yogurt (A/R)
  D - Rebecca's Restaurant - mac 'n' cheese, roasted veggies OR broccoli

F (make gummies?, make goldfish?, playdate) D2
  B - peanut butter cocoa puffs or granola w/ milk (J/R/A), peas, cheese, rice bar (M)
  D - pancakes, bacon, fruit, peas (family), salad w/ bacon, pesto and peas (M)

S (misc. baking/cleaning/breakfast prep, TT?) D3
  B - leftover pancakes (J/R/A), gm yogurt w/ blueberries, amaranth bar (M)
  D - turkey pesto pasta, broccoli, garlic toast, applesauce

Goals of the Month - May 2013

May is here and so is spring!!  During April I was starting to wonder if winter would ever end in Michigan :P  This month is going to be slightly different for me/us.  I am declaring this Mother's May (instead of Mother's Day...moms deserve more than just one day I think :).  I intend to give my body some rest and relaxation this month.  No parties.  No big agenda.  No planning a bunch of trips or events.  Take it easy.  I will still keep up with regular life and taking care of my family of course.  But I will stop putting myself at the bottom of my to-do list.  Here's what I have planned...only if I feel up to it :)

photo credit: deniselinn.com

1. Writing - Write articles for the Real Food and Health July/August issue and write my Grand Rapids Natural Living article.

2. Photography - keep doing what I'm doing and have fun with photo editing.

3. Healing - I actually think I've made some decent progress here.  This is my facebook post from yesterday:

 

"Gradually I'm starting to feel better about my health status. Hearing what other people's normal temps are makes me feel like mine are quite normal/good. Most say 96s/97s. I'm usually in the 97s when I check at home. Today just .1 degree away from 98! And 98.6 at the doctor yesterday. That is a FAR cry from where I was last year. My temps were literally as low as 91/92. BAD. So I have made a HUGE improvement with my metabolism and body temp. Body temp...normal.

Thyroid levels...normal.

Vitamin D levels...normal.

When I got my adrenals tested in December I was still up in the night nursing and getting up very early every day. And my cortisol levels were only a little bit elevated. So 4 months later I'm getting more sleep and almost all uninterrupted sleep (so a 7 hour stretch vs. a 3 hour stretch at a time). I have absolutely no trouble sleeping and have a ton more energy than I did earlier in the year. I don't intend to spend the money to recheck adrenals, but I'm guessing they're actually doing pretty well as long as I don't have too many stressful things going on. So, cortisol levels/adrenal function...most likely fairly normal.

That leaves me with my gut health and reproductive hormones to work on. My theory is that both of those will improve over time as I continue to get better sleep and avoid my inflammatory foods. The human body is amazing. But it also takes time.

All that to say I'm getting better! I'm on the right track.

Sometimes I feel overwhelmed when I get bogged down in the details of every little bite of food and every symptom or reaction. But when I look at the big picture I realize it's not so bad and I've actually come a long way already. My body is healing. It's just hard to see that when my most prominent/long-standing problems are the last to go away. Which makes sense. As I heal my body can undo the most recent/lightest problems first. And work its way back to the beginning. Now I just need to remember this when I'm having a rough day...or week...or few weeks.  I am getting better.  God is good!"

 

I do intend to get outside as much as possible now that it's warm to help my body continue to produce more Vitamin D and get that even higher (I'm in the healthy range now but higher would be better).

 

In April I started stretching every day.  It's amazing how much of my flexibility has returned with just a few minutes of practice each day (and having Rebecca do it with me some days...her flexibility is greatly improving too!!  And helping with her core strength/ability to sit up straight).  I've even started doing cartwheels and hand stands again!  So fun.  I would like to continue this progress and take a couple yoga classes this month.  I've already signed up for a hula hoop workshop this Friday.  I can't wait!  This will be good for my body and a part of my relaxation protocol this month.

 

 I will definitely make sleep a priority.  I can tell we've had a few nights of getting to bed just a half hour later.  I need to catch up now.

I will be very careful with diet/sensitive foods.  Eating the wrong food is another form of stress on my body that delays my progress.  No more tastes of this and that :P  It really adds up.

I will look into foods with Vitamin C.  I think I might be lacking there due to my dietary restrictions.

Even though I've been on my rotational diet for 3 months I think I will hold off on adding any foods back quite yet.  Now that I'm on the right track and getting the inflammation down I don't want to risk messing it up yet.  I'll give my body more time to stay in this state and do some good healing.

I also just finished reading The Nourished Metabolism by Elizabeth Walling.  BEST healing book I've ever read.  Seriously.  I will do a review post on it soon...once I read it again...and maybe again.

4. Homemade Food - I am gradually working on stocking my pantry with homemade goodies.  As boxes empty jars of homemade food will replace them.  I hope to do a post on it when this project is complete...whenever that might be :)

5. Relationships - First on my agenda this month is our Mommy-daughter date.  My BIL is getting married in June, and I have nothing to wear!  And Rebecca is the flower girl.  So we both need new dresses...time to shop!  I have one MomBreak meeting this month.  And Justin and I will be doing an even with our church small group.

6. Rebecca - I go back and forth about trying gluten with Rebecca again.  I do think that gluten free is beneficial for her.  But I am also curious if there will be a noticeable change if we give it to her again.  I'm still trying to decide if I want to experiment now or wait another month or so yet.


7. Crafts - No big plans here.  Just enjoy crafting with Rebecca.

8. Cakes - I need to make a cake for Abram's birthday (how can it be that my baby will be 2 years old in 9 days?!).  I haven't decided yet what I want to make.  I'll likely do another gluten free cake.  Or I could do an ice cream cake.

9. Declutter - I will continue to sort toys and clothes as time allows and hopefully give some stuff away.

10. Acceptance - I am working on accepting my body in the healing process. Even when I have big flares in inflammation, die off, etc. and feel totally uncomfortable in my skin (and my clothes!) I am trying to accept it and not worry. I know I've been here before. I know it's not permanent. I know things will calm down and I'll feel better again. This is part of my healing process and is helping me learn what my body needs. It's usually a wake up call that I've been stressing out my body too much again. When will I learn? :P

11. Service - I am hoping to get more involved in nursery cmt stuff at church soon.

End Of Month Recap and Links - April 2013

April was supposed to me my month to relax.  Well, that didn't quite happen...at all.  Birthday party stuff kept me busier than I had hoped.  All the flooding was pretty stressful to me too.  Storms have been one of my biggest anxiety-inducers ever since childhood.  So dealing with that at the same time as hosting a party with all homemade gluten free foods for my entire family and having house guests was not a good combination.  I did increase my sleep a little.  But stress was still high, and my diet wasn't where it should be (thanks to all of the baking I had to do :P).  So I haven't made a ton of progress.  But at least I did accomplish some goals.  Here's how it went.

photo credit: longwood.edu

1. Writing - I wrote an article for GRNL about infertility and shame.

2. Photography - I've been experimenting with photo editing.

3. Healing - I had great intentions here.  Sadly most of it did not happen.  I did get good news that my thyroid levels are back to normal.  And my vitamin D levels are more normal now too.  But I have some work to do on the rest.  My reproductive hormones are very low.  And a bit baffling to my doctor.  She's not sure what to think of my levels, but is willing to work with me to try to balance them.  I'm still figuring out how to proceed.  I'll update more in May's goals.

 

4. Homemade Food - I did a fair amount of baking and managed to make Rebecca's birthday party 100% gluten free...including homemade pizza and three layer/three flavor cake.

5. Relationships - Not much progress here either.  The first part of the month we were house bound with the flu.  Then it was all about the birthday party.  So we did have some family time, but not much else.  And I think it's the first time in quite a while that Rebecca and I didn't have a specific Mommy-daughter date.  It totally slipped my mind.  I'll have to make that a priority next month.

6. Rebecca - We have been gluten free the whole month!  I do think it is helping and healthier.  I am also trying to be good about making sure she gets probiotics, vitamins and fermented cod liver oil daily.  We had a wonderful birthday party with family for Rebecca.  It was great to have a special day just for her.

7. Crafts - I organized crafts and decorations for the party.

8. Cakes - I made four different gluten free cakes this month.  One for Justin's birthday and 3 different flavors for Rebecca's birthday.  It was fun, but a lot of work.

9. Declutter - I did it...I finally decluttered Abram's closet and drawers!!  We also did a lot of house clean up before the party.  And I did some more cleaning in my drawers and closet.  I might not have much left to wear if I keep this up.  It seems like I get rid of more every time I put away my laundry :P

10. Acceptance - This is still a struggle for me.  But I am trying to accept myself each day no matter what my health status is.

 I am working on accepting my body in the healing process. Even when I have big flares in inflammation, die off, etc. and feel totally uncomfortable in my skin (and my clothes!) I am trying to accept it and not worry. I know I've been here before. I know it's not permanent. I know things will calm down and I'll feel better again. This is part of my healing process and is helping me learn what my body needs. It's usually a wake up call that I've been stressing out my body too much again. When will I learn? :P

______________________
April 2013 Links
______________________

Here are some links to articles, recipes, etc. I enjoyed this month:

Replacing candy with butter buttons

15 Coconut oil skin recipes

5 Reasons to avoid almond flour

Homemade Foundation (I just might have to try this!!!  It's so easy.)

Indoor plants that clean the air and remove toxins (I just said to my husband I need to figure out the best plants to have in our house...now I know.)

Getting started with real food (some great tips for those just learning about real food)

Carageenan: A dangerous and sneaky food additive (I try to avoid this at all costs.  I hate that it's in things as simple as a container of cream or even organic and locally made ice creams.)

Rebounding (I still want a trampoline so I can try this!)

The skinny on fat phobia (FAT IS HEALTHY!!!  I can't stress that enough.)

Is salt really bad for you? (Spoiler...NO!!)

Homemade orange vanilla body spray

Guar Gum: A sneaky additive...and laxative?

Homemade magic shell chocolate sauce

The perfect soft boiled egg

20 Ways to avoid the toxins in plastic
________________________________________________________

Here are the links to my own posts this month:

Gluten free peanut butter cocoa puff cereal

Infertility - Letting go of the shame

Gluten free arts and crafts cake (vanilla, chocolate, strawberry)

Gluten free pizza crust

Gluten free chocolate chip cookies

Gluten free vanilla wafers and creme cookies

Gluten free rich chocolate cake

Goals of the month - April 2013

Meal Plans Week of 4-28-13

Well, this is going to have to be short and sweet.  My son is up and screaming at 6:30 am...and I don't think Daddy is cutting it :(  I love that Abram loves his veggies...but maybe grabbing the serving bowl of roasted brussels sprouts and cauliflower and finishing it off last night did not agree with his tummy.

Spring has finally arrived in Michigan!!  And we're happy to be outside.  This week isn't too busy.  I see my naturopath to talk about my recent blood work.  I might try to take the kids to the zoo while we have a few days of nice weather.  I am probably also going to do a hula hoop workshop at the studio where I take yoga.  I can FINALLY use the hoop I got for Christmas!  I also need to make a trip to the health food store for a few items.

For extras this week I'd like to make a new batch of granola.  I also have a soft serve ice cream maker that Rebecca has been begging me to take out.  So I have to find the manual and see what the recipes are like.  I haven't used it in years.  I might do some baking with coconut flour and garbanzo bean flour for myself.

Not too many other updates.  My body is kind of inflamed right now.  I made peanut butter cocoa puffs last week...and had to take a few too many tastes :P  Peanuts and peanut butter are some of my worst offenders.  So I'm trying hard now to get things to calm down.  My legs are painful (swelling/fluid retention), my weight is up and digestion is slowed.  I feel like living in sweats and t-shirts right now :P  Hopefully some extra rest and safe foods will get things back on track quickly.

On the plus side I feel like I'm starting to make sense of all of my research and test results.  And I feel like I have some direction.  More to come on that soon.

On to the menu.  I think I got it mostly filled in.  We're firing up the grill for the first time of the season today!  And I'm starting to think more spring/summer foods.  A nice change :)  Now I suppose I should get the flannel sheets off our beds since May is only a few days away.
________________________________________
S (marinate meat, church, make smoothies) D2
  B - breakfast cookies, pineapple yogurt (J), blueberries, string cheese, soaked rice/teff bar (M)
  L - grilled pork chops, peas, seasoned rice
  D - leftover taco rice, strawberry milkshakes (family), snap peas, tbd (M)

M (make gf graham crackers, HH, PS, Dr. A.) D3
  B - smoothie, breakfast cookie (J/R/A), pumpkin, soaked amaranth scone (M)
  D - (prep ahead) - cp corn chowder, crackers w/ cheese (family), leftover fish sticks, pumpkin (M)

T (make granola, make scones, soak flour, KM) D4
  B - granola w/ milk (R/A), squash, coconut flour scone (M)
  D - steak, baked potatoes, carrots

W (make pancakes, chop veggies, PS) D1
  B - yogurt w/ granola and strawberries (J), garbanzo flour pancakes, broccoli (M/R), yogurt (A)
  D - chicken meat balls or chicken nuggets, french fries, broccoli

Th (boil eggs, skim cream, make ice cream) D2
  B - hard boiled egg, toast (J), blueberries, string cheese, soaked rice/teff bar (M)
  D - baked or fried perch, rice, peas

F (MB, PS, Hula hoop) D3
  B - hard boiled egg, toast (J), pumpkin, soaked amaranth scone OR gm yogurt (M)
  D - prep ahead/separate - gf pizza (from freezer)

S () D4
  B - TBD (J/R/A), squash, scone (M)
  D - grilled burgers, chips, peas, fruit