Sunday Inspirations

Other Inspirations:

So I currently make my own lotion type mixture with Coconut Oil, Aloe Vera, and Vitamin E Oil, but these Homemade Lotion Bars sound worth making.


Paleo Recipe Inspirations:

This Paleo Creamy Chicken Mushroom Roasted Cauliflower Soup has a long name and doesn't necessarily look appealing . . . but if you read it, it sounds good.

This looks a little wonky, but I am interested in try this Dairy-Free Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream.


I tried capers in a recipe recently and it makes me want to try this Chicken Salad Recipe because I really liked them.


Gluten Free Recipe Inspirations:

Iced Lemon Pound Cake sounds delicious with some yummy berries!


Chicken Zucchini Enchiladas with Creamy Green Chile Sauce looks delicious and I think if you used thin slice of zucchini instead of corn tortillas and coconut cream instead of yogurt, this could be yummy as a Paleo dish also!


Another dish that could easily be made Paleo by using Coconut Cream instead of heavy cream, this Creamy Slow Cooker Thyme Chicken looks delicious and sounds yummy.


It's hard to find a good crust that is Gluten Free or Paleo, but this Oat/Almond Crust sounds like it's worth trying.


I am not a huge jello fan, but want to try these Orange Cream Layered Jigglers and if I used coconut cream instead of regular cream, they could be Paleo.


Recipe Inspirations:

I plan on trying these Curried Beef Dumplings without the Wonton Wrappers, because I think the seasoning for the meat sounds delicious!


This Homemade Oreos with Peanut Butter is most definitely not Paleo or Gluten-Free, but it sounds sinfully delicious!


I used to love the creaminess of Velveeta, which makes me want to try this recipe for Homemade Velveeta Cheese.


I just drool over the thought of this Lemon Lush!


This Carrot Cake Fudge is obviously extremely indulgent, but sounds interesting . . . plus, I love carrot cake!

Sunday Inspirations

Recipe Inspirations:

This Coconut Curry Shrimp sounds delicious!!


I haven't had much luck . . . well, none really, none at all . . . with homemade tomato sauces. Fortunately this Roasted Tomato Sauce makes me want to try again.


I love cooking in the crockpot and think I might be splurging on one that has a timer, so I can actually use it while I am at work. This recipe for Sesame Honey Chicken sounds worth trying when I get it!


Some of the things I love about finding good Paleo recipes, is that most of them seem so simple, you wonder why you didn't think of it yourself! These Bacon Wrapped Spicy Chicken Poppers fall directly into that 'doh!' category!


Snickerdoodles used to be my favorite cookies, back in the day of gluten. Which means these Paleo-Friendly Snickerdoodles sound like they are worth a try!


The mango salsa is neither here nor there, but the Asian Shrimp in this recipe sound delicious!


I am a fan of Flourless Chocolate Cake, which makes these Flourless Chocolate Chip Cookies sound so very, very tempting!

Paleo to Whole 30

My sister, Rhoni, and her family are going to do the Whole 30 in April. I am going to do it also, Whole 30 is really not that different from Paleo, just more strict. I am hoping this will rejuvenate some of my feeling about eating this way.

Starting Monday, I am going on a "trial run" to kind of ease myself into it before April 1st. My downfall with Paleo always is my level of preparedness . . . or more accurately, my lack of it. So today I went through and made a "tentative" schedule of food I am going to make and in what cookbooks I need to find the recipe, if applicable. I may end up substituting some where along the line, as this may be a little over ambitious, but at least I have something to work from.

Part of meal that I am using a recipe for is starred and at end will list cookbook. The two cookbooks I am focusing from are Caveman Feast, which is a nice book, but you have to register and can only purchase it from that site which I view as a downside, the other book is 500 Paleo Recipes of which I recommend in general, whether you are Paleo or not.



March 25th - March 31st (Trial Week)
Monday - *Bacon Wrapped Chicken with Spicy Relish* (Caveman Feast)
Tuesday - Grilled Pork w/ Roasted Cauliflower and *Cucumber Salad* with tomatoes and radishes (Caveman Feast)
Wednesday - Chicken Fajitas w/ *Spicy Avocado Hummus* (Caveman Feast)
Thursday - Roasted Chicken w/ Roasted Beets, Asparagus, and Green beans
Friday - *Eggs Benedict w/ Ham* (Caveman Feast)
Saturday - Eggplant and Chicken Rollatini with Broccoli
Sunday - Lemon Pepper Fish w/ *Creamed Spinach* and Roasted Cauliflower (500 Pale Recipes)


April 1st - April 7th
Monday - Roasted Chicken, Roasted Asparagus, and *Grilled Peaches/Pears* (Caveman Feast)
Tuesday - Monterey Chicken w/ Roasted Cauliflower and Peas (BBQ Sauce from Caveman Feast)
Wednesday - Meatloaf w/ Green Beans and Roasted Brussel Sprouts (Ketchup from Caveman Feast)
Thursday - BBQ Pork w/ *Classic Coleslaw* (500 Paleo Recipes)
Friday - *Breakfast sausage* w/ scrambled eggs (Caveman Feast)
Saturday - Grilled Pork w/ *Lime Habanero Balsamic Dressing* w/ Broccoli (500 Paleo Recipes)
Sunday - *Orange Fennel Salmon* w/ Roasted Veggies (500 Paleo Recipes)


April 8th - April 14th
Monday - *Sweet Potato Pasta* w/ peas and Roast (Caveman Feast)
Tuesday - Grilled Chicken w/ Garlic beans, bacon, and broccoli
Wednesday - Chicken pasta w/ bacon and *Cocktail Sauce* w/ Zucchini Noodles (500 Paleo Recipes)
Thursday - *Fish in Creamy Curry Sauce* with Cauliflower Rice (500 Paleo Recipes)
Friday - *Coconut Pancakes w/ Raspberry Reduction* (Caveman Feast)
Saturday - Grilled Pork w/ Roasted Asparagus and Cauliflower
Sunday - *Dill Sauce* over Chicken with Broccoli and Zucchini (500 Paleo Recipe)


April 15th - April 21st
Monday - Roast w/ tomatoes and capers over Cauliflower Rice
Tuesday - *Orange Ginger Chicken Stir Fry* w/ Sauteed Cabbage (500 Paleo Recipes)
Wednesday - Grille Pork w/ *BBQ Bacon Asparagus* (Caveman Feast)
Thursday - Ham and Zucchini Omelets
Friday - Lemon Pepper Fish w/ Broccoli and *Hollandaise Sauce* (Caveman Feast)
Saturday - Eggplant and Bacon Rollatini with Spinach
Sunday - Asian Shrimp, Cashew, and Pineapple over Cauliflower Rice


April 22nd - April 28th
Monday - *Creamy Chipotle Beef* w/ Zucchini Noodles (500 Paleo Recipes)
Tuesday - Grilled Chicken, Asparagus, and Green Beans
Wednesday - *Sweet and Sour Chicken* with Cauliflower Rice (500 Paleo Recipes)
Thursday - Pork Rolls w/ Spinach and *Lemon Anchovy Sauce* w/Roasted Cauliflower (500 Paleo Recipes)
Friday - Grilled Pork and Roasted Veggies
Saturday - *Guatalote en Mole Pablano* (500 Paleo Recipes)
Sunday - Fish *Chermoula* w/ Roasted Veggies (500 Paleo Recipes)


April 29th - May 5th
Monday - Fried Pork w/ *crush pork rind crust* w/ Roasted Cauliflower and Peas (500 Paleo Recipes)
Tuesday - Grilled Chicken w/ *Celeriac Puree* and Asparagus (500 Paleo Recipes)
Wednesday - Portabellas stuffed with Pesto and Sausage
Thursday - Fried fish w/ Tomatoes, Capers, and Zucchini
Friday - *Lemon Glazed* Broccoli, Chicken, and Bacon (500 Paleo Recipes)
Saturday - *Paleo Joes* w/ Roasted Asparagus and Celery Root (500 Paleo Recipes)
Sunday - *Egg Drop Soup* (500 Paleo Recipes)

Sunday Inspirations

Recipe Inspirations:

Does one need to say anything more than Avocado Butter???


I liked the fried celery root I had, so I would be interested in trying this Celery Root Mash. Maybe as the topping instead of mashed potatoes in potato pot pies?


Ah, I do miss me some Cinnamon Swirl Bread. Mmmm.


These Caramelized Coconut Chips sound interesting!


These Pan De Yuca rolls look delicious soft and yummy! I've never had anything, at least to my knowledge made of only tapioca flour.


Orange Poppy Seed Dressing sound interesting too!


Hmm, Gluten Free Mrs. Fields Chocolate Chip Cookies . . . not paleo, but look delicious.


I miss pierogies, so these Gluten Free Potato Pierogies sound tempting!


Do you want something super indulgent? Smores Rice Crispy Treat Bark!!!

New Knitty

Not a review, just mentioning what patterns I like in the new Knitty.


Steps Shawl - - I do not think I would have the patience to actually knit this, but I LOVE the texture in it!


Etherial Tank - - I love the look of this and may knit this for my niece, Justice.


Easy as Pie Blanket - - Ah, I so want to knit this!!


Dressy Socks - - I find the sole of these very interesting!


Shore Thing Tank - - I really like this, except for the little ties in the front.


Buttonbox Vest - - I will definitely be knitting this!


Slipstream Socks - - Love the texture and will be making a pair of these for myself!


Have you seen the new Knitty? Anything you like?

Sunday Inspiration

Knitting Inspiration:

I knitted my nephew, Liam, a sweater vest in intarsia . . . boy was that harder than I expected, but I am also thinking about knitting him this Pacific Boy Vest also.




Recipe Inspirations:

So, I love the theory of recipes like this Italian Stuffed Cabbage . . . except without the bread and I was wondering if anyone had ever tried something similar but in a white sauce? My tummy isn't doing so well with lots of tomatoes.


These Baked Brownies just sound so yummy . . . maybe I'll get around to making gluten-free ones.


Or maybe these Deep Dish Hot Fudge Brownie Sundaes?


Or maybe these Coconut Oil Chocolate Treats?


Who thinks I am craving a little chocolate? Cause this Flourless Chocolate Cake sounds tempting too.


A simple soup, like thisAsian Spiced Mushroom Soup sound tasty, minus the diakon . . . ugh, taste too much like carrots, not a fan.


Maybe craving Asian food too? Or maybe just something sweet and then something salty? Like this Chinese Egg Drop Soup.

Sunday Inspirations

Recipe Inspirations:

These Pizza Twists look yummy. I'm sure there is a way to make these gluten-free . . . maybe with some Chibi bread stick mix.


Hmm, Homemade Chocolate . . . that would be super nifty to make my own chocolate.


A lot Paleo recipes recommend Ghee, so this Homemade Ghee recipe looks like it could be beneficial and not very difficult.


When I was out in Washington State last summer, my sister taught me how to make homemade butter and it was awesome. I have been watching things about making homemade cheese, so this post about 4 things you can do with a single gallon of milk, I find very intriguing and would like to try this.

33 in 33 Goals

February was unfortunately not a good month for me. I was a bit depressed and didn't try hard enough to push myself out of it and therefor, stayed that way most of the month.  Spent way too much of the month stressed and unhealthy, which gave me hives for about 2 weeks in a row.

So on the first of each month, I wanted to revisit my 33 in 33 things to see what, if any progress I was making. Not only to keep myself accountable, but also to kind of pat myself on the back . . . both I think are needed for me to succeed.


So here is my list of things to try/work on/accomplish in no specific order:

1. Spin a sweaters worth of yarn. - I purchased 12oz so far of a lovely roving that I would love to spin and knit into a sweater for myself. - No progress on this, I am still working on the roving that is currently on my wheel.

2. Start knitting a sweater with hand-spun yarn. - See #1.

3. Take 30 minutes a day to either exercise/meditate. - This was even less successful than January.

4. Attend the church next door at least twice. - I am missing lately the feeling of community and the church is a Unitarian Church, so they accept people of any belief, so I want to go and see if it's somewhere I might feel like I belong. - Not yet.

5. Have an allowance, no more that $50 per month, while saving for a house. - Did well with this.

6. Try making my own triangle shawl design. - I am finding that this winter season I am really preferring shawls over scarves due to bulk issues. - I haven't made much progress on this since January.

7. Design a sweater for Eleanor based on the Bobba Hat. - have not started the design.

8. Knit a sweater/top for Justice. - thinking about a cabled smooshy sweater - have not started yet

9. Knit a sweater/top for Vera. - thinking about a lovely summery top - Finished this top and will be sending it out for her birthday.

10. Knit a sweater/top for Liam. - vest or dressy/nerdy looking sweater for a classy little young man - have started an intarsia argyle vest for him.

11. Sew Rhoni and Eleanor's birthday gifts. - special request from Rhoni, have I mentioned how much I love requests. - these are finished and will be mailed of late this weekend with Eleanor's other gift.

12. Sew Echo, Justice, and Vera a version of these also for a Mother's Day gift for Echo. - haven't started these, still plenty of time

13. Sew myself a version of this also, as I think it would be nifty. - not started yet.

14 - 17. Knit double-knit Seahawks/Mariners cowls for Echo, Justice, Vera, and Rhoni. - I won't be starting this till about Spring or Summer

18. Knit Eleanor some nifty socks. - not yet

19. Knit Jacob's socks by Valentine's Day. - Finished these just in time.

20. Fix loom so I can actually use it. - Still at its 80% fixed from January.

21. I want 2013 to be the Year of Swatching for me. - I would like to knit more swatches just for the sake of swatching to create ideas, to try new stitch designs, etc. - this hasn't made any progress

22. Take the time to eat healthy. - I haven't been doing so well this end of the year and have gained some of my weight back and in general felt blah. - I am working myself back on track to Paleo . . . maybe the only area I made decent progress.

23. Try more variety for Wookie's homemade food and make batches big enough to freeze. - We have gone to homemade food supplemented with some kibble. - this is going well and Wookie is eating much healthier and seems to be feeling better

24. Knit Dark and Stormy sweater along with Knitting Samurai Plus 1 Group. - Another attempt to bring myself into more "community" type activities. Plus it just looks like a nifty sweater. - Frogged, didn't like knitting the sweater or how it was turning out.

25. Try more experimenting in cooking, especially Paleo cooking and Gluten-Free baking. - Not so much here.

26. Try dyeing the cotton/linen yarn I have so that I will actually use it. - haven't tried this, probably won't happen until Summer when it is warmer for drying purposes

27. Knit John a pair of Birthday Socks in the Alda Road Socks pattern with the Stellar colorway from Apothecary Yarns. - I have started these, I am doing the toes, heels, and cuffs a different color to make sure I have enough. I love how they are turning out, but I decided to do plan stockinette.

28. This summer try taking Wookie out with the bicycle. - I purchased last summer one of the kids buggies that go behind the bike for him, so I could ride my bike to the dog park with him, but never did it this year. - Summer time

29. Buy one of the Petite Turkish Spindles from Riley Wood and Fiber Art. - Love the look of his Petite Spindles and I don't have to have it Internationally Shipped! - not yet

30. Finish Eleanor's Blanket that I started before she was born. - Yes, it has sat 80% finished for the last almost 2 years. - have not restarted this yet

31. Finish Vera's Blanket that I started before she was born. - Yes, I started it 4 years ago . . . I would like to finish it, it's about 70% complete. I have a harder time finishing things when they are no longer travel size! - Will get back to this soon.

32. Accept that knitting or crafting does not always have to have a recipient, sometimes it's just nice to make something. - I actually made some time for this, not until the end of the month, but still, I did make time to just learn knew techniques or just make something.

33. Experiment with life more.- Eating out less give the husband and I more time to spend together, which is nice. I am considering purchasing Jillian Michaels Body Revolution. I love Jillian's style.