Inspirational Quotes:
Who we might have been . . .
Keys to happiness. . .
What we look for . . .
Inspirational Sewing:
I love how easy this Sparkle Punch Quilt Stars are! I think I may have to use this soon in finishing up some Pay It Forward gifts(yes from last year)!
Inspirational Other Crafts:
I do not make my own soap and probably never will, but this tutorial for Seaweed Soap makes me wish I did or knew someone who did, because I would love some of my own!
I still love macrame, even if I don't really do it often, this Cobbled Solomon Bar Paracord Bracelet is quite spiffy though and makes me want to make one!
This embroidered Tortoise and Strawberry is just magnificent. I love the layering and how detailed it is!
Inspirational Recipes:
I have never been much of a biscuit person, but one every now and again with some good gravy is nice. So these Gluten-Free Buttermilk Biscuits sound delicious and look good. I'm thinking a little sausage with country gravy . . . yummy!
Now, this isn't gluten-free, but I'm sure it wouldn't be too hard to make them so. It's the lemony and caramel part of these Crepes with Salted Lemon Butter Caramel that drew me in. Sounds delicious!
With days being busy with work, I love things I can make and we can reheat as leftovers for lunch or a quick dinner and this Spinach Lasagna with Mushroom Ragu definitely fits into that theory. I will be buying the stuff to make this today. I think I am even going to try making my own lasagna noodles!
As for desert, these GF Mini Chocolate Peanut Butter Whoopie Pies with Salted Caramel Filling sound delicious . . . can you tell I love caramel? This just sounds so very tempting and bite size!
I love jalapeno poppers! A bit more difficult to eat when you are gluten-free, but this Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese Sandwich looks beyond delicious. With a GF bread thrown in instead, this is definitely viable!
My sister sent me the link for these Homemade Jack-in-the-box Tacos as she knows I am a die-hard Jack-in-the-Box taco fan and you just cannot get one here. I will say, that I learned they are even more unhealthy than I thought! Doesn't change their deliciousness though! Not sure if I will ever get around to trying this, but definitely seems worth it!
I love making my own soups, similar reasons to the lasagna theory, but I can also be certain they are gluten-free that way. Plus, just so much more freedom in making your own soups, which is why this Buttermilk Potato Soup with Bacon and Roasted Jalapeno is also on my grocery list for this week. Will let you know how it goes!
Along the fast food lines of the Jack-in-the-Box link, these Perfect French Fries are meant to imitate those yummy fast food fries!
Quick breakfasts that are filling are difficult to find, but these Oatmeal Freezer Pucks are a quick morning breakfast with really not much prep work for what you get out of it. Will need to make myself some of these with GF Oats.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Happy Birthday to Woo!
Hey interwebs, it is me, your lovable Wookie and today I turned 2!
It was a great day, I played with Mommy and Daddy after Mommy was done at work, then we went and bought some treats and a new toy! It was a great day! Mommy is even making me a special little dinner for my birthday . . . let me tell you, it's been a tiring day for a little dog like me.
So as my birthday gift to you all, I'd like to show you some pictures of just how much I love this stuff called SNOW!!
Isn't this stuff just great?!?!?
First you have to run around like a crazy dog!
Then investigate . . . I know it would make more sense to investigate first, but it's really no fun that way.
Investigate further . . . yes, you make get some snow in your fur and some snow up your nose, but that's okay.
Then taste, lets face it, everything in life is worth a taste.
Then of course you realize that this snow stuff taste delicious and you try to sneak it and hide from others the deliciousness of it.
Then, you run around in it some more!
I will admit, it does make everything a little bright though . . . I look a little like a cranky old dog here, but I swear I am only 2!
Don't get me wrong, I am not really a fan of WINTER, or normally anything that includes such things as WIND, RAIN, or COLD, but this SNOW stuff is wonderful!!
P.S. Mommy says this isn't appropriate, but I feel I need to share with my friends that this snow makes it much easier to be territorial, because it makes it so much easier to see where those other puppies have been! There is prints and oddly enough . . . snow that changes color. I am a quick learner! :)
It was a great day, I played with Mommy and Daddy after Mommy was done at work, then we went and bought some treats and a new toy! It was a great day! Mommy is even making me a special little dinner for my birthday . . . let me tell you, it's been a tiring day for a little dog like me.
So as my birthday gift to you all, I'd like to show you some pictures of just how much I love this stuff called SNOW!!
First you have to run around like a crazy dog!
Then investigate . . . I know it would make more sense to investigate first, but it's really no fun that way.
Investigate further . . . yes, you make get some snow in your fur and some snow up your nose, but that's okay.
Then taste, lets face it, everything in life is worth a taste.
Then of course you realize that this snow stuff taste delicious and you try to sneak it and hide from others the deliciousness of it.
Then, you run around in it some more!
I will admit, it does make everything a little bright though . . . I look a little like a cranky old dog here, but I swear I am only 2!
Don't get me wrong, I am not really a fan of WINTER, or normally anything that includes such things as WIND, RAIN, or COLD, but this SNOW stuff is wonderful!!
P.S. Mommy says this isn't appropriate, but I feel I need to share with my friends that this snow makes it much easier to be territorial, because it makes it so much easier to see where those other puppies have been! There is prints and oddly enough . . . snow that changes color. I am a quick learner! :)
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Sunday Inspirations
Recipe Inspirations:
Salad dressing is another iffy thing for gluten free people, all the more reason to make my own, right? I want to try this Tangy Cilantro Dressing as I am a huge fan of Cilantro. I also want to try this Tahini Sauce a little more diluted as a salad dressing. I had tahini sauce on a chicken salad before and it was delicious.
I'm not sure if I'd like them or not, but Lemony Pickled Cauliflower Florets sounds very interesting and worth a try.
This Christmas Panettone Bread sounds interesting. I have seen similar stuff in the store, but I have never had anything like it before.
These Giant Cinnamon Rolls look so good. It makes me want to try them with Gluten Free flour.
I love marshmallows, but not sure I am patient enough to make Marshmallows home-made. Have any of you ever done it? Is it worth it?
These Cream Wafers are adorably small and cute. They look like it would be way too easy to eat too many of them!
Most tacos do not look light and delicious, more like heavy and satisfying, but these Korean Tacos look like they fall more into the first category. They seem a little more like carnitas. I must try these.
Salad dressing is another iffy thing for gluten free people, all the more reason to make my own, right? I want to try this Tangy Cilantro Dressing as I am a huge fan of Cilantro. I also want to try this Tahini Sauce a little more diluted as a salad dressing. I had tahini sauce on a chicken salad before and it was delicious.
I'm not sure if I'd like them or not, but Lemony Pickled Cauliflower Florets sounds very interesting and worth a try.
This Christmas Panettone Bread sounds interesting. I have seen similar stuff in the store, but I have never had anything like it before.
These Giant Cinnamon Rolls look so good. It makes me want to try them with Gluten Free flour.
I love marshmallows, but not sure I am patient enough to make Marshmallows home-made. Have any of you ever done it? Is it worth it?
These Cream Wafers are adorably small and cute. They look like it would be way too easy to eat too many of them!
Most tacos do not look light and delicious, more like heavy and satisfying, but these Korean Tacos look like they fall more into the first category. They seem a little more like carnitas. I must try these.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Justice's Desert Socks
Another pair of socks for Justice, but these ones aren't complete yet. I am shooting for Valentine's Day or Easter. We shall see.
I love that Justice's favorite color is orange, but it is hard to find a good machine washable and dry-able yarn in orange. So this is a bit of a compromise on my part, it's more of an orange/brown/yellow colorway. I am hoping she will like them anyways. I plan on dyeing up some yarn this Spring/Summer to make this easier in the future. I also bought a couple sock blanks through Knit Picks and I am hoping to fly Justice out to Buffalo this summer so she can hang out with me and her uncle (whom she thinks is just so nifty). I figure when she is out here she can dye up some yarn for me to knit her some sock . . . she'll be 9 then, that would be interesting to a 9 year old, right?
Anywho, onto these socks:
Yarn: Knit Picks Stroll Multi
Color: Sunset Multi
Content: 75% Superwash Merino Wool, 25% Nylon
Care: Machine wash and dry
Needles: US 0 / 2mm Circulars
Almost finished with the first sock . . . it's been languishing while I work on projects for Ellie and John.
I am trying a new heel called the Yo Yo Heel. It is an intersting variation of a short row heel. I will definitely be trying it again on a sock, with maybe some small variations. I did change it up a bit this time too, but we'll talk about that more when I actually finish the socks.
I am enjoying the socks as far as I have knit them, they, among other knitted items, are bus knitting and bus waiting project. :)
I love that Justice's favorite color is orange, but it is hard to find a good machine washable and dry-able yarn in orange. So this is a bit of a compromise on my part, it's more of an orange/brown/yellow colorway. I am hoping she will like them anyways. I plan on dyeing up some yarn this Spring/Summer to make this easier in the future. I also bought a couple sock blanks through Knit Picks and I am hoping to fly Justice out to Buffalo this summer so she can hang out with me and her uncle (whom she thinks is just so nifty). I figure when she is out here she can dye up some yarn for me to knit her some sock . . . she'll be 9 then, that would be interesting to a 9 year old, right?
Anywho, onto these socks:
Yarn: Knit Picks Stroll Multi
Color: Sunset Multi
Content: 75% Superwash Merino Wool, 25% Nylon
Care: Machine wash and dry
Needles: US 0 / 2mm Circulars
I am trying a new heel called the Yo Yo Heel. It is an intersting variation of a short row heel. I will definitely be trying it again on a sock, with maybe some small variations. I did change it up a bit this time too, but we'll talk about that more when I actually finish the socks.
I am enjoying the socks as far as I have knit them, they, among other knitted items, are bus knitting and bus waiting project. :)
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Tuesday Inspirations
Crafty Inspirations:
This Pear Shaped Coin Purse is adorable and made a little larger would make an adorable project bag also!
Love the look of this Crazy Stitching!
I love this Ball made from Hexagons! I want to make one, ten, or twenty!
Recipe Inspirations:
Scallion Meatballs with Soy Ginger Glaze, does that not just sound yummy even without seeing the picture? Makes me hungry.
I have never had a Cassoulet, but it sounds interesting. Plus, it sounds filling and potentially good to take for lunch!
Okay, people, I am going to admit to you that once upon a past, I was a Ho-Ho addict. Yes, yes, I was. Now I have found a gluten free recipe for yes . . . Ho-Hos. I am so excited, I just have to try these.
Gluten Free Raspberry Chocolate Brownies . . . doesn't that just sound wonderful?!?! Definitely something I will try.
I want to try a gluten free version of these Indian Fry Bread and Indian Tacos.
I love lasagna for a few reasons, leftovers and lots of possibilities. This Mushroom Lasagna looks and sounds yummy. My only concern is that with a white sauce it may be lost a little in the stronger taste of gluten free lasagna noodles. Only one way to find out though!
It's so weird getting older and liking food you wouldn't have touched as a child or even a few years ago. Taste-buds are an odd thing. This Chipotle Bean Soup with Bacon is definitely in my near future, but it wasn't so long ago I wouldn't have touched it.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Gems Socks
My niece Justice loves color, which is good, because so do I. So I thought this yarn would work perfectly. I needed just a bit of another skein to finish up the toe on the second sock, so I bought another skein and figured that would work perfectly to make Vera a matching pair.
Yarn: Serenity Garden Yarn
How much: 1.5 skeins
Color: Gems
Content:100% Dralon Microfiber
Care: Machine wash and dry
Needles: US 1 / 2.5mm
Gauge: 7.75sts per 1” / 9.75rows per 1”
Pattern: My own.
For: Justice & Vera
Size: Specially knit for Justice’s & Vera's measurements.
Justice's socks. I made no attempt to make them match as that doesn't matter to me and I figured it wouldn't matter to her either.
Justice's star toes.
Vera's socks, unfortunately do not get as much color since her feet are so small.
Vera's quickly decreased heels.
Vera's little star toes.
One of Justice's socks with on of Vera's. The difference between an 8 year old and a 2 year old!
I like how these socks turned out and I really hope that Justice likes them and they fit her well. They were bus knitting and bus waiting knitting. I decided to knit Vera a version of Justice’s socks, since as the lovely little sister, she wants whatever Justice has. They were also bus knitting and bus waiting knitting. The gusset is decreased quicker though since the circumference of Vera’s heel is small since she’s so young. So I decreased on the top and bottom of the gusset every other row. I did a star toe for hopefully a better fit. I never much care for the tradition toes.
Yarn: Serenity Garden Yarn
How much: 1.5 skeins
Color: Gems
Content:100% Dralon Microfiber
Care: Machine wash and dry
Needles: US 1 / 2.5mm
Gauge: 7.75sts per 1” / 9.75rows per 1”
Pattern: My own.
For: Justice & Vera
Size: Specially knit for Justice’s & Vera's measurements.
Justice's star toes.
Vera's socks, unfortunately do not get as much color since her feet are so small.
Vera's quickly decreased heels.
Vera's little star toes.
One of Justice's socks with on of Vera's. The difference between an 8 year old and a 2 year old!
I like how these socks turned out and I really hope that Justice likes them and they fit her well. They were bus knitting and bus waiting knitting. I decided to knit Vera a version of Justice’s socks, since as the lovely little sister, she wants whatever Justice has. They were also bus knitting and bus waiting knitting. The gusset is decreased quicker though since the circumference of Vera’s heel is small since she’s so young. So I decreased on the top and bottom of the gusset every other row. I did a star toe for hopefully a better fit. I never much care for the tradition toes.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Perry's Plate
I have to admit I love finding new food bloggers. I usually find them accidentally through other food bloggers that I already read. So here is my latest find, Perry's Plate. She does a variety of types of recipes and seems a little more heavy on the vegetables, which is a direction I need to be heading more too.
Here are some of her recipes that I thought were interesting and would like to try:
~Pesto Zucchini Spaghetti - - I love the thought of trying zucchini as my noodles and I am also a fan of pesto!
~Crispy Shredded Tacos - - Absolutely have to try these, especially because she even links to another one of her posts on how to make your own corn tortillas!
~Marinated Chicken Skewers with Clementine Salsa - - Now these will be a hard push with the husband since he is not a fruit with meat type of person, but something tells me he will like these anyways. They just look delicious!
~Pesto Eggplant Rollatine - - I have never had anything like this before and it sounds delicious. Eggplant is something I like, if cooked well and not too mushy, but most recipes are loaded with tomato sauce and cheese! This looks a little lighter and definitely worth trying.
~Tangy Avocado Dressing - - There is a salad as part of this post too, but what I am really interested in trying is the dressing. As a huge fan of avocado, this sounds tasty!
~Spicy Green Tomato Vinaigrette - - I so want to make my own home-made dressings, since I am so limited at the grocery store due to my gluten issues. This one sounds like a good one to add to my list of ones to try.
~Fried Green Tomatoes, Two Ways - - I never thought of garnishing fried green tomatoes like this, it makes it seem more like the fried green tomatoes would be the main part, instead of a side dish.
~Portobello and Black Bean Enchiladas with Roasted Poblano Sauce - - Boy do these sound yummy! Plus, easily can substitute a meat in there for the mushrooms if needed.
~Baco-fried Green Beans - - Do I even need to say anything? Sounds delicious!
~Spinach and White Bean Dip - - A little more healthy version of a spinach dip.
~Cornmeal Crusted Catfish - - I am not sure I have ever had catfish, but assume almost any fish is easily substituted in there.
~Shrimp and Cotija Enchiladas with Salsa Verde - - Still loving my shrimp lately and this sounds very yummy, maybe I can get the husband to try them!
~Chipotle Sweet Potato Corn Chowder - - Still wanting to try things with sweet potatoes, plus who can pass up a chowder?
~Fruit-N-Yogurt Pops - - Who doesn't love a good popsicle? Exactly, what better than to make your own at home?
~Spicy Citrusy Black Beans - - These will be tried soon, I need some good recipes for black beans . . . even the Wookie LOVES black beans!
~Creamy Dill Foil Packet Fish - - This just looks so good and sounds so good. I love dill though.
~Thai Corn Chowder - - This sounds unique and interesting.
~Thai Noodles with Ground Chicken and Crispy Shallots - - This looks interesting with the layering of the items and also sounds good.
~Huevos Rancheros in Tortilla Cups - - This is such a nifty idea! Love it and would make a quick breakfast when made in advance.
~Home-made Taco Seasoning - - Lovely!
~Baked Corn Tortilla Chips - - I need to try this, I always think the ones at the store are WAY too salty!
Yes, there are a lot of links, but I went through the available archives. There are sure to be more that you may find interesting that didn't peak my interest, so I recommend not just clicking the links I provided, but heading over there and checking out her blog for yourself! :)
Here are some of her recipes that I thought were interesting and would like to try:
~Pesto Zucchini Spaghetti - - I love the thought of trying zucchini as my noodles and I am also a fan of pesto!
~Crispy Shredded Tacos - - Absolutely have to try these, especially because she even links to another one of her posts on how to make your own corn tortillas!
~Marinated Chicken Skewers with Clementine Salsa - - Now these will be a hard push with the husband since he is not a fruit with meat type of person, but something tells me he will like these anyways. They just look delicious!
~Pesto Eggplant Rollatine - - I have never had anything like this before and it sounds delicious. Eggplant is something I like, if cooked well and not too mushy, but most recipes are loaded with tomato sauce and cheese! This looks a little lighter and definitely worth trying.
~Tangy Avocado Dressing - - There is a salad as part of this post too, but what I am really interested in trying is the dressing. As a huge fan of avocado, this sounds tasty!
~Spicy Green Tomato Vinaigrette - - I so want to make my own home-made dressings, since I am so limited at the grocery store due to my gluten issues. This one sounds like a good one to add to my list of ones to try.
~Fried Green Tomatoes, Two Ways - - I never thought of garnishing fried green tomatoes like this, it makes it seem more like the fried green tomatoes would be the main part, instead of a side dish.
~Portobello and Black Bean Enchiladas with Roasted Poblano Sauce - - Boy do these sound yummy! Plus, easily can substitute a meat in there for the mushrooms if needed.
~Baco-fried Green Beans - - Do I even need to say anything? Sounds delicious!
~Spinach and White Bean Dip - - A little more healthy version of a spinach dip.
~Cornmeal Crusted Catfish - - I am not sure I have ever had catfish, but assume almost any fish is easily substituted in there.
~Shrimp and Cotija Enchiladas with Salsa Verde - - Still loving my shrimp lately and this sounds very yummy, maybe I can get the husband to try them!
~Chipotle Sweet Potato Corn Chowder - - Still wanting to try things with sweet potatoes, plus who can pass up a chowder?
~Fruit-N-Yogurt Pops - - Who doesn't love a good popsicle? Exactly, what better than to make your own at home?
~Spicy Citrusy Black Beans - - These will be tried soon, I need some good recipes for black beans . . . even the Wookie LOVES black beans!
~Creamy Dill Foil Packet Fish - - This just looks so good and sounds so good. I love dill though.
~Thai Corn Chowder - - This sounds unique and interesting.
~Thai Noodles with Ground Chicken and Crispy Shallots - - This looks interesting with the layering of the items and also sounds good.
~Huevos Rancheros in Tortilla Cups - - This is such a nifty idea! Love it and would make a quick breakfast when made in advance.
~Home-made Taco Seasoning - - Lovely!
~Baked Corn Tortilla Chips - - I need to try this, I always think the ones at the store are WAY too salty!
Yes, there are a lot of links, but I went through the available archives. There are sure to be more that you may find interesting that didn't peak my interest, so I recommend not just clicking the links I provided, but heading over there and checking out her blog for yourself! :)
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Thursday Inspirations
Crafty Inspirations:
I love this Journal Quilt piece. In another life, with more time, this would be something I would also like to do.
I love the movement in this Table Runner!
Love this version of the Modern Drunkard! The way the colors shift and work together is just wonderful!
An easy Smocking Tutorial. I love the look of smocking and will someday work something that has smocking in it.
Garden Inspirations:
I love gardening and think it is an area where the input is worth it. These Window Farms are super nifty. I would so do this if my apartment had sturdier walls and window frames!
Recipe Inspirations:
This recipe claims to be the Perfect Gluten Free Pie Crust and I must say, it definitely looks good!
The Savory Apple Tart looks delicious also!
These Apple Pie Cookies look good enough to experiment with gluten free flours to try to find a good substitute!
Doesn't this Dark Chocolate Truffle Tart looks so yummy?!?!?
Dark Chocolate Buckeyes . . . isn't that self explanatory?
Lastly, have you seen these Baby Cakes Doughnut Maker, Cupcake Maker, and Cake Pop Maker? When I first saw them I thought they were frivolous, but cute. I thought it was definitely something I could never use, then this Baby Cakes Doughnut Gluten Free post! Makes me want the doughnut maker because I miss doughnuts!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Echo's Gracious Tam
This was a Christmas present that I loved making!
Yarn: Patons SWS – which seems to be discontinued?
How much: 2 skeins
Color: Natural Plum – which I cannot seem to find a link to
Content: 70% Wool / 30% Soy
Care: Hand wash, lay flat to dry
Needles: US 3 / 3.25 – for the ribbing. US 6 / 4mm – for the body.
Pattern: Gracious Tam
Modifications: Used a heavier weight yarn. I skipped a couple of the rows towards the end due to running out of yarn. I used a much smaller needle for the ribbing because the one I made for myself was a little too loose on the ribbing, love how it turned out on the 3s.
I like how the thicker yarn makes the hat a little bigger and gives it more of a Tam feeling. Let’s just say that Echo is really lucky that I love her, because I so want to keep this hat. Especially now that I know the yarn is going to be difficult, if not impossible to find now. :) I am sure she enjoyed her Christmas present though. I am going to find a bulky-ish yarn to make myself one!
Here it is from the front.
From the side, ignore my tired look.
Another side view, I love the colors in this yarn.
I wish I would have had a larger plate to block the hat out on.
I wanted to make the hat nice and big, so I literally used as much yarn as I could. This was all I had left after I was done.
Yarn: Patons SWS – which seems to be discontinued?
How much: 2 skeins
Color: Natural Plum – which I cannot seem to find a link to
Content: 70% Wool / 30% Soy
Care: Hand wash, lay flat to dry
Needles: US 3 / 3.25 – for the ribbing. US 6 / 4mm – for the body.
Pattern: Gracious Tam
Modifications: Used a heavier weight yarn. I skipped a couple of the rows towards the end due to running out of yarn. I used a much smaller needle for the ribbing because the one I made for myself was a little too loose on the ribbing, love how it turned out on the 3s.
I like how the thicker yarn makes the hat a little bigger and gives it more of a Tam feeling. Let’s just say that Echo is really lucky that I love her, because I so want to keep this hat. Especially now that I know the yarn is going to be difficult, if not impossible to find now. :) I am sure she enjoyed her Christmas present though. I am going to find a bulky-ish yarn to make myself one!
From the side, ignore my tired look.
Another side view, I love the colors in this yarn.
I wish I would have had a larger plate to block the hat out on.
I wanted to make the hat nice and big, so I literally used as much yarn as I could. This was all I had left after I was done.
Monday, January 9, 2012
No Excuses
I have to admit that my love for the show The Biggest Loser has been hit or miss over the years. Some times it seems that they just deviate too far into the drama and not enough focus is on the healthy. I watched the first episode of this season though and love the motto . . . "No Excuses". I am going to try to remind myself of this as I try to get healthy. Plus, I love that Dolvett is back, he's such a cutie. I have to admit, I was a true Jillian fan. Definitely was not an Anna Kournikova fan at all. The other two trainers they had a couple of seasons ago were okay, but I don't think they were real Biggest Loser trainers.
I try to watch the episodes while I am working out, usually on Hulu, because this makes me want to work harder and longer. I know that it's not necessarily healthy to work out as much as they do, but I know I need to work out longer and harder than I do, so it's good motivation. Plus, I figure, if they can muster the energy to work out 6-10 hours a day, then I can go another 10-20 minutes longer! :)
They always say it's better to work out for yourself, than try to loose the weight for someone else. I admit that I was partially trying to loose weight before because I wanted to be in better shape to have a baby. However, with all my allergy/health issues, I do not think I want a biological child or maybe any child anymore. (All the more attention to lavish on my nieces and nephew!) I don't know if I am emotionally strong enough to handle a child that has issues like me or worse. I know, sounds weak, but it's true. In a lot of areas, I am not a very strong person, I only act like I am. Plus, my husband worries enough about me with these allergies, if we had a child that was similar or worse, he'd probably have a stroke, heart attack, or mental break down.
In another words, the workouts and the eating are now about me, not a potential future child. I want to be healthy for me, for my future. So there are no excuses.
I try to watch the episodes while I am working out, usually on Hulu, because this makes me want to work harder and longer. I know that it's not necessarily healthy to work out as much as they do, but I know I need to work out longer and harder than I do, so it's good motivation. Plus, I figure, if they can muster the energy to work out 6-10 hours a day, then I can go another 10-20 minutes longer! :)
They always say it's better to work out for yourself, than try to loose the weight for someone else. I admit that I was partially trying to loose weight before because I wanted to be in better shape to have a baby. However, with all my allergy/health issues, I do not think I want a biological child or maybe any child anymore. (All the more attention to lavish on my nieces and nephew!) I don't know if I am emotionally strong enough to handle a child that has issues like me or worse. I know, sounds weak, but it's true. In a lot of areas, I am not a very strong person, I only act like I am. Plus, my husband worries enough about me with these allergies, if we had a child that was similar or worse, he'd probably have a stroke, heart attack, or mental break down.
In another words, the workouts and the eating are now about me, not a potential future child. I want to be healthy for me, for my future. So there are no excuses.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Sunday Inspirations
Personal Inspiration:
I love this quote!
Crafty Inspirations:
I like this tutorial for an Eyelet Hole Stitch as it makes it look quite easy.
Love the look of this purse because of the squares that make it up. With the addition of some snaps or a zipper it'd be perfect.
Love these Triangle Boxes. Want to make some of these also!
Recipe Inspirations:
These Apple Tartlets with Custard Filling look absolutely delicious!
Spanish Roasted Potatoes with Tomato Sauce sound yummy and satisfying.
I like meatballs if they are smaller, these Chipotle Meatballs definitely sound worth trying!
I am a huge oatmeal fan, but due to most oats being processed in facilities that process wheat, commercial breakfast oatmeals are off of the list. I am a little too lazy to make oatmeal everyday, but this Baked Apple Cinnamon Raisin Oatmeal sounds delicious and easy. It is kind like a breakfast oatmeal layered like a fruit crisp.
I love Peppermint Patties, but they are often a little too pepperminty for me . . . making my own makes this not an issue! Plus, I love that she tosses in the idea of lemon, chocolate, or other flavors instead. Yummy!
I love this quote!
Crafty Inspirations:
I like this tutorial for an Eyelet Hole Stitch as it makes it look quite easy.
Love the look of this purse because of the squares that make it up. With the addition of some snaps or a zipper it'd be perfect.
Love these Triangle Boxes. Want to make some of these also!
Recipe Inspirations:
These Apple Tartlets with Custard Filling look absolutely delicious!
Spanish Roasted Potatoes with Tomato Sauce sound yummy and satisfying.
I like meatballs if they are smaller, these Chipotle Meatballs definitely sound worth trying!
I am a huge oatmeal fan, but due to most oats being processed in facilities that process wheat, commercial breakfast oatmeals are off of the list. I am a little too lazy to make oatmeal everyday, but this Baked Apple Cinnamon Raisin Oatmeal sounds delicious and easy. It is kind like a breakfast oatmeal layered like a fruit crisp.
I love Peppermint Patties, but they are often a little too pepperminty for me . . . making my own makes this not an issue! Plus, I love that she tosses in the idea of lemon, chocolate, or other flavors instead. Yummy!
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Brush with death?
Ugh, so yesterday, Friday was scary. I had a severe allergic reaction to something at work and had the worst allergic reaction I have had so far in my life. Worse part is, I am not sure what set it off. As far as I know, I didn't come in contact with anything angora. In fact, I have to wonder if it was something I inhaled because the reaction was so quick. It was only about 3-4 minutes between realizing I was having a reaction to I couldn't stand up because my airway was almost completely closed.
I wasn't even able to do my epi-pen myself, due to being on the verge of passing out, so someone at work had to do it for me. My airway started opening back up and I was feeling better. First responders showed up and had a hard time finding a pulse. . . always a comfort. Then the Ambulance showed up and they said I was still too shaky and needed to go to the hospital. In the ambulance waiting to leave, my allergic reaction flared back up and they gave me medicine mixed with the oxygen they were already giving me. It wasn't helping enough, so they gave me something else and steroids, still not helping fast enough. I ended up having like a panic attack because I could barely get any air. The medic in the back with me had to call a doctor and see if it was okay to give me some amount of Benadryl also. Shortly after I had the Benadryl things started feeling better. Things slowly got better after that. By the time we were at the hospital I was mostly okay. They gave me another drug and kept me hooked up to machines and oxygen. They had me wait there for 2 hours while they observed me, out of concern that I may flare up again after the drugs wore off some. But I was okay, in fact, all of it was so exhausting, plus some of the drugs make you drowsy, that I slept most of the time at the hospital. Then walked home, the hospital is only like 3 blocks away from my house.
Boy was it scary though. It's not comforting to know that I may have some unknown allergy that can react that quickly. Usually if it's angora, I have hives or itch at the point of contact, but I didn't have any of that. Plus, this time, I went into a coughing fit right before my airway started to close. I have a follow up appointment Tuesday with my normal doctor and to get another prescription for an epi-pen.
My husband has told me that I need to go get an allergy test. I have been avoiding doing this like the plague. Why you ask? One, I don't want to experience that un-pleasantry. Secondly, I already hate having as many allergies that I know I have. . . I don't really want to know that I am even worse. I apologize to others with allergies, as this is not meant as an insult to you . . . but doesn't it just get on your nerves some times that your body tries to kill you over stupid things all the time!?!?!? Well, I definitely find it annoying. But the fear of this potential unknown allergy that acts this quick is just too scary, so I will get the stupid allergy test if my doctor thinks I should.
Unfortunately, I scared the crap out of my co-workers and was banned from coming into the mandatory overtime today. Which in a way is good, because I am still pretty exhausted today, even after sleeping for 11 hours last night. But is bad, because now I will just be that much more behind on all my work! Plus, I have to miss Tuesday for my doctors appointment. Ah, such is life!
I hope all of you had a better start to your weekend! :)
I wasn't even able to do my epi-pen myself, due to being on the verge of passing out, so someone at work had to do it for me. My airway started opening back up and I was feeling better. First responders showed up and had a hard time finding a pulse. . . always a comfort. Then the Ambulance showed up and they said I was still too shaky and needed to go to the hospital. In the ambulance waiting to leave, my allergic reaction flared back up and they gave me medicine mixed with the oxygen they were already giving me. It wasn't helping enough, so they gave me something else and steroids, still not helping fast enough. I ended up having like a panic attack because I could barely get any air. The medic in the back with me had to call a doctor and see if it was okay to give me some amount of Benadryl also. Shortly after I had the Benadryl things started feeling better. Things slowly got better after that. By the time we were at the hospital I was mostly okay. They gave me another drug and kept me hooked up to machines and oxygen. They had me wait there for 2 hours while they observed me, out of concern that I may flare up again after the drugs wore off some. But I was okay, in fact, all of it was so exhausting, plus some of the drugs make you drowsy, that I slept most of the time at the hospital. Then walked home, the hospital is only like 3 blocks away from my house.
Boy was it scary though. It's not comforting to know that I may have some unknown allergy that can react that quickly. Usually if it's angora, I have hives or itch at the point of contact, but I didn't have any of that. Plus, this time, I went into a coughing fit right before my airway started to close. I have a follow up appointment Tuesday with my normal doctor and to get another prescription for an epi-pen.
My husband has told me that I need to go get an allergy test. I have been avoiding doing this like the plague. Why you ask? One, I don't want to experience that un-pleasantry. Secondly, I already hate having as many allergies that I know I have. . . I don't really want to know that I am even worse. I apologize to others with allergies, as this is not meant as an insult to you . . . but doesn't it just get on your nerves some times that your body tries to kill you over stupid things all the time!?!?!? Well, I definitely find it annoying. But the fear of this potential unknown allergy that acts this quick is just too scary, so I will get the stupid allergy test if my doctor thinks I should.
Unfortunately, I scared the crap out of my co-workers and was banned from coming into the mandatory overtime today. Which in a way is good, because I am still pretty exhausted today, even after sleeping for 11 hours last night. But is bad, because now I will just be that much more behind on all my work! Plus, I have to miss Tuesday for my doctors appointment. Ah, such is life!
I hope all of you had a better start to your weekend! :)
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Sushi
My adventures in Sushi rolls has taught me many useful lessons in just on night. First, look at the pretty sushi that turned out, then we will talk about the opportunities for improvement.
Here are my very first two sushi rolls. Rice, seaweed sheets, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, and crab mixture(canned crab, light hellman's mayo, and sweet chili sauce)
Here with the seaweed on the outside.
And here with the seaweed on the inside and sesame seeds on the outside.
I think they look pretty enough and they taste good, but definitely plenty of room for improvement.
Lessons learned:
1. Canned crab is not worth it! Picking out little pieces of shell just a waste of time, next time will be shrimp.
2. Because I waited too long to make my sushi, my avocados and cucumber had gone bad!
3. The rice was easier to make than I expected.
4. I need more practice.
Will keep you updated on the Sushi adventures, as I have many ideas. For New Years Eve I had ordered out my Sushi and had a grilled beef and mushroom sushi roll that was super yummy! Now that I now it's not too hard, I can plan better in the future.
Any ideas or recommendations?
Here with the seaweed on the outside.
And here with the seaweed on the inside and sesame seeds on the outside.
I think they look pretty enough and they taste good, but definitely plenty of room for improvement.
Lessons learned:
1. Canned crab is not worth it! Picking out little pieces of shell just a waste of time, next time will be shrimp.
2. Because I waited too long to make my sushi, my avocados and cucumber had gone bad!
3. The rice was easier to make than I expected.
4. I need more practice.
Will keep you updated on the Sushi adventures, as I have many ideas. For New Years Eve I had ordered out my Sushi and had a grilled beef and mushroom sushi roll that was super yummy! Now that I now it's not too hard, I can plan better in the future.
Any ideas or recommendations?
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Tuesday Inspirations
Crafty Inspirations:
I, as a lot of others, love the Box Pouch as they are suitable for so many things, I would love to make some time this year to make myself some.
In this post their is a picture that says True Aran Knit Technique! I love it and never would have thought of doing it that way. The collar knit first, work out from the collar for the shoulder area, and then pick up stitches to do the front and back! Genius!
Bad Cat Designs always has wonderful projects and this Sugar Plum Fairy Winter 2012 Group looks so tempting! I so very much want to join, but don't think I'd have the time to finish it any time soon.
Garden Inspirations:
I love this theory of Square Foot Gardening. When I someday own a home. . .
Recipe Inspirations:
I love the sound of this gluten-free/meatless Moo Shu. I love mushrooms and this sounds delicious!
I've only had Kale a couple times, so I am a little weary in my ability to cook it. But this Sausage, Potato, and Kale Soup looks delicious and conceptually sounds good.
These Gluten Free Chocolate Dipped Mini Eclairs look absolutely delicious and decadent. You know you have to click over to look at them! I absolutely have to try these.
Also in the desert line of thinking, this Grain Free Chocolate Cake with Honeyed Ricotta looks super yummy!
My love of Mexican style food, never ends, these Entomatadas look delicious.
And if you are eating Mexican, you cannot forget the lovely Cheese Enchiladas.
Mexican finger food? That is definitely what these Tex-Mex Fried Pies fall into and boy do they sound yummy! If I find a good gluten free dough to use, I am so trying these!
I am definitely a corn dog kind of girl . . . I use to love them! Since this Corn Dog recipe uses a pancake mix as part of the flour, I am hoping I can try these and use Bisquick instead. I will admit that the cheese on a stick doesn't sound too bad either!
Monday, January 2, 2012
PIF Slippers
Also on the Pay It Forward crafty list are these Felted Slippers. Surprisingly quick knit, but took 7 washes to felt them to the appropriate size. I think I will keep my felting adventures until I own a washer and don't have to pay per load at the laundry mat! :)
Yarn: Jo-Ann Sensations Kashmira
Color: Green
Content: 100% felt-able wool
Needles: US 7 knitting needles, 3.5mm crochet hook
Pattern: Vintage Slippers
This was a test-knit and a Pay It Forward item at the same time. . . only because the test-knit worked. I do recommend the pattern as it makes a lovely slipper. I intend on making my own when she makes the pattern for the larger sizes.
I love how this yarn felted. It kept the stitch structure of the moss stitch.
The rolled edges are created very niftily, it seems more difficult that it is, it is definitely one of those patterns where you just have to trust the pattern and go with it.
Obviously they lack some structure without feet in them.
Unfortunately my other two Pay It Forward gifts are more behind. I am still working on them, I apologize to the other two recipients! :)
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Hello 2012!
Well, it is a new year. Yet another one where at least part of the population thinks the world will be coming to an end again! :) I have to say, this one is particularly humorous to me. If you truly think that a culture that couldn't predict the demise of their own culture had the power to determine when the entire world would end . . .
Any who, a new year, a new start . . . in theory right? I try to make changes through out the year, because let's face it, if you continually put it off until the new year, you are wasting a lot of opportunities. But when New Year rolls around, my mind gets even more into, what changes do I want to make . . . so I have New Year Goals, whether I believe in the principal of it or not.
I am trying this year to make them more realistic. I think that is usually the downfall of my goals. One often thinks they can achieve more than they will. I hope to have evolving goals that I will review and alter if needed each month.
So, I have two main goals:
1. Take better care of my health. This is the broad theory, broken down:
~ Really Gluten Free - I will eat out and eat things I know there might be contamination issues with, just to make it easier. Easier to eat out with my husband(who likes to eat out), not to inconvenience people, easier for myself, etc. Sometimes things go okay and sometimes I get really sick. So, for the month of January I will not be eating out. Everything I consume will be something that I know the parts that go into are gluten-free. To help me on this journey, I recently purchased 100 Best Gluten-Free Recipes by Carol Fenster and Gluten Free on a Shoestring: 125 Easy Recipes for Eating Well on the Cheap by Nicole Hunn. And a few months ago I purchased Gluten Free Asian Kitchen by Laura B. Russell. I will be learning to cook gluten free from home more. Trying out new recipes and learning more about the different flours and what I like and don't like.
In part to this or a deviation from this, I have learned in 2011 that I love the principal of Sushi. I only eat cooked meats in sushi, but still, love the principal and think it's a great way to work in more veggies. Tomorrow, I will be trying my hand at making my own Sushi inspired rolls.
~ Exercise/Fitness - I made some progress with this during different parts of 2011 and some setbacks, but more if it was in the positive. So, I am continuing with this, because I know it can work if I make time for it. So for the month of January, my goal is to exercise each day for at least 20 minutes. I have a few different exercises to vary things from day to day. My day often ends up feeling too long, so my goal is to wake up 20 minutes earlier and exercise before I head off to work.
2. Write up and publish a knitting pattern.
~Here my main goal is to get my butt moving on doing some designing stuff which I am very interested in. So for the month of January, my goal is to write up the pattern I used for the Vetter Baby Sweater from the notes I have scribbled in my notebook. Then in the next months I will do things like prepare the pattern in other sizes, etc.
Any who, a new year, a new start . . . in theory right? I try to make changes through out the year, because let's face it, if you continually put it off until the new year, you are wasting a lot of opportunities. But when New Year rolls around, my mind gets even more into, what changes do I want to make . . . so I have New Year Goals, whether I believe in the principal of it or not.
I am trying this year to make them more realistic. I think that is usually the downfall of my goals. One often thinks they can achieve more than they will. I hope to have evolving goals that I will review and alter if needed each month.
So, I have two main goals:
1. Take better care of my health. This is the broad theory, broken down:
~ Really Gluten Free - I will eat out and eat things I know there might be contamination issues with, just to make it easier. Easier to eat out with my husband(who likes to eat out), not to inconvenience people, easier for myself, etc. Sometimes things go okay and sometimes I get really sick. So, for the month of January I will not be eating out. Everything I consume will be something that I know the parts that go into are gluten-free. To help me on this journey, I recently purchased 100 Best Gluten-Free Recipes by Carol Fenster and Gluten Free on a Shoestring: 125 Easy Recipes for Eating Well on the Cheap by Nicole Hunn. And a few months ago I purchased Gluten Free Asian Kitchen by Laura B. Russell. I will be learning to cook gluten free from home more. Trying out new recipes and learning more about the different flours and what I like and don't like.
In part to this or a deviation from this, I have learned in 2011 that I love the principal of Sushi. I only eat cooked meats in sushi, but still, love the principal and think it's a great way to work in more veggies. Tomorrow, I will be trying my hand at making my own Sushi inspired rolls.
~ Exercise/Fitness - I made some progress with this during different parts of 2011 and some setbacks, but more if it was in the positive. So, I am continuing with this, because I know it can work if I make time for it. So for the month of January, my goal is to exercise each day for at least 20 minutes. I have a few different exercises to vary things from day to day. My day often ends up feeling too long, so my goal is to wake up 20 minutes earlier and exercise before I head off to work.
2. Write up and publish a knitting pattern.
~Here my main goal is to get my butt moving on doing some designing stuff which I am very interested in. So for the month of January, my goal is to write up the pattern I used for the Vetter Baby Sweater from the notes I have scribbled in my notebook. Then in the next months I will do things like prepare the pattern in other sizes, etc.
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