When nothing seems to go right...

I don't even know where to begin...

The craziness of the weekend began Friday, after a long drive to and from the vet for our new pup, Lulu, that we rescued a couple weeks ago (not the senior dog we were planning and looking for, but a puppy who is not potty trained!). If I hadn't had a 4 month break of Nya being out of diapers, I couldn't imagine where my sanity would be with both a puppy and toddler learning the boundaries of where to pee and poop.

When we got home, Nya and I hoped in the car (it only gets driven around the block once every other week while Jamie's gone), along with both dogs, and set out for our biweekly spin around the block.

Only to discover the car wouldn't start. The battery was completely dead.

Oh well.

The next morning we awoke to weather in the 20's. It was TWENTY SOMETHING degrees... in the south... in the middle of November! I decided we would take the day easy after our crazy week of running around. All was going well, until we sat down for dinner...

Our sensitive smoke alarms that Jamie had "fixed" started going off. The sharp shrilling wail of the siren pierced my ear drums as I scurried to get everything under control.

Lulu was running through the house completely terrified. Lexi was trying to round everyone up to get outside. And Nya was dashing through the house in her underwear shouting, "What is that? What's going on?" Over. And over. And over.

I managed to reset the smoke detectors. The windows were open and the fans were on. The bloodcurdling wail was silent for the moment.

Five minutes later they begin to wail again. Lulu peed all over the floor, and Nya, still in just her underwear, shouting "What's going on?!"followed behind me as I ran upstairs, taking all five smoke detectors out of the ceiling.

But they didn't stop!

I disconnected all the wires and they were STILL going off. In my hands! I just wanted the noise to stop!

I opened them up, ripped out the batteries out, and those suckers were still shrieking! More of a dying shriek than the initial piercing, but what the heck?!

I threw the batteries in a zip lock bag, the disengaged and empty smoke detectors in another bag, and ran them out to the garage. It crossed my mind to throw them in the garbage, but I had a flash back to a Friends episode where Phoebe had the same problem. Probably not a good idea to fully dump them. I instead hid them as far away as I could, praying they wouldn't come back to life anytime soon.

Now I was proud of myself. I had done it! Those suckers were not going to bother us anymore!

Everyone came back inside, we finished our meal, and went about our night.

....

Sunday morning came too early, and Lexi was up at 6 ready to go outside and play. All I wish for is ONE morning to sleep in. Just one.

I crawled back into bed for a bit before getting Nya. It was still freezing, but not as cold as the day before. I had planned on baking most of the day to restock some of our food in the freezer. Nya loves helping me in the kitchen so I thought it was a perfect way to spend this cold Sunday.

First, Nya managed to climb up onto the counter, reach into the spice cabinet and pull my large container of Italian Seasoning off the shelf.... ALL over the floor.

Stay calm, I told myself as Nya quickly apologized.

On to the next task...Nya was helping me stir the flour and cacao for our chocolate doughnuts. She managed to stir it right out of the bowl and all over the island, cabinets, and floor.

"I'm sorry!" she cried.

Next, we began making almond butter bars. Somehow Nya spilled an entire cup of freshly made date sugar all over the floor.

"I'm sorry!"

Why is this happening?!?!

The last thing to spill was the warm cashew milk we just finished making. Down the counter, over the cabinets, onto the floor.

My Vitamix stopped working and I nearly broke my food processor getting the pieces to attach after 15 minutes of fussing with it.

At every turn, it seemed something was going wrong. I had moments where I wanted to scream and throw everything through the window, and moments where I couldn't help but laugh. Everything was so incredibly ridiculous. How could this many things go wrong???

So we ended our day by pulling out the Christmas tree and putting it up while we listened to Christmas music. And Lulu didn't pee in the house!

As crazy as this weekend was, it is so important to me how I react in these situations now that I have a child. No matter how clumsy Nya may be, or how much easier it would be if I didn't let her help, that's not what life is about. Nya's just an innocent being who is curious and eager to help, and she is always watching and learning from me.

These situations remind me to take a step back, a deep breath, and relax. The car will start again once it's jumped. The smoke detectors are just sensitive and will be fixed when Jamie gets home. And Nya is not intending to harm.

These are just accidents, and lessons in life. I don't want to make a big deal out of things that happen, because I don't want Nya becoming fearful of making mistakes, or afraid of running into roadblocks. I want her to always be confident to try new things and realize everything can be fixed or worked through with patience....

And a little bit of laughter.

But I really, really couldn't wait for bedtime!

To connect with others in this crazy journey of life, discover new parenting ideas & fun DIY projects, learn about holistic remedies, & find whole food plant based recipes, please visit our Facebook page Loving Green at Loving Green FB.

Best Ever Chocolate Chip Cookies (Dairy and Refined Sugar free!)

About two years ago, I began cutting sugar out of my life. I had just had Nya, and wanted to raise her on as clean a diet as possible in order to boost her immune system and overall health, decrease her chances of illness and allergies, and set her up for a future free from common health problems we see today in America. I also knew the age old motto: "Do as I say and not as I do" simply would not work. I couldn't expect Nya to avoid sugar if I couldn't, or wouldn't, do it myself.

Little by little, I cut out processed sugars, including raw and maple syrup, and it took about 9 months to fully kick the habit. Adopting a whole food diet is essential for completely kicking sugar to the curb because sugar is added to nearly everything processed.  Even packages that claim "no sugar added" or "sugar free" have some sort of sugar substitute that is just as bad, if not worse. (Read more here from Dr. Jay Gordon).

The beginning was really tricky because I craved sweets. My body had to have them, and a handful of fresh fruit did not satisfy my craving. This is why it is so important to set your child up from the beginning with healthy eating habits. Their bodies are free from the toxins we call food. They've never had sugar, so why get them started on it? It's detrimental to their health, and that is something we do have control over, to an extent.

So to fully kick my sugar cravings, I had to replace it with something equally decadent, until it was out of my system. I began experimenting with dates (Click here to read more about the health benefits of dates), and used them in place of sugar. I started with raw desserts (these Ooey Oooey Fudgy Bars were a favorite), and moved on to baking with them once Nya was eating more solid foods.

I've found pureed dates easily replace refined sugars in just about everything, yet I had trouble recreating a cookie from whole foods that had the same texture as a traditional cookie. No matter the ratios, or how many attempts, I just could't recreate a traditional cookie purely from whole foods. I did create these amazing nutterly soft chocolate chip cookies for Nya that she absolutely loves, but they have more of a cake-like texture (fine for her, but not for me or Jamie who know what a cookie is "supposed" to taste like).

Finally it occurred to me to try date sugar. Could this be the missing link?

I purchased a small bag from Whole Foods (it's expensive!) to try out before I made my own. At first I was a bit discouraged because the batter didn't taste sweet or cookie-like at all. I thought it was going to be a complete flop, but I decided to see the recipe through. After baking, they came out perfectly! I have made these a couple times using different flours. I found the white whole wheat to work best, but did experiment with teff, oat, brown rice, and whole oats. All worked fine, but created a softer cookie.

With the holidays around the corner, I'm excited to use dates in this form to create other yummy goodies. Stay tuned for more!

This recipe does unfortunately contain 1 Tbsp of oil. I try to avoid oil as it's empty calories devoid of any nutritional value, but this was the best cleanest recipe I could come up with. Skip it if you want, but the results will very slightly. There is also sugar in the chocolate chips. Use cacao nibs if you can (slightly bitter), or skip them altogether. This is the only form of "sugar" Nya ever has, so I use it sparingly.

A couple important notes about date sugar:

• It is expensive to purchase, but think of your family's health...how much is it worth to you?

• If purchasing, the only ingredient should be dehydrated dates.

• Date sugar does not dissolve easily, so the batter does not taste as good or sweet as the final product...don't be discouraged! 

• Not ideal for teas (date paste works best here!)

• You can easily make your own by drying out dates in the oven (very low temp) or dehydrator. Once dried, grind to a powder. (This is much cheaper but more time consuming.)

What you need:

• 1 c date sugar

• 2/3 c plant milk (I like cashew best!)

• 1 Tbsp hemp oil (can skip or use another oil of choice)

• 1 tsp vanilla

• 1/3 c + 1 Tbsp crunchy peanut butter (no other ingredients added and creamy works too!)

• 1 c white whole wheat flour (make sure organic to avoid GMOs)

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1/4 tsp sea salt

• 1/2 - 2/3 c chocolate chips (I use Enjoy Life)

What you do:

1. Preheat oven to 350.

2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine date sugar, plant milk, oil, vanilla, and peanut butter and stir until smooth.

3. Next add the flour, baking powder, and salt, and stir until combined.

4. Add the chocolate chips (if using), and stir until incorporated.

5. Drop onto silicon baking sheet and bake for about 12 minutes. (I rolled mine into balls for a cleaner "truffle" look). Makes about 16 cookies.

Enjoy!

I know this sounds silly, but discovering this and putting it to use is a complete game changer when it comes to desserts and sweetened foods. Sugar is addicting and has many ill side effects on our body's cells; impairing the body's ability to thrive. Your health, your choice. Choose wisely for your child!

To connect with others in this crazy journey of life, discover new parenting ideas & fun DIY projects, learn about holistic remedies, & find whole food plant based recipes, please visit our Facebook page Loving Green at Loving Green FB.

Split Pea, Lentil, and Veggie Soup

We somehow managed to bypass fall and move straight into winter. With this colder weather and these darker nights, I have been craving hot soups and stews. I recently picked up some fresh fennel at the market, and wanted to use it up. Embarrassingly, I have never cooked with fresh fennel before, but soup sounded like the right place to start.

I used up veggies I had on hand, and added the green split peas and lentils for variety, extra protein, and fiber. The split peas and lentils are also what tie everything together, creating a soup with thicker consistency. I wasn't sure exactly what I was creating when I started out, but I absolutely loved what it turned into! 

This recipe is super easy,can be made ahead, or even prepared in the crock pot or pressure cooker. It can also be changed based on the veggies you happen to have on hand. Want to use sweet potato instead of red potatoes? No problem! Need to get rid of some broccoli? Use it!

I don't typically add salt because I'm trying not to pass on my salt addiction to Nya, so use it to your liking! (I always add it to my bowl later!)

What you need:

• 12 c veggie broth

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 1 - 2 fresh fennel bulbs, chopped

• 20 cloves fresh garlic, minced or chopped (can sub 3 tsp garlic powder)

• 10 - 12 small red potatoes, chopped into cubes

• 2 medium zucchini, chopped in thick halves

• 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced

• 28 oz fire roasted tomatoes, diced (can also use 1.5 c fresh diced tomatoes)

• 1.5 cup chopped greens (I used kale, spinach, and chard)

• 1/2 c green split peas, uncooked

• 1/2 c red lentils, uncooked

• 3 Tbsp cumin

• 1 Tbsp turmeric

• 1 Tbsp thyme

• 1 - 2 tsp red pepper flakes 

• Salt and pepper to taste

What you do:

1. In a large pot, add veggie broth, onion, fennel, and garlic, and cook on medium for  5 minutes.

2. Add potatoes and cook an additional 5 minutes on medium heat.

3. Add remaining veggies and tomatoes, cover, and cook on low heat for 5 minutes.

4. Add green split peas, red lentils, cumin, turmeric, thyme. red pepper flakes, salt and pepper and cook, covered, on low for about 15 - 20 minutes, until lentils have nearly dissolved.

* If using a crock pot, add all ingredients and cook on low heat for 4 - 6 hours. If using a pressure cooker, add all ingredients and cook on high for about 15 - 20 minutes. 

5. Serve and enjoy! Makes about 12 servings. (I freeze half!)

Why these foods?

Health Benefits of Lentils

Health Benefits of Green Split Peas

Health Benefits of Fresh Fennel Bulb

More Soup and Stew Favorites...

Creamy Fire Roasted Tomato soup

Cream of Broccoli Soup

Black-eyed Pea and Quinoa Chilli

To connect with others in this crazy journey of life, discover new parenting ideas & fun DIY projects, learn about holistic remedies, & find whole food plant based recipes, please visit our Facebook page Loving Green at Loving Green FB.

The Second Year.

Just over a year ago, I sat down to start writing my journey with parenthood. Nya had just turned one, and I remember sitting down, planning to share about her first year of life and what I had learned. What I ended up writing, was how my marriage changed and the struggles we went through as partners during that first year of Nya's life. It was the most challenging and difficult year I have ever faced, and what made it harder was the idea I had in my mind of what it was supposed to be. (Read more here).

I don't think enough people talk about what really goes on behind closed doors. Understandably so. It makes you raw, vulnerable, and open to criticism. But no marriage is perfect, even those that seem like they might be.

Marriage is work, and becomes more challenging with each additional responsibility (children, finances, pets, health problems, etc.).  Life becomes a juggling act, and when you're pulled in so many different directions, you forget to make time to connect with one another. And when you don't make the time to connect now, you will feel the effects of it later.

"A great marriage isn't something that just happens; 

it's something that must be created." 

~ Fawn Weaver

This second year of Nya's life was much easier on our relationship than the first. Nya eating more solid foods, becoming more independent, less breastfeeding, and restful nights helped tremendously. But we also had to dig deep within ourselves and take accountability for what we were, and were not, bringing to the relationship.

I had to get over my anger, hurt, and bitterness towards Jamie for not being there in the way I expected and wanted him to be. We both had to let go of the past in order to be present in the moment and move forward into our future.

It isn't easy. We still struggle. He still drives me insane half the time. And those "helpful little tidbits" of how to parent Nya (when he's not even here!) will probably always have me seeing red.

The point is, you're never alone. Every relationship goes through it's ups and downs. No marriage is easy. Some may be easier than others. There may be months where life couldn't be more perfect. Hang tight and enjoy each moment for what it is. For in the challenging times you grow, and in the easy times you learn.

Every moment is a gift.

To connect with others in this crazy journey of life, discover new parenting ideas & fun DIY projects, learn about holistic remedies, & find whole food plant based recipes, please visit our Facebook page Loving Green at Loving Green FB.

Lemon Garlic Wild Rice and Veggies (Dairy & Oil Free) - Ready in 10 minutes!

I don't know if it's the weather, life with a toddler, or the seemingly endless responsibilities that pile up daily, but I have been very lazy in the kitchen lately. I want to make the quickest, easiest, and healthiest meal possible with very little effort.

Enter in this Lemon Garlic Wild Rice and Veggies meal. It's super easy (ready in 10 minutes), can be made with any veggies you happen to have on hand (fresh or frozen), and just about any grain (pasta, quinoa, millet, and any kind of rice) work; this is the recipe that keeps on giving because you can make it many different ways!

I've made this numerous times, with many variations, as noted above, and it is always filling, delicious, easy, and healthy. If you tend to be short on time during the week, batch cook rice, quinoa, or millet, and store in the freezer. Take out the night before, or even as you prepare the meal, to save on time. Freezing these foods will not effect the consistency, but I would avoid freezing pasta.

What you need:

3 cups cooked wild rice  (quinoa, millet, pasta, rice)

3 cups fresh or frozen veggies of choice (I've used asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, carrot, squash, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, onions, peppers, green beans, kale, spinach - all are great but the tomatoes are a must for me!)

1/3 c pine nuts (I buy in bulk and store in freezer to keep fresh)

1/4 c water

2 Tbsp Italian seasoning

5 cloves garlic, chopped or pressed

Juice of 1 lemon

Salt and pepper to taste

What you do:

1. Water saute veggies and garlic until tender (If using frozen rice, add it now).

2. Add Italian Seasoning, pine nuts, and salt and pepper. Continue to cook over low heat.

3. Add the cooked wild rice and lemon juice. Cook for an additional 3 minutes. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve and enjoy!

Why pine nuts??

You may or may not be avoiding oil in your diet. We try to limit oil or avoid it altogether. There is a lot of misinformation out about oils; healthy oils vs unhealthy oils. In my opinion, no oil is a good oil to ingest. Oils, are highly processed and nearly all the nutrients are removed, leaving behind a highly caloric fatty food devoid of any nutritional value.

Pine nuts solve this problem. By cooking pine nuts, the natural oils are slowly released into the food, keeping the nutrients, while providing that "lightly oiled" flavor/feel. I absolutely love using them for meals like this because it seems to pull everything together like oil would, while providing calorically dense nutrients, without the unwanted empty calories and fat. If you've never tried this, it is a must!

Click here for more information on the health benefits of pine nuts.

Below are a couple links to get you started on the journey of researching oils; I always encourage you to learn and find what works for you!

Dr. Esselstyn on oil

Engine 2 on Oil

To connect with others in this crazy journey of life, discover new parenting ideas & fun DIY projects, learn about holistic remedies, & find whole food plant based recipes, please visit our Facebook page Loving Green at Loving Green FB.