My Crazy Obsession With Food (From the Past)

For the past

Only Child Syndrome

This might sound silly, but my little pooch does not like it when we share our attention with babies and children. Her behavior changes immediately. If she sees me holding or playing with a child, she bites the child (enough to scare the heck out of them), begs to be held by me the entire time, and scares the child off. Sound like only child syndrome? Who knew dogs could have it just as bad.

5 Days Till Christmas

I can't believe it's only a few more days until Christmas is here. As I write this post, I think of all the things I am grateful for in my life. I think about the trials I have had that have made me stronger and better as a person. I know for every bad, a good happens, and sometimes that just takes a little waiting. There are many things I love about Christmas, and many things I dislike. I love how some people are extra kind this time of year, or how we just feel like giving more and getting less. I dislike those who have too much greed and selfishly want only for themselves, or who don't think of giving more to the poor or doing more service. I know that service has always been a huge part of my goals set. Simple things that involve giving to the less fortunate, such as a sack lunch to a homeless person or even a small bag of something. It's the small things in life that can make all the difference to someone else. This time of year, it's so important to think of our Savior and his coming. We need to all think of what's really important this time of year, and our Heavenly Father and Savior are who we should be reflecting on. On a different note, I am finally feeling those cute little kicks. I get them more and more, and to feel my little one moving is so cool. I love it, and I can't wait until the harder ones come. It's just great! Hope you all have a Merry Christmas, and remember, EAT HEALTHY!!!!

He Knows All Pain

When I heard about the tragedy that happened in Newtown CT, yesterday, I felt immense pain, especially for those who lost their little ones, friends, and relatives. How could something like this happen again. Can one feel anger and sorrow at the same time. My immediate reaction of course was anger, but when I feel anger towards this 20 year of guy who did this, I feel I am wasting my emotions on him. He is handled by God, and that is what matters. My attention has focused on the people who are suffering for their loved ones who were lost. I feel for those people who do not have the gospel, or understand what the gospel is about. Those who do have the gospel can feel greater comfort from our Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ. For they know all pain. God lost a child, his son, Jesus Christ. Jesus knows the pain of suffering so all mankind be here today. I wish every single individual suffering for those lost in this tragedy, could understand the atonement and how God's tender mercies can comfort us through pain.He knows the suffering of these parents and others who are grieving. My prayers are for those who are suffering.

Scrambled Eggs and Kale

I've posted a breakfast idea on here before, but I wanted to share this one, since I have it so frequently. It's scrambled eggs with finely chopped kale and turkey sausage/bacon. It is quite good, and when you just don't want the grains, this breakfast really satisfies. So, here is what you do. Take how many eggs you plan to scramble, beat them, and cook on low heat so they don't stick to pan. Add the pre-cooked sausage/bacon to the eggs, and just minutes before serving, take about 1/2 c. of chopped kale leaves and mix into the eggs. Now you have a nutritionally complete breakfast. Serve with salsa verde and fruit salad, recommended. I recommend you use Omega 3 enriched eggs, organic/cage free eggs. They are a bit more, but so worth it. Pregnancy Update: It's going fantastic. My little prince(ss) is growing like a weed. I am almost at the half way mark. It's going so fast.

Blender Tortilla Soup

This recipe, one of my favorite blend-tec soups, is one I haven't made in a very long time, until a few days ago. This soup, which if you are a regular Costco shopper, is often on demo for the blend-tec. However, if you do not own a blend-tec, and just a standard blender, you can also use it as well. Just be careful, as you don't want to damage the blades on standard, weaker model blenders. Fast, easy, and delicious, you can make this soup in less then 10 min. In a blender, place 3 washed, roma tomatoes, 2 tsp. taco seasoning, 1 cube of extra sharp chedder cheese, 1 handful of fresh cilantro leaves, 1 carrot, or 4 baby carrots, and about 1/8 of a cut onion. Add 2 c. of boiling hot water, and 1 tsp. of garlic salt into the blender and puree until smooth. Place about 1/4 c. of tortilla chips and puree for another 3 seconds. Garnish with whatever topping you prefer. Photo from http://www.blendtec.com/recipes/tortilla_soup

Candy Coated Mixed Nuts (A Healthier Alternative This Holiday)

I make every effort to stay away from treats, but during the holiday season, too many delicious, savory aromas are in the air, and temptation really gets me. Thank goodness for these candied coated nuts. High in fiber with an added bonus of cinnamon and brown sugar, these hit that temptation just right. Also they are paleo approved for those living that lifestyle. These are the same nuts you smell and see in the mall this time of year, which are outrageously expensive sold by the pound. Making these is so simple and affordable, I just had to share!!! This recipe begins with just 2 c. of almonds. I like cashews as well, so I do one cup of each. You will need to preheat your oven to 250 degrees. The first thing you do is beat one egg white

for about 3 minutes, or until it looks the consistancy of meringue. Next you add 1/2 c. of soft brown sugar, 2 tsp. of pure vanilla extract, 1/4 tsp. of salt, and 1 T. of cinnamon. Mix it all in with the nuts and spoon out onto a well greased or foiled cookie sheet. Bake up to 1 hour, stirring every 15 min. Allow to sit out for at least 1 hour before serving. Makes great gifts too. Picture taken from nuts.com