A Life-long Commitment: Our Humble Diet

Since the start of the new year, our diet has been completely, one-hundred percent meatless and a lot healthier. Despite some bad choices lately, (i.e. veggie pizza two nights in a row and calzones loaded with mozzarella and ricotta cheese---those have to be sinful!), we're still feeling better for the most part. And my digestive system is slowly improving. Slowly but surely. And slow is better than I've been getting, believe me!

I've been stuck like glue to the 'Engine 2 Diet' book I bought last week and I find myself frequenting Alicia Silverstone's 'The Kind Diet' blog. I'm so inspired that everything they do/live for, I'm just stuck. I have no idea where to begin. Some of the foods they discuss are so foreign to me.  I hear a lot of you talking about quinoa, spelt and tofu---how do I cook them? If I'm in a rush or on a tight budget one week, how do I get a hold of them? Hence why we've been eating on what seems to be a 3-day repeat. Nevertheless, I'm researching (well, er, googling!) nonstop, trying to come up with not-so fancy-schmancy dinners, but simple and attainable things that my toddler will enjoy. I've found some pretty awesome recipes, like homemade crock-pot vegetable stew and homemade black bean burgers that Bop and I are super excited to try. Things that give us a little nudge of reassurance! WE GOT THIS.

We've also been budgeting a time-schedule for some intense workouts. Now that Papa is working close to 70 hours a week and I'm logging in at the high 40's, we're struggling to find the common hours to devote to being together, never mind heading to the gym! But after sitting down and making up a schedule (kind of like a work one!) we've found 10 available hours a week that are reasonable, do-able and workable. This is exciting. Because every time I step foot in or out of that gym, I know I'm doing a good job. And the feeling I get once I burn some unnecessary post-baby fat is just wonderful.

So here's to a lifelong commitment to a good, whole lifestyle. I plan on working hard to make a positive change in my life. And with some severe dedication and the support from all of you, I know we'll make it.

One Week Clean-Eating Challenge

After performing my daily read on Miss Danielle's blog, I came across this little post about the 7-Day Clean Eating Challenge and I thought it was great! As most of you know, we've just recently switched to a healthier diet (which we plan to progress to vegan soon!) and this would definitely jump start the process. It's nothing too drastic, just seven days of pure, earth-grown fruits, vegetables, nuts, etc.

Join me on making it a deliciously healthy week?

Pinterest-ing Wednesday {v.7}

Hola, blogging world! I know I'm a bit behind on my pinning, but that's because everyone at my work was taking their vacations this week, so this mama was covering and covering and covering all the left over shifts. But I'm back! And with good news. My pin boards have expanded! Now I have eight boards for you to peek at! I told y'all, I just love Pinterest too much. Here are my top EIGHT pins of the week! Enjoy.

For Mama: Yep, you guessed it. Bikini season is coming up quickly, so I'm in full gear towards a smaller midsection. Though I'm not the bikini type, I'd still like to rock a cute little one piece. I'm sure you ladies can relate.

For Papa: He's been wearing long sleeve dress shirts on the daily. He knows how much I love a nice, clean cut, freshly shaven man in jeans and a dress shirt. And I know how much he loves that I love it too.

For Kiri: I really can't wait to buy another sewing machine and get to making her some clothing. Since, you know, I spend way too much money at the local boutiques for her ever-changing (and ever-stained) clothing.

For The Home: Crisp white sheets. I want, I want, I want. I was always afraid of spending so much money on white bedding because we were co-sleeping and I didn't want Kiri to dirty them, but now that she's in her own room, I'd like to invest in some. Any thoughts?

NEW! For Cooking: Since choosing to go vegetarian, I thought it'd be a neat idea to start a board that pins all types of recipes and such. That way I can find some neat little websites and online cookbooks. And I have! This recipe for making homemade pickles? Perfection.

For Celebration: As most of you know, Valentine's Day is right around the corner! I love this holiday, especially since it falls just a week before my birthday, but also because it's a chance to do something special and show off homemade gift-making skills. Kiri and I are planning on making 24 homemade, handmade V-Day cards for our closest family and friends. Email me at fortsawyer@gmail.com if you'd like one! 

NEW! For Travelling: Will always be home to me! And I can't wait to head here for two weeks in June! 

For Inspiration: What's not inspirational about a classic-style Volkswagen?! [I mean, really!]

If you'd like, you can follow my pinboards, here.

New Read, Better Life

After watching the movie 'Forks Over Knives', I was made more aware of the fact that some of my medical and physical conditions may in fact be the result of the toxins I'm putting in my body, so I decided to make a change and try vegetariansim (which will progressively turn into veganism). I'm tired of the stomach pains, the chronic fatigue and the depression. I want better for myself and for my little family. So, we decided that in 2012, we were going to omit meat from our diet.

Today is Day 25, and I feel amazing. I don't drink as much coffee (I'm currently making the switch to Tazo tea!), I'm up earlier in the day and I don't have the massive cramps and bathroom (or not-bathroom) issues. While I watched the 'Forks Over Knives' movie, Rip Esselstyn's testimonial really touched me. For the past three years, I've been begging Robert to join me on a plant-based diet, but have always been unsuccessful because a) his mother lived with us & she was a "cook-a-meal-for-20-when-there-is-only-four-of-us" kind of Italian woman and b) I couldn't find any solid proof that you could be a man, not eat meat and still gain muscle. Not anymore though. With the Engine 2 Diet, this man proved the opposite.

I was super bummed that I had to work last week when he was due to visit Whole Foods-Jacksonville. I really wanted Bop to hear first hand how easy his journey was and how much it changed his life. But yesterday, I found a package on my stoop and turns out, Papa ordered it for us instead! I'm so unbelievably happy and so isn't Papa! He's such an inspirational man and we simply cannot wait to divulge into this book.

I'll let you know what I think!

Kiri Says What?!

Kiri: "Mommy, if I had a boyfriend, would Daddy beat him up?"

Me: "It's a very good possibility."

Kiri: [Dialing on her pretend cell phone] "Um, boyfriend, don't tell my daddy we're in a wee-lationship. He will beat you up."

-______-

Peek-A-Boo Springtime

Well well, Springtime. Thank you for making a sun-shiny appearance today! 70* with bright blue skies and a small ocean breeze? We'll take it.

A Gift For Mine

Last night, I took Kiri to purchase her very first pieces of jewelry. She picked out a matching Hello Kitty necklace/ring set. It wasn't expensive. It isn't elaborate. But she sure loves it. 

I'd say, it was a job well done.