Anyone that knows me knows that I am a big nerd and love all things food. My idea of a good time is going to the Whole Foods in downtown Austin or visiting the local food trucks and farmers market. I am also a lover of blogs. I happened to stumble across a friend's blog by accident and while reading, I saw a link on the side of her page that was called "Foodie Penpals." When you click on the link, it takes you to another blog The Lean Green Bean. Being the nerd that I am, I got so excited by what I read.
Foodie Penpals is exactly that. You get matched with a person to send a foodie package to and someone different gets matched to send a package to you. I signed up immediately and anxiously waited to see who I got matched with. The match list is sent on the 5th of the month. I couldn't believe how many people were participating and not only in the U.S., but also in Canada, United Kingdom, and Europe. If you live in the U.S. you get matched with someone in the U.S.
Not 5 minutes after I received my match, I emailed her right away. To not get kicked out of the program you have some rules to follow. You must email your match within 3 days to find out their likes, dislikes, allergies, diet restrictions, etc. Then you have to mail your package by the 15th of the month and the spending limit is $15.
I must say that I really enjoyed the process of getting to know the ladies I was matched with. I sent a package to a woman who also lives in Texas so I decided to get her some Mexican chocolate, tomatillo salsa and some Beanitos chips (much healthier than tortilla chips). We ended up having a lot in common and she loved everything I had sent. A woman from New Hampshire sent me a package and I was so excited when it arrived. She sent me organic cookies, fruit chews, Lara Bars, and the best thing of all: Coconut Sugar! I can't wait to try it.
I plan on signing up again for the month of October. If you are interested in the program you can click on the link above or on the icon on my blog page. If you participate, let me know what you think!
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Monday, October 1, 2012
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Cheeseburger in Paradise
Mmmm cheeseburgers. I could go for one of those any day of the week, but I haven't been eating many of those lately.
I have always had a healthy obsesion with food and nutrition but I also have a sweet tooth and love comfort food as much as the next person. Ever since I had Lil Miss, I knew I wanted to give her the best that I could. She is a year old now and eating a lot more than just pureed peas and carrots. She grabs for whatever I have on my plate or sees me eating so I want to start being a little more creative in her food choices.
I bought the book HAPPYBABY: The Organic Guide to Baby's First 24 Months a while back and I almost forgot about it until the other day. I looked at it when Lil Miss was first starting solids and it gave a lot of helpful information about what foods to try them out on. Now that I am needing some meal ideas, I turned back to it. The most stress I have had as a new mother is making sure my kid is eating enough, growing properly, and getting the nutrition she needs.
I was appalled at the last check up Lil Miss had when the pediatrician handed me a list of high calorie foods for toddlers. The list contained everything from mayonaise to milkshakes and doughnuts. I understand the fat needs for growing toddlers, but what about all the good sources of fat? Is that not enough? The doctor also had no idea what hemp milk was. I am beginning to think that doctors are still prehistoric when it comes to nutrition.
In the end, I will stick to my guns and do what I feel is best for my child. I will go along with her routine check ups but I feel that healthy habits should be created now and not down the road. I'm off to find some new recipes to try out. I'll be sure to share what I find!
I have always had a healthy obsesion with food and nutrition but I also have a sweet tooth and love comfort food as much as the next person. Ever since I had Lil Miss, I knew I wanted to give her the best that I could. She is a year old now and eating a lot more than just pureed peas and carrots. She grabs for whatever I have on my plate or sees me eating so I want to start being a little more creative in her food choices.
I bought the book HAPPYBABY: The Organic Guide to Baby's First 24 Months a while back and I almost forgot about it until the other day. I looked at it when Lil Miss was first starting solids and it gave a lot of helpful information about what foods to try them out on. Now that I am needing some meal ideas, I turned back to it. The most stress I have had as a new mother is making sure my kid is eating enough, growing properly, and getting the nutrition she needs.
I was appalled at the last check up Lil Miss had when the pediatrician handed me a list of high calorie foods for toddlers. The list contained everything from mayonaise to milkshakes and doughnuts. I understand the fat needs for growing toddlers, but what about all the good sources of fat? Is that not enough? The doctor also had no idea what hemp milk was. I am beginning to think that doctors are still prehistoric when it comes to nutrition.
In the end, I will stick to my guns and do what I feel is best for my child. I will go along with her routine check ups but I feel that healthy habits should be created now and not down the road. I'm off to find some new recipes to try out. I'll be sure to share what I find!
Monday, July 9, 2012
Times They Are A Changin'
I must write more. I must write more. I must write more.
I can't believe it has been two months! I am so ashamed of myself. Especially since I have had so much to blog about.
I started a post a while back but I obviously got distracted. Of course I had to talk about the awesome Black Keys and the show I went to. This time I was at Frank Erwin Center, a good size arena. I was fortunate enough to have Mr. G's tour buddy hook me up with awesome seats so I took my friend Y. We got to sit nice and close to the stage so the show was extra loud. Nothing beats a deafening concert in my book. I wasn't too familiar with The Black Keys before the show, just what I have heard on the radio. All in all I loved all of their stuff and it prompted me to get on the hunt for all of their music. If I haven't mentioned before, i can become quite obsessed with a band and their music. Not the stalker, psycho fan that goes to all of their shows and waits for them at hotel rooms. No thanks. But I get very into songs and lyrics and like to expose myself to an entire body of work, even if it was only one song that atrracted me to them in the first place. An education as I like to call it. We didn't stay for the finale, but the main part of the show was well worth it.
Other than that, life has been pretty hectic. Mr. G has been out on tour quite a bit so far this year. He is on a tad bit of a break now but we are adjusting to life with my family just having moved down to Texas. It's an adjustment as we are not used to having people around all the time, especially an almost 3 year old. I must say though, Little S and Miss O have certainly taken a liking to each other. It's hilarious to see my 10 month old just crack up and her 3 year old cousin. Mr. G will be back on the road soon so my priority right now is trying to spend as much quailty time with him and my girl as possible.
I've also started writing down some monthly short term goals, mostly related to nutrition and fitness. I am really trying to make this a priority in my life. I recerntly had a checkup with my primary and I was amazed at how much my blood work has improved since a few years ago. I have such a bad family health history and I am turning 30 this year. I told myself that my 20's were my time of indulgence. Now that I am turning 30 this year, I need to get my act together. I'm going to take it one month at a time and change my goals monthly and create new challenges for myself. As hectic as my life may be juggling a 10 month old, a husband that tours for a living, family members being around, and working full time, I need to do this for myself and for my daughter. I'll keep you posted on my journey.
I can't believe it has been two months! I am so ashamed of myself. Especially since I have had so much to blog about.
I started a post a while back but I obviously got distracted. Of course I had to talk about the awesome Black Keys and the show I went to. This time I was at Frank Erwin Center, a good size arena. I was fortunate enough to have Mr. G's tour buddy hook me up with awesome seats so I took my friend Y. We got to sit nice and close to the stage so the show was extra loud. Nothing beats a deafening concert in my book. I wasn't too familiar with The Black Keys before the show, just what I have heard on the radio. All in all I loved all of their stuff and it prompted me to get on the hunt for all of their music. If I haven't mentioned before, i can become quite obsessed with a band and their music. Not the stalker, psycho fan that goes to all of their shows and waits for them at hotel rooms. No thanks. But I get very into songs and lyrics and like to expose myself to an entire body of work, even if it was only one song that atrracted me to them in the first place. An education as I like to call it. We didn't stay for the finale, but the main part of the show was well worth it.
Other than that, life has been pretty hectic. Mr. G has been out on tour quite a bit so far this year. He is on a tad bit of a break now but we are adjusting to life with my family just having moved down to Texas. It's an adjustment as we are not used to having people around all the time, especially an almost 3 year old. I must say though, Little S and Miss O have certainly taken a liking to each other. It's hilarious to see my 10 month old just crack up and her 3 year old cousin. Mr. G will be back on the road soon so my priority right now is trying to spend as much quailty time with him and my girl as possible.
I've also started writing down some monthly short term goals, mostly related to nutrition and fitness. I am really trying to make this a priority in my life. I recerntly had a checkup with my primary and I was amazed at how much my blood work has improved since a few years ago. I have such a bad family health history and I am turning 30 this year. I told myself that my 20's were my time of indulgence. Now that I am turning 30 this year, I need to get my act together. I'm going to take it one month at a time and change my goals monthly and create new challenges for myself. As hectic as my life may be juggling a 10 month old, a husband that tours for a living, family members being around, and working full time, I need to do this for myself and for my daughter. I'll keep you posted on my journey.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
In the summer time...
It has come to my attention that as soon as I think of something to write about I need to stop what I am doing and just write. Regardless of where I am. If I don't, I completely lose my train of thought when I do have the opportunity to write. Like now. Perfect example. Good thing I do jot down ideas as they come to me. Travel is on the brain today.
Mr. G has invited Sophie and I out to Los Angeles for a Memorial Day weekend getaway. Normally, I would immediately get on the computer and start looking at flights. Now, I panicked. Me, take an 8 month old baby on a plane? By myself? No effing way man. I started having visions of my very particular baby having a complete fit having to stay on my lap for a 3 hour flight. A baby that wants to move constantly. A baby that doesn't want to sleep anywhere but her crib. So needless to say, I convinced Mr. G to come home that weekend. As much as I love traveling and felt the need for a weekend getaway, I am just not ready to venture out with my little one by myself just yet. It worked out quite beautifully though, since Mr. G's work friend will be in town that same weekend. Ah, but I would have loved to have taken a trip to California, a place I have yet to visit.
What I do have planned is a lovely little vacation in Surfside Beach, Texas at some point this summer. Whenever Mr. G has the time really. Luckily, in Texas, we have an extended summer. He is home right now for a week and I know the time is going to fly. We did, however, make it through the long part of him being away, which was about 5 weeks. It must have been crazy for him to come home to an older baby that now has teeth and is starting to crawl. My mission is to keep him involved in as much as possible, even while on tour. Thank goodness for email, cameras, and SKYPE. Don't know what we would do without modern technology. Until next time.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Lunatic Fringe
Wow, I am actually sitting at the computer right now typing. It's been awhile, and as you can tell by my lack of posting, I have been busy. Work, my 7 month old, and trying to squeeze in some daily me time has left me exhausted and only wanting sleep. But not tonight. I am here to tell you about the latest.
1. My darling little Sophie just turned 7 months and has cut her first tooth. The whole teething thing has completely freaked me out. Just the mere thought of a tooth coming up through my little ones gum is quite weird. As far as I can tell, she has not experienced much discomfort. Thank goodness, because a cranky baby equals a cranky mommy and we don't need any of that now do we?
2. Mr. G, being the great hubby that he is, let me make a rather substantial purchase recently. I have been wanting a new camera for a while and I finally took the plunge and bought a DSLR. So far it has been amazing and even with my lack of knowledge of this new beast, I'm taking decent pictures. I can only imagine what I will be able to do once I get some real schooling on the thing.
3. Adjusting. Again. To life with Mr. G on the road and me adapting to life without him for a few weeks. It's been two weeks and so far so good. I have been so busy going to work all day and then coming home to a busy baby that I don't have time to worry about much else. It's been a nice break knowing that everything is going well on the home front and on the road. I have to admit that being in a relationship with someone who travels for a living has had its rough moments. In the end, I am so proud of the two of us and how much we have overcome. It takes special people to do what we do, and actually make it work. Kudos to us.
4. Work, work, work. It's consuming my life. As much as I love the fact that I can provide for my family financially, I feel there is something missing. All I can think about throughout the day is: I wonder what Sophie is doing. I can't wait to get some sleep tonight. I wish I could spend all day reading my favorite online blogs. I wish I could take some pictures. I wish I was home cooking/baking. I wish I was doing anything but sitting here at my desk at work. I can't wait to get the hell out of work. It's a shame really. Allowing something you don't necessarily enjoy, completely control your life. I try not to be too negative because I do not want it to come back and bite me is the bum, but you get what I'm saying. I know, I know...If I don't like something then change it. I'm really trying to figure out myself and what I'd like to do with my time. I'll keep you updated on how that's going.
Of course there has been some fun stuff in there, but I will save that for another post...Until then!
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
In Need of a Chocolate Fix?
Even since I became pregnant, I have enjoyed chocolate more than I probably should. So if you are like me, try these awesome vegan chocolate cookies! I have made them twice now because they are both delicious and addicting. I have even added shredded coconut which is a nice addition. Added bonus: they are super easy to make. Even the non vegans will love them. Enjoy!
Ingredients:
2 cups all purpose flour
2/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2/3 cup canola oil
1 1/2 cups sugar
4 tsp ground falx seeds (just realized I've been using TBS not tsp and they come out just fine)
1/2 cup non dairy milk (So Delicious brand coconut milk is my favorite)
1 tbs vanilla
3/4 cup vegan chocolate chips
3/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
3/4 cup shredded coconut (optional)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Mix together oil, sugar, flax seeds and non dairy milk
Add flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt
Mix until just combined.
Add chips and other additions until just combined.
Dough will be slighly oily but thats ok.
Using a small melon baller, roll dough into balls and place on greased cookie sheet. On a small sheet I can fit 12 cookies.
Bake 10 min exactly so use a timer!
Let cool for 5 min and enjoy :)
Ingredients:
2 cups all purpose flour
2/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2/3 cup canola oil
1 1/2 cups sugar
4 tsp ground falx seeds (just realized I've been using TBS not tsp and they come out just fine)
1/2 cup non dairy milk (So Delicious brand coconut milk is my favorite)
1 tbs vanilla
3/4 cup vegan chocolate chips
3/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
3/4 cup shredded coconut (optional)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Mix together oil, sugar, flax seeds and non dairy milk
Add flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt
Mix until just combined.
Add chips and other additions until just combined.
Dough will be slighly oily but thats ok.
Using a small melon baller, roll dough into balls and place on greased cookie sheet. On a small sheet I can fit 12 cookies.
Bake 10 min exactly so use a timer!
Let cool for 5 min and enjoy :)
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