Friday, December 30, 2011

You will be missed 2011

We have had such a fabulous year! I look forward to 2012 but 2011 has such a special place in my heart. Here are some things we have done...


We planted another apricot tree. Dried apricots are my very favorite! We have 10 peach, 2 apricot, 2 pear, 1 nectarine, 8 apple, and 1 plum tree.


The biggest thing was the birth of Samantha! I cannot imagine my life without her!


Dieter turned 2. He loves his balance bike!


We had a huge garden! Kimball is digging around an old well...


Kimball and I celebrated our 5 year anniversary!


Our family on Christmas day. This was Samantha's first Christmas.

Happy New Year everybody! I can't wait to see what 2012 brings!

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Not Your Ordinary Shepard's Pie



I was making this recipe several times a month. Now Dieter can't have potatoes so I haven't made it for a while (that is why I don't have a picture of it). Next time I make it, I will use chicken stock instead of bouillon (I think it would give it enough flavor.)

Mushroom Soup
1 19-oz can of Coconut Milk (I like Thai Kitchen)
2 cups Water
1 to 2 TBsp Chicken or Mushroom bouillon, to taste ( I like Better Than Bouillon)
8 oz sliced Mushroom

Combine all ingredients into sauce pan and heat until mushrooms are tender.

Shepard Pie
8 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, onion, corn, et.)
1 recipe Mushroom Soup
4 cups Mashed Potatoes

-Lightly steam vegetables and place in bottom of 9x13" baking dish.
-Cover vegetables with mashed potatoes
-Pour soup over potatoes and poke holes so sauce goes down into vegetables.
-Bake at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

Curds and Whey


Little Miss Muffet Sat on a tuffet,
Eating her curds an whey;
Along came a spider
Who sat down beside her
And frightened Miss Muffet away.


I didn't know what curds and whey were until a couple of months ago. Now I think the nursery rhyme is pretty cute :)


It is such a foreign idea to let our milk sour (only use raw milk for that) but that is exactly what you are doing in this recipe. This was so simple to make.

This recipe to is make whey using Raw Milk. You can also "drip" your homemade yogurt to get whey.

-Place 2 quarts of the milk in a glass jar, bowl or pitcher and leave at room temperature for 2-4 days until the milk separates into curds and whey.
-Pour into a strainer lined with cheesecloth and let it drip for a few hours.
-Tie the cheesecloth to a wooden spoon. Place the spoon over top of a bowl or pitcher (suspended across.)
-Let it drip overnight.
-When it has stopped dripping, place whey in glass jar and refrigerate. It should keep for about 6 months.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Apple Walnut Salad



I didn't have a pomegranate for this. It was still good with just the apples and walnuts. I really liked the dressing!

4 Red Apples, chopped
1/4 cup Orange Juice
Salad Greens
1 carton Gorgonzola Cheese (optional)
3/4 cup Pomegranate Seeds
1 cup Walnuts

* Any easy way to remove pomegranate seeds is to cut pomegranate into four sections. Fill a large bowl half full of water. Place a section under water and remove seeds with fingers. *

-One half hour before serving, combine apples and orange juice to keep apples fresh. At serving time, drain off juices.
-Toss together salad greens, apples, pomegranate seeds, and walnuts.
-Top with Winter Salad Dressing

Winter Salad Dressing

1/2 cup Red Wine Vinegar
1/2 cup Olive Oil
1 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Ground Pepper
1 clove Garlic, minced
1/2 cup Honey

-Combine ingredients and blend.
-Refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving.

Link Up Here
Chef in Training
Simply Sugar and Gluten Free
Not Just a House Wife
Ruby Jean
Gluten Free Homemaker

Monday, December 26, 2011

Christmas 2011

We had a wonderful day yesterday! We opened presents, went to church, and spent the rest of the day with family. We gave Dieter a train set and Samantha a bear. We received many other great gifts from family. I feel like you prepare for Christmas for so long, and then it comes and goes so fast! I was sad to see the day end...



I received a Fermented Vegetable Master from Cultures for Health. I am so excited! Let the fermenting begin...

Friday, December 23, 2011

Merry Christmas!



Not so sure about Santa... I hope everyone enjoys their weekend! Today I will be shopping trying to find something for Kimball. I cannot put it off any longer...

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Green. Green. Green.



Green is the overall theme of this soup! It is Cream of Broccoli Soup. I love broccoli so I really enjoyed it. Kimball liked it, but I know he wouldn't choose it if their were another option. Next time I make it, I will add other vegetables (carrots, potatoes, cauliflower...) I didn't have any, but sourdough bread would be so good with it!

4 cups Chicken Broth or water
1 1/2 TBsp. Olive Oil
1 Onion, chopped
2 large or 3 medium Broccoli crowns, coarsely chopped
2 cups Great Northern or White Beans, cooked
2 cups frozen Green Peas, thawed
1 cup Milk (your choice)
1 tsp. dry Dill or 1 TBsp. fresh
Salt and Pepper to taste

-Saute the onions in oil until golden.
-Add broccoli and broth.
-Bring to a simmer, cover and cook until broccoli is soft.
-In the blender, puree the peas and the beans. Pour into soup.
-Add enough milk to give the soup a medium thick consistency.
-Season with dill, salt, and pepper.
-Reheat.

10 Things I Love...



1. When I am in the kitchen, and Samantha crawls over to me and sits at my feet.
2. When I over hear Dieter playing and he's talking about chicken poo-poo. Funny!
3. Kimball's wool socks. They keep my feet so much warmer.
4. I am Samantha's absolute favorite!! I love it! I should get to be favorite for a little bit. Soon she will discover how much more fun Kimball is...
5. Avocados. Add salt and pepper. I can't get enough of them lately.
6. Raw milk, cream, butter...I didn't have dairy for a long time. It is so good!
7. How excited Dieter is when Kimball comes home from work. I love watching them play!
8. Sometimes in the morning, if Dieter wakes up before me, he will climb on the bed and kiss me.
9. Dieter's favorite blanket is a blanket that my mom made him.
10. The internet. Seriously! Amazing! What did people do with out it?

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Love, Kimball Shay Dieter & Samantha

***Momma's Farmhouse Apron Giveaway***

***Giveaway is Closed***

I love, love this apron! It is so feminine! Who wouldn't want to wear it? I am excited to be offering Momma's Farmhouse Apron to one lucky viewer! Hooray! Link on over to Ruby Jean's. She has the cutest aprons.


To enter the giveaway, become a follower of Raising Dieter and leave me a comment (leave your email too) For a 2nd entry, become a follower of Ruby Jean's and leave me a comment. For a 3rd entry, like Raising Dieter on Facebook. Thanks! Winner drawn in 2 weeks!

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Cleaning a Blow Out



Sorry for the picture of real poop :) One of my friends told me how to clean clothes after a blow out. I wish I knew it when Dieter was a baby! It works better than anything I have tried. All you need is dish soap (I currently have Kirkland's Free and Clear stuff.) Squirt some dish soap on the clothes and rub the area together. I have water running at the same time to rinse it. It's easy and no more stained clothes! I wash the clothes in the washing machine when I'm done. Happy cleaning!

Monday, December 19, 2011

Uncomfortable? Maybe.

Okay, we all have to go to the bathroom. Be grateful! We have battled with Dieter's diarrhea for a long time. When I found this chart (gapsdiet.com) I thought it was really good information. Next time your in the bathroom, take a look...it will tell you alot about your body.



Type 1 has spent the longest time in the colon and type 7 has spent the least. Stools at the lumpy end of the scale are hard to pass and often require a lot of straining. Stools at the loose or liquid end of the spectrum can be too easy to pass - the need to pass them is urgent and accidents can happen. The ideal stools are types 3 and 4, especially type 4, as they are most likely to glide out without any fuss.

What type of stools are best?

•The feeling you need to go is definite but not irresistible
•Once you sit down on the toilet there is no delay
•No conscious effort or straining is needed
•The stool glides out smoothly and comfortably
•Afterwards there is only a pleasant feeling of relief
•All this is most likely if the stool is Bristol Stool Form Scale, type 4

Pin It


Make your Own Monday Link Up
Simple Sugar and Gluten Free
Beyond the Picket Fence

Honey Glazed Chicken




This is a great way to use your left over chicken! It was really simple and delicious. Kimball and I really enjoyed it. Dieter wouldn't eat it (I don't know why. He usually loves anything with honey.)

1 Tbsp Ghee or Butter (you could use Coconut Oil as well.)
2 lbs left over Chicken
1/4 cup Lemon Juice (1 lemon)
1/4 cup Honey (or less)
3 Cloves of Garlic, crushed
1-2 inch piece of Ginger, grated
Salt to taste

-Melt ghee in a saucepan. Mix in honey, lemon, garlic, and ginger.
-Put chicken in a heavy bottom pan with lid. Pour sauce over chicken so it is well coated.
-Cook on medium-low heat, covered, for about 25 minutes.
-Take lid off and cook for additonal 5-10 minutes.
-

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Charity

I need to do more of this...

Chicken Curry


{Recipe from Nourishing Traditions}


This would be really good on some rice. Dieter can't have rice right now (that was his staple for a long time) I don't have any in the house because I don't want him to find it. I think next time I make this dish I will add more spices, probably the cumin.

meat from 2 cooked Chickens, cut up
about 3 Tbsp Ghee or Butter
2 medium Onions, finely chopped
2 tbsp Turmeric
1 tbsp ground Fenugreek Seeds
1 tsp ground Cumin
1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper
1/2 tsp ground Cloves
1 tsp ground Coriander
1 tsp ground Cardamom
2-3 cups Chicken Stock
juice of 1-2 Lemons
2 cloves Garlic, peeled and mashed
1 cup Sour Cream (I buy Daisy brand)
Sea Salt

-Saute onions until soft in ghee. Add spices and saute, stirring, for several minutes.
-Add chicken stock and lemon juice and bring to a boil.
-Stir in garlic and sour cream.
-Simmer, uncovered, for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently, until sauce is reduced and thickened.
-Stir in chicken.
-Season to taste.

Friday, December 16, 2011

Oh Christmas Tree



Dieter has been singing, "Oh Christmas Tree. Oh Christmas Tree. You look so pretty!" What a cutie! But, my trees are far from pretty! I have decorations...somewhere. I haven't got around to digging them out yet. Terrible, I know! Do you like my chair? I bought two of them from a boutique. I'm not sure what to do with them. Anyway, enjoy your weekend. Tonight we have a Christmas party with Kimball's side of the family.

***5 Years***



Yesturday was our 5 year anniversary! 5 years! Time is fast! A couple of days ago when Kimball was killing our meat chickens and we were cleaning the livers and the hearts (Yes, lots in my freezer for when I am ready to eat them. I've never had them before.) I would have never thought when we got married that our road would lead to that! Life is good! I have to run, children are crying...

Thursday, December 15, 2011

My Wish List



1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8


Here are some things that are one my wish list. I hope a few of them come sooner than later :) (Berkey Water Filter, Being George Washington, dish towels.)

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Dairy Free Eggnog


{Recipe from Internal Bliss}


Dieter loved this! I would recommend drinking it in one sitting. It didn't seem to store well in the fridge (it seperated and didn't look good). If you don't have farm fresh eggs to have this raw, I think it would be fine to heat the mixture to 160 degrees F.

3 Farm Fresh Eggs
2 cups Coconut Milk
2 TBsp- 1/4 cup Honey to taste
Grated Nutmeg
1 tsp Vanilla Extract

-Seperate the eggs and beat egg whites until soft peaks firm.
-In another bowl, beat the yolks with the honey, just until frothy and well blended.
-Gently fold the yolk mixture into the beaten whites. Then fold in coconut milk and vanilla extract.
-Sprinkle with nutmeg.

Guest Post: Last-Minute Gifts for Friends with Food Allergies

Hi everyone! Have you visited Allergy Free Vintage Cookery yet? Lisa is visiting today to tell us about last minute gift ideas.



The holidays are upon us, and it’s time to find the perfect gifts for our loved ones… special presents that say “I love you and I want you to be happy!”

Shopping can be a lot of fun, but there are always a few people on the gift list who are unusually hard to buy for. The guy who has everything, the girl who will only wear expensive brands… or the kid with food allergies!

If you have a food-allergic loved one on your list this year (and many of us do, judging by the way food allergies are increasing exponentially), check out these unique gift ideas… they’re sure to be a welcome sight among the ubiquitous bottles of perfume and neckties!

Great Gifts for Food-Allergic Friends

1) Allerbling Bracelet: This funky, silicone bracelet can be customized with colorful charms to reflect the wearer’s individual allergies. Great for young children who might have trouble telling caregivers about their allergies.

2) Inhaler Carrier: There are a number of companies that offer pouches to carry inhalers in fun prints and shapes, but one of my favorites is Allergy Apparel. From camouflage, to skulls, to butterflies and flowers, these pouches are not only cute, they include a sturdy clip for attaching to a backpack or belt.

3) The Bugabees picture book about friends with food allergies: Many children feel isolated when they have allergies, between sitting at the peanut-free table at school to having to refuse pizza and cake at birthday parties. This charming book shares the tale of eight friends with food allergies who handle their situation with grace and a positive attitude.

4) Allergy Alert T-Shirts: Want to make sure no one accidentally feeds your little friend the wrong food? Send them off to school or playdates dressed in these cute shirts featuring an allergic alligator and a clear description of their personal allergy.

5) Asthma and Allergy Friendly Stuffed Animals: Did you know some stuffed toys can contain nut shells and other allergenic materials in their filling? The Kids Preferred company produces hypoallergenic toys that not only contain no allergens, but are washable too.

6) Allergy-Free Foodie Gift Basket: Fill your own basket with allergy-friendly treats from Indie Candy. You can search their website by the allergens you’re avoiding, and they offer special seasonal sweets that look and taste even better than traditional candies. From gummies to marshmallows to lollipops to truffles, you’ll find your favorites at Indie Candy.

7) An E-Subscription to your favorite food allergy blog! Won’t your grown-up allergic friends love to find new posts and updates right in their email box? 


Lisa Natcharian blogs about food allergies at Allergy Free Vintage Cookery. She is the mom of three food-allergic boys, and she would like “buying stuff” to be one of her hobbies :)

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Family Christmas Activities

Visit me over at Feeding My Temple today. I am posting on some Christmas activities.

And we went and saw some local Christmas lights. It was a lot of fun. I really love seeing lights!


Monday, December 12, 2011

Rabbit for dinner

Yes, we had rabbit! This rabbit.





You might be wondering why we ate that cute little thing? They were barking my trees. My fruit trees! Do you know how much I enjoy eating a juicy, ripe peach in the fall? Much more than I enjoy seeing a cute little bunny (it was cute and I really did enjoy seeing it run around.) I heard that they taste like chicken and much to my surprise, it really did! Honestly, it really did. The only difference that I noticed is that is was more dry. It was funny when we were done. Dieter turned to me and said, "I have rabbit in my teeth." What two year old says that! We have 4 more rabbits running around that will be dinner soon (hopefully no more trees are barked.)

An Article on your Home

I read this article the other day. I thought it had some good reminders. My house was built in the 1930s. It is very drafty. I don't know if a chimney sweep has ever been used. Kimball needs to fix a leak in the roof...I like the character that an old house brings but there are endless projects!


Protecting Your Home and Garden from the Ravages of Winter
Article by Christina Johnson


Winter winds are hard on critters and people, but they can also damage your home and garden. Protecting your property before the snow, ice, wind and cold can wreak havoc simply makes good sense. Even in milder climates, an unexpected cold snap or storm can cause expensive damage. Follow these tips to help keep your place in good condition.

Inspect the Outside -- Begin with a walk around the exterior of the house on a mild, sunny day. Check for any loose siding or shingles that need to be nailed down or replaced. This is a simple job when it's small but neglecting it can cause major headaches.

Look for cracked or loose windows. Check the frames to be sure they are snug. Caulk any cracks that have opened up. Replace screens with storm windows and doors. Replace any worn weather stripping. Pull debris away from the foundation of the house and check for cracks or holes that small animals could use to gain entry to the home. Fill these in with masonry sealer.

Make sure pipes leading into the house are protected with insulation. Do the same with pipes located in unheated areas like the garage. Locate the shut-off valve in case you need to turn off water in an emergency. Drain air conditioner pipes and cover the unit for winter. Disconnect and drain garden hoses.

Inspect the roof, or hire someone to do this. Make sure there are no loose or broken tiles or shingles, and that the area around skylights and chimney is well sealed. Preventing leaks is easier than fixing leaks. Inspect the gutters and remove any debris. Make sure the drain pipes extend at least 10 feet away from the house. If not, add extensions. Consider covering gutters with leaf guards.

If tree limbs extend near roof, windows or electrical wiring, trim them back. Dig any tender plants and bulbs and store them where they will survive the winter. Plant spring bulbs that should winter over in the garden. Pull up annuals and protect the soil with a layer of mulch.

Clean and store gardening and lawn care tools that will not be needed during the cold months. Drain gasoline from lawn mowers. Bring out the snow blower or other winter gear and check to make sure it is in good working order. Purchase snow melting agent for later use.

Hire a Chimney Sweep -- If you have a fireplace or wood stove, it should be inspected and cleaned annually. The chimney sweep should clear away any creosote that has built up and inspect for flaws such as cracks. He will also make sure the flu is working properly. Have him check to make sure a screen is properly installed to prevent animals from entering the chimney. The local fire department can recommend a good professional for this important job. Install carbon dioxide detectors near any working fireplace or wood stove. Also check smoke detectors and replace batteries.

Inspect the Furnace -- Hire a qualified technician to ensure the furnace is in good working order. Purchase enough filters so that you can change them every month. Clean all registers.

Check for Air Leaks -- On a windy day, light a candle and take a stroll through the house. If the candle flickers, follow the flicker to discover where cold air is finding its way in. Seal any cracks around windows, etc, with caulk. Also make sure the insulation is up to standard. If air is seeping in around windows, make sure the storm windows are tight. You could also seal them with heavy plastic that is 4 mils thick to keep out cold drafts.

Preparing your house or NYC condo for winter takes a little time and expense but will pay big dividends in preventing expensive repairs and high utility bills.

Friday, December 9, 2011

Christmas Stockings

I am a slacker! I don't have a stocking for Samantha yet. I was looking on the internet a little bit and found these ones.



I love them! Maybe my whole family needs new stockings? Find them here

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Rice Pudding


{Recipe from Nourishing Traditions}


I made another sweet little treat! I didn't have the crispy pecans and they would have been so good. I think next time I make this I will add a little more maple syrup :) I have such a sweet tooth!

2 cups cooked brown rice
3 eggs
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/3 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon cinamon
2 cups raisins, preferably organic
3/4 cup crispy pecans, chopped (they are pecans that have been soaked and dehydrated)

-Beat eggs with cream, maple syrup, vanilla, sea salt, and cinnamon.
-Stir in rice, pecans and raisins
-Pour into buttered casserole dish and bake for about 50 minutes at 325 degrees.

Beef Bourgignon


{Recipe from Nourishing Traditions}


I had to send Kimball back the State Liquor Store. This time to buy red wine. I was a little skeptical of a recipe with wine in it. Honestly, I think it stinks so I didn't think this would be good. It turn out, it was very good! I will definately make this again! I didn't have the fresh thyme. I just used a little bit of the thyme seasoning. I also didn't have the green peppercorns (I don't even know what those are.) And next time I make it, I will double the onions and mushrooms. They are a great addition!

I only used half the bottle of wine so I am going to try another recipe with wine in it. We don't drink at my house so it's kind of funny to see Vodka on my counter (vanilla extract) and red wine in my fridge.

3 pounds stew beef, cut into 2-inch pieces
2 cups red wine
4 cups beef stock
6 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup unbleached flour
several small slivers orange peel
several sprigs fresh thyme, tied together
1/2 teaspoon dried green peppercorns, crushed
1 pound fresh mushrooms
2 pounds medium boiling onions
sea salt and pepper

-Marinate beef in wine for several hours or overnight. Remove and dry well with paper towels. This is important. Beef will not brown if too wet.
-Melt 3 tablespoons each butter and oil in a heavy flameproof casserole.
-Brown the meat cubes in small batches, transferring with a slotted spoon to a plate when done. When all are browned, pour out cooking fat.
-Add remaining 3 TBsp butter to the casserole, let it melt and add flour. Cook the flour in the butter, stirring constantly, for several minutes.
-Add wine from the marinade and stock. Bring to boil, stirring up scrapings from the botton of the pan and blend well with a wire wisk.
-Return meat and juices that have acculated in the plate. Add thyme, crushed peppercorns, and orange peel.
-Transfer casserole to 300 degree oven and cook 3 or 4 hours or until meat is tender.
-Meanwhile brown the mushrooms, peel the onions and saute them gently in butter and oil for about 20 minutes.
-When meat is tender, remove from oven. Season to taste. Remove thyme. Stir in onions and mushrooms.
-Serve

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Chili



Ahh, Chili...One of my favorite things to make when it's cold outside. My mom's Chili is my very favorite. She uses her mother's Chili Sauce recipe...so good! Unfortunately Dieter can't have that Chili, so I made some the other night that he can have. It was really good! I still have some in my fridge that I am going to have for lunch!

2 cups dried Beans (I used white)
2 cups water or beef stock (add more if needed)
1 lb ground Beef
1 Onion, chopped
1 Bell Pepper, chopped
1 quart whole Tomatoes (I did cut them smaller)
2 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
2 Tbsp Chili Powder
1 tsp ground Cumin
1 tsp dried Parsley
1 tsp dried Basil
2 cloves of Garlic, crushed
Salt and Pepper to taste
1 tsp Cayenne Pepper (optional-if you want it hot)

-Soak beans 12-24 hours before starting soup.
-Lightly brown beef.
-Add beef and remaining ingredients to a pot or slow cooker. Garlic should be added towards the end.
-Bring to a boil and simmer on low for 7-8 hours, or until beans are soft.
-If cooking in slow cooker, cook on low for 8-12 hours.

Meet My Sponsors

Isn't the internet amazing? I have been able to "meet" these wonderful ladies through their sites! When you have a minute, check them out!


Feeding My Temple
Twitter: asullivan85
Facebook
Google

I'm Allison from Feeding My Temple. A 26 year old mom and wife. Follower of Jesus. Sister to 2. Living in Oklahoma. I have a huge interest in food, fitness, and healthy living. My blog follows my life as I try to balance feeding my body, mind and spirit with the Word and amazing food. I am obsessed with the weather, boots, and glitter.






Our Beautiful Little Journey

Hi there! My name is Noelani (noah-lon-ee) and I am a lover of life and all it has to offer. I am a Military wife, a stay-at-home mother to a beautiful little girl, and a believer and follower of Christ. My blog is filled with the day-to-day things that cause me to stop in my tracks and s.m.i.l.e. Join me on 'our beautiful little journey', why don't-cha? :)







Lisa @ Allergy Free Vintage Cookery
Facebook
Link Up to Allergy Friendly Lunchbox Love (every Friday)


The photo is of my grandmother, Helene, holding my mother as a baby in 1943. I like to use this pic online b/c my screen name is VintageMom ... it fits!

My blog is a place to find traditional recipes that have been modified to be allergy-free. I post several new recipes each week, along with essays about living with allergies, reviews of allergy-free products and eBooks, and round-ups of great allergy-free recipes I've found online (menu lists that I call Virtual Parties). In my fantasy life, I live in the 1940's and wear a dress and pearls every day. Since I would look ridiculous at the grocery store dressed that way (not to mention on the soccer field), I've created a whimsical vintage world on my blog.

I have three boys who all have multiple food allergies, and I've had to learn to cook all over again. I'm not a trained chef, but I'm a very determined mom... if the boys need something, I'll do what it takes to get it. These days, they need allergy-free food cooked from scratch, and I'm lucky enough to have time to research ingredient substitutions and try out new dishes. I'm also lucky that they are willing to be my guinea pigs! My original recipes are free of gluten, dairy, eggs, corn, and soy, and many are vegan as well.

Once upon a time I was a journalist (I've also been a computer teacher, gifted education teacher, independent publisher, and public relations manager, among other things), and I love the chance to write every day. I also find the online community so supportive ... it makes such a difference to know that our family isn't the only one struggling with multiple allergies. Reading the lovely comments on the blog each day really lifts my spirits. I may actually be addicted to checking for new comments :) I wish I had time to respond to each one, but there's always another dish to cook, another activity to drive the boys to, and another project around the house calling to me.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Picnik: Photo Editing





I was having fun with some pictures I have taken lately! I edit my pictures over at Picnik. I don't have a membership but you can do alot more if you do! Happy Editing!

Monday, December 5, 2011

Bountiful Baskets

This is a great way to buy produce! It is $15 for a basket (take a laundry basket with you.) You pick up on Saturdays and it is a suprise as to what you are getting. I like it because then I learn to use new vegetables that I regulary don't buy. They always offer extra stuff to buy as well. This week I purchased their sourdough bread. Check it out and see if you they offer it in your state! Bountiful Baskets

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Baked Apples



First, check out my sponsors! Yeah! Okay, I don't have a recipe for this. And everytime I have made it, I left for the grocery store afterwards...so it has always cooked longer than it should! It is a yummy recipe and I got the idea from Kimball's mom. If you can have dairy, I would use butter and honey, and top it with some cream when your done, yum!

Apples
big spoonful of Honey for each apple
spoonful of Coconut Oil for each apple

-Core apples.
-Put honey inside apples.
-Put coconut oil on top of honey.
-Bake at 350 degrees F. I would bake at least an hour and watch apples afterwards. I'm thinking maybe 90 minutes but I don't know for sure. Apples will be soft when ready.
-Spoon melted honey and coconut mixture back onto apples and enjoy!

Friday, December 2, 2011

A Zoo Day



My sister invited us to go to the zoo. It was alot of fun! I don't have a double stroller and going to the zoo is a day when I need one! Maybe I will add one to my Christmas list :). It was a bit cold but I was glad for an opportunity to try out Samantha's cute new hat! Happy Friday everyone! I am going to talk my husband into taking me on a date tonight!! Well, there's no talking him into it...He's always up for going out to eat!

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Dieter Update



Dieter has been on his diet now for a couple of months. It would be easier if I were on the introductory diet with him (There is the introductory and then the full GAPS diet. Nursing mothers are supposed to be on the full diet not the introductory.) Because I am not all the way on the diet with him, he gets stuff he shouldn't. When I say stuff he shouldn't, that means fruit or coconut products...Things he can have on the full diet but not yet on the introductory. You might think that sounds kind of strict but it makes the biggest difference. Dieter has only ever had diarrhea, but when his fruit is limited and I keep him on the intro diet, his poop is solid. That's a big deal! It means his intestines are working properly at the moment! His skin looks wonderful. He is also starting to gain weight! He is starting to get the "toddler belly". And the biggest thing- He is sleeping through the night! Hooray! Kimball and I are more than ready to have him sleep through the night! But, the days he has a lot of fruit, or I make a pie...He scratches and doesn't sleep. You can bet Kimball and I are more on the ball now because we are seeing improvements! What a blessing it is that we found this diet! I look forward to the day when his little body is healed!