Saturday, April 30, 2011
My Favorite Snack
So simple too. Just an avocado cut into cubes, strawberries cut into cubes and some fresh squeezed lime juice over top. It tastes like summer! It is a refreshing snack that also satisfies my sweet tooth!
You can throw some cilantro in to make a fruit salsa as well! And you can replace the strawberries with mangos, peaches or nectarines!
Friday, April 29, 2011
One Puppy Gone :(
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Agave Sweetened Chocolate Chunk Cookies
- 1 and 1/2 Cups Agave Nectar
- 4 Cups Almond Flour
- 1/2 Cup Margarine
- 2 Eggs
- 1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 tsp. Salt
- 1 tsp. Baking Soda
- 1 tsp. Baking Powder (
- 1 pkg. Chocolate Chips or Dark Chocolate Bar cut into chunks. OR BOTH!
Read more: How to Bake Agave Sweetened Chocolate Chip Cookies | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2319136_agave-sweetened-chocolate-chip-cookies.html#ixzz1KsmMU56u
I modified the recipe you find on eHow to match my diet, but I think it worked pretty good. The cookies are delicious. I used one dark chocolate bar cut into chucks, 1/2 of a 90% Cocoa bar cut into chunks, a cup of milk chocolate chips and a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips. The batter was still a little runny, so I think I might add another 1/2 -1 cup of almond flour next time. They sure do taste good though. They are very soft, almost too soft. I think that is from the agave nectar...
I will post some pics tomorrow, cause it is late!
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Naturopath Follow Up
I am not longer taking the Candidia capsules, I am taking some Probiotics instead. I am taking more Progesto-Mend and less Testo-Quench. Other than those small changes, everything else remains the same. I really need to get my diet back under control. Today we had youth and I ate some caramel popcorn and cheesy nachos for snack. I also overate at lunch. NOT GOOD! Seriously, once you cheat a little bit, it makes it so much easier to cheat again and again.
I have been taking my BBT for the last couple weeks, and it has been pretty low. This morning it was the highest it has been. I am praying that it will continue to be high, and we all know what that could mean!
And the best part of my day? Holding a sweet newborn baby, Griffin Allan. Don't you just want to kiss those sweet cheeks?!? I love babies. I hope his parents don't mind if I post this! :S
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
My New Baby
Monday, April 25, 2011
Random Stuff From Today
Today someone came to look at one of the puppies and put a deposit on my tiny fawn shorthaired female. I went for a 30 minute bike ride alone in the morning. In the afternoon I went for a 30 minute walk with the Chihuhaus. I don't take them for walks very often which is a shame because they love it! But they don't really need the exercise, the Irish Setters do so I always take them.
The rest of the day I cleaned and meandered around the house. I drove to Matheson for a Partylite show. My step dad had made supper for me, so dropped off the puppies there and quickly ate before I did the show. I got home at around 10:30. It is a long lonely drive out there!
Today I also tried a new protein shake, and suprisingly it was good! I just mixed almond milk, chocolate rice "ice cream", and a scoop of chocolate rice protein powder. I though for sure it would be gross, but I enjoyed it. I am glad it turned out because I really had no idea how I was going to use the chocolate powder. The vanilla is good in smoothies, but I don't think the chocolate would be.
Tomorrow I have a 1 month follow up with the naturopath. I am excited to see her again. It is 45 minutes long, I really don't know what we are going to talk about for so long!
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Easter
But Easter can be bad. There is so much good food. I mean, bad food, but TASTY food. Today I did really bad nutritionally. I had way to much sugar, but I couldn't resist the temptation. Eric's Grandma K makes the most amazing food ever. The best part of Easter dinner is the shredded potatoes, so I ate lots of them. And then she had made a chocolate birthday cake, so I had two (small) pieces. I wanted like 10 more. And then there was an Easter hunt for all the grandkids, with lots of good treats. I ate a few of those. And then it was time for Faspa, and she had made whoopie pies and my FAVORITE white cookies. So I had one of each. Plus there was fresh Bothwell cheese, and I just had to sneak a slice.
I did feel really guilty. I know better than to eat all that stuff. But it is Easter. And we don't get Grandma's food everyday.
So I went for a run when I got home. A 22 minute run. The first 12 minutes was at a moderate pace, then 8 minutes running fast, and then a 2 minutes slow cool down jog.
And now I feel guilty no more! Yay!
Tomorrow I will do better. No treats for me tomorrow.... Ok.... maybe just one?
Saturday, April 23, 2011
My Journey To Fitness - Month 1 - Restart
Pounds to goal: 60
Most minutes run: 40
Acceptable Goal: Follow the fasted 5k plan to train for the Manitoba Marathon Relay
Challenging Goal: Run the Manitoba Marathon Relay and not get last.
Ultimate Goal: Loose 60 lbs, win a 5K. To be active every day. To make exercise a habit that I stick to.
What changes I have made this month: I went to a naturopath and started a low GI diet, eliminated dairy, and starting taking certain vitamins, minerals and herbs. I have also been regular my exercising.
What I have learned this month: That I can eat healthy and still feel full. I have also learned that prepping food ahead of time makes it a lot easier to eat healthy! I have also noticed that my slow running pace is faster!
What I want to change next month: I would love to start doing my run in the mornings before work during the week. I want to continue this low GI diet and find yummy recipes to make.
Friday, April 22, 2011
A Hard Run
About 20 minutes into the run I started getting really bad menstrual-type cramps, but I kept running. I have gotten them before when doing TurboFire, and they went away when I relaxed a bit, but I didn't want to wreck my run either. They were just getting worse, so I stopped running at 30 minutes which means I only did 10 surges. I walked the rest of the way home. It was my hardest run yet, for sure. I knew from the first surge it was going to be a challenge to get through it all, but I am glad I did.
By the time I got home, the cramps were gone. Could it mean that CD1 is right around the corner? That my surgery and naturopathic treatments are working? I sure hope so!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
SUPERSTORE!
First stop was the clothing department. I knew they had nice clothes there, but I was surprised by the large selection! I tried lots of stuff on, loved it all, but could just justify buying it all. I bought three shirts. Their prices were great!
Then on to the food. Superstore has an amazing selection. You can seriously find everything you need. I was mainly looking for coconut oil and agave nectar. I was really excited to find the natural food section, and that's where those two items were!
I also found greek yogurt, almond milk, and rice milk. And huge bags of frozen fruit for a very good price, which i use every morning for my protein smoothies. I will definitely be going back.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Bye, Bye Zaiyah
Yesterday some people from Pembina Valley Bible Camp came to pick up my horse, Zaiyah. I tried to sell her all last year and didn't get much interest, so I decided it was best if I donated her to a camp where she would get lots of attention.
She was a very sweet horse and loved spending time with me. But I only rode her twice last year, and she needs more attention than that. And it is not very financially smart to pay all that money to keep a horse that I never really use.
We offered for them to take Chai too, but they thought he was too old because they have lots of up and down trails. That is fine with me. I am happy to keep him.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
600th Post! - Turkey Tuesday - Turkey Fingers
This turkey tuesday is low GI friendly, and very simple! I made it up, and we had it for supper tonight!
Will need:
1 turkey breast
2 eggs
1 cup almond flour
1/2 tablespoon fresh ground pepper ( you can add more or less depending on your taste)
2 tablespoons Lousisiana Hot & Spicy Dip Mix from Epicure (you can use any sort of seasoning blend that you have on hand)
Preheat oven to 350. Grease baking sheet with olive oil.
Cut turkey breast in to 1/4 inch strips.
Mix together is medium bowl almond flour, pepper and spice mix.
Beat eggs in bowl with a fork.
Dip turkey strips in eggs, then coat in almond flour mix.
Place in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through. Flip all fingers halfway through.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, or cut up into chunks over a salad!
Monday, April 18, 2011
Productive Day
I meant to sleep until 9, but I was lazy so I didn't get out of bed until 9:45. I took the puppies outside because I am starting to house break them. I had some breakfast, and browsed online for a bit. Then I took the Irish Setters for a bike ride. Let me tell you, I never want to get Irish Setters again. They have no brains. If they see a bird, they chase it, no holding back. I love them dearly, and they are sweet dogs. But dangerous if you are on a bike and they are chasing a bird! I fed my horses by taking a wheel barrow full of hay down the driveway and to a drier part of the fence. I hate carrying hay out through all that muck and I hate having them stand in it.
After that I went to town to pick up mail, make a deposit and get groceries. When I got home I cut up peppers, cucumber and strawberries. If they are already cut up, I will be more likely to eat them! I also made some pudding with almond milk (tastes awesome!) and made my protein smoothie for tomorrow. My mother in law came for a visit to see the puppies.
Then I swept, vacuumed and moped the floors. I did dishes and tidied a little bit. I ran to the inlaws for cilantro so I could make tacos and pico de gallo for supper. While the burger was frying up, I packed my bags for the Partylite show. When supper was done cooking, I quickly fed my horses and then scarfed down some tacos. Then I changed and got ready for, and left at 6:45 for my Partylite show.
I had an awesome Partylite show, and got home shortly after 10. Right now I am waiting for my steel cut oats to finish cooking, then I can go to bed!
I really love days like this. They are my favorite. I love being at home, doing housework, cooking, working in the yard, taking care of my dogs, exercising, running errands. I can not wait to be a stay at home mom!
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Recovered
For 40 minutes straight.
When I left for the run I planned on running for 20 or 25 minutes. But when I got to that time, I decided to run to a certain point. When I got there, I decided to run for 30 minutes. When that time came around, I decided to just keep going to another certain point. When I got there, I decided I might as well keep running until I hit 40 minutes.
I guess you can say that I am fully recovered from my surgery now! :)
It was wonderful! I can't believe I ran for that long. I have never ran 30 minutes in my life! I think I ran for almost 4 miles. That is more than a 5K. I just ran a 5K, basically. I also walked 20 minutes home, for a total of 60 minutes exercise and 1400 calories burned according to my heart rate monitor.
A few girls from work and I are going to sign up for the Manitoba Marathon relay! It is just over 5 miles to run. After today, I know I can do it!
I LOVE RUNNING!
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Sleeping Beauties
Friday, April 15, 2011
Biggest Loser Final
I think it would have been more motivating if everyone would have weighed in together each week and you saw how people were doing. I think it would have been more motivating! Next time for sure!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
A Big Baby
I am trying to make myself productive today by cleaning the house. It hurts to lift stuff that is too heavy, so I am avoiding that. But I have managed to get the living room clean again. I think I will move onto the kitchen now, but it kinda scares me. It is a disaster.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Surgical Follow Up
He wants me to start charting, and I am going back on Metformin and prednisone. I will go back to see him in 6 weeks, and then we can decide where to go from their. It is either try naturally for 6 months, or do an IUI. Right now I am leaning towards and IUI, because the whole natural thing has not worked out for me so far. But I guess I have to give it a chance. But I want a baby right now.
I am feeling pretty hopeful, I finally feel like we are getting somewhere.
Thanks to everyone for your prayers! They are greatly appreciated!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Surgery
I got to the hospital to check in just before 12. I right away signed some papers and got sent to surgical day care. On the way there I used to washroom. Big mistake because when I got admitted and changed into a gown, they wanted a urine sample! I managed to squeak out a few extra measly drops. I felt pretty dumb because I should have know better.
After I was changed, they weighed me and then I got to sit in the waiting room. My mom and stepdad were there by then. They sat with me and Eric until the nurse came to get me. Then all three of them left to go eat, while I got to starve. My stomach was doing flips by then.
I got my bloods taken, blood pressure, temperature and oxygen sats taken. Then I had to wait for a bed to open up, so I sat in big comfy chairs and the nurse brought me a nice warm blanket. Not long after that a bed was ready for me, and then I had to take my robe and slippers off and get into it. I wish I could have shut the curtains, because there was two older men right across from me as I tried to discreetly get into bed without them seeing my bum flying freely in the wind because of the hospital gown. It wasn't very graceful, but it was successful.
The nurse came to put and IV in. It didn't work so she called another nurse over to put it in. They used an 18 gauge, and I can't believe how much it hurt! And continued to hurt until it was taken out.
After my IV was in, I just had to sit and wait, for what seemed like forever. I didn't like it because it gave me too much time to think and worry.
Finally a dude came to get me and wheeled me into a dim room where I first saw Dr. K . He asked me if I had any questions or anything, and I said no. He asked how I was doing and was really kind and caring, for the first time ever!
A member of the Anesthesia team came to talk to me. She asked a bunch of questions, felt and looked at my throat and listened to my lungs. Shortly after that a surgical nurse came in and talked for a short while and then wheeled me into the OR.
I had to move myself from the bed onto the surgery table. They strapped my arms down, put monitors on me and made a bunch of jokes. I don't really remember drifting off. The last thing I remember is them putting an oxygen mask on me, and the anesthesiologist asking me if I felt sleepy. I said yes but I didn't feel that tired. I thought I would remember drifting off. But it was all so fast, I kinda felt like I was sleeping. But then all of a sudden I was waking up in a bright room with wicked menstrual type cramps.
They asked me what my pain was on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the most and I said 7. I was still very groggy at this point, and my mouth felt like a desert. I couldn't decide what I wanted more, pain meds or a sip of water. They gave me an injection of pain killers, which I think was hydromorphone. We use that at work, and once I read what it was I was concerned that I would start vomiting because I know it can induce that.
After that, the asked me what my pain level was, and I said 5. They gave me more drugs I think. I was still quite out of it. They asked me again what my pain level was at and I said 3, the drugs were helping but it still hurt a lot. They gave me another dose, but then told me that it was my last one because the didn't want me to be too groggy. At some point I asked what time it was, and they said 320, and I remarked how bizarre it was! I had gotten rolled into the surgery room shortly after 2!
After that, I can faintly remember them saying something funny and I laughed, and the nurses we're all pumped because I was smiling. Shortly after that I was wheeled back into surgical day care.
A few minutes after I got there my mom peeked around the corner, said 'she's here, she's sleeping' and then Eric and Robert showed up.
I still had pretty bad cramps, and my mom made fun of me a lot. She told me if I thought this hurt, how was I ever going to get through labor! And when I asked Eric what kind of fluids I was on, my mom replied steak and potatoes. Haha. She continued to beak me until I told her I was doing this for her, so she could have grand kids! They stayed a while longer but had to leave to drive home. I am so glad she came to be with me though. My mommy loves me!
I think they left at 5, and I mostly slept. The time seemed to pass really quickly. A nurse came to check my vitals, and usually after that they let you get up. But I was still very groggy and went back to sleep for a while.
Finally I sat up, played scrabble with Eric on my ipod while waiting for the nurse to come get me. It seemed like the never were going to, so Eric convinced me to press the call button. It was 715 by the time someone came to help me to the bathroom. If I could 'go' , I could go home.
And I got to get ready to go home! I changed into comfy sweats and Eric pulled the car around and got me a wheelchair.
We stopped at shoppers to pick up a pain med prescription for me, and then went to see Alyssa's loft. She had ordered is pizza, and it was amazing. My first meal of the day and it was almost 9PM! We hung out there for a while and then headed to Eric's grandparents for night. We chatted with them for a while and watched the Blue Jay's game with them (they love baseball just like us!)
And now it is bedtime. I am pretty sore and hobbling around, but the cramping is gone. I am hoping the soreness won't affect my sleep too much.
Tomorrow we go to see Dr. K for a surgical report. They didn't tell us anything at the hospital, but I did see on my take home instructions that they cauterized endometriosis. I am glad to have answers. I knew there was something else wrong other than PCOS!
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Monday, April 11, 2011
Surgery Tomorrow
But I am.
Today Eric's family prayed over us. It was really kinda awesome, and very encouraging. I know there is a lot of people sending up prayers for me, and I thank you all so much for that!
I get admitted at 12 tomorrow, and my surgery is scheduled for 2. It is a laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, and ovarian drilling. It sounds like a lot. It is scary when I think about it too much. But I know God is in control, and He will take care of me. And because of that, I have peace.
Wednesday at 1 we have a follow up with Dr. K to discuss the surgical findings and future treatment plans.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Feelings
Right now I really miss having my private infertility blog. I thought I would be able to just say whatever I wanted on this one, once the truth was out about infertility. But I feel like I have to be way more careful about the feelings I share and the things I say. Feeling of infertiles are bizarre, and they may offend or hurt some people who don't understand so I hold back. I just really miss that openness.
Perhaps it is because I am nervous about my surgery on Tuesday that I am having all these feelings.
Saturday, April 09, 2011
Busy Day
However, I am not happy with my set up. I would like to get my logo, business cards, packaging, a banner, table cloth, labels and some tiered displays. I just think that it looked pretty amateur today, and I would like to make it look more professional. I also would like to have more variety for products because not everyone takes bathes. I would like to make some soap, lip balm, and liquid soap.
But all this takes money. Lots of money that I can't invest right now. So it is either start small and slow, or get a business loan. And the thought of getting a business loan scares me a bit!
After the craft show I quickly went home to change for the bridal shower tea party that I helped plan. It turned out great and was a lot of fun. After that we went to Brennevins for supper for Eric's cousin's birthday. I probably spent 1/2 an hour at home today! I am exhausted!
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Friday, April 08, 2011
YUM!
This is the recipe I used:
1 cup blanched almond flour
1 cup spelt flour
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 /2 cup honey
1/2 cup maple sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Grease a 9-inch
cake pan with grapeseed oil and dust with
almond flour.
In a large bowl, combine the almond
flour, salt, and baking soda.
In a medium bowl, combine the honey, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir the wet
ingredients into the almond flour mixture
until thoroughly combined. Scoop the batter
into the prepared cake pan.
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until a toothpick
inserted into the center of the cake
comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the
pan for 1 hour, then serve.
Except I made mini cupcakes and only baked them for 12 minutes!
Thursday, April 07, 2011
New Running Program!
Yesterday I did a 20 minute easy run. Today I did surges. Surges are running fast for 30 seconds, then jogging slow for 2 minutes. I did 10 of those surges for a total off 24 minutes running! I really enjoyed it. Tomorrow is an easy run for 15-25 minutes, or cross training. So I will either go for a 25 minute run or do Turbo Fire!
Wednesday, April 06, 2011
Almost Ready!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Tuesday, April 05, 2011
Monday, April 04, 2011
Bath Bombs!
I have a craft sale on Saturday, so I am trying to get enough stuff together to sell there! I plan on making two more kinds of bath bombs, and another batch or two of bubble bars. I am not sure how well they will sell, so I don't want to make too many. But I don't want to run out either!
I actually think I am going to make some more now!
Sunday, April 03, 2011
Internet's Out
This new low gi diet and no dairy diet is fine at home, but I am finding it quite hard going over to peoples places for meals. I feel rude turning down food, but eating it doesn't make me feel great. We just got back from a meal, and while it was delicious, my stomach is very angry at me. I really don't know what to do about it! What if all the food someone serves me is unsuitable?!? I just feel like staying home all the time for meals!
What would you do?
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Spring Cleaning!
It was nice and sunny out yesterday! The warmth always puts me in the mood for cleaning. I slept in WAY too late, and it ruined the start of my day. It was so hard to get going, but I decided I was going to overhaul our living room. We started a bit the other night by cleaning the computer desk and behind the couches. Yesterday I moved on to the book shelves and the coffee table. There was A LOT of sorting and cleaning to be done. I haven't quite finished, I still have to clean the TV stand and put some stuff in it's proper place, but it is so close to being finished!
After the living room is done, I plan to work my way back to the end of the trailer. I just want to get this whole place sorted through and organized. It will make everyday cleaning so much easier! Next is the kitchen, then the laundry room, and then the bathroom. The spare room would be next, but we already cleaned it last weekend! That is always the room I get stuck on, so I am glad it is already done! Then next it is our bedroom and then I am done the inside! I would also like to get the porch clean and organized. In my dreams I would like to have the inside cleaned by tomorrow, but I know in reality it will not happen. I want to do some more cleaning today, but it is Sunday and Eric doesn't like when I do housework on Sundays, especially when he is home!
Friday, April 01, 2011
Internet Fail
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