I ACTUALLY DID IT:

Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.

1 Chronicles 29:11 NIV

My Mother-in-law has been in the hospital out of town recently and not being prepared for the trips we made to see her, we made some poor food choices on the road.

My superhero husband with his sweet mom and 3 of 5 sisters

Getting back home and on track with eating healthy, I was craving sweets.

Rather than giving in and making more poor choices, I got into the kitchen and made use of the ingredients I had on hand.

I reworked an old and wonderful chocolate pie recipe, changing the milk to 1/2 full fat coconut milk and 1/2 almond milk, for the flour I used tapioca starch and for the sugar I used coconut sugar. The meringue is also made with coconut sugar. The crust is a wonderful and not at all mine honey graham cracker crust

I also made a sweet treat from one of my favorite savory recipes.

I can't say that I've created a new recipe but as of this week, I can say that I've created a paleo friendly sweet treat from a savory recipe that I adore!

YAY ME RIGHT!

I don't mean to sound so proud of myself...but...considering the fact that I've never really created anything and that after changing eating habits, I had to relearn how to cook, I am feeling quite accomplished.
Add in the fact that they turned out awesome on the 1st try, I can't help but be excited!

A wonderful base recipe is the only reason my creation was possible, I must share the credit! It's a wonderful Rosemary Garlic Flatbread that is so versatile, delicious and easy to prepare.

CINNAMON TOAST FLATBREAD

FlatBread:

1 cup tapioca flour

¼ cup coconut flour, sifted

2 tablespoons coconut sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

½ teaspoon unrefined sea salt

½ cup full fat coconut milk

¼ cup ghee or grass fed butter

1 egg beaten

Cinnamon Butter:

2 tablespoons butter, softened

1 tablespoon coconut sugar

½ teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 450 and place a pizza stone or thick pizza pan/cookie sheet  into oven to heat up
• Gently heat up coconut milk and ghee/butter in a small sauce pan until very warm but not boiling
• Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl. Pour coconut/ghee mixture on top. Mix until thoroughly combined. Allow to sit for a couple of minutes to cool and for coconut flour to absorb
• Add beaten egg and mix again until combined
• CAREFULLY remove hot stone/pan from oven, cover with parchment paper and pour mixture into center. Using a spatula evenly spread mixture until it is about ¼ inch thick. (My preferred method.. you can also prepare flatbread on a cutting board lined with parchment paper and CAREFULLY slide the parchment paper and flatbread onto hot stone  )
• Bake for 9-12 minutes.
• While baking, mix together cinnamon butter ingredients
• Once done remove flatbread to a cutting board and immediately top with cinnamon butter
• Enjoy!   

Topped here with an apple compote

AS IT IS TODAY...MY LIFE

I've decided that today is a good day to do a life assessment! And why not blog about it right!

Even in the storm, there is a bright shining of hope

This has been a really rough winter for me. I've always been affected emotionally and physically by the weather but this year has been so much worse. My funk has seemed unending and I've had more migraines than ever before. It's a wonder that I have any friends left! I sincerely thank those of you who have hung on!

Praise God there has been a change in the weather and a change in me!

Bare with me while I establish a little background.

Of all the places I've lived (only 4), Mobile Al has been my favorite. It was also the place that brought on the most change in my life. Having been surrounded by Godly influence, actively  involved in ministry and in continuous study of God's word, I just didn't think my life would ever be relocated. Silly me right? Due to circumstances (some out of our control and some just bad decisions) we made the decision to move.

For the past three years, we've been "taking advantage" of the fact that my childhood home was unoccupied and using the time to take care of our debt. By years end we'll have only one previous debt unpaid. We'll then begin the process of moving forward and repaying my parents for their four years of generosity. After all they could have been renting out this house and actually making a profit.

 We've been trying to make decisions about our future (can't continue to take advantage of my parents). Do we buy this house or do we build or move something onto property that we have in another location? As we've discussed, prayed, talked with builders, looked at floor plans, renovations ideas and toured mobile home lots we've had no peace about any of what we thought to be our only options.

Peace came when we realized that God doesn't want us to be stationary. We're not meant to have a stationary home. Home is us together in service for God. We have our property as base camp and the only house we'll need will always be ready for travel.

1 Timothy 6:6-8 (NIV)                                                                                   6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.

God called me into ministry some years ago and He doesn't waste anything!

Sadly, over the past three years I've felt like God just dumped me. I know He didn't! But when your life changes so drastically and you're a servant with little place to serve, it's not an easy adjustment.

The years of drama and trauma, of bad decisions and circumstance, added to the years of ministry and study will not be for nothing! Even these three years that I know I have spiritually wasted, will not go without use in the future!

I said when we left Mobile AL that "God has a plan"! At the time I was mostly trying to convince myself that I would be okay.

True confessions...a huge part of the time, I haven't really been okay. Instead of trusting God, I've questioned Him and even been angry with Him for dumping me here.

If it hadn't been for the love of a good husband and the best friends and family in the world, I would have given up. But because of a great support system, the last year and a half have been spent not only on our financial health but also our physical health.

Now begins a time of gaining spiritual and mental health so that when God is ready to roll the wheels, I'll be ready to ride!

God really does have a plan for me! He hasn't dumped me!

He's been giving my body a chance to heal so that I can serve Him in ministry once again! I don't know how and I don't know when only that it will be!

Isaiah 61:3 (NIV) (Full Chapter)

and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.

 

I'm thinking that I shouldn't post a blog without sharing a favorite recipe.

 I loving these crackers! They are really quick and easy to make and go perfectly with chicken salad for an easy, yet healthy lunch.
Here's the link for the recipe Sweet and Savory Crackers with Almond Flour

A FAVORITE OR TWO

I have food sensitivities and eating the wrong thing can really make me sick, so I find that it's just easier to make as much as possible from scratch. In doing so I always know what I'm eating.

I found this wonderful rosemary-garlic-flatbread and have been thinking up different ways to use it.



So far, I've used it as "crackers" to go along with chili. I started with this No-Beans-About-It---Chili recipe but used organic fire roasted tomatoes and added a little tomato paste and extra chili powder.

And I've made this wonderful Mexican flatbread

I started with the rosemary-garlic-flatbread but didn't add the extras after it was baked that were suggested on the original recipe.

After it was baked I topped it with taco meat, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, black olives salsa and ranch.

The possibilities are endless! If you can tolerate dairy, cheese and sour creme would be wonderful!

For my homemade salsa:
The biggest problem with sharing this recipe is that I've never measured it out. I start with

1 can of crushed or petite diced tomatoes
chopped onion
jalapeno
minced garlic
cilantro
sea salt
black pepper

I throw all of the ingredients into my blender, pulse and taste adjusting until I get the flavor profile that I'm wanting. Store in the refrigerator
It's very important to remember that it will get hotter (spicier) as it sits so when you initially taste it you don't want it to be overpowered by the jalapeno and/or onion. 

For my homemade ranch:
This seasoning recipe was given to me by my grandmother years ago and it makes the best ranch dressing that I've ever tasted!

Western Dressing Mix (Ranch)
2 tablespoons salt
2 teaspoons parsley flakes
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Mix and store 24 hours before use

If you use dairy add
3 1/8 teaspoon mix to
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup buttermilk

If like me you need a dairy free option add
1 teaspoon mix (then adjust to taste, I usually add just a little more) to
1/2 cup Olive Oil Mayonnaise
1 teaspoon full fat coconut milk



Note:There are many mayonnaise recipes out there. The above link is for the recipe that I always use. It makes a beautiful and delicious mayonnaise 


I love this Taco-Seasoning Recipe



Note: Taco seasonings that you buy in the store are full of gluten and fillers that do nothing for the flavor
I use the entire making in 1 lb of ground beef (preferably grass fed) but we like bold flavors and you may not need it all
  
I really hope that you enjoy these recipes and that you'll share with me what you've made using them!

Blessings from me to you!

Deuteronomy 26:15

15 Look down from heaven, your holy dwelling place, and bless your people Israel and the land you have given us as you promised on oath to our ancestors, a land flowing with milk and honey.”

MILESTONE REACHED...and yet I'm disappointed!

HAPPY FALL!

Let me start with a recap... My husband and I started on a journey to good health in May of 2013. We had both been suffering from multiple chronic conditions and our quality of life was suffering. Plus we were both considerably overweight for our small bone structure. 

Along this journey we have not once counted calories, practiced portion control or been hungry! 

We have found some of the foods that were causing many of our illnesses and we simply avoid them (not always simple). 

Since I do all of the cooking and meal planning, I make sure that we get the protein, vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, fiber and whatever else our bodies need to gain and maintain good health. It's a process and I'm learning everyday! 

With that being said... We were overweight when we began and we did set goals for our weight loss. 

We still weigh weekly, even knowing that any goals we set for ourselves are pointless and a useless number. 

If we continue to provide our bodies with the nutrients necessary for good health and continue to avoid the things that we've discovered make us sick, our bodies will settle into the size that God designed them to be! But anyway...we weigh weekly and set goals.

Before and eight month in

I never like to put much pressure on myself, so I started very small and made new goals along the way.

 I finally was able to set MY VERY LAST GOAL for myself! 

Today I reached that goal! Not only reached it but went a pound below! WHOOHOO right!!! 

So why am I disappointed? 

For over a year, even with making and meeting smaller goals, I've had this final number in my head. 

I totally missed the opportunity to look down between my polished toes and see that number! 

The toes aren't pretty but the polish job is awesome (No, I didn't do it)

I know it's crazy, but the truth is the truth. I can never get it back. I can gain a pound but it won't be the same. 

I like to mark these big milestones with a "skinny" picture. 

Do you know how hard it is to get a full length selfie?  

Failed selfie attempt

Bow hunting season started in Alabama today and I will not see my super hero husband until after dark and as sweet and smart as our little Koon is, she hasn't been trained to use the camera.

""Koon"

Today October 25, 2014 (16 months)

Do you want my new favorite recipe? 

http://www.savorylotus.com/rosemary-garlic-flatbread-gluten-grain-nut-free-paleo/

...AND THREE WEEKS LATER

Let me just start by saying "I apologize for not being a very consistent blogger". Now that that's out of the way, where were we? Anyone remember?

On June the 30th I announced that we were going to go 3 weeks egg free in an effort to clear up my psoriasis. The first 2 weeks went very well and then...I left home for 4 days.
1 or 2 days would have been fine, but 4 days...not so much! Being surrounded for 4 days by chicken salad, yeast rolls and spinach dip was just more than I could hold up to!
This is one of my dearest friends Ann! I love her dearly! Yes, enough to leave home for 4 days, 3 of which she worked my butt off from early morning until early morning!

Ah, but after all of the wedding work was done, we took a day for fun!

Not a good picture below, but I just wanted to show that we did let our husbands and her little girl + friend come along for the fun too! Even though they didn't work as hard as we did! HaHa They worked! (Their boat, not our's)

OK, back to the 3 weeks egg free. The way our body works, it takes 3 full weeks to get something out of your system. If you have any of whatever you're cleaning out, you have to start all over again! So 2 weeks down the drain... but I'm not complaining, I had a great time and the wedding was absolutely beautiful!
As of Saturday we've made another 2 weeks! WhooHoo! My psoriasis has quit itching but isn't healed. I'm thinking that it will take longer than 3 weeks for my skin to actually heal. Time will tell! It won't be pretty, but at the end of 3 weeks I'll post a before and after picture.

I am very excited to share a granola cereal recipe that I've recently made. It was awesome and I will be making it again! My husband loved it!

This is a precooked picture. I don't know why I didn't get an after shot. Here is the link so that you can made the recipe yourself.  http://againstallgrain.com/2011/09/20/gluten-free-vanilla-almond-granola/



Above is the picture from Danielle Walker's blog. She is one of my favorite Paleo chefs and has several cookbooks for sale. You should check them out, if you haven't already!

I'll share a few pictures from the wedding for you to enjoy!

Romans 12:10

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

The beautiful bride and mother of the bride

My youngest 2 grand-babies dancing at the reception

We tried to get them to look at the camera but Brailon just had to give grand-mommy kisses!

 

Ann and I at the rehearsal dinner

BUSY...BUSY...BUSY

I love to watch the bees hard at work! Most Mondays I feel like a busy bee, catching up on the laundry and housework that was neglected over the weekend. I am very blessed to have my Monday at home to accomplish all of this! Even with my initial reason for only working one day a week being health issues, I do not take for granted the ability to do so! 

 This week will be especially busy because I'll be going out of town for a few days and leaving my husband to fend for himself. Well almost! I'm very excited about my trip! A very dear friend of mine has a daughter getting married and I'm getting to go and help them with some of the preparations, but mostly I think I'm going to help her stay sane! I was unable to attend her son's wedding, so I'm very glad to be able to make this trip! 

Lunch out is really not a good healthy option for my husband while I'm gone, or any time, so I'll be preparing a couple of "salad in a jar" options for him.  http://thepaleomama.com/2013/03/guest-post-mason-jar-salads/ This link shows the dressing going into the jar 1st. I never put my dressing in.  I'll put the dressing in a small container and place it in a ziplock bag along with any nuts or seeds that may go along with the salad. I usually go ahead and throw a fork and napkin in also, just to make his morning easier. A little love note is a very good idea too! The possibilities are endless when you are preparing a salad! I love a good salad! This is  also an excellent option for anyone trying to eat healthy on the job!

This will be his breakfast. Mine doesn't look anything like the picture on the recipe but it is very tasty! We are still avoiding eggs so I substituted 1/3 cup of unsweetened apple sauce. Mine didn't rise as well. but it's delicious and the texture is still very desirable.  If you bake it more as a scone by the original recipe or the egg free version that's more like a cobbler, it's a wonderful breakfast treat! It would be awesome with mixed berries too! Here's the link: http://fedandfit.com/2013/07/28/paleo-blueberry-scones-2/



I absolutely love sharing the information and the recipes that I've found and tested to be true and wonderful! Some day I'll be skilled enough in baking with alternative flours to recreate some of our favorites, but in the mean time I continue to benefit from the knowledge of others!

I also love to share God's glory in nature, so here are a few pictures that I took around the yard and the edge of the woods!

Psalm 145:3 (NIV)

3 Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;
    his greatness no one can fathom.

 My husband was eager to point out that these are weeds, not flowers but, none the less, they are beautiful!

SWEET THINGS

I should start out with an apology for the time between posts! Our three oldest grandchildren came for a visit. They live two states away and when they are here I do very little except spend time with them! One of our favorite things to do is cook in the Easy Bake Oven and play restaurant. I've found free online and developed several really good (not clean/paleo, but considering trying to develop those}recipes that I would be happy to share if you comment below that you're interested. I've considered making an ebook to sell for Kindle but I'm still undecided or maybe lazy!

Just a sampling of our treats

 The chocolate frosting is usually much creamier but we made it too soon then tried to thin it out. As you can see, we over thinned. The cake is not strawberry, just made with red sugar. The one below is chocolate with butter cream icing

And no I didn't eat any of them BUT the night that we ordered pizza "for them" I just couldn't resist! Even though I had cooked chicken for us. I'm weak!

We are still getting back on track and craving things that we know are unhealthy for us, so yesterday I made us a sweet treat. It's sweeter than we usually enjoy but very tasty and with the sweetness we were satisfied after only eating two. The recipe is in three different steps but was really easy to make. it's a clean version of a Twix bar. Looks yummy right!

Here is the link to this recipe: http://eatwelltravelfar.weebly.com/sweets--treats-blog/twix-bites

We found a nest of baby birds a while back and have watched them grow and fly away. Here's a few pictures just for your enjoyment!

Matthew 6:25-27 (NIV)

Do Not Worry

25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

 Mama bird watching over her babies as they venture out