tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21848459025975921362024-03-12T15:03:59.714-07:00Going Green in a Pink Worldmusings and recipes for healthy, green living Emerald Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04832412389585434492noreply@blogger.comBlogger283125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2184845902597592136.post-39363902528365483342015-12-12T10:43:00.001-08:002015-12-12T10:47:06.549-08:00Keeping Christmas About Christ - Why We Don't Do Santa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLFTaD0jRA2S5EdwSTqwMx-owu9A2ERvtfadXJbtNYhC94PgbEfRIoTS3H9C0uBMuT0y2oenxunziGkRROsSVlUKIvCVUILR341ASDdCV2uCa7T1OODHPO69_Wj3O2FHmYCjxRTideZg/s1600/LTKEBrGTa.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLFTaD0jRA2S5EdwSTqwMx-owu9A2ERvtfadXJbtNYhC94PgbEfRIoTS3H9C0uBMuT0y2oenxunziGkRROsSVlUKIvCVUILR341ASDdCV2uCa7T1OODHPO69_Wj3O2FHmYCjxRTideZg/s320/LTKEBrGTa.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We didn't tell our daughter that Santa Claus is comin' to town. We didn't tell her that he knows if she's been bad or good, and that she better not pout, or cry, because he's checking his list. We don't leave milk and cookies, or take the requisite screaming baby/Santa photo each year either.</span><br />
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It wasn't a no-brainer - parts of me were worried. Would she still have an imagination? (Yes.) Would she still think Christmas is magical? (Resounding yes.) It's funny how the "magic" of a secular Christmas gets eclipsed by the wonder and awe of the greatest miracle that ever was, is or will be: the birth of GOD, Emmanuel, God WITH US, in a stable, laid in a manger, to a virgin girl. If we can't woo our children's imaginations and creativity with The Creator, how can we expect them to be captured by The Greatest Love Story Ever? God loving us. God watching us, seeing if we are naughty or nice, and then sending His Son - REGARDLESS of our status on "the list." No one gets coal in that story. No one is left out because of behavior. Behavior, in fact, is a non-issue. Instead, Because God so loved the world. Instead, He gave His only Son. Instead, HE is our present, our gift, our eternal prize. That's magic.</div>
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We read the Polar Express. We watch Elf and Rudolph and Prancer. Santa is a character, one actor in a cast that completes The American Christmas Story. And since we are American, we talk about him. We read stories about him. We sing songs about him. But he's not Christmas himself. No, that would be Christ. And I want to make no mistake that He is the reason we celebrate. And so we set up our nativity, and read about his birth. We sing Christmas carols about that Silent Night, we bake cookies to give away and bring gifts to friends and neighbors, and send cards to those we love. Our Christmas is creative, inspiring, fun, and very similar to yours - except we don't hype up what's coming down the chimney.</div>
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This is a choice our family made. Many people choose to instead include Jesus and Santa, and every family has the freedom to choose what resounds in their hearts. I am working with my daughter to not "ruin it" for your family. But I hope even when kids who believe do find out, Christmas isn't ruined. I hope they can find the deeper, truer "magic" that Christmas is really all about.</div>
Emerald Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04832412389585434492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2184845902597592136.post-34231090982777100742013-07-30T12:06:00.003-07:002013-07-30T17:23:36.664-07:00Baked Stuffed Fish with Creamy Collard GreensCan I just put this out there?<br />
<br />
I'm not a great food photographer. No one will be giving me any special blogging awards for my orangey-yellow food pics. That said, I think what I make tastes pretty darned good. So there. You'll just have to trust me. And go to those other food blogs for visual inspiration. They're really pretty, but I can't guarantee the final product.<br />
<br />
So this pregnancy, I've been craving fish. (If you've been following me for more than four years, you may remember that the last pregnancy consisted of lots of goat cheese and homemade sourdough bread, so fish is certainly a step up!). I normally make the same pan fried buttery garlic haddock, which is easy and delicious, but I wanted out of that rut.<br />
<br />
Enter: baked stuffed flounder. You can use any white fish you want, but flounder has a high omega-3 count (and maybe it was on sale too...), so I opted to expand my horizons. If you're not a collard greens fan, just stick with me on this one. You'll hardly know it's there, and afterwards, you'll feel all healthy inside for consuming <a href="http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=138">so much good stuff</a> in one sitting.<br />
<br />
This will whip up and be plate-ready in 30 minutes. You have no excuses.<br />
<br />
<b>For two servings</b><br />
2/3 pound of white fish<br />
bunch of collard greens (spinach, kale, or other greens will do just fine!), chopped into 1/2 inch ribbons<br />
3 T butter<br />
1 red or yellow onion, chopped<br />
3-5 cloves of garlic, minced<br />
8 ounces sour cream (<a href="http://www.wallabyyogurt.com/products/sour-cream/item/european-style-sour-cream?category_id=6">my favorite</a>)<br />
1/2 cup white wine<br />
1/2 cup cheese, shredded or just cut up small (I used gouda and parmesan)<br />
salt and pepper<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Preheat oven to 350.</li>
<li>On stove top, add butter to saute pan. </li>
<li>Melt, and add onion. Cook about 5 minutes, til soft. </li>
<li>Add garlic. Cook a few minutes. </li>
<li>Add greens and cook until soft, about 8-10 minutes for collards.</li>
<li>Add sour cream and wine. Stir well.</li>
<li>When sour cream and wine are thoroughly mixed into greens, add cheese. Cook until melted, about 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat.</li>
<li>Arrange fish pieces on top of a bit of butter in an oven safe dish. </li>
<li>Spoon green mixture onto one half of each fish piece, and fold over, to make a "sandwich." Bake until the fish is flaky. It only took about five minutes for my thin flounder. </li>
<li>Take a picture, and I'll post it on my blog. </li>
</ul>
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I served it with some left over rice. Enjoy!</div>
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<br />Emerald Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04832412389585434492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2184845902597592136.post-13347828506716318812013-01-31T09:29:00.001-08:002013-01-31T09:34:27.523-08:00You, The Great I Am<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Inspired by a night of wind, a morning of grace...</i></div>
<br />
You<br />
start all my songs, all my stories--<br />
but not just mine. Every good song,<br />
every good story.<br />
Author.<br />
<br />
You<br />
clean and bind and heal<br />
my wounds<br />
even when I think I'd rather hurt<br />
in familiar pain.<br />
Healer.<br />
<br />
You<br />
lavish gifts of love, acceptance, joy<br />
more than I deserve<br />
--grace--<br />
You are good.<br />
Giver.<br />
<br />
You<br />
sacrificed The Most Precious<br />
One<br />
for me, for people, for togetherness.<br />
Redeemer.<br />
<br />
You, Lover of my soul.<br />
You, Lord of my life.<br />
You, King of all kings.<br />
You, Glorious, Majestic, I AM.<br />
<br />
Yes, You ARE.<br />
<br />Emerald Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04832412389585434492noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2184845902597592136.post-64285771760335385442013-01-22T12:02:00.001-08:002013-01-22T12:02:26.070-08:00Dishwasher Detergent Recipe<br />
<br />
Mix equal parts:<br />
<br />
Citric Acid (I store separately to avoid clumping)<br />
Washing Soda<br />
Borax<br />
<br />
Use 1 T per load. Vinegar in the rinse compartment is helpful for shiny, residue-free dishes!<br />
<br />Emerald Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04832412389585434492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2184845902597592136.post-77531341710715648052013-01-22T11:59:00.000-08:002013-01-31T09:44:17.733-08:00Homemade DIY Laundry DetergentEasy, peasy.<br />
<br />
<ul style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; list-style: none; margin: 10px 0px 10px 15px; padding: 0px;">
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.soapqueen.com/wp-content/themes/soapqueen/style/images/bullet.png); background-position: 0% 4px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 5px 20px;">1 Cup Washing Soda</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.soapqueen.com/wp-content/themes/soapqueen/style/images/bullet.png); background-position: 0% 4px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 5px 20px;">1 Cup Shredded Soap (I used Ivory-it takes a few minutes to grate, or put in your food processor)</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.soapqueen.com/wp-content/themes/soapqueen/style/images/bullet.png); background-position: 0% 4px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 5px 20px;">1 cup Borax</li>
<li style="background-image: url(http://www.soapqueen.com/wp-content/themes/soapqueen/style/images/bullet.png); background-position: 0% 4px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-size: 1em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 5px 20px;"><span style="font-size: 1em;">½ Cup Vinegar (optional: added to rinse compartment)</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Mix. Store in an airtight container. Add 1 T per load.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">I'm hoping to cut out the Borax because of health concerns, but it's not on the top of my to-do list. Anyone else have a recipe that works well without the Borax?</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">This one looks intriguing...</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">http://www.budget101.com/myo-household-items/whipped-cream-super-laundry-soap-3993.html</span></div>
Emerald Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04832412389585434492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2184845902597592136.post-29760675999900786532012-10-29T12:12:00.000-07:002012-10-29T12:13:58.813-07:00Morning Glory Muffins (grain free)I just can't let this recipe come and go...it's one of our new favorite snacks. Enjoy!<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">1/2 cup (2 1/2 ounces) raisins</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">1/2 cup oats</span><br />
1 cup almond meal<br />
1/2 cup ground flax<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">1/4 cup maple syrup</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">2 teaspoons baking soda</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">2 teaspoons cinnamon</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">1 T minced fresh ginger</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">1/2 teaspoon salt</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">3 large carrots, grated</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">1 large apple, peeled, cored, and grated</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">1/2 cup nuts, like pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, walnuts, or pecans</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">3 large eggs</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">1/3 cup butter, melted</span><br />
1/3 cup coconut oil, melted (or just use all butter)<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">2 teaspoons vanilla extract (or 1 whole vanilla bean)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">1/4 cup liquid - apple, orange, pineapple juice, or milk</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Mix together all dry ingredients (raisins to nuts)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Blend wet for several minutes (eggs to liquid)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;">Mix together. Pour into muffins tins. Bake at 350 til set.</span>Emerald Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04832412389585434492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2184845902597592136.post-1021873278698966722011-03-18T19:06:00.000-07:002011-03-18T19:07:41.880-07:00WattpadI've been MIA. I know. It's pretty pathetic. I have some other projects, and cooking has taken a backseat. I'm still diligently kefiring and trying to eat clean and green. It works most of the time, but moderation is my new mantra as a mama.<br />
<br />
The first project I'm working on is a non-fiction book called <a href="http://www.theotherbabybook.com/">The Other Baby Book: A Natural Approach to Baby's First Year. </a>It's been loads of fun - I'm researching and working with experts in fields that are relevant and interesting to me at this point in my life. Plus, we're reviewing products, which means learning about cool new companies. You can<a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/pages/The-Other-Baby-Book/156728167711100"> find us on Facebook,</a> where we often have lively discussions with our fans. We're hosting some pretty cool giveaways too.<br />
<br />
The second project is the young adult fiction novel, Filling in the Gap, that I wrote about in an earlier post. I'm done with it, but am revising a final time. I entered the manuscript in a contest on Wattpad, an online eBook community. I haven't marketed it well at all, because I'm inundated with Other Baby Book stuff, but I think I have a shot at winning, if I can just get through the first round, which is the "popular" vote. From there, my pieces goes to judges.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.wattpad.com/user/MeganMcGroryMassaro"><img border="0" src="http://a.wattpad.net/image/823/widget/button.png" /></a> <br />
<br />
If you're interested in reading the first fifty pages and/or voting for me, I would be so appreciative! If you don't have a Wattpad login, you will have to sign up. I know that kind of stuff can be a pain, so thank you thank you!!<br />
<br />
I'll be back again someday...just not sure when. Our goal is to finish The Other Baby Book and have it published by August!!Emerald Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04832412389585434492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2184845902597592136.post-11793692602527741202010-09-20T18:36:00.000-07:002013-01-31T09:46:37.336-08:00Green and Healthy RoutinesI had a reader ask about my skin care routine. I used to do the<a href="http://greeninapinkworld.blogspot.com/2008/03/ocm-oil-cleaning-method.html"> Oil Cleansing Method</a>, but for whatever reason (I think it was<a href="http://mcgrorygirlsinitalia.blogspot.com/2008/06/carbs-creepers-and-couchsurfing-video.html"> my trip to Italy,</a> actually), I stopped. Ironically, I was thinking of starting again, and you, dear reader, were the kick in the pants that I needed. I'm loving the new routine! (I was previously using Mountain Rose Herbs cleansing grains, which are totally awesome as well.) I feel like I've rediscovered an old friend. I use extra virgin olive oil, castor oil, and a few drops of jojoba and almond oils, rub a quarter sized amount into my face for several minutes (ah, massage), and then follow with a "steam facial" - a piping hot, wet washcloth - for at least a minute. My skin feels wonderful and moist afterward. I do rub some jojoba oil once it's dried though, because it can feel tight. I mixed up a big batch to save time each day, but playing around with different oils is fun, and something you can definitely do. Just remember that castor oil is drying and cleansing, and olive oil, jojoba, coconut, avocado and almond oils are moisturizing. Adjust according to your needs. And maybe I should add, I only wash my face once a day. And I probably shower far less than the average American. My sister would cringe if she ever read my blog.<br />
<br />
UPDATE: 1/13<br />
I'm currently loving a version of the OCM. I stir equal parts white sugar, honey, and coconut oil together until they are well mixed. I store it in a little ramekin, uncovered, in my bathroom, and scoop out a little every morning. It's got the exfoliation which I missed with the OCM, but the moisture I missed with the cleansing grains. Best of both worlds!<br />
<br />
My latest favorite "product" are <a href="http://www.roseofsharonacres.com/tooth_chips___soap_for_teeth">tooth chips</a>. I won a sample of tooth chips from Rose of Sharon and I admit, I was skeptical. Something that tastes like SOAP? No TUBE? But I'd been wanting a more sustainable alternative to toothpaste for awhile, so I took the plunge. Why use tooth chips? Well, here's what their site says about the chips:<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<span class="df" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span><br />
<li><span class="df" style="font-size: x-small;">We use Organic Oils </span></li>
<span class="df" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
<br />
<li>It is FREE of Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS) </li>
<br />
<br />
<li>It is FREE of Fluoride </li>
<br />
<br />
<li>It is FREE of Tricosan </li>
<br />
<br />
<li>It is FREE of Sand and Silica which brushes away gum tissue and enamel </li>
<br />
<br />
<li>It really CLEANS your teeth and doesn't leave a glycerin film to coat your teeth </li>
<br />
<br />
<li>It CLEANS so well that after brushing your saliva naturally begins the re-mineralizing process </li>
<br />
<br />
<li>It's SAFE for your entire family </li>
<br />
<br />
<li>It's MADE in the USA </li>
<br />
<br />
<br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
I can attest that it is an amazing product. My teeth feel so very clean after brushing. Despite my lacksidaisical attitude toward showering, I'm pretty fanatic about having a clean mouth. I floss regularly, and I do use an electric toothbrush every night, which makes a big difference. (I just use a manual one in the mornings.) These chpis are a keeper. I don't know that Anabella will ever taste tooth paste. As an added bonus, there's no plastic tube. Gotta love it! (You do have to get over the fact that it tastes like soap though...)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Rose of Sharon has some fantastic <a href="http://www.roseofsharonacres.com/shampoo_and_body_bars">shampoo bars </a>too. Again, no plastic bottle, just a bar of soap. My hair feels seriously clean, and smells a lot better than when I tried <a href="http://greeninapinkworld.blogspot.com/2008/03/no-poo.html">no 'poo with baking soda</a>. They're very reasonably priced, can be used on your body, and contain no chemicals or yucky stuff that I wouldn't want to seep into my blood stream. When we consider that hot water in the shower opens our pores, if you use lots of products that have unpronounceable chemical ingredients on your hair and skin, they are going to make their way into your body. I'm especially aware of this fact because I'm breastfeeding. Anyway, I digress. After shampooing with the soap bar, I follow with a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar, drop of lavender oil, and drop of tea tree oil, diluted in two cups of water. My hair feels really soft. It doesn't have much body though, so I'll be working on that end of things soon. I'm just glad it doesn't smell or look dirty...most of the time.<br />
<br />
As for deodorant, I did make some homemade stuff, but mostly I forgot to use it. I think I applied it a total of 5 times the whole summer. I figured that God gave us a certain body odor for a reason. And I wanted my daughter to smell ME, rather than some fragrance masking me. Now that it's getting cooler, the chance of me using it is going toward nil. Mark is my barometer. He's never once told me that I smell, and he would if he could!<br />
<br />
So, that pretty much sums up my "beauty" routine. I still use castor oil to take off make up if I've put any on, (got a great natural mascara that I'll have to dig up the name of when Anabella's not sleeping). And coconut oil is a fantastic all purpose moisturizer as well. Any questions??</div>
</div>
Emerald Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04832412389585434492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2184845902597592136.post-1079811057000142282010-04-19T15:02:00.001-07:002010-04-19T15:02:46.311-07:00Why buying eggs at the farm can be really fun...<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">COLORS!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAqdIyRznegT6kF144BHiHOAAVKfof1Kdtlp-E3vZg4cjMorGzjtSIBzxx8FhyjTX4HSd2tIrwugJ1bbDik94qt7qcsc4S6L0WnmhufzEjSf9KkDSexhrKCxno2I9dJ1xnvPzkEYOG6Q/s1600/IMG_5622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAqdIyRznegT6kF144BHiHOAAVKfof1Kdtlp-E3vZg4cjMorGzjtSIBzxx8FhyjTX4HSd2tIrwugJ1bbDik94qt7qcsc4S6L0WnmhufzEjSf9KkDSexhrKCxno2I9dJ1xnvPzkEYOG6Q/s320/IMG_5622.JPG" /></a></div>Emerald Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04832412389585434492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2184845902597592136.post-27064983883271259412010-04-13T18:05:00.000-07:002010-04-13T18:05:11.859-07:00Pregnancy PreparationsIt's been four hours since I arrived home. I could barely get off the couch for the first five minutes after I made it through the door. And then...<br />
<br />
I cleaned out the refridgerator,<br />
<a href="http://realfoodreallives.blogspot.com/2009/01/why-stocks-rock_06.html">made beef stock,</a><br />
<a href="http://greeninapinkworld.blogspot.com/2010/04/egg-muffins.html">mushroom and bacon egg muffins,</a><br />
taco meat to freeze for future meals,<br />
<a href="http://greeninapinkworld.blogspot.com/2009/01/lentil-soup.html">lentil soup,</a><br />
hamburgers for dinner,<br />
fried polenta,<br />
and <a href="http://greeninapinkworld.blogspot.com/2008/10/turkey-bacon-sandwich.html">Mark's lunch.</a><br />
<br />
So now, at 9pm, I'm finally ready to relax with a bowl of <a href="http://greeninapinkworld.blogspot.com/2010/04/baked-custard.html">baked custard. </a>Emerald Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04832412389585434492noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2184845902597592136.post-33730466694564569962010-04-13T17:54:00.000-07:002010-04-13T17:54:32.887-07:00Egg MuffinsI'm trying to make and freeze as many snacks and meals as I can before baby girl comes. It's been hard for me to eat as much as I need to gain weight in the third trimester, and since I know you have to eat even more as a nursing mother, I figured if I had some snacks ready, I'd be more apt to eat.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggyoiH-YbeNDh5gaYiGMI8YDmShL7kpku2VUdVErA7cxrK7E7h6eMg83DPvoPv-tSrqnp9aYy-ZvJey_MZOxBlzPBfl36fsdKg3J-86xwVu1BuC6JLgZKl_wrPvxkVeUbf0k-FFlt2Ng/s1600/IMG_5612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggyoiH-YbeNDh5gaYiGMI8YDmShL7kpku2VUdVErA7cxrK7E7h6eMg83DPvoPv-tSrqnp9aYy-ZvJey_MZOxBlzPBfl36fsdKg3J-86xwVu1BuC6JLgZKl_wrPvxkVeUbf0k-FFlt2Ng/s320/IMG_5612.JPG" /></a></div>This little creation came out differently than I'd expected. I thought I would make my typical kiku, just in a muffin tin, but they puffed up so cutely, I had to call them egg muffins. The recipe is simple, and they're packed with protein, fat, nutrients, and taste. It's a perfect on-the-go breakfast or mid-day snack. Feel free to substitute bacon and/or mushrooms with kale, spinach, or leeks.<br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients</b><br />
1 dozen eggs<br />
1 lb bacon, browned and diced<br />
1 lb mushrooms (portobella are filled with vitamin D), sauteed in butter or EVOO<br />
1/2 t garlic powder or 2 cloves fresh garlic, sauteed <br />
salt and pepper to taste<br />
grated parmesan for the topping<br />
<br />
<b>Method</b><br />
Combine all ingredients except Parmesan.<br />
Put 1/3 cup of mixture in each muffin pan. (I used silicone and didn't have to grease or put cups in)<br />
Sprinkle with Parmesan. <br />
Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes, until tops are browned and a toothpick comes out clean.<br />
If freezing, let cool completely on wire rack, and then put in a freezer bag or container.Emerald Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04832412389585434492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2184845902597592136.post-87001691154334024722010-04-10T07:36:00.000-07:002010-04-13T17:58:00.444-07:00Baked Custard<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3uIRKPgLWf9yZ04c-lrmSmWQPHVlWgAsy2h7pNbzb-cs9AKIFJcsNtRjqHZsgb2KOFGU8Ypz2oWSa730XvKwUuFriku45gb3Iy9BXSO7wQYC9vGVq1b0UNoAXDIuzccb8yL8EUpVLLg/s1600/IMG_5603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3uIRKPgLWf9yZ04c-lrmSmWQPHVlWgAsy2h7pNbzb-cs9AKIFJcsNtRjqHZsgb2KOFGU8Ypz2oWSa730XvKwUuFriku45gb3Iy9BXSO7wQYC9vGVq1b0UNoAXDIuzccb8yL8EUpVLLg/s320/IMG_5603.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
And you thought I was done for the day. Nope, here's another one of my favorites. It's adapted from my mother's old Joy of Cooking book from the 1970s. The book has no binding left, the pages are everywhere, and I started getting sick of looking in the index for the page number for baked custard. (Yes, a bookmark would be nice, wouldn't it?) It's a recipe that needs more press anyway, so I thought I'd share.<br />
<br />
I love <a href="http://www.cholesterol-and-health.com/Egg_Yolk.html">eggs</a>, especially the yolks. I love <a href="http://www.nofamass.org/programs/organicdairy/rawmilk.php">milk</a>, but only the raw stuff. They are the bulk of my diet in various forms (<a href="http://greeninapinkworld.blogspot.com/2008/10/my-favorite-breakfast.html">kiku</a>, <a href="http://greeninapinkworld.blogspot.com/2008/12/kefir.html">kefir</a>, yogurt, cheese, <a href="http://greeninapinkworld.blogspot.com/2009/02/omlettes.html">omelets</a>, <a href="http://greeninapinkworld.blogspot.com/2009/03/easy-egg-salad.html">egg salad</a>,<a href="http://greeninapinkworld.blogspot.com/2010/02/roman-egg-drop-soup-or-stracciatella.html"> egg drop soup</a>, and the ever popular soft boiled egg). They are both so good for you. This baked custard has been my go-to dessert in late pregnancy as I try to maximize my nutrients and enjoy my food. I look forward to my little ramekin every night! The best part? The recipe is so easy and uses what you have on hand. Can't beat that.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ingredients</b></span><br />
2 cups of milk<br />
<ul><li>If you use raw milk, supposedly the custard will be runnier unless you heat it to 160 degrees. I have never done that, and still have a great consistency. </li>
</ul>1/4 cup maple syrup<br />
<ul><li>honey or sugar may also be used, but maple syrup yields a flan-like flavor</li>
</ul>pinch of salt<br />
1 teaspoon vanilla (<a href="http://greeninapinkworld.blogspot.com/2009/11/homemade-extracts.html">homemade is easy!</a>)<br />
sprinkle of nutmeg if you wish<br />
<br />
2 whole eggs and 2 egg yolks<br />
OR 4 egg yolks<br />
OR 2 eggs<br />
<br />
The more whites to yolks, the stiffer the custard. I like using 2 eggs and 2 yolks. Save the whites for macaroons.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Method</span><br />
1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.<br />
2. Blend milk, salt, maple syrup together. Add eggs. Blend well. I use my KitchenAid stand mixer.<br />
3. Pour into individual ramekins (4 or 5 will do the trick).<br />
4. Fill 9x13 dish with 1-2" of water.<br />
5. Place ramekins in the dish.<br />
6. Sprinkle nutmeg on each of the cups.<br />
7. Bake for 20-50 minutes. If using raw milk, it will be more like 50. If using pasteurized milk, it will be closer to 20. A toothpick will be your best gauge of doneness.<br />
8. Remove ramekins from dish and cool before refrigerating.<br />
9. Eat for breakfast, snack or dessert!Emerald Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04832412389585434492noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2184845902597592136.post-75561263102349372532010-04-10T06:30:00.000-07:002010-04-10T06:30:56.121-07:00My favorite Sourdough PancakesI've been away a long time. I know. Is anyone out there still?? I can't promise this post means more recipes or research or anything. It just means I like pancakes...and my midwife told me to try to gain a little more weight in these last few weeks. Hence, a pancake post. <br />
<br />
I've been realizing how much I like to come back to my recipe index and follow the instructions there for my favorite meals, even if they're almost the same as the recipes in my books. It just feels better. Kinda like those really comfy fleece pants I've been living in for the last 9 months. So, here is my version of King Arthur's Sourdough Pancakes. KA wants you to make waffles with the batter, but the waffle maker is so hard to clean, it makes me want to rip out my eyelashes. You can be the judge.<br />
<br />
Light, tangy, a little chewy - these are not IHOP pancakes that taste like mini cakes. But they're good. And filling. And since they're sourdough, they digest more readily than the pancakes you'd make in the morning, so you can go for that walk or run you've been putting off without feeling like you have a brick in your stomach.<br />
<br />
This recipe is really quite easy if you have a sourdough starter. If you don't, post that in the comments and I'll send you some. I'm that confident that everyone needs to try this recipe!<br />
<br />
<!-- youtube movie --> <!-- end youtube movie --> <br />
<i>Caveats</i> - Unless you have a large griddle, you may be flipping pancakes for awhile. (Maybe everyone else has a griddle except us?) And, you're probably going to use far more butter than you're comfortable with. If so, just <a href="http://www.bodyecology.com/07/07/05/benefits_of_real_butter.php">read this</a> while you're waiting for those pancakes to brown up!<br />
<br />
<span id="HeadNotes"><span style="font-size: large;">Ingredients:</span></span><br />
<span id="volume_or_weight"><span id="v_ingredients" style="display: inline;"><span id="IngredientSet"><h3 id="IngredientHeading" style="font-weight: normal;">Overnight sponge</h3><ul><li id="IngredientLine">2 cups flour (I've had equal success with whole wheat and all-purpose)</li>
<li id="IngredientLine">2 tablespoons sugar</li>
<li id="IngredientLine">2 cups buttermilk (I don't use buttermilk that often, so I have the powder, and add 2 T, and 2 c water - you could also try 2 c water and 2 T lemon juice)</li>
<li id="IngredientLine">1 cup sourdough starter from the fridge (not fed)</li>
</ul></span><span id="IngredientSet"> <h3 id="IngredientHeading" style="font-weight: normal;">Batter</h3><ul><li id="IngredientLine">all of the overnight sponge</li>
<li id="IngredientLine">2 large eggs</li>
<li id="IngredientLine">1/4 cup melted butter (brought back to room temp)</li>
<li id="IngredientLine">3/4 teaspoon salt</li>
<li id="IngredientLine">1 teaspoon baking soda</li>
<li id="IngredientLine">fillings: chocolate chips, apples, bananas, blueberries, strawberries - whatever you have around the house!</li>
</ul>And lots of butter to cook with!<br />
<br />
1. Before you go to bed, add the ingredients from the overnight sponge together. Don't worry about lumps. They should disappear. Leave out at room temperature. If you're worried about creatures, cover. I tend not to...<br />
<br />
The mixture will be nice and bubbly by morning:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXHpfOFe2ri9MR9oF27RttB0Y-j0Gr6veS-CTGEa7fi_qkfIQuEmIZvZWq36tR_P21cAVh7UX1B4cmPYBhHj2gYeG_3ojICg3ilMI-JknC1YOEZgElU9ojfSs8nUlvf2F7Et-U59Yglw/s1600/IMG_5595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXHpfOFe2ri9MR9oF27RttB0Y-j0Gr6veS-CTGEa7fi_qkfIQuEmIZvZWq36tR_P21cAVh7UX1B4cmPYBhHj2gYeG_3ojICg3ilMI-JknC1YOEZgElU9ojfSs8nUlvf2F7Et-U59Yglw/s320/IMG_5595.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
2. When you wake up, preheat your griddle or cast iron pan. Then, get your butter melted and cooled a bit. You don't want to cook the eggs in the butter when you combine them! Beat them in a small bowl, and then add to the sponge. Don't stir the sponge too much. They should fold right in.<br />
<br />
3. I like to sprinkle the salt and baking soda on top and then gently fold them in. I've had bad experiences with baking soda. It's not fun to bite through a clump of baking soda in your pancake.<br />
<br />
4. Make sure your griddle is the right temperature. I use my cast iron pan and heat it to medium low. Then, I don't touch it. Playing around with it with drive you batty. You want it to be hot enough for butter to sizzle when you add it to the pan, but not so hot that the butter burns. Experiment.<br />
<br />
5. I have a small kitchen (OK, fine. I have a big kitchen and too many gadgets) and so no room for a griddle. Sometimes, I wish I did though. It's a bit tedious to scoop out the pancakes one at a time, but luckily Mark is a late sleeper, so by the time he gets up, all he sees is a few dozen pancakes and misses out on the 2 hours it took to cook them one by one. Maybe you could write a blog post while you wait?<br />
<br />
6. There were really no instructions in #5. Hmm. I put down a spot of butter before I cook each cake. <span id="volume_or_weight"><span id="v_ingredients" style="display: inline;"><span id="IngredientSet">I use 1/2 cup of batter and pour it slowly into the center of the pan. With the first one, I figure out how long it's taking for each side to be done - usually about 3 minutes. The bubbles are your best indicators. See them in the upper right hand corner??</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcs-I_-IY_LzpDDM-RwH5haEpZkdndQO1AdoXULi1yHz9DDcYW7TX-STUrwrO5gdAgjnYzG1ts-rhpQYxRsRTPLFQe1JxRAGN5Mgks6pcSCvTxqMMrYf8D-R9Q5VR40HsjAYawTeuffA/s1600/IMG_5596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcs-I_-IY_LzpDDM-RwH5haEpZkdndQO1AdoXULi1yHz9DDcYW7TX-STUrwrO5gdAgjnYzG1ts-rhpQYxRsRTPLFQe1JxRAGN5Mgks6pcSCvTxqMMrYf8D-R9Q5VR40HsjAYawTeuffA/s320/IMG_5596.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<span id="volume_or_weight"><span id="v_ingredients" style="display: inline;"><span id="IngredientSet">Right before I flip, I put the fillings on. I like to give the pancake time to rise before I pile on the goodies. Flip. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span id="volume_or_weight"><span id="v_ingredients" style="display: inline;"><span id="IngredientSet">Here's how I like my pancakes to look after they've been flipped. And please be nice. Pancakes are not so photogenic when the natural light isn't there:</span></span></span><br />
<span id="volume_or_weight"><span id="v_ingredients" style="display: inline;"><span id="IngredientSet"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvyC0qHl7rIQodzTF9qy8B7QTOYLGqWHlUkwgZ0r9o4-z6DQzohdaXYIpY2vPvzrqs4b2nafARVa6FZxgkv-MBKVh4ckjSPKdqV_tqgAdlz8K4QyCJzswaR3VBzZgXIUEBrjaAqDSSXg/s1600/IMG_5598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvyC0qHl7rIQodzTF9qy8B7QTOYLGqWHlUkwgZ0r9o4-z6DQzohdaXYIpY2vPvzrqs4b2nafARVa6FZxgkv-MBKVh4ckjSPKdqV_tqgAdlz8K4QyCJzswaR3VBzZgXIUEBrjaAqDSSXg/s320/IMG_5598.JPG" /></a></div><span id="volume_or_weight"><span id="v_ingredients" style="display: inline;"><span id="IngredientSet"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span id="volume_or_weight"><span id="v_ingredients" style="display: inline;"><span id="IngredientSet">Three more minutes. Pancake in warming dish.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span id="volume_or_weight"><span id="v_ingredients" style="display: inline;"><span id="IngredientSet">7. Enjoy with copious amounts of butter and maple syrup. </span></span></span><br />
</span></span></span>Emerald Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04832412389585434492noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2184845902597592136.post-3668770845402888122010-02-12T15:06:00.000-08:002010-02-12T15:06:21.804-08:00Brown rice nori rolls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjqABX4J6REOmEFrpP_qjElp0mUiauo0ROzBHKjmdyjB7M-oXtG1Ad-RZSlofWudiGo25JPp5AMCVQVjrtf4OQByd8wrgKfQ1l0NeKTWiQq90fW7IcGGYXH7aoIDm-jGvmyjW6wjOjog/s1600-h/IMG_5441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjqABX4J6REOmEFrpP_qjElp0mUiauo0ROzBHKjmdyjB7M-oXtG1Ad-RZSlofWudiGo25JPp5AMCVQVjrtf4OQByd8wrgKfQ1l0NeKTWiQq90fW7IcGGYXH7aoIDm-jGvmyjW6wjOjog/s320/IMG_5441.JPG" /></a></div>I never thought I could make sushi rolls at home. Mark and I love sushi so much, we registered for a sushi kit when we got married...seven years ago. I used it once during our first year of marriage. But I think I've mastered my fear. Nori (and all sea vegetables) are rich in vitamins and great for preggos. I look forward to adding some cooked shrimp or salmon to the next roll!Emerald Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04832412389585434492noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2184845902597592136.post-23819833946699845072010-02-12T15:03:00.000-08:002010-02-12T15:03:39.760-08:00Roman Egg Drop Soup, or Stracciatella<h1 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="fn">Ready? I've got a recipe that is sure to knock your socks off. It's 4 ingredients, not including a dash of salt and pepper, you've likely got them all at your house, and it takes about 5 minutes to prepare....</span></span></h1><h1 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="fn"><br />
It's Roman Egg Drop Soup. It's delicious. I eat it whenever Mark is out of town, or for lunch, or even for breakfast. It hardly needs a recipe, but I'll humor you. I love this soup because it's so nourishing, easy, and pretty frugal. It's probably not something I'd serve to guests, but it's been perfect on a winter's day.</span></span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxLPI0cJ7Dz7wX96jeagqMbsjP87nQw7LvrvDT_XRulfEz0tSQ0uRMQJpnpijpMs6meROEKbCfHEoeHzdTAHd0x32jEZKqcmf8Pk24a_18aZBxMUtKuegH96cgWWzdGy3QuXAMJXGwIg/s1600-h/IMG_5447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxLPI0cJ7Dz7wX96jeagqMbsjP87nQw7LvrvDT_XRulfEz0tSQ0uRMQJpnpijpMs6meROEKbCfHEoeHzdTAHd0x32jEZKqcmf8Pk24a_18aZBxMUtKuegH96cgWWzdGy3QuXAMJXGwIg/s320/IMG_5447.JPG" /></a></div><h1 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="fn"><i>For one serving</i><br />
1.5 cup chicken stock</span></span></h1><h1 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="fn">1 egg, beaten</span></span></h1><h1 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="fn">1 T parmesan cheese</span></span></h1><h1 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="fn">pinch of fresh parsley, dried, or oregano</span></span></h1><h1 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="fn">salt and pepper to taste</span></span></h1><h1 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="fn">Method</span></span></h1><h1 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="fn">Boil stock. Meanwhile, beat egg and add herb and cheese.</span></span></h1><h1 style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="fn">When stock is boiling, start stirring vigorously, then add egg in a thin stream. You don't want poached egg soup (or maybe you do...) so make sure you're whisking! Remove from heat. Season. Eat.</span></span></h1>Emerald Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04832412389585434492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2184845902597592136.post-72286489026287282282010-02-01T16:28:00.000-08:002010-02-01T16:28:55.461-08:00Sardine SaladThere's something about the word "sardine" that just gives me the heeby-jeebies. They rank right up there with cod liver oil or anchovies (which have their rightful place in salad dressings and tomato sauces). So the can I bought at the beginning of pregnancy has stayed firmly in the corner of the cupboard...until today.<br />
<br />
A long day at work, coupled with knowing Mark isn't come home for dinner, usually leaves me with little motivation to cook. I'd already had eggs for lunch and oatmeal for breakfast, so I had to come up with something fast. Thus, my sardine salad was born. I figured I'd be choking those little nasties down, but it turns out they taste like TUNA FISH, which of course I haven't eaten since August, due to minimal mercury concerns. What a great find - especially knowing they're packed with calcium and iron. So, although I am by no means counting the following recipe as a gourmet meal, it's a nutritional powerhouse, and actually tasted pretty darn yummy! It could serve as a guideline as to what to do when you just don't feel like cooking.<br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>Makes 2 servings</i><br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients</b><br />
2 cups greens (I used arugula) <br />
1/2 red pepper, sliced or chopped (vitamin C!)<br />
1 can flaked sardines (iron, calcium)<br />
1 sliced avocado (fiber, folate)<br />
1/4 c sunflower seeds (magnesium, vitamin E)<br />
<br />
You could throw on any veggies you have, or any seeds/nuts. <br />
<br />
<b>Dressing</b><br />
1/2 cup whole milk yogurt or sour cream or creme fraiche (calcium)<br />
1 T mayonnaise (mine was homemade so it had good enzymes from the raw egg yolk)<br />
2 T raw apple cider vinegar (helps with digestion)<br />
glug of olive oil<br />
<br />
Blend dressing. Add to salad ingredients. Mix. Revel in your strange, but delicious, dish.Emerald Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04832412389585434492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2184845902597592136.post-14327019613819789562010-01-30T12:19:00.000-08:002010-07-09T09:12:50.875-07:00Cloth Diapers for Dummies: Part I<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdbR6LwxSxM-FJO67CEIqkUuDZyXk0A-qLg6GKsavWxnw1VLPlIrQy55On4NsE5BZbzvptj3bt5F9HuaJRIyQ0QPDno3YLNO4EInB_j-mtD-IL3hlIxJ-nxl3NMSUACcs00ilPcaYKMw/s1600/IMG_6139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdbR6LwxSxM-FJO67CEIqkUuDZyXk0A-qLg6GKsavWxnw1VLPlIrQy55On4NsE5BZbzvptj3bt5F9HuaJRIyQ0QPDno3YLNO4EInB_j-mtD-IL3hlIxJ-nxl3NMSUACcs00ilPcaYKMw/s320/IMG_6139.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Mommy's Touch Adjustable Newborn Diaper in celery green</i></div><br />
<br />
I recently realized that I know very little about the House of Representatives and the Senate, and will, in full disclosure, confess that I didn't even know that the two branches together made up the Congress. Mad props to Hanover High School History Department, huh? I do take some responsibility though. I should have sought out this information long ago. Just this week, tired of my ignorance, I borrowed Congress for Dummies from my local library and am loving it. Those "dummies" books are perfect for beginners. They're like the Wikipedia of the book world. <br />
<br />
I'm hoping this series will be something of that sort. I've been doing a good deal of research on cloth diapering over the past few months. I knew nothing about it when I started, other than a vague notion that disposable diapers in a landfill seemed like a bad thing. It's literally taken me countless emails to cloth diapering friends (thank you VF!!), hours and hours of reading websites, and even an in-person diapering demonstration to feel like I finally have a hold on the world of cloth. I don't plan on writing much of my own opinions or thoughts in this series though. Instead, I'd like to compile a list of resources so you can go through the process for yourself. (Only faster, because I'm guiding you to the websites I found most helpful!)<br />
<br />
<b>Why use cloth?</b><br />
<a href="http://www.realdiaperassociation.org/diaperfacts.php">Real Diapers </a>- This site presents all factual evidence from enivornmental reasons, to health concerns, to economic breakdowns.<br />
<a href="http://www.happygreenbaby.com/cloth-diapers-versus-disposables.html">Happy Green Baby</a> - HGB is a little more reader friendly, and includes most of the information from Real Diapers.<br />
<br />
<b>What are my options?</b><br />
<a href="http://www.happygreenbaby.com/types-cloth-diapers.html">Happy Green Baby</a> - This is a great glossary of cloth diapering terms. <br />
<a href="http://www.kellyscloset.com/Cloth-Diaper-Information_ep_34-1.html#newtocloth">Kelly's Kloset </a>- The first part of this page addresses the various kinds of cloth diapers, and then goes onto more explicit instructions for cleaning and other concerns.<br />
<br />
<b>What do I need to get started?</b><br />
Here's what I've been using. My wash schedule is Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday and I don't run out of diapers. I found it unrealistic to think I could wash everyday, but have no problem keeping to the three day a week schedule. <br />
<br />
24 prefolds, 5 covers, 3 all-in-ones, 6 doublers, and 12 tie diapers<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.tinybirdsorganicbabytoys.com/cgi-bin/item/BummisOrganicPrefold/search/Bummis-Organic-Cotton-Prefold">24 prefolds -</a> Note: I had to wash these 6 times before using them to get maximum absorbency.<br />
<a href="http://www.greenmountaindiapers.com/covers.htm#mommystouchnewborn">2 Mommy's Touch Adjustable Newborn covers</a> - love these for the summer, and for umbilical cord. They say up to 10 pounds, but Anabella is at 11 lbs and I think she'll fit into them for awhile longer<br />
<a href="http://www.tinybirdsorganicbabytoys.com/cgi-bin/item/DisanaWoolCovers/DiaperCovers/Disana-Organic-Merino-Wool-Diaper-Cover">1 Disana wool pull up </a>- This is great for cooler weather, or night time. I use them as pants too - no need for another layer!<br />
<a href="http://www.tinybirdsorganicbabytoys.com/cgi-bin/item/DreamEzeAIO/search/The-Natural-Baby-Company-Dream-Eze-AIO">3 Dream-Eze All in Ones </a>- These are my favorite for night time - just throw them on half asleep. Other people find these easiest too...like husbands and mothers.<br />
<a href="http://www.greenmountaindiapers.com/covers.htm#imsewool">1 Imse Vimse wool cover </a>- velcro wrap style cover - very easy to put on<br />
<a href="http://www.greenmountaindiapers.com/covers.htm#beetlecover">1 little beetle little to big organic merino wool cover</a> - so soft and comfortable - doesn't leave any red marks on legs<br />
<a href="http://www.tinybirdsorganics.com/organiccotton/tie_nappy.html">12 Disana tie nappies -</a> these are great with a doubler for night time. They take a little getting used to because you have to fold and tie, but they are comfortable and aborbent. I probably only use 1 or 2 a day. I imagine I will use them more as she grows into them, as they are still a little big. <br />
<br />
I've also collected a few fitted diapers, which are nice because you don't have to fold, and they hold a little more, but I don't think they are worth the extra cost. You still have to put a cover over them. I'd prefer all-in-ones if I were going to invest in more diapers.<br />
<br />
For older babies: (so I've heard...)<br />
Infant (4 to 10 months) - 16 - 20 diapers (4 covers)<br />
Toddler (10 months to potty training) - 12 - 16 diapers (3 - 4 covers)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2009/09/diapering-a-newborn.html">Keeper of the Home </a>- This is more of an interview format with four bloggers that discusses the unique circumstances of cloth diapering a newborn. There are some great links on there, too.<br />
<a href="http://www.greenmountaindiapers.com/faq.htm">Green Mountain Diaper</a> - There is a lot of good information about getting started and what you might need.<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Accessories</b><br />
I use <a href="http://www.homesteadcompany.com/category_s/25.htm">Homestead Baby </a>diaper spray, but will be making my own when that runs out. Sometimes, I use water (on poopy diapers mostly!), and sometimes, nothing!<br />
A large trash bin and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Planet-Wise-Diaper-Pail-Liner/dp/B002VHBU36">a waterproof liner</a> are your best friend. I have two liners, so that there is one available on wash day for the diapers that come in. Planetwise is my favorite. Keep the bin open a bit to prevent stink from building up.<br />
I cut up two hand-me-down flannel receiving blankets and use those as wipes. They're free, last awhile, and are gentle on her bum!<br />
Lastly, if you do prefolds, don't forget your <a href="http://www.tinybirdsorganicbabytoys.com/cgi-bin/item/SnappiDiaperFastener/search/Snappi-Cloth-Diaper-Fastener-%281-fastener%29">snappis!</a><br />
<br />
<b>Where can I buy cloth diapers?</b><br />
Here are some of the places recommended to me by friends, and I've registered from all of these places for various things (covers, all-in-ones, prefolds etc.)<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.tinybirdsorganics.com/">Tiny Bird Organics</a> - TBO has the best prices, great selection, and free shipping! <br />
<a href="http://www.greenmountaindiapers.com/index.html">Green Moutain Diapers </a>- This is one of my favorite sites. <b></b><br />
<a href="http://www.greensproutbaby.com/">Green Sprout Baby</a> - They have some great night time diapers<b></b><br />
<a href="http://www.kellyscloset.com/">Kelly's Kloset </a><br />
<a href="http://preciousdignity.myshopify.com/">Precious Dignity</a><br />
<a href="http://www.swaddlebees.com/">Swaddlebees</a><br />
<br />
Stay tuned for another post about washing cloth diapers and various kinds of cloth diaper covers!Emerald Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04832412389585434492noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2184845902597592136.post-9289013368732618392010-01-24T16:58:00.000-08:002010-01-24T16:58:00.425-08:00Sourdough Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOuSTB5ZIFiusGsBdSfD9DSrsn7l0yvOqGzebW7JKdKv4rj_lVfMbZC0sUdSKhjYxgvR88GUnTlrXA1G0Dtnmzs2NrtUa2N0aMlt4UktzpvkwzMyIInx3Z_6-PsS2ol9CdoJcXH9Eq-A/s1600-h/IMG_5406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOuSTB5ZIFiusGsBdSfD9DSrsn7l0yvOqGzebW7JKdKv4rj_lVfMbZC0sUdSKhjYxgvR88GUnTlrXA1G0Dtnmzs2NrtUa2N0aMlt4UktzpvkwzMyIInx3Z_6-PsS2ol9CdoJcXH9Eq-A/s320/IMG_5406.JPG" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I don't know why I have such difficulty with photos. It's not my forte. These muffins were beautiful - great crumb, dotted with chocolate chunks, high top, sturdy body. It's hard to tell, but hopefully you won't hold it against the muffin. It's my fault. They taste heavenly - light, fluffy, and just the right amount of sweetness. You'd hardly know they were made from whole wheat flour.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So what gives? Two posts in one day? Well, after making these, I knew I had to share. I made them for a few reasons: I've been waking up in the middle of the night starving, and Mark enjoys a good midday snack, and I had 1 cup of sourdough starter that I had to discard, so I figured I'd hit all these points in a good muffin. There's no refined sugar in here, the flour is whole wheat, and the sourdough starter helps with digestion. What's not to love? I couldn't hold this recipe back from you. If you don't have a sourdough starter and you live close, give me a shout and I'll gladly give you some of mine...even if you don't live close and you're a faithful (or lukewarm) reader, I'll mail some. I obtained my starter from a blogging friend I've never met in Virginia - the one whose recipe I've adapted below, actually - so I am happy to pass on the love.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><b><em>Sourdough Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins</em></b><br />
<em><i>Adapted from Vehement Flame's recipe</i><br />
</em><br />
<div><br />
</div><div>1/2 c butter</div>scant 1/2 c honey<br />
<div>2 eggs</div><div>2 c whole wheat flour</div><div>1 ts baking powder</div><div>1/2 ts baking soda</div><div>1 ts sea salt</div><div>1 ts cinnamon</div>1 T vanilla<div>1 c fed and rested starter</div><div>3 mashed bananas</div><div>1/2 - 1 cup of chocolate chips (I just cut up some dark chocolate squares I had) <br />
</div><div> </div><div>Cream together butter and honey. Add eggs one at a time beating well after each addition. Blend in vanilla. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt and cinnamon. Add to wet. Mix together starter and bananas. Add to wet. Bake in a 350 degree oven for about 15 minutes, or until toothpick in center comes out dry. Don't overbake though! Let cool and then slather with butter and enjoy!<br />
</div>Emerald Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04832412389585434492noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2184845902597592136.post-17347691888142090672010-01-24T15:37:00.000-08:002010-01-24T15:37:20.766-08:00Chicken Pot Pie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUxYbqZGqX1LZ4hZ08TjTg6hHmtI6aJgv3Hjp5YoDMXLOIKZF2WvmnNFPcNb-O6UD1skkPTZ9nHZHP90P68vCtdZjPcJ8mzXqgVFQTVNCfoZMFizSD0tfoxdQopAqwSlkxlPCv_ArtaA/s1600-h/IMG_5403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUxYbqZGqX1LZ4hZ08TjTg6hHmtI6aJgv3Hjp5YoDMXLOIKZF2WvmnNFPcNb-O6UD1skkPTZ9nHZHP90P68vCtdZjPcJ8mzXqgVFQTVNCfoZMFizSD0tfoxdQopAqwSlkxlPCv_ArtaA/s400/IMG_5403.JPG" width="400" /></a><br />
</div>Chicken pot pie is one of those cold-weather comfort foods. I grew up on frozen pot pies from Shaw's, and I will unabashedly admit that I loved them. I may have even bought a few in our first year of marriage. For less than $5, we had several servings of what tasted like homemade pot pie. Once I got on my real food kick though, I had no room left for the frozen pot pies. I did adopt my aunt Anne's delicious recipe. She made a huge pot pie casserole for Christmas Eve one year, and I was hooked. The ingredients include a can of evaporated milk which I don't normally buy, so I made some substitutions and now....<br />
<br />
Oh yes. This is it. I normally don't cook on Sundays (or I try not to, at least!), but this was quite simple. My mom gave me a rotisserie chicken yesterday, so I picked off about two cups of meat for the pie, and am currently simmering the carcass for stock. I had four sad little carrots in a bag at the bottom of the fridge. There was an onion hanging around somewhere, and a mostly gone bag of frozen peas. And we can't forget the frozen pie crust from Thanksgiving with Mark's parents in October. (I knew I shouldn't throw away scraps!) I had everything I needed, including an excuse to use up some of my pleasantly soured milk. It took less than a half hour to prep and clean, which is a miracle for me. I'll definitely be making this more often.<br />
<br />
<i>Serves 3</i><br />
I highly recommend you double this recipe! I would have, but I had to work with the amount of chicken and veggies that I had.<br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients</b><br />
1 onion, chopped<br />
1.5 cups chicken stock<br />
splash of milk (3 Tbsp maybe?)<br />
shaking of whole wheat flour (3 Tbsp maybe?)<br />
2 T butter<br />
sprinkle of paprika<br />
dash of garlic powder<br />
pinch of dried mustard <br />
salt and pepper to taste <br />
<br />
2 cups chicken meat, shredded, cubed or diced<br />
4 carrots, cut into thin rounds<br />
1 cup (or less) peas<br />
<br />
1 pre-made or homemade pie crust<br />
<br />
<b>Method</b><br />
<i>Preheat oven to 350.</i><br />
1. Saute onion in butter about 10 minutes, or until translucent.<br />
2. Add flour and saute another two minutes.<br />
3. Add stock and bring to a boil.<br />
4. Simmer until sauce begins to thicken.<br />
5. Add milk and spices, stirring often, until it reaches desired thickness. Remove from heat.<br />
6. Mix together chicken, carrots, and peas in small casserole dish.<br />
7. Pour sauce over chicken mixture and combine.<br />
8. Season to taste.<br />
9. Roll out crust and lay over top of pie.<br />
10. Bake on a cookie sheet lined with tinfoil (to catch drippings) until crust is golden brown and sides are bubbling, about 35-50 minutes, depending on your oven and the size/depth of your casserole dish.<br />
<br />
Bon Appetite!Emerald Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04832412389585434492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2184845902597592136.post-57142884395491196522009-12-13T11:30:00.000-08:002009-12-13T11:34:04.289-08:00Hearty Sandwich BreadI've written before about how Mark is a huge sandwich fan. I can't seem to break him of his desire for deli meat and hearty sandwich bread, but worse things have happened. I'm saving money by making homemade bread, and I feel better knowing the ingredients, process and hands that made it. Because Mark works late and leaves early, I've been trying to help him by making his lunches at night. I noticed <a href="http://greeninapinkworld.blogspot.com/2009/04/whole-wheat-sandwich-bread.html">the bread was so soft </a>after the first two-three days of baking, it was so soft that it wasn't holding up to a big turkey sandwich without tearing! Softness isn't bad for a dinner bread, or even a piece of toast, but it was problematic for the sandwiches. So, I found a recipe on allrecipes.com, and basically butchered it until it resembled a loaf that had the taste, consistency, and ingredients we both liked.<br />
<br />
I've been baking loaves on Sunday afternoons, which means we often each French toast on either Saturday or Sunday to use up any last pieces of the prior week's loaf. I even made chocolate bread pudding with a stale heel one week! This is a very easy, low-maintenance loaf if you have a bread machine. It makes a smaller loaf than my other recipe, which works well for us, because we only need about 10 slices - 4 sandwiches for Mark, and 2 pieces for me on the mornings I have eggs.<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>Ingredients</b><br />
<div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">3/4 cup water<br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">1 tablespoon butter, softened<br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">1 teaspoon salt<br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">6 tablespoons of any mixture of the following: sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, flax seeds, millet, quinoa, amaranth, or cornmeal (I use whatever I have on hand!)<br />
2 cups white whole wheat flour<br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">1 tablespoon milk, water, yogurt, buttermilk, or olive oil<br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">2 T honey<br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">1 1/2 tablespoons SAF yeast<br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">1 T vital wheat gluten (to help with the rise) <br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">Add water, butter, milk, and honey to bread machine. Then spoon the flour over the liquid mixture. Add seeds, gluten, and yeast. (I like to add my salt when the fruit and nut cycle beeps so that it doesn't interfere with the yeast action, but most recipes say to just add it with the flour.) Choose bread dough cycle. Mine runs about 90 minutes.<br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px 8px 4px 0px;">When dough is complete, punch down and transfer to baking pan, stick in a warm oven (or warm room) and let rise til doubled in size. Bake at 350 for about 25-30 minutes. I use my meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature is 190 degrees - otherwise I end up with gummy bread. This makes great toast, and Mark loves his turkey and avocado sandwich on this bread.<br />
</div>Emerald Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04832412389585434492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2184845902597592136.post-78352927583393579802009-12-08T19:30:00.000-08:002009-12-08T19:30:22.706-08:00It's a girl!I'm a little late on this post, but we found out last Friday that there's a baby girl growing in my belly! Here's a pic of me holding the ultrasound snapshot, as well as my 18 week bump. We don't have a name yet, though we have some strict parameters: non-American, uncommon, multiple syllables, and ends in a vowel. How's that for picky?!<br />
<br />
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</div>Emerald Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04832412389585434492noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2184845902597592136.post-28760988885047630582009-11-17T18:30:00.000-08:002009-11-17T18:30:29.567-08:00Chicken Caccitore<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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Mark and I are both Italian, but Mark likes Italian-American food far more than I do. I don't mind a good pizza a few times a month, and I'll take fresh food fruit and veggies from Italy above all else, but I'll pass on pasta ten times out of ten. Usually, I make a pot of <a href="http://greeninapinkworld.blogspot.com/2008/11/cows-and-meatballs.html">homemade meatballs and sauce</a> and eat it plain while Mark polishes off a half pound of pasta himself. Tonight's meal was no exception. However, what I liked about this dish was that it only took about an hour from start to finish, and I didn't have to bust out the crock pot. It was a nice change of pace to have chicken and tomato sauce instead of beef. I adapted recipes from Joy of Cooking, my dad, and Food Network.<br />
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Serves: 4 - 6<br />
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<b>4 split bone-in chicken breasts </b>OR 1 whole chicken, cut up<br />
<br />
<i>dredged in<b> </b></i><b>1/2 cup of flour</b> seasoned with a sprinkling of <b>red pepper</b> and <b>garlic powder</b>, or plain<br />
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<i>browned in</i> <b>1/3 cup of olive oil</b> over medium heat in a large stock pot (you may need to do this in batches)<br />
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Once chicken is done, set aside on a plate. Add to olive oil:<br />
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<b>4 mashed, chopped garlic cloves</b> and <b>1 cup sliced mushrooms</b><br />
<br />
When mushrooms are brown and flavorful, add:<br />
<b><br />
</b><br />
<b>1 cup of white wine</b> and cook til reduced by half<br />
<br />
Then, add and stir:<br />
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<b>1 28-ounce can of crushed or whole tomatoes</b><br />
<b>2 T tomato paste </b>(I forgot it, but I wish I had added it for a thicker sauce)<br />
<b>3/4 c beef or chicken stock<br />
</b><br />
<b>1/2 teaspoon each of salt, pepper, thyme, marjoram, basil, and oregano</b><br />
<b>1 bay leaf</b><br />
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Put chicken back in the pot and simmer covered until chicken is cooked. I am very bad at telling when things are done, so my meat thermometer has been a lifesaver. You want the internal temperature to reach 165 degrees for poultry.<br />
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Let sauce sit for 5-10 minutes after turning off heat to thicken up a bit. Serve chicken and sauce over pasta, if you so desire. Fresh parmesan cheese is wonderful on top!Emerald Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04832412389585434492noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2184845902597592136.post-7754905151315379722009-11-16T17:09:00.000-08:002009-11-16T17:09:47.204-08:00Health Basics<a href="http://realfoodreallives.blogspot.com/2009/01/my-eating-guidelines.html">Simple Healthy Eating Guidelines </a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://realfoodreallives.blogspot.com/">Real Food. Real Lives. Real People.</a> - my other blog with a plethora of information and basics on healthy eating<br />
<br />
<a href="http://greeninapinkworld.blogspot.com/2009/09/part-1-of-2-marks-battle-with-crohns.html">Beating Crohn's Disease Part I</a><br />
<a href="http://greeninapinkworld.blogspot.com/2009/09/part-2-of-2-beating-crohns-disease-and.html">Beating Crohn's Disease Part II</a><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1258419795511"><br />
</a><br />
<a href="http://greeninapinkworld.blogspot.com/2009/11/10-keys-to-avoiding-cold-and-flu-or.html">Top Ten Keys to Beating Colds and Flus</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://greeninapinkworld.blogspot.com/2009/04/water-kefir.html">Benefits of Water Kefir</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://greeninapinkworld.blogspot.com/2009/03/real-food-wednesday-natural-body-care.html">Natural Body Care Products</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://greeninapinkworld.blogspot.com/2008/04/throw-out-sunscreen.html">Should we throw out sunscreen? </a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://greeninapinkworld.blogspot.com/2008/10/two-great-articles.html">Sally Fallon on Low-Fat, Lowering Cholesterol?</a> - Important information for people who have questions about eating low-fat and have been told to lower their cholesterolEmerald Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04832412389585434492noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2184845902597592136.post-25563054297473306022009-11-16T17:02:00.000-08:002009-12-29T05:54:08.333-08:0010 Keys to Avoiding the Cold and Flu (Or shortening your symptoms!)Some people wear gloves on the T (public trains, for those of you not in the Boston area). Some people stick those weird Zicam swabs up their noses. Others cross their fingers and swallow extra vitamin C supplements every once in a while.<br />
<br />
Are there better ways to avoid getting sick as the cold and flu season is upon us? I'd say, YES. I'd been planning this post for awhile, my inspiration coming from the many, many times I've told people I'm not getting the seasonal flu vaccine (never have) nor the H1N1 vaccine (never will). "But you're <i>pregnant</i>!" they gasp, as if I might as well count my baby as being born with only three fingers on each hand now, due to my insolence and irresponsibility. "Exactly!" is my usual response.<br />
<br />
I am very cautious about vaccines. I understand that people have good reasons for getting them, and it's always in the best interest of their family. I've done a lot of research though, and from what I've heard and read, I believe it's in the best interest of my family, especially my growing, unborn baby, to not receive an untested vaccine for a virus that I don't believe has the power to harm me if I am living a right lifestyle. I have simply not seen any compelling evidence or scientific research that points to safe, clinical trials that point to the efficacy and safety of the vaccine. In 1976, at the onset of another Swine Flu "pandemic", the public was vaccinated with an untested vaccine and these were the results:<br />
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<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span id="ctl00_ctl00_ctl00_bcr_bcr_bcr_lblDrComments"> "Twenty five people died from severe pulmonary complications after receiving the swine flu vaccine, and about 500 cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome were reported after vaccination. Some 300 claims were later filed by families of Guillain-Barre Syndrome victims who died from the disease. The 1976 swine flu vaccine debacle ended up costing the US government $3.5 billion in damages to some 4,000 vaccine injured Americans -- a direct result of the CDC’s intensive vaccination campaign." (<a href="http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/11/17/Obama-Administration-Launches-Deceptive-Swine-Flu-Propaganda-Blitz.aspx">Dr. Mercola</a>)<br />
</span><br />
</div><br />
Truth be told though, I honestly didn't think I needed to worry about H1N1, because I didn't think I would come in close enough contact with anyone who had it. I know I have a strong immune system, practice good hygiene, and get a solid 8-9 hours of sleep every night. I've had one cold and one sore throat in the last three plus years - which marks the time when I started eating "real food" - and both of those were treated naturally and disappeared quickly. So I didn't worry...until Mark was diagnosed with Swine Flu on Tuesday.<br />
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His doctor immediately prescribed TamiFlu for both Mark and me. I got a little nervous and looked it up on the internet, because I hadn't heard much about it. All I needed to see was this little blurb under their <a href="http://www.tamiflu.com/sideeffects.aspx">Safety and Side Effects tab:</a><br />
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<div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"TAMIFLU is normally not recommended for use during pregnancy or nursing, as the effects on the unborn child or nursing infant are unknown. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding while taking TAMIFLU, talk to your doctor before taking TAMIFLU."<br />
</div><br />
I am not interested in being a guinea pig, so instead of taking TamiFlu, I chose to move out for the week. I lived with my aunt for several nights, and my mother for a few nights as well. For whatever reason, whether it was my Thursday afternoon visit to Mark in the apartment, the hiatus I took with my cod liver oil and coconut oil supplementation due to my unconventional living arrangements, or a combination, I started to have a sore throat on Friday - the same symptom Mark started with. By Saturday morning, I had a low grade fever, and could barely swallow. In fact, on my drive from Boston to the South Shore, I had to spit out the window on the highway every few minutes, because my throat was so sore I couldn't swallow. This used to happen to me several times a year, and it often lasted for a week, and was accompanied by cold and flu-like symptoms.<br />
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But I was not defeated. I fought back, with the help of my loving mother. I began taking 4 monolaurin supplements a day, higher doses of cod liver oil supplementation, and ate just chicken broth, vegetables, and egg yolks. (I had been staying away from sugar anyway, knowing it's immune suppressing capabilities.) I drank echinacea tea infusions with lemon (great source of vitamin C) and raw honey for its anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties. I also made coconut carob treats with raw honey instead of agave, and ate those at regular intervals to boost my honey and coconut oil intake. (Coconut oil is also anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial.)<br />
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In addition to my "food medicine," I took beta-glucan supplements. Beta-glucans have immune system enhancing properties. I also gargled with salt water several times a day, used the neti pot to clear out my sinuses as a precautionary measure, though I had no symptoms of sinus blockage. Gargling with salt water twice a day even when you're healthy is an excellent practice to get into. It kills the germs that may be festering in your mouth, before they can turn into something more dangerous. <br />
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Saturday night I felt a little better, and my fever had stabilized at 99.1. I woke up with a bad headache on Sunday morning, though my fever was gone. I increased my fluid intake, continued to drink tea, and felt well enough to go shopping for several hours on Sunday afternoon. Though I was still tired, all other symptoms were gone by Sunday evening.<br />
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I woke up today feeling 100% better. I have no traces of a sore throat, my headache is completely gone, and my fever is normal. Here are the top ten things I believe helped me defeat this virus so quickly:<br />
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1. <b>Prayer and positive thinking. </b>The more I started to get anxious about being sick, the sicker I felt. Instead, I continually redirected my thoughts to Jesus, and played His words over and over in my mind from Psalm 103: 1 - 5:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Praise the LORD, O my soul; <br />
all my inmost being, praise his holy name. <br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Praise the LORD, O my soul, <br />
and forget not all his benefits- <br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> who forgives all your sins <br />
and heals all your diseases, <br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> who redeems your life from the pit <br />
and crowns you with love and compassion, <br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> who satisfies your desires with good things <br />
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. <br />
</div><br />
2. <a href="http://www.thornton-health.com/articles/monolauric_acid.shtml">Monolaurin:</a> This is a medium chain fatty acid found in mother's breast milk and coconut oil. It is an immune system enhancer. I eat several tablespoons of coconut oil in a day, in the form of coconut oil <a href="http://greeninapinkworld.blogspot.com/2008/04/carob-chews-for-those-hankering-for.html">treats</a> or <a href="http://greeninapinkworld.blogspot.com/2009/01/mounds-candy-bars.html">candies</a>, or stirred into tea, or used to fry an egg. (And it's my daily moisturizer and hair conditioner!) When I'm healthy, I feel this is all I need. However, though I don't normally advocate for pills, if you do get sick, research shows you will benefit much more from taking a supplement of monolaurin, because only a small portion of the lauric acid from coconut oil is converted to monolaurin. You should take 4x the recommended dosage at the onset of symptoms. I like the <a href="http://www.naturalnutritionals.com/brands-a-to-z-ecological-formulas.html">Ecological Formulas</a> brand.<br />
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3. <a href="http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=96">Raw honey</a>: Oh, how I love my honey. It's a lifesaver for any sore throat or upper respritory infection. I could eat Crystal's All Natural straight from the 5 pound jar. It costs $25 for a 5 pounds, and is unrefined, unfiltered, so it contains enzymes, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-microbial and anti-oxidant properties, and minerals and vitamins. It's definitely better for you than regular ol' sugar, as it is full of its own enzymes and doesn't call on the body to produce the enzymes lacking in refined sugar. Honey doesn't call on the body's nutrients to metabolize, so those nutrients are able to be used to metabolize fat and cholesterol, which means less fat on your body! It's also a great remedy for sore throats, or beating any kind of respiratory illness. Just add cayenne pepper, ginger, honey, and raw apple cider vinegar and sip or gargle.<br />
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4. <a href="http://www.beta-glucan-info.com/">Beta-glucan:</a> This was a new supplement for me, but my mom recommended it after reading about its immune boosting abilities. Basically, beta-glucans are polyssacharides that activate the immune system without over-stimulating it, which can lead to problems. It's an all-natural food-derived supplement. It modulates our white blood cells, putting them at alert for any immune system threats. I bought a brand that I found at my local health food store, but <a href="http://www.beta-glucan-info.com/store/cart.php?xid=f46697943ebb4dac7e9457f047aedf65">this site</a> seems to have a reputable, effective product. <br />
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5. <b>Rest.</b> This should probably be number two, but usually when people are sick, it's easier to rest becaues it's so hard to do many other things! I've read from countless sources that our bodies repair themselves from 10pm to 2am. I don't know how anyone can figure this out, but I do know that when I am in bed by 10pm, I feel well and well-rested by 6am. I believe this was the key to Mark getting sick. The week prior to his diagnosis, he worked until 10pm, and stayed up much later than that, and was waking up at 5am! Over the weekend, he went out on both Friday and Saturday evening, and probably didn't fall asleep until 2am. By Monday evening, his body seemed to have given up.<br />
<br />
<i>Other important keys -</i><br />
6. Gargling with salt water<br />
7. Echinacea tea<br />
8. Citrus fruits - grapefruits, lemons, oranges<br />
9. <a href="http://realfoodreallives.blogspot.com/2009/01/why-stocks-rock_06.html">Homemade stock</a><br />
10. PROPER HYGIENE!! I wash my hands about twelve times a day - just about every hour I'm out and about. I won't eat anything if I haven't washed my hands first, as germs enter our body through our noses and mouths. Just another reason to stop that nose-picking habit...<br />
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I hope this post gave you some tools to help you live well this season. Mark and I are living under the same roof again, and we both feel great. Mark says he is going to be more diligent about washing his hands, will be going to bed much earlier, and might even wear gloves on the T from now on...<br />
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Please feel free to ask questions or for more information. If you'd like to leave a comment and do not have a google account, just choose "Anonymous" in the drop down menu, and make sure to type in the proper letters once you've clicked on submit.Emerald Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04832412389585434492noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2184845902597592136.post-50180780754015899412009-11-06T12:38:00.001-08:002009-11-06T12:38:54.825-08:00Under ConstructionHello readers!<br />
<br />
As you may have noticed, I'm doing some construction around here. The tabbed links at the top should be good to go in a few days, so please remain patient.<br />
<br />
Thanks for your readership,<br />
=) MeganEmerald Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04832412389585434492noreply@blogger.com0