feb~week 8/366 {life-docs-homeschool}

this has been a teary week for mama.  tuesday morning brought some potential life-threatening news for a family member... and my heart is heavy.  

with health issues on the rise, it really motivates me to get back on track with my health.  i'd like to juice a bit each day.  have you seen this? fat sick and nearly dead.  it's on netflix, instant play right now.  it's eye opening.  the body is amazing... when treated properly.

the distance between us and the rest of the fam is sometimes challenging.  especially right now... while the girls are in the midst of competition, recitals, theater, etc.  accomplishing school-work, while holding down the home-front most days... i'm overwhelmed. 

sometimes, life is just plain hard, y'all.  searching for the blessings...  that's the key to survival, right?  

well, that and instagram pix. ;)



after a long day, we {yes, hubby was home. yay!} took the girls to kids eat free night at chili's.

there was a day of vet visits for two felines, constantly looking for an exit.  that moment came for beau when his temperature was taken for the first time.  then he hissed at a cat poster on the wall.  tough guy.

just as i do with my kids, i researched and finally diagnosed beau.  my search led me to... feline herpes.  i started treating him with an amino acid.  *ehem*  it's not what you think... it's more like allergy symptoms that can turn into a cold under stress, etc.  turns out, his symptoms were not just allergies all along.  it was confirmed by the vet.  but she still siphoned my bank account for his visit to agree with me.  overall, he's a happy, healthy rambunctious lil' boy!  yay for some good news.

unfortunately, because feline herpes is contagious among cats, bella came down with a bad congestion, possible pneumonia. i get to wrestle her to take an anti-biotic.  no bueno.  her vet bill was more than beau's.  the end.



homeschool fun.
gracie learning about fishy hermaphrodites. 
science. check.

nator, jazzy, and i waiting on gracie in dance lessons.
mom-taxi in full swing.  when i looked back to see what nator was doing - hanging upside down, she said, "what? a girl's gotta entertain herself."  *giggle*

my365 app. helps me organize my iphotos.



math and science.  we know how to party around here.

thanks to a sweet friend for letting me look at her sonlight curriculum in person, i think we are going to go this route next year.  great literature and organization?  actually, i'm kinda excited about it.  i could cry.  see?  teary.  now... which core do i pick??  decisions, decisions.



the pets are jazzed about it, too.  
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...
actually... jazzy just wants beau's bed.
small dog trapped in big dog's body.

 
tarjet... the girls snatched their faves.  
gracie = cuties.
nator = dark chocolate.  
gracie also talked mom and dad into purchasing her bedding for her bedroom makeover.  she's had her eyes on this for months.  months, i tell you!  nator's will come soon.

so how are you?  what are your must-haves at tar-jet?  have you studied feline herpes and fishy hermaphrodites?  do you think better hanging upside-down?  do you like grapefruit?  have you tried sonlight curriculum?  don't you wish you had been educated with your dog at your side?  isn't beau the cutest sleeper?  ever?  good thing he's so cute. that is all. for now. ;)

not what i had in mind this weekend

one word that can and will change your plans at a moment's notice. 

lice. 

things one learned this weekend... but never-ever desired to:

1. when doused in listerine, a louse will die within 2-3 seconds. apparently, they don't like alcohol.  wimps.
2. lice don't like hot curling irons, either.  it will send a big-girl louse running.  this would be how one might discover this pesky critter existed in your baby's hair.
3. it really doesn't matter how clean your hair is.  you won't be immune. {repeat to self}
4. in a hurried pinch, you may have to buy a rid kit, just for the comb.  the comb will be worth every penny.
5. it's only recommended to keep listerine on hair for two hours.
6. you might decide to sleep in it.  with shower-caps.  even if that will be your hubby's last impression of you before he takes a trip to nyc.

7. following a listerine treatment, vinegar will help loosen the nits. 
8. using the special comb repeatedly will become your new obsession.  
9. finding a dead louse is less creepy than finding a live louse. {that, alone, sounds creepy.}  oh, and 11 lice total is 11 too many.

10. it is sometimes hard to tell the difference between dry skin or eggs. if it blows off dry hair, it is not an egg.  nits will be the color of your child's hair. brown. fun.
11. ipad + earphones + weetwoo app = sanity. for all.
12. the hardest part for little ones is having their stuffed animals washed. they have souls.  little people might cry and not buy your story of them having a fun bubble bath.  you probably could have just tossed them in the dryer.
13. you should check the inside of the shower-cap for dead louse.
14. comb and re-comb. {repeat}

15. swish comb in solution of listerine/water. toothpicks help clean the comb, too.
16. regardless of what you read, you will feel lower than an ant when having to contact anyone your child has been near.  but they will be thankful you informed them.
17. store tools in listerine.  or you should boil things.  but you may decide not to.

18. louse cannot jump, but they are fast crawlers.
19. when you had no symptoms prior to diagnosis, you will now feel phantom louse.  and pray they are only phantom. and run for the comb.
20. your daughter my decide to camp out in the loft to escape her room, till it's 'safe'. *giggle*

21. long hair doesn't leave you more vulnerable for louse... just an opportunity to exercise more patience when combing.
22. your pets cannot give you lice.
23. christmas decorations can wait.  again.

**********************************************

guess what mama is doing today?
taking a homeschool inservice.
cleaning and combing, again.
repeat. 
we'll be surprised if we have any hair left.

this... and toilet cleaning,
not in my 'happily ever after.'

on the positive side, my house will be the cleanest its ever been!  can you tell stuff like this brings out a lil' type a personality in me?  rhetorical question, of course.

**********************************************

websites that might prove helpful should you ever need them:

mercola

ask dr. sears

home remedies
virtual haircare 

disease control & prevention 

ehow: treating with listerine 
medicinenet.com (pictures)

counting blessings

our most recent weekend was not the family-fun-errand-outing-weekend we're used to upon hub's return home from... where did you go again this time, hun?  indianapolis?  i think that's it. 

gracie's symptoms hit her harder thursday night.  an early flu?  nothing a little knowledge and run to the vitamin store couldn't tackle.  friday morning, we retrieved hubs from the airport.  needless to say, friday and saturday were good times.  did i mention hubs was sick, too?  yeah.  poor guy.  no grillin' goin' on in our hizz-ay over the weekend. 

my poor momma and wifey heart.

thankfully, nator was well... and eager to help.  she's a handy girlie to have around.  nurturing seems an innate quality in this little bundle of joy.  she's gonna make a wonderful wifey and mother... one day. 

sunday, theater called a 4 hour rehearsal.  we tucked dad in at home, while nator and i tucked gracie in at the theater.  she was feeling well enough to watch and say a few lines.

we also got word from a dear family member that their health is potentially more serious than your momentary flu.  sometimes, life just seems unfair.  it's hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel in those moments.

i have to be reminded that they are just that.  moments.  

it's up to me as to how i react.  i know that.  but sometimes... well, i honestly want to throw a good two-or-three-year-old-tantrum.  our hearts are tempted to become anxious.



then... i'm reminded of his goodness.  god's goodness.  and all that he's done for us already.  for starters, the gift of his son.  it's all perspective, really.

light is to darkness, as thankfulness is to complaint.


so this holiday season, while we are working on a stuff-mart list of wanted-fun-items under the tree, we also remember what's important.  the needed things that can never be wrapped...


pure love.  cherished family memories.  hugs till you can't breath.  laughter till your tummy hurts.  health.  wellsprings of patience.  trust.  kindness.  honesty.  true beauty.  perseverance.  close friendship.  seeing the goodness in others... and yourself.  hope for what is to come.  child-like faith.  compassion.  loyalty.  and joy... unspeakable joy.

and may you have it all.  pressed down, shaken together, and running over.  completely full. 

counting blessings.  as numerous as the stars.  

or christmas lights.

Trick, Treat, or Unicef

see their "trick-or-treat-for-unicef-give-to-the-children" faces?  after a few years, they just about have the look down, yes? ;)

hubs and i are so proud of our girlies.  {warning: bragging parent alert.  you know, unlike all the other posts. *ehem*}  

we can chalk up another halloween to spare change for unicef.  this year, they managed to round up $42 from our lil' neck of the woods.  that makes their grand total, so far, $102.

did we mention how proud we are of them?



we dressed jazzy in a tutu to add to the cuteness. dodged mosquitoes {nator called them vampires}, candy {nator said it made her proud to say no to the candy. gracie was bribed with promise of homemade cookies.}, cars, and a number of people that don't live in our neighborhood. 

they managed to evade the scariest of homes.  {their parents were thankful}  our neighborhood really comes to life for this holiday.  crazy people. 

in all honesty, there's not a scary bone in these sweet lil' gurls. ;)

evading scary homes and candy, we made our way to one of our favorite mexican restaurants to load up on calories. {and it was 'kids eat free'... that was a treat!} then mom made oatmeal cookies.  

muy logical, no?

one of these things is not like the other

 

we took the girls to see their friends, who were performing in the sweetest lil' play.

they had our girls at, "do you want popcorn?"

the girlies will be performing with them soon.

and our wallets will be shrinking in half.

but at least hubs left with a souvenir from a friend, right?

his friend is really into this kind of thing.

he's actually in a club.

a beer club.

who knew?

i was uncertain with what to do with it, so i simply stashed it in the fridge.

right next to the organic eggs.

hubs is only disappointed that i didn't get a picture of the label which read...

"no preservatives."

healthy, right?

i've been reading... and it's worth it

Several years ago, you would have found me elbow-deep in a Beth Moore study.  Workbook and notes all around me.  Homeschool.  Or something health related.  I have nothing against Beth Moore.  Really.  But I haven't picked up an 'inspirational-self-help' book in a few years.  That's a post for another day.  Maybe.

I just can't get into fiction.  Wish I could.  Well, except for The Shack.  Loved that book.  Once I got past the first 5 or so chapters, that is.  I know.  I'm probably in the minority when it comes to my I.C. {Institutional Church} friends.

I'm trying to get my health back on track.  Hubs used to call me a walking encyclopedia of information.  It's hard to pull that title off when you've somehow managed to find 20 lbs over the past 4 years.  Ugh.

Contributor #1:  Exercise. 
{Ummm... I decided not to use the word "Excuse" in place of "Contributor".  Just FYI.}  I used to have a great exercise routine {operative words being 'used to'}.   My alarm went off early-I was at the gym-back home-making breakfast... all before hubs had to leave for the office.  I miss that routine.

Fast forward.  Hubs has a different job.  A bit further away.  When he's in town, that is.  Now, his alarm goes off much earlier than mine used to.  All in the name of beating city traffic and getting to the gym in time to get cleaned up before his first meeting.

The girls and I really do appreciate his efforts in going to the gym.  I've wanted that for him for a long time.  He likes it, too.

Endorphins.  It's a good thing {spoken in my best martha stewart voice}.

Confession:  My exercise DVDs collect dust.  I have good intentions, but those are best exercised at a gym.  I love being driven by my own music via earphones.  And when I'm paying for a membership, I'm more likely to follow through.  It's weird.  I know.

So when do I go?

After feeding everyone breakfast would cut into our school time.  I can usually sneak in a visit to the gym during one of the girls' dance classes and a quick trip between Saturday or Sunday when hubs is in town.  When the girls are sick... it just doesn't happen.  And even if hubs manages to get home at a predictable time in the evenings, Mama is simply too 'tuckered out' to go.

I wish this weren't such a struggle.

Contributor #2:  Toxins.

Have you been wondering when I would get to the 'what I've been reading' part?   Suzanne Somers.  Se*xy Forever.  Don't let the title scare you.  This book is loaded with healthy information {probably similar to her many other books, in which i don't own}.  Se*xy Forever is really not about 'being se*xy'.  More about being healthy.

If you thought the sugar you were eating was the only culprit to the spare tire you may or may not be sporting, you'd be wrong.  Toxins.  Or should I say, a toxin overload!  I can honestly tell you that I felt my healthiest when I was on top of my exercise routine... and cleanses.  It's true.  I'm convinced my liver was never so clean.  TMI?  It's too bad that we're not more comfortable with this kind of talk.

We should know about the cancers caused by the usage of chemicals, like Round-Up.
The poison, which goes by the name of Fluoride, accumulating in the body.
BPA (Bisphenol A), found in many plastics, causing birth defects.
Aluminum, and it's link to Alzheimer's.
Words we can't pronounce in our cosmetics and cleaning products.
What and how our animals are fed... not to mention treated.

"Russia doesn't want our chicken, and they have a food shortage.  That should tell you something!"  {Oi}  
"The more toxins you take in, the more fat is required to store them."  {*sigh*}

There are a number of suggestions for cleansing in her book.  Some, I doubt I could afford.  You know, like purchasing a special sauna.  If I could, I would LOVE to at least have some of these tests done for my whole family.  I haven't been good at picking up on little clues when doing a quick elimination diet.  Maybe because I lose patience with it.  I like to eat.  #hangsheadinshame

So, finding out if specific foods are causing joint pain, bloating, headaches, weight gain, dark circles, and even cellulite {yes, it could be food allergies!!} would be won.der.ful!!

Have I bored you yet?

I say if you're interested in preventative health, you'd like this book.  There's tips on which foods are highest in pesticides {especially apples and grapes, which happen to be gracie's fave.  thankfully, i only buy those in organic.} and a plethora of easy-to-read information, so that you, too, can sound like a walking encyclopedia.

Staying out of the doctor's office {and health} is the goal.  {repeat}  Well, other than the chiropractor.  I see them more as preventative care.  Love them!  They gave Nator's ears a good poppin' on Tuesday.  We were talking about medications causing a plethora of symptoms, etc... and Nator said, "Don't they teach them {doctors} that in school?"  Ha!  If only the health system in America were focused on prevention.  *sigh*

This is the kind of post in which most of my friends politely roll their eyes, smile, and nod.  {here she's goes again, they think}  It's okay.  I've been getting that look for years.  But, secretly, I often wish there were more support for people like me.  Walking against the current gets tiring after a while.  So, I write this {eternal} post to remind myself to keep fighting the good fight.  Kids will get sick, even when all precautions have seemingly been met.  As my chiropractor gently reminded me, they are still building their immune systems. 

Buying organic, not driving through fast-food chains, dishing out daily doses of vitamins and supplements - twice a day, serving vegetables, getting enough sleep, and... even exercise are all... worth it.

#1:  Not sure how {yet}, but I've got to find a workout {routine} again.  Juggling the many logistics of a homeschool and mamahood may prove to be a challenge.  No excuses, right?
#2:  I'm getting started on a cleanse.  Hulda Clark style.  I'll spare you the details, though.  ;)

{suzanne somers did not send me a free book for review, nor does she even know of my existence; however, if someone from her company would like to donate a sauna or blood test results, i would be more than willing to write a review.}  :)

Stuff and a{nother} Giveaway, for the Girls

This week, I have been without my babies, and hubs has been working.  But not to worry.  I have been filling my days with excitement.

Cleaning closets, filling bags for donation {because I'm allergic to having a garage sale, at least for now}, and trash.  Oh, the trash those two sweet girls hide for mom to seek is just not a fun game.  I often tell them that it's a good thing they're so cute!  I've also been organizing school, and listening to a DVD on the importance of literature, while folding laundry, of course.

Really.  I'd love to spend this time shopping, getting massages, and a much needed facial.  Mama needs a facial.  Sigh.  It's a nice fantasy anyway.

When you homeschool and your hubs works a lot, your kids are with you all. the. time... making self-indulgent tasks nearly impossible.  As I remind myself how quickly seasons change, I'm am quite content with the season I am in. 

But a lil' pampering would be nice, too.  Just keepin' it real. 

I can't complain.  My evenings have been date-filled with hubs.  I think I'm having an Outback hangover.  Salmon all over the world are warning their friends and family about me.  Yes, 3 times in one week is a bit indulgent, wouldn't you say? {And if you haven't tried their bread with "honey-butter", you're missing out.  Ask for it.  They'll whip it up for ya.  Yummy-good!  You're welcome.}

It's kind of like going on a diet, then killing it at a buffet.  We haven't gone on as many dates as we used to, so when the girls are with Granny, we go date-crazy!  A mini-vacay for mom and dad, if you will. :)

We've {more than} caught up on movies, too...
*Inception.  Were they trying to leave us in limbo?  Hubs thought it ended in a dream.  I wasn't 100% sure.  I thought it looked like the metal was about to fall.  What did you think?
*The Expendables.  One of the worst movies I've seen.  We were pretty certain that this movie had more gunfire than all of the movies we've ever watched combined.  I think Sylvester Stallone needed to get a lil' Rambo out of his system, no?
*Salt.  While I'm not a big Angelina fan, I liked this move.  I like movies that keep you guessing.
*The Other Guys.  Eh.  It had its moments.  I suppose its about as good as it gets with Will Ferrell.  Not a fan.
And at home...
*The Back-up Plan.  Kinda cute and, like most 'chick-flicks', predictable.
*Why Did I Get Married Too?  A bit more serious. Tyler Perry does that.  Hubs fell asleep.

So, what does all of this have to do with a giveaway?  I'm glad you asked.  You see, I've had these new books in my closet {remember, I'm cleaning out my closet} for at least 4 years now.  I'm not sure why.  I mean, why do we hold on to most things?

The New Natural Hormone Revolution, by Dr. Teresa Roberson, N.D.  C.N.C
{I've met her. She's sweet, southern, and down to earth.} 

If you are a woman, are raising a little woman, or simply know a woman, and want a more natural approach to hormones... this would be a great book for you.  Cover to cover, it's 146 pages, and an easy read.  

How do you like that last one, eh?  Pregnant horse urine.  Nice.  {If you don't want to ingest that tempting ingredient, I hope you aren't already taking Premarin.  Just sayin'.}

It discusses the basics of estrogen dominance, calcium, and the use of natural progesterone cream.  Dr. Roberson has a great cream that I use and am waaaaaaay overdue in taking.  It's called Bellatude, which stands for 'beautiful attitude'.  Love that.  :)

Estrogen dominance would be described as having migraines, hot flashes, bloating/water weight gain, low sex drive, depression, foggy thinking, thyroid dysfunction, osteoporosis, PMS, weight gain around hips, thighs and stomach, facial hair, acne, fibroid tumors, etc.

I may or may not be able to relate to a few of those.  Oi.

Intrigued yet?

I have 3 of these books to giveaway to 3 lucky followers.

To enter the giveaway:

1.)  If you 'follow' me, just simply leave a comment telling me how great you think I am.  Bribery may not help your chances, but it sure is fun. :)    If you're not a follower, simply become one... and then tell me how much you love my blog.  :)
2.)  Mention the giveaway on your blog, and you're entered twice.  Be sure to let me know!  Don't you just love extra chances to win?!
3.)  Oh, and tweet.  That works, too.  Just lemme know, mkay?

I'll announce the winner next Friday, September 10th.  {Really?  September 10th already??!!}

Now... I have exciting things to finish before we go pick up our girls this weekend.  Organizing 3-ring binders for nearly 100 categories in classical education.  I may be exaggerating... by just a few categories.  I have a headache just thinking about it.

Now, where's that cream again???

Under the Influence

If you're under the influence...

• you may interpret a slow response by someone as an intentional ignore, which could lead to tears.
• everything that bothers you a little is magnified.  Times 50.
• your waistline may feel as though you are 5 months pregnant, which you are not.  So, don't ask.  It's water retention, people.
• you may want to hit someone.  Under normal circumstances, it would never cross your mind.  Ever.
• you may not want to be in the same room with yourself.
• you may feel like doing this... but somehow find the strength to resist.

{no, that's not me!}

• you may develop a blister on your face, advertising to the world that you are, indeed, under the influence.
• being made to feel like an insignificant number while speaking to a doctor's office may cause you to burst into tears as soon as you hang up.
• listening to your children bicker about insignificant things may cause you to burst into tears.
• looking at the chores that abound, with no end in sight, may cause you to burst into tears.  12 seconds of having clean laundry is just not enough.
• chocolate may become your new best friend.
• you may not want to be around anyone.
• your husband needs to be extra sensitive to your needs, if he knows what's best.

******************************

• it's best to just curl up with good movies... for about 3 days.
• you need a hug.
• the thought of errands may induce tears.
• tear ducts are always loaded and ready to fire at will... which could be at any moment. {noticing a theme?}
• remaining quiet really is the best option, because the 'think before you speak' saying really only works when you're not under the influence.
• thoughts cannot be trusted.
• you may feel the need to raid the pantry.

 ******************************

• calories shouldn't don't count.
• feelings that range from laughter, to crying, to laughter, to crying, all within a 2 minute time-frame are completely normal.
• you may {seemingly} drop almost everything you pick up, which makes everything even more irritating, which could induce tears.
• everything that makes a noise seems magnified.  Times 50.
• you may feel extra tired, and forgetful.
• fun things, temporarily, just don't sound like a lot of fun.
• you may be 'just a tad' oversensitive, but it wouldn't be wise for anyone to point that out.

If you are under the influence of PMS, that is... 

Of which I am not. 

Ever.

These are just things I've heard, of course.

{Then Menopause?  Geesh.  Do we get a break?}

If you are feeling any of the above symptoms, they say you should: 
eat more grains, fruits, vegetables, and less caffeine, sugar, and salt,
exercise and sleep more, while handling your feelings.

However, if you have any of these symptoms, you won't feel like following the rules anyway...  because following rules may make you grumpy, or want to cry.  

 

Who knows?

Again, this is just what I hear. ;)

I'm {pretty} sure

{Some} stores in our Galleria = heaven on earth.

Mac cosmetics, for one.  It gives this 36 29 year old's face a lil' bling.  I would love to have the time and money to play in that store for a while.  Sigh...  I do have a few favorites there though.

Nator has a fondness for the Lego store... especially the video camera that makes Lego sets seemingly come alive on top of their boxes.  Very cool.  It made window shopping a little more fun. :)

Dylan's Candy Bar?  A little less heavenly.
The girls had been invited to a birthday party for some friends of ours.  Time with friends = heavenly.  We never seem to be able to visit our friends nearly enough.

The girls decorated a solid, chocolate, ballet shaped mold with frosting and assorted candy.  The games were each centered around eating candy, then cake... and ice cream, topped with a goody bag full of candy!  Did I mention they had candy?  {Thankfully, our girls usually hand their candy to mama on their own.  Not for me to eat, but to chunk, just in case you were wondering.  *grin*  Good girls.}

{they do have unique items to browse...  a marshmallow gun, for instance. ha!}

What was so bad about this?  I mean, from the obvious fact that I'm particularly health conscience, and I had to purposely keep little known facts about the dangers of sugar out of my mind?

This happened right before The Cheesecake Factory.

They had no appetite.  Three bites of dinner was all they could muster.

They were sick.

Yes, I used this as a teachable moment.  "You see?  Mommy 'tortures' you with healthy food because she loves you."  And, yes, I almost always speak in third person.  Why does HMama do that?  I suppose HMama will grow out of that as her girls get older, yes?

DK and I were starvin' and may or may not have ordered a piece of caramel-pecan-turtle cheesecake {yes, let that sink in} to-go, after dinner.

Heaven. on. earth.

Yes, we shared.  It's seldom enjoyed around here, but if heaven serves cheesecake, you know where to find me!

Again, I repeat, I'm completely health conscience.

Who I {really} am

Many people have joked that I only eat leaves and twigs.

If they only knew...

"I may have 'gone green'
but I'm still thinkin' chocolate!"

And eatin' it too.
{shhhhhh...  I have a reputation to uphold. Hehe...}

Just a Few Faves in the Kitchen

Gee, is everyone tired of all the 'health' posts yet?  I must apologize in advance... or is this one of those moments where it's easier to ask forgiveness than permission??

Blogging is about what's going on in your life, right?  Well since I'm in the middle of a crazy yeast cleanse diet, health is on the mind a lot more as of late.  Or maybe I'm just losin' it?  You know, as a side effect of my dietary changes.  OR maybe it's because bloggy friends keep posting beautiful, sugary yummies on their blogs that I can't have.  {insert big ol' pouty lip}  You know who you are! ;)

Here's a few of my favorite food swaps or guiltless indulgences...
See how I get you back with my healthy-sugar-free pix?
{I know... it doesn't have the same effect.}

Spaghetti Squash

I love to substitute spaghetti squash for noodles.  Simply cut in half, scrap out seeds, place on baking pan and bake for roughly 45 minutes @ 350 degrees.  Let cool.  Then using a fork,  you're ready to scrape out your 'noodles'.  {I put mine on the pan face down as to not turn the 'noodles' brown.}

It's a great carb alternative; however, it's a texture my family decided didn't compare to noodles, so for them I alternate between whole-grain or gluten free pasta.  Spaghetti squash is worth a try.  Do you have any creative uses for this veggie?

Stevia

If you read my blog, this shouldn't be a shocker. ;)  I mostly use this in my teas or lemon water and DK uses it in his coffee.  {For more information, click here.}

I'm looking forward to trying Xylitol as well.  {For more information, click here.}  Gracie has a love-fetish with honey, so I'm going to try this.  Although we use great-local-raw-organic honey, it still gives an insulin spike.

Raw Almonds 

I can thank Dr. Oz for enlightening me on this one.  Who knew that roasted nuts were hydrogenated?!  What a disappointment.  Considering how fragile some oils are, it simply makes sense.  Sigh.  I have to admit... roasted, salted nuts taste better, but I've acquired a taste for these unsalted, raw almonds.

I'm thinking I could one day make my own chocolate covered almonds with some 85%  dark chocolate... hmmmm.  32 oz!  Yep.  When we found these at Tarjet, we bought a total of 4!!  You probably think I've gone nuts mad, but this is one of the few things I'm allowed to eat while doing this yeast cleanse. 

Spry Gum

Let's face it.  You know I have a sweet tooth and Biggest Loser is always advertising gum for those purposes, but I don't want sugary gum or any containing "phenylalanine".   {I can copy and paste that word much better than I can pronounce it.  For. Sure.}   Thanks to our local Vitamin Shoppe, we discovered this gem!  It's my new candy!  It's sweetened with Xylitol and now I can say yes when my girls ask for gum.  Yay!  The only down side is that the pieces are small, so I eat about 3 at a time {with no guilt}.  It's not the softest gum compared to some, but it makes me happy.  ;)  Click here for more info.

Sugarbusters Protein Shake

I'm often asked what kind of protein shakes I use.  Of everything in my kitchen, I must say that the Sugarbusters Protein Shake is my favorite... and has been for years!  {Ironic how my favorite gets the smallest pic.  I'm out and need to order more!}  I have been using this particular shake for five years now.  Cold-filtered whey is one of the best forms of protein.  It's great for the immune system.  Personally, I like it to help keep my blood-sugar stable... and sometimes, well...

that's all this busy mama has time for.  Love. It.

Unfortunately, many shakes on the market are laced with fillers and counterproductive sweeteners.  The Sugarbusters shake is sweetened with Stevia and there are no fillers!  I like the one that Jorge Cruise's book, The Belly Fat Cure, recommends okay, but it has the ol' "natural ingredients" in it's listing.  Ugh.  That could be anything from MSG to.... you name it!   Companies are sneaky in how they get to categorized ingredients on labels.  It should be a crime.

Our whole family enjoys a good shake.  I drink one everyday at some point.   Of course, I give my girls a smaller portion.  When they were younger, I would freeze it to make "ice cream" for them.  They were so young, they never knew the difference.  Now?  Well, they've unfortunately had too much exposure to the real deal since then, but they still enjoy a cold shake.  ;)

If interested, you can find some here.  They offer it in chocolate and vanilla.  I haven't tried it yet, but I've heard of adding a lil' nut butter to the chocolate shake to make sort of a Reeces flavor.  You can add berries or cinnamon to the vanilla as well.  Yummo on the go!  {The magic bullet comes in handy for this!}

And if you haven't heard enough...

More Belly Fat Buster tips

There's so much more... but,

that's all the healthy stuff I'm going to subject you to.

Now let's see what tempting treats all my friends will post tomorrow while I'm crunching away on my raw almonds??

See how nice I am in not calling you out?
Teehee...

The Belly Bulge {part 2} A Review

After the birth of Gracie {my youngest}, I went on a binge of pancakes, Little Debbie's Nutty Bars, and rice crispy treats.  It always seemed a race to see how much of the rice crispy treat batch I could eat before it started to cool and harden.  Am I being transparent enough?   I had to get back on track... and quick, before I turned into the shape of a pancake... but on a much larger scale!  No pun intended.

I say that to say... I had have a real problem with sweets and carbs.  Maybe they have a problem with me?  I mean, they seem to jump right onto my hips when I walk by them... or smell them from another room.  That's the way it feels sometimes.  So. Hard.

People tend to assume that by appearances, I don't struggle or that turning down sweets must be easy for me.  Those same people should hear the dialog I sometimes have with myself in an effort to get this body to the gym.  Or... see the effort I have to put into my workouts.  I resemble some sort of sweat blob.  Not. pretty.  How is it that everyone else seems to stay lookin' so cute?  The newest sweat machine I'm rotating in my self torture cardio is the stairmaster!  Wow.  I've been working out for years, but my legs have not hurt like this... ever!  Everything about health is... work.

I'm not without hope though!  I began implementing what I had learned from Sugarbusters  again and before too long, I was on my way.  Sometimes, it's 2 steps forward, one step back.  Baby steps.  These genes were not built to eat carbs the way some can eat, escaping negative results.

{*Edit:  I failed to mention that on this 'lifestyle change', I lost 55 lbs overall.  You probably didn't see that one coming, huh?  Ha!}

If you are just getting started and want a deeper understanding, I would say that buying the Sugarbusters book would be a better investment in the beginning.  Unlike The Belly Fat Cure, they go into a deeper education of how certain foods cause an unhealthy rise in your body's insulin levels, telling your body to store fat.

For instance, many people eat a white baked potato, thinking it's a better option.  However, according to Sugarbusters, your body converts that bad carb into the equivalent of one cup of sugar!  Shocking, huh?  They also explain the importance of eating an insulin rising fruit 30 minutes before other foods as to not get a similar reaction. 

My main concern with Sugarbusters is that they promote the use of artificial sweeteners... Which is a big no-no!  I mean, if you don't mind killing brain cells, that is.  I don't know about you, but I need all I have... left.  ;)  However, there are many products to chose from... and that's where The Belly Fat Cure comes in.

Measuring 8x8, it's a great size.

You just gotta love a spiral bound book, too!

 

Chapter 1:  Lose your belly in one week.  What?  Has he seen my belly?

Not. happening.  It's gonna take one week at a time.

 

Here's where he breaks it down.  If you need to lose 30-60+ lbs, expect to lose 10-13 lbs each week.  If you need to lose between 10-29 lbs, expect to lose 4-9 lbs.  If you need to lose 3-9 lbs, expect to lose 1-3 lbs.  I think that's more realistic.

The recipes look both easy and yummy!  I love that he uses bad examples against great alternatives so that we can see how subtle changes make a huge difference in helping to keep our sugar levels from spiking.  Berries, as you see here, are lower in sugar.  The safe sweeteners he recommends are stevia and xylitol.

 

His pictures tempt me to start eating meat again, but I'm holding steady.  There are so many alternatives available, that it's really doable!   Well, I do eat some fish, of course! ;)  How could I resist hubby's yummy dinner??

 

Unlike Sugarbusters, this book offers a system to help you keep track of your good carbs and sugar. For extra help, there's a table in the back of the book to help calculate individual foods.  You can have up to 15g of sugar and 6 servings of carbs a day. {0-20 grams of carbs = 1 serving, 21-40 = 2 servings... and so on}  He calls it the Sugar/Carb Value.  That may seem impossible, but with the recommended dietary changes, it is doable!  It was no wonder I had put on a few pounds... 

Mental note:  Just because something says 'healthy' on the label does NOT mean you can eat 3 servings at once! 

 

Chapter 5 is what makes the book worth buying!  It's the Carb Swap Products list... 32 pages of good vs. bad recommended products.  This book would be great to tuck in your purse while grocery shopping.  He also includes a page of websites to help if you can't find the products in your area.

The author implies that this is a new movement, but I find the premise similar to that of Sugarbusters. However, they each have great things to say.  Basically, doctors love these books because it really works at trimming down belly fat, where it tends to be the most dangerous.

All in all, I give The Belly Fat Cure a thumbs up for the price!  I'm not gaining anything by advertising these books, just trying to keep myself on track... and maybe help someone else out along the way.

To find a copy...

The Belly Fat Cure 

Sugarbusters

If you missed The Belly Bulge {part 1}, click here.

Next...

Do you want to know what some of my favorite products are?  ;)

Email me if you have any specific questions.  I may not have all the answers, but I'm always willing to learn.

The Belly Bulge {part 1}

One of the questions that I get is...

What started you on your journey to healthy eating?  While they are really thinking... Why are you such a health freak?  Here, have some sugar!

I get it.  I really do.  ;)

This has been a long road of baby steps for me.  I'm still walking this journey.  I don't pretend to have it all figured out... far from it.

It all started with the heartache of infertility.

After rounds of medication, my doctor gave up on me.  My body just wasn't responding and his medical training left him clueless.  His best advice was to seek a specialist.  I wouldn't dare judge someone who has gone that route, but after one consultation with the specialist, we knew that we couldn't afford it... nor did we really want my body to endure the procedures he was eager to start.

Weight has always been the thorn in my side.  I can't really remember a time that I didn't have to work at it.  Looking back through memory filled photo albums, there were obviously times that I didn't work at it... or maybe I was just revisiting the 'awkward  years'??  ;)

Fast forward.

A family member gave us a Sugarbusters book.  I thought... great, another fad diet.  DK had more hope than I, so we began reading.  It really made sense.  Before long, we were making diet changes... cutting out refined sugar, processed foods and replacing bad carbs with whole grains.  The premise was to keep glucose levels stable.  The wrong foods cause higher insulin levels, which tell the body to store fat.  Who knew?  We began losing weight within a few months, over the holidays, without exercising. Was it really possible to lose weight by throwing out all of the "fat-free" products in the pantry?

I lost 30 lbs.

I got pregnant.

I am fully aware of the fact that it takes more than diet changes for many suffering with the heartache of infertility.  My heart goes out to you.  I still remember those years... quite well.

The moment of realization that a miracle was living inside me will be a memory I treasure... forever.

He captured every tear and heard every prayer.
God is good.

That's when the light bulb really went off!

There must be a food-body-health connection!

 It's seems obvious now...

How could I not know this before?

One lady from church told me,
"You just lost all that weight, now you're gonna plump right back up!"

{Let's just take a minute to soak up that moment, shall we?} ;)

Unfortunately, she was right.
Mama gained all her weight back, plus some.
Mama was hungry and too tired to exercise.

Well... the exercise light bulb had not gone off at this point.

That didn't come till after my second baby...
and some days, I {still} need a generator to get it going.
Just keepin' it real.

Of course, this is a very condensed version of how my journey to healthy living started.  It's a daily goal... and many days, I'm not successful.  However, the next day {sometimes week... month} I get up, dust myself off, and join the many others who struggle with this endeavor. 

We can do it!

Next... I'll let you know what I think of  The Belly Fat Cure.

And this lil' {H1N1} Piggy...

is hopefully not coming to our house.

To know me, is to know that I try to do everything most things as naturally as possible.

I encourage educating oneself... from both sides of the spectrum and then doing what's best for your family.  I would never force my opinion on someone else {just as I believe the gov't should NOT be given more control, but LESS in the areas of health and education... but that's another post}.

I find this topic of H1N1 very interesting.  You know, like people possibly losing their jobs for not taking the vaccine... and the like. 
 

I strive to focus on prevention, but when treatment is needed, I head straight to our local health stores {one of which has a naturopathic doctor} and load up!

These are things I try to keep on hand:
{some websites below automatically start playing a video, so you may want to keep your sound down/off}

Mulitvitamins from Garden of Life

Probiotics
Digestive Enzymes 

Oil {Omega 3}

Ester C

Oregano Oil

Vitamin D 3 {go here for approximate recommendations}

Echinacea
Mullein

Colloidal Silver
Oscillococcinum

Ok, I'll stop now!

 Well, I can't list all the above and not mention the food issue. I work on this daily!
Sugar = NoNo.
It lowers the immune system for several hours... This includes fruit juices.
{Just skim over any posts you see of me eating cake, cookies...}

Helpful websites that I frequent:

Mercola.com
I have learned a lot from Mercola and use his site the most!  {My Chiropractor really likes him too.}  While you may not agree with everything on his website, these articles may be helpful when weighing a more natural approach this flu season.
Article 1
Article 2
{read the interesting comment posted by the nurse on Oct 21st in article 2}
 

Natural News.com
This site is new to me, but looks interesting.

Hallelujah Acres
I, personally, know people who have been healed {cancer} by eating this way.  It's baby steps for me.

Some would say that all of this was, ummmm.... a little over the top?
Well, I can only speak for myself... and let our results speak for themselves.  The best part for us has been the fact that our girls have not been to the doctor in years!  The last time was only for a check-up.

The reason I post about this, is because it's getting close to that time of year again.  Gracie has been knocked out with the flu twice within the past 2 years.  The first year, it lasted 3-4 days.  Last year, it only lasted 2 days... I'm hoping that we will escape it somehow this year! {I will be using more vit D this year.} I believe the reason it only lasted 2 days last time was because I let her body do most of the work when she got it 2 years ago.  She was able to naturally build up an immunity.  She was given nothing to lower her temperature other then a bath, comfortable clothing, lots of mommy TLC, and home remedies.  {As a mom, that is hard. Just sayin'.}

Did you know that taking things like Tylenol will lower your body's white blood cell count?  The very thing your body needs to fight the bugs.  Crazy huh?  {Click here to read more about fevers.}  I honestly can't remember the last time I've given my girls any Tylenol related product {or taken it myself for that matter}.

{Disclaimer}
Having said all of that, if you have any questions or concerns,
you should absolutely consult your doctor!
I am not a doctor.
Just a mom who has to play nurse occasionally.
Let's keep it clean!
{so that was mostly for the ummm, person who did a weird google search and landed on my blog.  grrr...}

I know most people lean heavily one way or the other regarding health and it's treatments.  I only hope some of this info might be helpful for your family... as it is for mine.

Now...

I'm off to take my vit D {3} and work on a post that will tell you just how undisciplined we are in our healthy eating.  Oh, but it was fun.  Laughter is like a good medicine, right?  So, maybe it would go under the 'healthy' category.  See how I rationalize it?  ;)

And you thought I went for the 6-Pack

The entire time I’m getting ready for my journey to the gym, I must remind myself how much better I will feel ‘after’ the workout.  I can’t entertain one negative thought.

Not. One.  OR I will bolt… back to bed, that is.

I mean, why wouldn’t I want to go when…

I’m greeted by a smiling welcome committee… of all men.  Now, mind you, they are all ‘mature’ men.  DK has nothing to worry about.  If I had a grandpa, I’m sure they would be his age.

It’s as if they have their own club, going from machine to machine, talking with each other as if they have been life-long friends.  I’m not sure how much exercise they get, but if laughter is a good medicine, I’m sure their journey to the gym was worth the effort.

Actually, I’m honored they acknowledge me.

One morning, Charlie was twirling a weight bar (the best he could) for another grandpa.  I asked, “Are you trying out for the gym’s twirl team?” (There is no such thing by the way)

He smiles and says, “No, I was showing that young man how we used to twirl our riffles in WWII.  I can’t do it the way I used to….”

See?  It’s the same great men every morning.  They have a uniform of sorts too.  Polo shirts with belted shorts… they seem to resist sweat too.  Me?  Well, I’m simply sporting a t-shirt, workout pants and sweat a feminine shimmer.

They miss me when I skip a day… at least that’s what they tell me.  Bob always tells me, “I almost sent a search party out looking for you.”  When I’m there, they say things like…

“You look great!”

“Keep that up and you’ll live to be 107.”

“Every time I see you, you brighten my day.”

Would you want to disappoint?  Not to mention, it's like a daily booster shot of self-esteem each morning.

During my workout, one grandpa tells me he needs to consult with me to learn how he might better work this walking machine.  I call it an elliptical machine, but his terminology is cute, so I let it slide.  I am an expert after all, right?  If you believe that, I have an igloo I could sell ya.

Nah, I think he believes I know what I’m doing because my arms are flying around moving as if I’m running.  Gotta get my running in somehow.

Seriously, on the right resistance, that machine is no joke. Through the songs on my iPod, I can still hear Jillian.  “You need to feel like your heart is pounding out of your chest!”

She also says to remind ourselves why we started our workout to begin with.  I would like to work on my 6 pack, yes… (after 2 large pregnancies, mine would never quite look like that by the way)


but for me, I need to make an appearance at the grandpa country club and show these guys how to use the walking machine.

I mean... who else would brighten their day, telling them goodbye, as they’re sippin’ their coffee on my way out?

Signing off to go brighten the days of a group of grandpas.

Oh... and work on my 6-Pack, of course!  ;)