Did You Pay It Forward Today?

I have been thinking about ways to always make a difference and contribution to society. How to make it a better place? Yesterday, as I saw a homeless man on the corner of Walmart, I watched another car pull up and offer him a meal. I decided, I can do that too. So I bought him a small snack inside the store and handed him a grocery bag of the items. The gratitude he gave me over something so small was priceless. It made me feel warm and fuzzy inside that something I could take for granted, was certainly not taken for granted by this man. Little things we do can add up. Just as I saw someone pull up and offer this man food, can example someone else to do that same, as it did for me. I hope someone saw me do that small act of kindness and want to follow the lead. While I don't believe in handing out money, I do believe handing out loving gestures of kind words or something tangible like food, can make a big impact on someone in need. I feel this way when I do visiting teaching as well. I love making another sister's day become better just by offering a kind word. Let's all strive to make this world a better place.

Healthy chicken and Cabbage Salad

Here is a great recipe for chicken and cabbage salad. Because I eat this so often, I thought I should share. You get a bag of shredded cabbage at walmart or any other grocery store. You add about 1/2 of a chopped apple or about a handful of sliced grapes and throw in some chopped cashew nuts or almonds. Add some chopped chicken and then chop up about 2 T. of cilantro and mint leaves. Squeeze some lime juice in there and last, for your dressing, add 2 T. of that vegainaise dressing you buy at healthfood store. It is made with grapeseed oil and taste great. If you would like to add anything else to this salad such as grape tomato, scallions, red onion, or cucumber, that works too!

Pregnancy Pictures

You know how you take pictures and you never know which ones to select. I just selected what I took to make it easier on myself. So here I am. I love this blue dress by the way. It can be worn as a dress or a skirt. Got it at Target for 18 bucks.

My Top Ten Favorites

Who doesn't love to share all their favorite things. I have accumulated so many favorites over the past year that I thought to share. Here's the list 1. Sonoma Brand Teff Flour Tortillas. I love these tortillas. I have bought so many packages over the past year that I am suprised I have not grown sick of them. Made out of teff and millet flour instead of wheat flour, they are the perfect way (and healthier may I add) version to the classic flour tortilla. Made of all natural ingredients and great fiber too. You can find these at most health food stores. I have bought mine for the cheapest price (4.00 for a package of 6) at Good Earth. 2. Coconut Flour- I use this in place of traditional refined white flour for almost all baking purposes. I have made fantastic coconut flour chocolate cake, chocolate chip cookies, pancakes, breads (including banana chocolate chip) and pizza crust. There are endless ways to use this flour. Benefits outweigh refined white flour. This flour is very high in fiber and other nutrients you just can't get from refined white flours. 3. Moccasins- I love fringe moccasins. I own two pairs which include boots and a bootie. I know owning one pair is probably enough, but I love them too much, and they are so comfortable. Minnetonka brand is the best. 4. Stripes- I love anything with nautical stripes. I have at least three or four dresses and about three shirts. I have a strong feeling that strips are going to become the new trend this year. 5.Dark Chocolate- My favorite brand is Lindt and my newest obsession is the new sea salt and almond dark chocolate. I love my chocolate strong up to 85% dark. 6. Oranges, pineapple and watermelon- Must be a pregnancy thing because I constantly want these fruits. 7. Cafe Rio- I could eat there every single day if I could. That place makes me so happy. Just the thought of eating there brightens my day. My favorite is the pork salad. I really believe that one can sell their soul for that salad. 8. Bandanas- I love these things. So cheap and full of a variety of colors. I love how their are so many ways to wear them, including as headwraps. My bassett used to wear a red and pink one all the time around his neck. 9. Dried fruit- I love eating dried fruit, especially mangos. Having a food dehydrator really helps save money. Dried fruit is great as a candy replacer and it really helps with a sweet tooth. 10. Spring and Sun- I am so over winter. I love the sun, I love spring, and I just wish it would last forever.

Coconut Flour Banana & Fruit Bread

3 eggs 1/2 c. coconut flour 2 T. cinnamon 1 T. agave nectar or honey 1 yellow ripe banana 1/4 c. coconut oil 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract Preheat the oven to 375 F. and bake for app. 25-30 minutes. Check often with toothpick as oven will vary. First, mix the eggs and coconut flour together, and then add vanilla, cinnamon and honey. Add all other dry ingrediants and banana and mix well. Optional: Add about 1/4 c. dried apricots and prunes that have been chopped. Pour batter into a greased bread pan (I recommend the smaller sizes). Allow to cool before slicing. .

24 Weeks!

Wow, I am now 6 months along, can you believe it? At 6 mos. pregnant, there are many changes that happen to the body, including extreme hunger, which is constantly. But what I LOVE most is the kicking. I love feeling the kicks at random times during the day. In the middle of the night, first thing in the morning, at work, driving in the car, and again when I get home. And although this tiny one does sleep too, it's often me waking baby up (rude I know). Some of the things I have been working on is crocheted hats and bootie sets. I am making tons, and although we don't know what we are having, intentionally, I find myself making more girly hats and booties then boys. I think its the ruffles at the end of hats that I love making the most. Also, crocheted hats and booty sets seem more feminine to me. Whether we have a boy or a girl, I still love to crochet and it is a great project to keep me busy. I also work everyday except weekends and I love it. I love working and staying busy!! Anyway, that's the 6 month update as well as the work in progress. Have a great week.

My Crazy Obsession With Food (From the Past)

For the past