Our Swheat Girl is Four!

Shortly after our move, this little girl turned four! We spent her birthday weekend river hopping, one of her favorite things; I guess that's a perk of being surrounded by rivers.

I think that's been one of our favorite things about living here, plenty of water time! 

When it came time to planning Grace's 4th birthday party, I really wanted to draw off the uniqueness of this new chapter in her life. When we moved to here, I was taken aback by the amount of cotton fields that surrounded our little town; it was a new experience for us to see random pieces of cotton blowing around in the streets. And then there was our peach house, the whole house (interior) is painted peach! It's not every day you live in a peach paradise, ha! 

I really wanted Grace's party to not just be aesthetically pleasing, but symbolize this new chapter in her life. This house and this town are going to forever be a part of her childhood; we wanted this party to mark the beginning of a beautiful, fun, and enriching year for her.

Inspired by the lovely texture of cotton, I wanted to create something that had unique texture... With a hint of femininity. So I came up with a backdrop that I hope captures the essence of fields of cotton on a cool summer evening.

With accents of peach to tie in our new abode, and plenty of gold sparkle to represent the birthday girl's sparkly personality... The party came into it's own. 

Our guest list was short, we really wanted to keep the party intimate; we wanted Grace to know her guests, and for our guests to already have a rich history with her. Granted my family is massive, and Fort Worth isn't exactly close, so we were thrilled by the fact so many drove down for her day! Nonetheless, we still wanted to send out invites; because they're fun and proper. ;)

I don't know why it looks so heavily pink here, but it's actually a lovely peach shade in real life. ;)

One of the things I enjoyed planning her party this year was getting to branch out and try new vendors! And ya'll, they really made this party come together! :)

We used a bakery in New Braunfels for her cake, 2tarts, they are awesome! If you're local, use them, you won't be disappointed. The cake was exactly what I wanted, and it was delicious! Once home all I had to do was make the toppers for the cake! I bought the florals at Blumen-Meisters right before picking up the cake, it's also in New Braunfels. Each stem you buy is perfectly packaged with a little water bottle to keep it fresh for the ride home. I couldn't have been happier with the service and selection. It made arranging them stress-free, after getting home, yay for no sad blooms!

I really wanted to add a little platter of french macarons to dress up the table, and since our guest list was all adults, I thought it would be fun to be adventurous with the flavors. Suprisingly, green tea wasn't a real crowd pleaser. ;) However, the quality was phenominal on these little souffles. Hello! Macaron in Austin is your girl, if you need a fix! :) In keeping with the theme of hearts jumping out of the desserts, I went ahead and made the macarons into minature stacks and added some home-made glitzy hearts to hold them together.

The four for the table was actually cut by hand by my incredibly talented and loving husband! All I did was cover it in sparkle. I don't think I can bear to part with it or throw it away.... I am a sucker for things made with love, but really... Who isn't? :)

The invitation was made by Oklahoma Ginger, I gave her my vision for the invites, and she made it happen! Also note the lovely peach color. ;)

Since this could potentially be one of her last parties with a mostly adult guest list (she's starting to show a little interest in kids near her age), we decided we should probably take advantage of it and trade in the kid finger-foods for a wine and cheese tasting! It was actually really fun branching out our taste-buds and seeing who liked stinky cheese and who didn't. ;)

What she enjoyed more than all the presents, were "her" people. That and the half-hour serenade she got (because if you're going to be sang to, happy birthday is just not a long enough song)! ;)

I tried getting a regular smiling pic, but my family doesn't know how to do that... And I love it!!!

When I think of her 5th birthday, I hope it is as full of love as this one was. And has lots of water, yes, plenty of that. 

I pray that year four is one for the books. Happy Birthday my Littlest Love, Mommy loves you so very much!

San Antonio, Round Two: House Huntin'!

 

Recently we had to make an impromptu trip to San Antonio for some house hunting. While we walked away from the week without a new place; we didn't leave without a few memories (and a lot of pictures).

 

We ended up staying at The Eilan Hotel Resort & Spa, it's still relatively new; so I was nervous. But OH MY GOSH, I really shouldn't have been; our stay was incredible! The rooms were luxurious, the food was UNBELIVABLE (not to mention organic), and the service impeccable! They will definitely receive our business in the future!

 

Five Stars, we highly recommend it!

  

Their lobby is very comfy! Grace loved sitting on all their furniture while we waited for the car. This massive ottoman was one of her favorites.

 

The chandeliers there are inspiring! She's all girl, she loves all things sparkle!

 

And the mirrors, Oh she LOVED these!

 

But out of everything, THIS is what she LOVED the most.

 

They have this fantastic splash pool, that Grace loved! I'm not sure if love is even a strong enough word, you'll see, just keep scrolling.

 

 Our very own Cabana (very handy).

At first sight. She cracks a smile.

 The happiness begins.

 She gets SO excited, she starts breaking out dance moves (sans music).

 This is shrieking.

This is screeching (there is a difference).
 

This is hand flailing, with a little screeching (but not as loud, because we have hand motions going too).
 

 This is amazement, so naturally we are chatting it up with the water.

We hang out here for a long time, because this fountain dances. And what is cooler than dancing water? Nothing. You can tell, because Jonathan is concerned about whether or not he is burning. The kid LOVES water, SO she leaves against her will screaming all the way up to the room. I didn't photograph that though, apologies, I was to busy deflecting the weirdo stares (with a pretty sweet one of my own HA!).
 

The next morning before heading out, Grace was just hanging out and I had to grab my camera. It was just her, being perfectly her. I couldn't miss out.

She had a hold of one of her favorite shoes, it was the first pair she ever squealed with joy over. I think her smile says it all.

She knows where her shoe goes, her foot!! Such a smart girl!

"Ooooooooo."

Shoe Cuddling!

Shoe Happiness!

 This is Day 2 of water play! While it's not new it is definitely still EXCITING!

 She was getting very brave, she did not like us shadowing her so closely. She wanted to strike out on her own. It made me a little proud to see her assert independence.

 This is her "look what I can do" face!

 Then we moved over to the "BIG" pool! She loved this waterfall, utterly fascinating for her!

 

It turned out that she actually seemed to enjoy this pool more than the splash pool, and if you saw the previous photos; you know we are talking some serious happiness.

 

 And then there was the swimming. She tried so desperately to take off swimming on her own. She figured out how to move her arms, legs, and shoved her face in the water a few times. Then she wanted Jonathan to let her go, so she could take off. We both agreed no. It was a little crazy that she was basically teaching herself to swim, since we lack the verbal communication and all. But still, I won't be surprised if she does teach herself how to swim by the end of the summer, that little water baby of mine! :)

Cancer Conquering Pancakes

Crazy Title??? Let me Explain.

These aren't your ordinary pancakes, these pancakes are made with sprouted buckwheat.

Sprouting buckwheat neutralizes the phytic acid. Phytic acid binds with vital nutrients and steals them through the digestive process. Even more so, phytic acid is also an irritant to the digestive system. But when it's sprouted and therefore neutralized, you can digest your meal with ease; and keep all your nutrients.

Buckwheat, I feel is highly underrated. Yes, I know it has a carb content; but we are not "anti-carb" people. We are "back up your food with hard science" people. Before I eliminate any food source from my family's diet, I do a thorough food science "background check." And I found that carbs and starches are in fact not evil, but many offer wonderful nutrition when prepared properly. It's a freeing discovery. I love science. Okay, let's get down to the facts of why buckwheat is so awesome.

Flavonoids: Quercetin and Rutin. These two compounds can fight cancer by preventing cancer ridden cells from latching onto healthy cells. Even in the event of attachment, they can help reduce genetic material. If that is not enough; buckwheat also helps reduce heart disease, acts as a source of protien, helps control diabetes, and is loaded with antioxidants.

So now that we have cleared buckwheat's name, let's talk about these pancakes!

Buckwheat has an earthy taste, with nutty undertones. It makes a fairly dense flour, which I am loving. The pancakes are dense, yet fluffy. Best of all, they are very satisfying! I can only eat three, and I love to eat pancakes. Just don't tell your kids they're "healthy," no sense in ruining a typically "unhealthy" breakfast entree. :)

Sprouted Buckwheat Pancakes

Ingredients List:

1 1/4 cups of sprouted buckwheat flour

1 tsp. organic baking powder

1 tsp. organic baking soda

pinch of pink himalayan salt

1 pasture raised egg

1 1/4 cups of buttermilk

2 tablespoons melted butter

1/4 cup of coconut palm sugar

Preparation Instructions:

Combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk the egg into the buttermilk and then pour it into the flour mixture, mixing only until smooth. Add the melted butter and sugar. Fry on a griddle, only greasing if needed.

Makes 4 servings.

Places I like to Party:
http://realfoodforager.com/fat-tuesday-february-26-2013/

http://kellythekitchenkop.com/category/real-food-wednesdays
http://www.realfoodwholehealth.com/2013/01/fresh-bites-friday-february-1-2013/

http://butterbeliever.com/sunday-school-real-food-link-love-blog-carnival-7/
http://thischickcooks.net/

Travel Tactics, Foodie Style

Our first road trip in years. Little G doesn't normally do well on long drives, so we keep the travel minimal. But sometimes travel is necessary, and this is one of those times. Now comes the predicament of real food. I cringe at the thought of gas station snacks and "chili's" type restaurant chains.

Reality check, we are going to have to eat some foods that normally we wouldn't. We are road tripping, it can't be completely avoided. So now the question is what can we do to reduce toxins, insulin sugar spikes, and keep regular eliminations, etc.? After putting in some good research I put together the kit pictured above. It is a compilation of our current regiment with a few new goodies!

We have some old faithfuls joining us, like our fermented cod liver oil.

Which is like the "nectar of the gods" for your body.

We are also bringing my all time favorite wildflower honey, for my morning coffee and J's Water ACV solution.

Another "regular" in our house is Kombucha; we are bringing about half a dozen of them to drink throughout the trip. I could go into a very long explanation of all the benefits they give, but that would take up the entire post. Google it, and be amazed.

In the event we get a case of the munchies/breakfast, I am packing our *new* favorite organic, sprouted cereals; the cinnamon raisin is for me!

Also part of our usual regimen, Activator X! We get ours from raw Gouda. Love me some K2! I am bringing a small brick of it in the ice chest. It will be nibbled on throughout the trip.

Since we will be eating a lot of acidic (restaurant) foods, I would normally want to bring a juicer; and pump out lots of green veggie drinks to help balance out our pH levels and mitigate the toxins. But J said I can't bring this with us.

He says it's too big and bulky. Psssshhhhh. SO, I am bringing these.

And this.

And fresh organic lemons and grapefruits (not all are pictured).

Our Green Variance travel packets will sub for our "green drinks" since we can't haul the juicer and produce. We just empty them into water and drink. Bye-bye toxins!

We will also be doing our lemon water cleanse every morning with a touch of cayenne pepper for an metabolic boost. We don't want any travel food sitting in our digestive organs longer than absolutely necessary. I am so thankful for my stainless steel lemon "juicer." It travels so easily. I love helping our livers help us!

Last, but not least; we have packed a few grapefruits. I will be juicing them by hand with my small citrus juicer (pictured above). After any meal that is sure to spike our insulin levels, we will be having a glass of it freshly squeezed. Grapefruit juice will bring the insulin levels down and settle them.

I am really excited about these additions to our excursion, getting some quality family time away from distractions, and a little road time. While "Real Food" is a significant part of our life, it isn't the focus of this trip. I will still be diligent with our "travel kit," make the best choices I can when we are eating out, and squeeze in some cardio when I can. But, I am also going to enjoy my meal (regardless where it came from), enjoy the fact that I did not have to cook it, and above all else; enjoy the company I am eating it with. :)

Buckwheat Scalloped Potatoes

Gluten-Free, Wheat-Free, and  Easy on the Digestive System.

Ingredients List:
4 cups of thinly sliced organic potatoes
4 tablespoons of pasture raised butter
4 tablespoons of sprouted organic buckwheat flour
1 3/4 cups of pasture raised milk
1 teaspoon of pink himalayan salt
2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper
4 tablespoons of your favorite cajun seasoning mix
1 1/2 cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese
3/4 cups of grated raw cheddar cheese, to sprinkle on top
1 tsp of paprika

One bite and your hubby will love you forever.

Preparation Instructions:

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and whisk in the buckwheat flour until smooth.
Let it sit for a minute off the heat.
Add all the milk, stirring with a whisk.
Whisk in the salt and cayenne pepper.
Whisk in the cajun seasoning mix.Cook sauce on medium low until smooth, and lightly boiling. Stir occasionally.
Reduce heat and stir in the cheese.
Place half of the potatoes in a six cup casserole dish.
Pour half the cheese sauce over the potatoes.
Repeat with second layer of potatoes with cheese sauce.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Sprinkle on the paprika for color.
Bake uncovered for 1 hour at 350 degrees.

Eat Anchovies???

They look SO Gross when cooked haha!!

This Happened.

Honest to goodness, happened.

I lived to tell the tale.

I am even going to serve them to my husband.

**Gasp!**

What?! "I'm off my rocker?!?!"

Hate to break it you, but you are way past fashionably late to that party. ;)

Now, you ask; "Why would I eat that.." Or recommend anyone else do so??

Two Words: CONTAMINATION & COST

Contamination: Being lower on the food chain, gives the anchovy the benefit of fewer toxins; since it mostly feeds on plankton. So while I love to cook up a gourmet meal with some of our bigger fish favorites... anchovies are something I can serve, with something even greater, peace of mind.

Cost: I get a lot of the same nutrients (and some different ones, like Choline) as I would from their bigger fish counterparts, for a fraction of the price. With the price of our grocery bill these days, this is beyond good news. SO, yes, you can feed your family well; even on a budget! :) Not to mention, all that wonderful unsaturated fat anchovies come with!! Hooray for heart health!

This was my first taste of anchovies. Jonathan (my wonderful hubby) sat and watched with chagrin as I ate my way through my first slice of Anchovy Pizza (I thought a familiar food might be the way to go with something WAY outside of my comfort zone). The experience was enlightening. AND I learned a few things.

Here's my Do's & Dont's of Anchovies:

#1. Turns out anchovies are realllllyyyy salty, don't add pepperonis; true story.

#2. For your first time, eat them alone. In a dark room. Or else, that really cute guy eating with you (albeit, he's eating something totally different) will describe those little anchovies in the most terrifying way.

"There is HAIR growing out of IT!! YOU ARE EATING HAIR!!!!"

This is not helpful. Granted, very humorous for said cute guy, but not helpful for the first few bites (don't worry, you can't even tell it has bones when you're chewing, I know that now). But since you heard the "hair" story, I suggest a dark/dim room for the first time around, sometimes it's just easier not to see them.

#3. They taste fishy. Yes, I know that's a given; but I kind of expected something different. So, I was shocked when it tasted like I bit into a fresh fish market; you know like the one on Free Willy. If there was a taste for the fresh fishy smell, this would be it.

#4. After you adjusted to the anchovy taste and finished off your dinner; give that stinker of a cutie one BIG fishy kiss, and sweetly remind him that the "hairy" fish will be popping up on the dinner menu in the very near future. ;) *goodtimes* :)

Overall, it was a good experience. And I look forward to the day that we look back and laugh at what anchovy novice's we were. :)

This is the jar of fun I have, packaged in Olive Oil; much better for you.