HOLIDAY WEEKEND!

Hello long weekend! Who doesn't love having a PAID DAY OFF FROM WORK? Having a day when most businesses (unless you work in the hospitality industry...) shut down and actually ENCOURAGE their employees to stay away from the addictive emails, work conversations, and offices to enjoy some R&R with their families and friends. My boss didn't have to ask me twice to NOT work on a holiday weekend. Not only do we have an extra day tacked on to the weekend, but the following week will only be four days. FOUR DAYS?! Yes, that extra day on the weekend and one less day on the work week really does make a solid, positive difference in the employee's demeanor.

What are you doing on this LONG weekend? Perhaps you are going to the lake or catching up on projects around the house or camping. I had plans, great plans, to go to Marfa with two of my best friends. We call ourselves the Tres Amigas...I know, not too original. But, we get a kick out of it! Anyways, we had been talking up this weekend since at least Easter making plans to have no plans at all but to drink good wine and Chiltons, eat fantastic food (mostly chips and dips as those are our preferred meal plans when together), and see where the wind takes us. I have a terrible tendency to really create an event or experience in my head - my planning gets a little carried away and I just get so excited and ready for such a weekend with my girls. Well, as luck or chance or just plain reality has it, the weekend in Marfa together will not be happening. It has been a huge hit to my spirit as, see above, I had really gotten it all worked out in my mind. But, the reasons for it not working are legitimate, though disappointing, and I am now getting to enjoy the weekend by having domino date night tonight and then heading to Dallas to be with the fam. RJ will be accompanying me, naturally, to Big D where she will finally meet my brother, sister and the other Cobb pups. I am interested to see how the older, wiser Cobb pups will take to this new, frisky, and ready-to-play addition to the group.

The weekend will be great as it has already started out both pleasantly and productive. Following a week where my emotions were wacko and my irritation level was high, this final lap (Friday) has been delightful. After completing the work I needed to do and tending to my customers, I got a productive and homemaker kick to my side. Here are two projects I have accomplished today:

1) Homemade Pizza Crust: Thanks to my blogging/cooking mentor and wanna-be friend, the Pioneer Woman, I have in my possession the BEST pizza crust recipe. I have little to compare this to as I have never tried another one from scratch. But, here's the thing: why mess up perfection? I know I love this combo of flour, OLIVE OIL, sea salt, and yeast/water so why would I try something else? When I make pizza for myself or my friends, I love using pesto rather than pizza sauce and all the freshly chopped veggies I can find. Or, pesto and spinach with tomato slices and chicken will also knock your panties off. Tonight, however, I am enjoying this crust with Travis and his sister and brother-in-law. Travis likes MEAT on his pizza and we have experimented with a few methods of pizza-building. We will be doing our perfected calzone stuffed with hamburger meat, vegetables, homemade and SPICY sauce, and a few other tricks. This crust has been rising for about 3 hours. It's not necessary to let it rise but, why not if you have the time! It barely filled 1/4 of the bowl when I put it in there and now look at the monstrosity! We like to spice the crust so that's why the color is a little off...MMM!


2) Homemade, Chemical-Free Lotion: Another thanks to a blogging mentor, the Wellness Mama, I have this concoction for a non-chemically induced lotion that is easy and adaptable. If you aren't familiar with her posts, please check her out. She has great tips and advice on a healthy, clean lifestyle - and, she has a husband and kiddos so it proves that even families can live this way. Anyhoo, I tried the lotion recipe on Saturday for the first time and was very impressed! I just made a fresh batch and let me just say - the second time is MUCH easier. Though it's not difficult or tricky, it's much better the second time. I used too much beeswax last time so the lotion was much thicker than I prefer. This time, I was prepared and used the same amount of beeswax but doubled the other ingredients (water, vitamin e, essential oil for scenting, and almond oil). I am excited to use it all over my body! This lotion is so much more effective and hydrating than the store-bought brands. I HIGHLY recommend trying it out. I love the whipped feel and look of this stuff! The ingredients are not too expensive, last more than one batch, and can be found at any health food store. Go try it out!

I hope you all enjoy your LONG weekend thoroughly and take a minute to remember those who have served our country. So many of our men and women are still over seas, and here in the States, sacrificing their time and lives to protect us. Let's not forget that this holiday, Memorial Day, is meant to reflect on the freedom that we experience because of the lives that have been given.

Summer Eatin'

Look at this picture of our supper last night. Isn't it just beautiful! So many fresh colors, well-balanced and using seasonal ingredients. Travis picked up a bag of these Swai fillets at walmart a few weeks ago. Neither of us had ward about them before we busted them out. Turns out, Swai has recently become popular due to its affordability and similarity to tilapia. I prefer it over tilapia as it's more substantial than a single filet, has a slightly more noticeable flavor and looks prettier on a plate. Tilapia is easy and inexpensive, yes. But Swai is also easy and inexpensive only new, different and delicious.

I had bought a packet of seafood seasoning at the local farmer's market this weekend. We mixed that with flour, coated the fish, and pan-fried it in oil. We made trav's famous jasmine rice (with jalapeños for the extra kick we both love), roasted fresh asparagus, lightly fried zucchini (just for kicks and giggles), and fresh tomato slices. All in all, I think we did pretty good! Even with the pan fry, we used a lighter oil over lard or crisco. All the ingredients were fresh, free of MSG or chemicals, and in season. The flavor was great and the presentation was impressive, if I do say so myself :)

las madres.

Today, Mother's Day, is the one day every year that our country honors the women who raise us. They gave us life, changed countless dirty diapers, dried thousands of tears, and encouraged us as we experienced the journey of life. It is the mothers who often support their children even in the midst of great adversity. Some mothers even raise their families on their own - no financial, emotional, or physical help from others.

Even those who did not physically birth a child but support, love on, and pray for their "adopted" kids. I can think of many women who have supported me and given a listening ear, great advice, and a shoulder to cry on throughout my 23 years: Karen Nyland, Sally Bishop, my aunts, Rhonda Lacy, Emmy Jenkins, the teachers I have had, Gabi, Kay Giesecke, Julie Dearien, Debby Armerding. All of these women, at different points in my life, have encouraged and loved me without judgement or question. I know for a fact that they have prayed for my wellbeing, decisions, and relationship with God. How wonderful it is to know that there are so many women, strong and faithful, that pray for me and think about me and encourage me on a regular basis. I am truly one lucky girl.

After church, my Sunday school group always goes out to lunch. Today was a little different as many in the group have mothers and grandmothers living nearby. So, today was family time for them. Well, my mom does not live close to me and my grandmother who does was out of town. So, I gathered up the others who were motherless (so to speak...) and we did our own thing. At lunch, as I was looking around the restaurant at all the moms, how special Mother's Day and Father's Day are. There are so many different kinds of mothers and they all have their own, unique methods of raising their families. Some methods are better than others but all these women try to do they best they can with what they have to offer (we hope...). How wonderful that we take one day out of the year to celebrate and return the love and honor to the women in our lives. How wonderful that we take one day to collectively praise the work our mothers have done. On this day, strangers tell each other "happy mother's day" and acknowledge the time, effort, and sacrifice that goes into such a role. How great is that.

xoxo,
ac.

Farewell, chemicals!

Chemicals. This word reminds me of swimming pools, science class and drugs. I know what I think the word means but I wanted to look up the actual definition just to clarify any confusion. Here is what I found on dictionary.com:

- "narcotic or mind-altering drugs or substances"
- "any substance using in or resulting from a reaction involving changes to atoms or molecules, especially one derived artificially for practical use"
- a drug, especially an illicit or additive one

Whoa! That's some pretty powerful and potentially damaging product! It has much potential and ability to do some serious damage on our minds, bodies, and the world in which we live.

If we are going to get back to a more whole food, "what God intended us to put in our bodies" lifestyle, these MUST be the first to go! They mess with our bodies and are not natural. Ever wonder why we have so many increasing diseases And cancers? Or why we are so much bigger than people even just 50 years ago? I think it's a sure bet that the chemicals in the many, various processed foods, soft drinks, personal care products and pesticides have a huge contribution to those numbers.

If we are going to try to get back to a natural diet and expect a healthful life, we must start with the chemicals. The great thing about this is there are so many chemicalized products out there - we can start by getting rid of one product or habit at a time. Maybe you are an avid soda drinker? Start replacing your soda with alkaline water (use baking soda or fresh lemon juice) and add energy-infusing coconut water when you need a boost.

Here are a few small measures I am taking to make chemical intake go away:
- alkaline water with herbal teas
- salt rock for a natural deodorant
- homemade face wash with coconut oil and baking soda
- green smoothies!!
- no more of my big addiction: chewing gum. It is packed with aspartame.
- working on a homemade lotion and toothpaste...

Please, share ways you too are taking the chemicals out and putting good stuff in!

Xoxo,
AC.

(did you see me pre-blended smoothie? Isn't she beautiful!)

Starting out with Smoothies.

Whole foods. While this is a delicious and exciting store for unique and fresh groceries, it is also the best kind of food to bring into our bodies. God gave us fruits, grains, veggies, meat, fish, minerals, good alkaline water. He intended for us to use these provisions to sustain our bodies and nutrition.

I am on the road to a more whole food diet and lifestyle. While I am certainly not a pro at this, I am starting out strong by making little changes in my life. One such change is adding a green smoothie to my diet. Here is a picture of what my breakfast looked like this morning. I tossed in a hefty handful of spinach, broccoli, carrots, berries, half a green apple and coconut water. Oh and my fiber powder for the Colon cleanse! Trust me when I say that these smoothies are way more tasty than expected. There is so much fiber, natural sugars, protein and straight nutrition. I just toss it into the blender and have at it!

If you are looking for a jump start to a new, healthful lifestyle or a simple change to your diet, try a green smoothie. Literally any fruit or veggie you like can go into the blender. Try it out and let me know! I would love new recipe suggestions and ideas.


Xoxo,
AC.

hydrate.

One thing I have NOT been doing in the past is hydrating my body the way I should be. Yes, I kept a water bottle with me during the day and refilled when low. Yes, I rarely drink sodas. No, I did not have any idea that the water I was drinking was not as healthy as I thought...

The natural, spring water that God provided the world with is more alkaline than the water we drink. All the purified, RO, treated water that we are provided with is more acidic than our body really needs. In order to make the water more alkaline, I have been squeezing fresh lemon juice into my big gulp cup. When lemons are nearby, a touch of baking soda can also do the trick. This water with fresh lemon juice truly makes me feel so much more hydrated than just plain water.

To get more herbs in my diet, I have been mixing a bit of herb tea with my lemon water. Dandelion root, though bitter, is so refreshing and oh so good for my body! It is the miracle herb that enhances our health, can prevent cancer, is great for digestion, and has so many other benefits that just wowed me that I had to try it. I've also tried ginger tea which, also better tasting with fresh lemon, is great for digestion and health as well.

So, take a break from bland, acidic water and alkalize it with the refreshing flavor of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Don't forget to toss in some herbal tea for all the health benefits! You'll make your water more enjoyable, curb any desire to snack, and hydrate your body in more ways than one.

Cleansing.

Part if getting back on track with your body and your life is cleaning out all the toxins, negativity, and old matter in your system. It has been recommended that I participate in a few different cleanses over the course of the coming weeks. This process includes the following cleanses: parasite, kidney, bowel/Colon, liver. Each cleanse entitles specific aids along with lots of healthy drinking water for the best results.

I am currently working on cleaning out the parasites in my system and cleaning out my kidneys and colon. I am drinking a lot of water with fresh lemon juice or a bit of baking soda to make it alkaline water. Supposedly, the water we drink nowadays is very acidic and must be alkaline to have the full benefits. I went to 7-11 for a super big gulp cup, have lots of ice on hand and enjoying the refreshing lemon water with this west Texas heat! Another trick? I made a big batch of herbal tea the other day, put it in a big jar in the fridge and use that to partially fill my water cup. I now get the benefits of herbal tea while flavoring my water!

On a later post, I'll share my cleansing schedule with you. I have a daily lineup of vitamins and minerals to help my body get back to being squeaky clean!