I saw this video posted on another blog and couldn't help but post it here too. Make sure you watch until the end. It gave me goosebumps. Without spoiling anything, they are indeed the exact same thing. I can't imagine living in a world where I couldn't be with Aaron or was judged every time that we appeared in public together. You love who you love. Love doesn't see man, women, black, white, asian, short or tall. Love sees only what makes you feel happy and whole. I believe love is a gift that everyone should be entitled too. This from a girl who lives in a state with people wanting to leave the union. Don't even get me started on that one!
Monday, November 19, 2012
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Following Nola's lead
Well, our little angry bird has decided that she no longer likes meat. I've gotten away with at least slipping some nitrite free ham onto a sandwich with some cheese for a little while, but now, when given a sandwich, she opens it up to inspects it before taking a bite. If there is meat there, she pulls it out and sits it to the side. Smart little cookie we have.
She's never been a huge meat fan, but she'd enjoy some turkey sausage in the morning with me and would eat ground turkey in spaghetti sauce and, of course, like most kids she liked hot dogs and the above mentioned sandwich meat. Funny thing, she's never liked a chicken a nugget. Possibly, because she's only had them about five times and three of those were Earth's Best nuggets at home. I've only bought them out twice and she wouldn't touch them. Who trusts meat in a nugget form, anyways?
I'm not too concerned with her diet choices. She gets tons of protein in with greek yogurt, quinoa, hummus, and, the ever popular kid choice, macaroni and cheese and all cheeses in general. I am going to mention it to the pediatrician when we go to her 18 month (can she really be almost 18 months old!?!?) appointment this month. I'm not sure what his reaction will be, since I told him in the beginning I hadn't planned on giving her any meat when she started eating table food. It's funny that she made the choice on her own.
Which brings me to the real reason behind this post, Aaron and I have made the decision to limit our meat intake for the time being, and then to eventually become vegetarians. We even may take it to the next level and go full out vegan.
We're eating what is left in our freezer and pantry because we aren't wasters and have also been making many vegetarian meals at home, as well, as choosing vegetarian meals while out. I was worried that I would feel deprived and crave meat, but the truth is, it's gotten easier and easier. Now, I've begun to feel bad, when I eat meat, but like I said, we aren't going to waste what we have already purchased.
So, how did we come to this epic decision? Really, it began with Food, Inc., when we began our healthier eating and organic adventure. We also have a night or two a week that involves no meat with meals on a regular basis, so we aren't huge meat eaters, but I'm not going to lie about my love of hamburgers, a good steak, and bacon.
Since Food, Inc, we have seen several documentaries about food and farming and have had this thought in the back of our minds for a while now. But watching Forks Over Knives, brought the thought around to the forefront, and then, we watched, Frankensteer, (shudder). There are no words for the later of the two. Needless to say, my love of beef was killed in the matter of minutes.
Now, I've encountered plenty of in-your-face vegetarians and heard about not eating things with a face or feelings, blah, blah, blah, and I won't be like that because those reasons are just silly to me, but I don't judge, so preach on. What I will say from a health prospective, please take a look at the documentaries. Be informed about what you put in your mouths and your bodies. At the very least, choose meat products that are hormone free and beef that is grass fed. Yes, the expense is crazy, but the expense on your health is even crazier.
Coming from a health field, where I see most people with hypertension, high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, not to mention on 10 or more pills daily and morbidly obese, on a daily basis, It is absolutely mind blowing to me that people can reverse diseases just with plant-based diet alone. I mean, reverse heart blockages without surgery. It's scientifically proven in Forks Over Knives. The documentary is based on research done in the book, The China Study. I am currently reading it and will have further thoughts on it when I finish it.
Believe what you want, but I honestly believe that the choices that the food industry makes for us are what will kill us in the end. Dramatic yes, but the truth, I think so. After all, we created Mad Cow and MSRA, not to mention most of the other animal born illnesses. All because we are a nation of I-want-it-now and our officials and industries are about making a buck without a thought to consequences. Convenience and greed do have a price. Unfortunately, we are the price.
We still haven't figured out a set plan or the logistics of this lifestyle change and I'm sure we'll have slips and have cravings, but I'm extremely happy about our decision and proud to have a husband that pushed for this and pretty much convinced me that it was the right thing to do. Now, can I please get a Whole Foods or Trader Joes, closer to me, please. I'll keep everyone, if there are any readers left, posted on our progress.
In the meantime, here are some resources that I have found to be helpful:
The Kind Diet by Alicia Silverstone. I'd like to punch her in the face for the way she writes, but the information and recipes are good.
Fresh. Another documentary that I just watched last night, which was really good.
Veganomincon by Isa Chandra Moskowitz and Terry Hope Romero. I haven't actually tried any of these recipes, but there seem to be so many good ones.
Vegan Cooking for Carnivores by Roberto Martin. Again, haven't actually tried any of these, but all the recipes seem amazing.
Blogs in blogland: Fitnessista, Oh She Glows, Daily Garnish, and The Thrifty Mama.
Restaurants: The Wild Cow and Phat Bites. There are so many more, but these are recent finds with absolutely delicious vegetarian options. Can I just say, that I am grateful to live in a state with such delicious food options. I really think that our restaurant industry is right up there with New York and Chicago. We have such great food all around us. The quinoa tacos at The Wild Cow knocked my socks off. I'm still thinking about them. The life salad at Phat Bites is still on my mind too.
She's never been a huge meat fan, but she'd enjoy some turkey sausage in the morning with me and would eat ground turkey in spaghetti sauce and, of course, like most kids she liked hot dogs and the above mentioned sandwich meat. Funny thing, she's never liked a chicken a nugget. Possibly, because she's only had them about five times and three of those were Earth's Best nuggets at home. I've only bought them out twice and she wouldn't touch them. Who trusts meat in a nugget form, anyways?
I'm not too concerned with her diet choices. She gets tons of protein in with greek yogurt, quinoa, hummus, and, the ever popular kid choice, macaroni and cheese and all cheeses in general. I am going to mention it to the pediatrician when we go to her 18 month (can she really be almost 18 months old!?!?) appointment this month. I'm not sure what his reaction will be, since I told him in the beginning I hadn't planned on giving her any meat when she started eating table food. It's funny that she made the choice on her own.
Which brings me to the real reason behind this post, Aaron and I have made the decision to limit our meat intake for the time being, and then to eventually become vegetarians. We even may take it to the next level and go full out vegan.
We're eating what is left in our freezer and pantry because we aren't wasters and have also been making many vegetarian meals at home, as well, as choosing vegetarian meals while out. I was worried that I would feel deprived and crave meat, but the truth is, it's gotten easier and easier. Now, I've begun to feel bad, when I eat meat, but like I said, we aren't going to waste what we have already purchased.
So, how did we come to this epic decision? Really, it began with Food, Inc., when we began our healthier eating and organic adventure. We also have a night or two a week that involves no meat with meals on a regular basis, so we aren't huge meat eaters, but I'm not going to lie about my love of hamburgers, a good steak, and bacon.
Since Food, Inc, we have seen several documentaries about food and farming and have had this thought in the back of our minds for a while now. But watching Forks Over Knives, brought the thought around to the forefront, and then, we watched, Frankensteer, (shudder). There are no words for the later of the two. Needless to say, my love of beef was killed in the matter of minutes.
Now, I've encountered plenty of in-your-face vegetarians and heard about not eating things with a face or feelings, blah, blah, blah, and I won't be like that because those reasons are just silly to me, but I don't judge, so preach on. What I will say from a health prospective, please take a look at the documentaries. Be informed about what you put in your mouths and your bodies. At the very least, choose meat products that are hormone free and beef that is grass fed. Yes, the expense is crazy, but the expense on your health is even crazier.
Coming from a health field, where I see most people with hypertension, high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, not to mention on 10 or more pills daily and morbidly obese, on a daily basis, It is absolutely mind blowing to me that people can reverse diseases just with plant-based diet alone. I mean, reverse heart blockages without surgery. It's scientifically proven in Forks Over Knives. The documentary is based on research done in the book, The China Study. I am currently reading it and will have further thoughts on it when I finish it.
Believe what you want, but I honestly believe that the choices that the food industry makes for us are what will kill us in the end. Dramatic yes, but the truth, I think so. After all, we created Mad Cow and MSRA, not to mention most of the other animal born illnesses. All because we are a nation of I-want-it-now and our officials and industries are about making a buck without a thought to consequences. Convenience and greed do have a price. Unfortunately, we are the price.
We still haven't figured out a set plan or the logistics of this lifestyle change and I'm sure we'll have slips and have cravings, but I'm extremely happy about our decision and proud to have a husband that pushed for this and pretty much convinced me that it was the right thing to do. Now, can I please get a Whole Foods or Trader Joes, closer to me, please. I'll keep everyone, if there are any readers left, posted on our progress.
In the meantime, here are some resources that I have found to be helpful:
The Kind Diet by Alicia Silverstone. I'd like to punch her in the face for the way she writes, but the information and recipes are good.
Fresh. Another documentary that I just watched last night, which was really good.
Veganomincon by Isa Chandra Moskowitz and Terry Hope Romero. I haven't actually tried any of these recipes, but there seem to be so many good ones.
Vegan Cooking for Carnivores by Roberto Martin. Again, haven't actually tried any of these, but all the recipes seem amazing.
Blogs in blogland: Fitnessista, Oh She Glows, Daily Garnish, and The Thrifty Mama.
Restaurants: The Wild Cow and Phat Bites. There are so many more, but these are recent finds with absolutely delicious vegetarian options. Can I just say, that I am grateful to live in a state with such delicious food options. I really think that our restaurant industry is right up there with New York and Chicago. We have such great food all around us. The quinoa tacos at The Wild Cow knocked my socks off. I'm still thinking about them. The life salad at Phat Bites is still on my mind too.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Where have I been?
The following are reasons that I have not blogged in months:
- There may be luggage in my floor still full of clothing from our trip to Florida in August. I should probably put that away before blogging. Um, I'm getting to it later today, pinky swear.
- This weather is gorgeous. How can you not be outside or doing something other that sitting in front of a computer?
- To be honest, I spent much of the first trimester of this pregnancy extremely exhausted. Nola pretty much destroyed the house as I laid on the couch, my bed, the floor, watching it all unfold, but too tired to get me butt up, unless danger was involved. Nola, please put that knife down. Just kidding, my friends...kind of. (For those of you that may not know, I am pregnant once again. Surprised, shocked, ecstatic, that was us. I'm 23 weeks, so we're used to the idea now and extremely excited to have a little boy join our family in January).
- Nola has spent a lot of the last two months sick. Thank you, daycare! From Roseolla with one morning of a 105 temp to croup to a lovely cold. Ugh, kids are gross. Not mine, of course, but the ones that are giving her their little cooties. It's like a snot fest every time I drop her off.
- Not that I'm blaming my sweet little girl, but she no longer sits still, not even for a second. How can one little person have so much energy in that tiny body. Not to mention, attitude. This kid is going to give us a hard road. I can see it already. Good news is, if we can keep her away from brat status, then I'm pretty sure that she'll handle her own when she's older. We won't have to worry about her being someone's stepping stone. Little girl likes things her way. More on that sweet faced little anger ball in another post though.
- I'm lazy lately. I have floors that need to be mopped, stacks of magazines that need to be read, tons of recipes that need to be cooked, the list could go on and on. I think I'm so overwhelmed with everything that I said, "To hell with it all!"
Sunday, April 8, 2012
You know you're old when
You get a stress fracture from working out. Yes, I'm in a lovely boot for I'm hoping just 4-6 weeks. I really hate this darn thing. Just when I try I start working out and getting back into my healthy groove, my bone becomes a jerk. It's been three weeks on Monday. I go for an xray this week to make sure everything is healing. Obviously, my bones know that I'm not 16, now if my face would figure that out and stop breaking out, that would be awesome!
Time is flying by
Did I seriously not post at all in March? How can that be? It's crazy how time seems to be in warp speed now. People kept telling me that once you have kids that it goes by so fast. Well, I believe them now. I don't know if it's because you're busier with them or they add extra things, but it's so true. My child is going to be one in a little over a month. How did that happen?
Lately, I've tried to spend more time living in the moment. It's hard for me. I have a constant list of what I need to be doing. I can't seem to stay on top of house work or really anything. I find myself staying up later and later trying to get everything done. I keep thinking that I will come up with some system that works for me and everything will get better. Well, it hasn't happened yet. So, I've said the heck with it on a few days and just spent hours playing in the floor with Nola. I mean, now that she's mobile, it's not like I can get a lot done anyways. It's more important for me to savor every moment with her because every day seems to fly by and I can't get this time back.
As the prospects for a second child looms closer and closer, I find myself clinging to this time with Nola. In a way, I want her to stay by herself for as long as possible, but I also know that I'm not getting any younger and that she will love having a playmate around. No, we're not trying now, but probably will at the end of this year. If God's willing, then we'll be granted another beautiful O baby.
Actually typing that out, made my heart beat speed up a little. I'm going to keep trying to figure things out and what to give up on and let go. Eventually, probably when they are off to school, I'll finally have a clean house, plans with friends, date nights, and a level head. Until then, I'm just wishing time would slow down just a little bit and that I will magically develop a photographic memory to remember every second of this time with Nola.
Lately, I've tried to spend more time living in the moment. It's hard for me. I have a constant list of what I need to be doing. I can't seem to stay on top of house work or really anything. I find myself staying up later and later trying to get everything done. I keep thinking that I will come up with some system that works for me and everything will get better. Well, it hasn't happened yet. So, I've said the heck with it on a few days and just spent hours playing in the floor with Nola. I mean, now that she's mobile, it's not like I can get a lot done anyways. It's more important for me to savor every moment with her because every day seems to fly by and I can't get this time back.
As the prospects for a second child looms closer and closer, I find myself clinging to this time with Nola. In a way, I want her to stay by herself for as long as possible, but I also know that I'm not getting any younger and that she will love having a playmate around. No, we're not trying now, but probably will at the end of this year. If God's willing, then we'll be granted another beautiful O baby.
Actually typing that out, made my heart beat speed up a little. I'm going to keep trying to figure things out and what to give up on and let go. Eventually, probably when they are off to school, I'll finally have a clean house, plans with friends, date nights, and a level head. Until then, I'm just wishing time would slow down just a little bit and that I will magically develop a photographic memory to remember every second of this time with Nola.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Lately...
Here are some pictures of things going on in our world. Ah, this kid. I love her so. Mr. O isn't half bad either. :)
sippy cup drinking
lots and lots of wanting to pull up and standing
chillin' in the morning
sweet texts from Mr. O
delicious food
a little crafting for the collage in the front room
Valentine's Day eating beets
moving and shaking things up
loving some bathtime (and trying to pull up in the bath tub)
Nola Vicious
Imma let you finish
I was nominated for an "Irresistibly Sweet Blog Award" from the always awesome Ashley. Check out her blog and then thank me for turning you on to her laugh-out-loud humor. Hmm, probably shouldn't talk about turning people on when nominated for an award with sweet in the title.
Anyways, my end of the deal is that I have to list 7 things about myself that you don't already know and nominate my own deserving and sweet friend's blogs. I wish everything was that easy in my life. Without further ado, here are the facts:
Anyways, my end of the deal is that I have to list 7 things about myself that you don't already know and nominate my own deserving and sweet friend's blogs. I wish everything was that easy in my life. Without further ado, here are the facts:
- I hate raisins with a passion. They are gross and make me cringe just thinking about them. My disdain is that intense.
- I love to look at what people have in their grocery carts. It's fascinating to me what people buy. You can tell a lot about a person from what is in their cart. It's like a little window into their lives.
- Don't get me wrong, before Aaron, I had branched out a lot. In fact, I think I've mentioned here before that I am way different from my southern style food upbringing and from my family in general. However, my lovely husband introduced me to good beer, eel sushi rolls, brussel sprouts, red wine, oranges (how to peel them) and many more things. Who knows? If I hadn't met Aaron, maybe I'd still be the girl who drinks Bud Ice (yes, I'm serious) with a limited pallet.
- If I could do anything in the world without the money being a factor, but still with having a job. I would open a cafe/coffee house/gift shop. It would be awesome, just so you know.
- I'm much more flattered when girls hit on me than guys. Let's be honest, we are way pickier. Aaron and I went out for dinner for my 24th birthday and I was hit on by our quite pretty waitress. Half way through the dinner, Aaron said something along the lines of, "I think our waitress is into you." Yeah, you think? I had known from the moment she started talking to me. Aaron might as well not have been there. It was hilarious. He was getting so mad and, I think, jealous. :)
- I'm a nerd in the fact, that if I find something or hear something that I don't already know, then I will always look it up. It bugs me when I don't know something. There is always room for learning in my world. Pocket protector wearers unite!
- I can draw blood and start IVs without a problem, but come at me with a needle, and I can't watch it break the skin. I just rather not see it. Other people, stick away.
- Esther at Everyday Eddy's. Esther's blog is full of updates on her family. Her blog is definitely sweet and deserving of an award.
- Misty at Misty's Rants and Raves. It's kind of cruel to even put this here. Why, you ask? Well, because her blog is set to private. Is her blog sweet? Well, if sweet means, awesome, then yes it is! I laugh out loud at just about all her posts. She says exactly what is on her mind and that is one of the reasons I love it and you would too.
- Julie at Mommy and Miles. Now, Julie, I know you just got nominated from Ashley too, so you don't have to do all the other things, but she's insanely funny and I love blogs written by new moms because I'm a new mom too. We can figure it out together.
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