I've concluded that no matter what the girl does I still love her music just as much as when I was 14 and "Oops, I did it again.." came out. She was a very important part of my teenage years!
Anyways, so I debated today between her newest "Femme Fatale" and Rhianna's "LOUD." It didn't take me long to realize that Brttney just has a place in my heart so I just felt like if I didn't buy it I'd be betraying my friend. Pretty much, no matter how crazy she gets, she still never dissapoints.
I have 2 favorites from this album:
#6. (drop dead) beautiful feat. gabi
&
#12. criminal
They are the least "techno-ish" of the songs.. especially "criminal."
My days are spent trying to make Mara Mae giggle...
& doing laundry.. :)
(This is Rick RANDOMLY filming me doing the laundry... he's joking about how I do it once a month..whatever, doesn't he have something better to do???!!!)
All his socks, underwear, and shirts were put folded inside out in his drawer... payback! ;)
These are two of my most recent favorite photos of Mara Mae (I couldn't just pick one). You can see others over at Kelli's blog at For This Child I Prayed..
The Environmental Working Group has the 2010-Full List of Fruits and Veggies that are the most pesticide-free.. therefore you CAN buy these conventionally grown. I will list the top 20:
<><><><><><><>
Rank
<><><><><><><>
Fruit or Veggie
<><><><><><><>
1 (Best)
Onions
2
Avocado
3
Sweet Corn (Frozen)
4
Pineapples
5
Mango (Subtropical and Tropical)
6
Sweet Peas (Frozen)
7
Asparagus
8
Kiwi Fruit (Subtropical and Tropical)
9
Cabbage
10
Eggplant
11
Cantaloupe (Domestic)
12
Watermelon
13
Grapefruit
14
Sweet Potatoes
15
Honeydew Melon
16
Plums (Domestic)
17
Cranberries
18
Winter Squash
19
Broccoli
20
Bananas
The foods you want to splurge on by buying organic are foods that have permeable or edible skins, and/or that are conventionally grown with higher amounts of pesticides. Based on the EWG's report, the top 12 foods to buy organic include:
In no particular order:
Grapes
Cherries
Potatoes
Spinach
Collard Greens/Kale
Sweet Bell Pepper
Nectarines
Blueberries
Apples
Strawberries
Peaches
Celery
Think of food as an "investment."
How do you look at your body?? Do you see it as a brand new sports car, a tough 4x4, an SUV that's able to do and carry a lot... or do you see it as an old beat up van or a slow old and used car?? Is it the well oiled machine that only needs some routine maintenance or do you ignore it until something breaks and have to pay out the wazoo to fix it?!?! Do others look at it and say "Wow, I want that one!" or do they say "Geez, that makes me thankful for what I'm driving!" Do you spend your time wanting everyone else's "car" but your own? You create this reality for yourself! Think about it!
Diet as "Health Insurance"
We really consider our lifestyle of clean eating and conscious living a form of health insurance. Although we pay every month for medical insurance..we hardly use it. We do not spend near as much if really ANY time at the Dr.'s office compared to the average American... Might I just add that I am SOOO thankful for this!! (Thank goodness for the health insurance when we need it though..ex: baby!!!!!) Here is an exert on this topic from Dr. Mercola's most recent article:
"You can't tune into the news today without hearing about rising food prices. But rest assured, by knowing what foods to spend your money on, you can still protect and optimize your health without going bankrupt in the process. Men's Health offers a list of 40 nutrient-dense food items—and that's really the key here. By opting for foods that are rich in vital nutrients, your body can thrive. This will automatically cut down on the inevitable health care costs you'd incur by making foolish dietary choices. Below is a list of foods rich in nutrients that can help stave off a majority of health problems—foods that really give you lots of value. As I've discussed on numerous occasions, one of the primary risk factors of diseases of all kinds is chronic inflammation in your body. Low inflammation levels and a strong immune system typically go hand in hand, and together these two factors lay the groundwork for robust health. Some of the foods below are both inexpensive and highly nutritious, while others do cost a bit more but can go a long way toward healing your body of chronic inflammation and boosting your immune system naturally, without resorting to either supplements or drugs."
I'm not going to mention the name of the person..because honestly I don't know her name... I just know what she looks like... She's a mother of child that plays on my nephews baseball team and I've just noticed her at the games.. noticed how involved she is with her child and how it seems like her and her husband have a good relationship together. (Just visual observations of course.) Anyway.. I can remember the most vivid parts of the dream, but a lot of it I have forgotten. I know it was very real though.. I dreamt that she and I were in the back of some random car (I think a jeep..) and she was telling me her and her husbands story. She told me everything... He was in prison and she would go visit him a lot... He wanted to buy her a ring but he couldn't afford it.. she said she'd wait on him to get out.. which she did and then they were married and had children. (There was more to this..a lot more.. I just CAN'T remember everything!!) Alright, well that brings me to this morning.. (not dreaming anymore btw) I met my sister for coffee in town and we started talking and she said to me "I had a really good talk with "so & so" yesterday at the ball field." ("So & so" being the woman I dreamed about!) So I said to her "Wait a second..I had an extrememly vivid dream about this woman last night.. she told me their whole story." ... We both stopped right then and there and were taken a back! Still in awe I said "How about I tell you about my dream and then you tell me what y'all talked about.." And then I proceeded to tell her what I just wrote above that I had dreamt. You can probably guess what I'm about to say... I pretty much dreamed their exact conversation.. Chelsea said to me "What?! Your kidding? That's exactly what happened..he was in prison..blah blah blah" and she went on to tell me the rest of their conversation and obviously her's was much more in detail.. mainly because, welllll she was awake when her conversation with the woman happened, I wasn't! It was almost pyschic. I've been reading and hearing different things about the way the world is shifting and people (especially our children) are becoming more intuitive. And also how the Mayan calendar isn't about the world ending it's actually predicting a "Spiritual Awakening" and people are going to be seeing things more clearly... I feel like I see and understand that a lot more now.. I feel more intuitive and understanding then I ever have and in ways I guess you could say it's maturity, but I honestly believe there is more to it.. God has his hand in it I'm sure. Has anything like this ever happened to you?? I know some people that have experienced something like this before and it's fun sharing about it. Thanks for listening... xoxo, Bridgette
**My good deal of the week!! 3 lb. bag of spinach for $5.99 @ Whole Foods!! PEOPLE, you pay about that much for around 10oz's or so!!
Diced tomatoes
Fresh Parsley
Minced garlic
Chopped spinach
Balsamic Vinegar
Olive Oil
Mix together and let marinade for atleast 15-30 minutes.
Organic Whole Wheat Baguette
Drizzle with EVOO & bake on 350 degrees for a couple minutes
Ofcourse ADD SOME LOVIN' FROM A SWEET BABY GIRL IN! (Sorry, no substitutions!)
P.S. She's already twirling her hair..
Just take the mixture and top the warm bread with it.
***I cooked organic Applegate Farms bacon (nitrate & antibiotic free) and crumbled some of it and topped Rick's bruscetta with it. He REALLY enjoyed this meal!
Aspartame is, by far, the most dangerous substance on the market that is added to foods.
Aspartame is the technical name for the brand names NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful, and Equal-Measure. Aspartame accounts for over 75 percent of the adverse reactions to food additives reported to the FDA. Many of these reactions are very serious including seizures and death. A few of the 90 different documented symptoms listed in the report as being caused by aspartame include: Headaches/migraines, dizziness, seizures, nausea, numbness, muscle spasms, weight gain, rashes, depression, fatigue, irritability, tachycardia, insomnia, vision problems, hearing loss, heart palpitations, breathing difficulties, anxiety attacks, slurred speech, loss of taste, tinnitus, vertigo, memory loss, and joint pain. Aspartame is made up of three chemicals: aspartic acid, phenylalanine, and methanol. (-Dr.Mercola.com)
What are some of the side effects from aspartame?
seizures and convulsions
dizziness
tremors
migraines and severe headaches (Trigger or Cause From Chronic Intake)
blood sugar control problems (e.g., hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia)
menstrual cramps and other menstraul problems or changes
impotency and sexual problems
food cravings
weight gain
hair loss / baldness or thinning of hair
burning urination & other urination problems
excessive thirst or excessive hunger
bloating, edema (fluid retention)
infection susceptibility
joint pain
brain cancer (Pre-approval studies in animals)
death
Aspartame Disease Mimmicks Symptoms or Worsens the Following Diseases
fibromyalgia
arthritis
multiple sclerosis (MS)
parkinson's disease
lupus
multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS)
diabetes and diabetic Complications
epilepsy
alzheimer's disease
birth defects
chronic fatigue syndrome
lymphoma
lyme disease
attention deficit disorder (ADD and ADHD)
panic disorder
depression and other psychological disorders
What are some common things that asapartame is in???
Look familiar??
If you think you are saving on calories by using aspartame, you may be. But, you will be shortening the quality of your life if not putting your life in serious harm’s way.
What else is aspartame in:
confections
gelatins
dessert mixes
puddings and fillings
frozen desserts
some vitamins
sugar-free cough syrups and cough drops
Every blue moon I may indulge in a diet coke, but I try to stay away from this chemical as much as possible!
Today my husband brought home this new item.. a new, black, shiney Art & Lutherie guitar. This is exciting for the both of us.. well actually ALL 3 of us, Mara Mae jut doesn't know it yet. I'm starting to dream about Rick serenading me now... :) I look forward to him teaching me also, this is something we are planning on doing together and Lord willing we'll teach MM someday. Music is something that touches the soul.. and it's perfect for any occasion. I look forward to making new memories with this new addition.
They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you,
and though they are with you, yet they belong not to you.
You may give them your love, but not your thoughts.
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
for their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,
which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you.
For life goes not backward, nor tarries with yesterday.
Thank you for the love and joy that you have filled my heart with sweet girl! And as daddy would say.. I love you more than a bushel and a peck, and a hug around the neck.
It's by no means a main source of her diet, it's just a good little snack to keep her entertained at times :) And it feels good on her gums. Therefore, I approve!
Quick Overview
ORGANIC GREENS PUFFS :
finger food for babies | melt in baby's mouth
ORGANIC PUFFS are different than other first foods on the market:
• 1/2 the sugar as the leading brands (Gerber and Beech-Nut each contain 1g sugar)
• good source of Iron, Vitamin D, Calcium, and B Vitamins
• made with whole grains
THE HAPPYBABY DIFFERENCE
• Always Organic:Never any artificial flavorings. Sweetened with 100% fruit juice.
Our puffs are made with organic whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
• Green Packaging: They are made with 25% recycled materials, are BPA free, and are recyclable.
• They support: sustainable agriculture. No pesticides, chemical fertilizers, or genetically modified organisns (GMOs). GREENS PUFFS INGREDIENTS
organic rice, organic whole oats, organic wheat, organic apple juice concentrate, organic whole grain brown rice, organic wheat starch, organic spinach, organic collard greens, organic kale; vitamins and minerals: ascorbic acid, citric acid, di- and tri-calcium phosphate (calcium), mixed tocopherols (vitamin e), ferric ortho- phosphate (iron), vitamin d3, niacin (vitamin b3), zinc oxide, d-calcium pantothenate (vitamin b5), riboflavin (vitamin b2), thiamin mononitrate (vitamin b1), pyridoxine hcl (vitamin b6), vitamin b12, folic acid ALLERGEN INFO — NO DAIRY — NO CORN — NO SOY — CONTAINS WHEAT
The Cleanse is over and I'm pretty excited. I ended it Saturday and here is my overall report:
"What was the hardest part?"
The first week (minus the cheat at the F & W Festival) getting rid of starches (except starch veg's, ex; swt. potatoes), dairy, most fruits, processed sugars/foods, nuts, beans, and meats. Or in short.. anything hard to digest. I found I struggled most with refined starches, as I know you've heard me talk about...my bagels. That means I had no bread and pasta, which are two of my great loves. I don't eat a ton of meat, so that was not an issue at all.
During the first week I experienced a lot headaches and cravings.. trying to get through that took some serious will power.
It was also really hard for me to balance out detoxing and working out. I am an avid runner and I can't tell you the last time I've run less than 4 days during a weeks time, except right after I delivered Mara Mae. So making those boundaries was hard for me.. because if I did too much I was very tired, and if I did too little I was not satisfied.
"When did I notice a difference? And what were those differences?"
I starting noticing a significant difference during the second week. I felt random surges of energy.. Natalia speaks of those energy surges in her book. She says it's almost a euphoric feeling because you have so much energy in you from the live foods that you are eating. I lost the headaches and cravings and really enjoyed my salads and veggies.
Also, my skin started looking great and any blemishes cleared up.
As far as weight loss goes, I didn't really lose weight, but I don't think my body had any really to shed. Any bloatedness disappeared though and my stomach feels very flat.
***I feel that the outcome would have been even more favorable if I would have not cheated at the Food and Wine Festival.
"What was my favorite meal?"
Sweet potato and sauteed cabbage.(below)
I love sweet potatoes!! This was easy and filling.
My favorite part of the day though was the evening.. I was able to enjoy a glass of red wine and dark chocolate.
"What now?!"
Bagels! haha! :)
I plan to continue these practices of proper food combining and juicing. I just won't be following as strictly and if I feel the need I will begin the detox again. As of now I feel great and I am very glad I did it.
Dry Brushing:
A practice that you women will thoroughly love and reap the benefits of quickly. It is an incredible detoxification tool. It is a practice done by using a natural-bristle body brush (I found mine at wal-mart for about $5.00.. I've seen them at 14 carrot, tjmax, almost everywhere). I have used this technique for about 1 1/2 years now 1-2 times daily! ESPECIALLY WHILE I WAS PREGNANT. I am a firm believer behind it.. why?:
-no stretchmarks
-significantly reduced any calluses on my hands or feet caused by running or lifting weights, through the removal of dead skin, which causes your skin to breath oxygen into the tissues
-much smoother skin (Rick confirmed this about 2 weeks after I started using the dry brush)
-No cellulite (of course my diet helps too)
-it helps stimulate the lymphatic system to push out wastes
How you do it:
"Stand in your bathtub, shower, or anywhere you are comfortable, completely dry and nude. Take the dry brush off the long wooden handle. Since you should always brush the body in upward strokes toward the heart, with the exception of the torso, begin brushing the tops of your feet in firm strokes toward the ankles. Then make firm strokes up the calves, toward the knees (make two strokes over each spot). Brush upward along the backs on the knees, the groin, and the armpits (these are the major lymphatic drainage regions, so pay extra attention to them). Next, brush the fronts of the thighs from the knees to the groin and hip sockets and the backs of the thighs in firm upward strokes. If you are prone to cellulite or "saddle bags," spend a moment brushing those areas in a circular motion. Next, brush the torso in downward strokes; then brush the palms of the hands well from the fingers tips to the wrist- followed by long brush strokes from the wrists to the armpits and shoulders. Be sure to brush equally on both sides of the body. Finally, place the brush back on the wooden stick and brush as much of your back as you are able to reach. This whole process should only take about three to five minutes. A new brush can feel harsh the first couple of times but will quickly soften, so brush more gently at the beginning if you need to. This practice will leave your physical and energy bodies completely refreshed and invigorated!"
Before I get into some good detoxing info and recipes I want to touch on a topic that I've poured my heart and soul into for just about the past (9+6) 15 months of my life...
baby & baby mama!
FROM THIS...
TO THIS!
Or in other words.. from Conception to Breastfeeding.
A lot of women have a lot of questions when they first find out they are pregnant..I know I did. Such as:
"What can and can't I eat?"
"What can and can't I drink?"
"Is it safe to still run and lift weights?"
"Am I ever going to look the same again?!"
I may have not known all of the answers to all of my questions then, but now having gone through it I feel as if I can shed a little light on the topic... you know, a few "veteran" tips. :)
During the beginning stages I definitely knew it was up to me to find out for myself and not rely on the THOUSANDS upon THOUSANDS (slight exaggeration) of unwanted advice/tips from others. I knew that it didn't make sense that the world treated a pregnant woman as if she was handicapped (although it was nice every now and then!) I knew that I was NOT exactly to be eating for TWO. I also knew that if there was ANY time for me to eat healthy, the time was NOW.. because my body was helping knit together the building blocks of my little baby's small bones and vital organs... and I wanted him/her to have the strongest heart, brain, etc... that a baby could have!
Now, I also was not ignorant and I knew that if it was not divine will for my baby to come into this world that no matter what I did..well, it just wouldn't be. So therefore.. the parts that I knew I could control, I was going to do my best.
So I made sure I..
Ate more of these:
Organic (Reduced number of pesticides and agricultural chemicals) Fruits and Veggies esp. dark leafy greens!
Nuts, seeds, and beans for protein
Fresh veggie & fruit juice!
Less of these:
Antibiotic, added hormones, and processed meats
Processed foods
Processed sugar and starches
Dairy
Caffeine
Certain seafood's such as tuna (containing mercury)
Kept doing this:
Running (this esp. helped with my morning sickness.. definitely got the "looks" when I was 8 1/2 months tho-)
Lifting weights (Nothing too extreme)
Swimming
Walking
And most importantly LIVING and LOVING! I wanted her to know and feel love both inside and outside of my belly.
Added these:
Prenatal vitamins
Extra Vit. D (10,000 IU)
As far as birth goes, we ALL have our own opinion and I have supported others who have chose to go in a different direction than myself; as well as they have supported me. I chose an unmedicated birth for personal reasons (Thank God for Rick and Chelsea, as they were my SUPPORT TEAM).
And since this is my blog I will speak of the path that I chose to take..so..
If you are interested in some of the background as to why and how I chose natural birth here are a few of the books, sites, and videos that helped win my heart on the decision that I made. (I highlight the word decision, because that's exactly what it is...it is a decision, you(mom) do have a choice).
My bond and my choice. This too can be a touchy subject. So I'll just start by saying I am blessed to have been able to nurse my daughter and I am thankful for our special time together.
I believe it's important, especially while breastfeeding, to continue a clean diet. Pretty much the same as you would eat while pregnant... but hopefully you eat clean all the time :) (don't roll your eyes!) Here is a list of benefits of nursing that I got from Whole Foods..
Benefits:
Breast milk is perfectly designed- and constantly changing-for baby's developmental needs
It contains antibodies for baby and hormones to help the uterus contract after birth
It is better digested, with less gas, constipation and eating problems than formula.
Breastfeeding is more convenient, less expensive and helps bond mother and child.
It promotes the mother's return to a healthy weight.
-Chart is from "Be Good to Your Whole Baby, Whole Foods Market."
Now shall we move on??
Whats for dinner!?!
Sauteed green beans and homemade mashed potatoes (without milk)
This was one of my more dense meals.. meaning it is not "quick exiting" or shall we say..easily digestible.
Sauteed green beans (ONE OF MY MOST FAVORITE THINGS IN THIS WORLD!!)
String beans (fresh)
Butter
Fresh minced garlic
Sea Salt and Pepper
First boil the beans for a few minutes to get tender. Drain the water and saute them in butter, garlic, sea salt, and pepper.. enjoy :)
Mashed potatoes (soo easy)
Red potatoes
Butter
Salt & Pepper
Boil potatoes until tender. Drain. With a potato masher, mash them together with butter, salt, and pepper until they are of the consistency that you'd like. Rick loved them!
I also made a venison burger for Rick on the side.. I didn't eat it though..too much to digest for the detox diet right now.
Day 10:
I'll start off with telling you what a BAD DECISION I made...
I decided to "push hard" at the gym today.. Lifting weights, running, and sitting in the steam room.
How stupid.. I literally laid on the couch ALL.DAY.LONG.
My body is trying so hard to clear out all of the toxins and bad things inside of it, it really doesn't have the extra energy for me to "give-it-my-all" at the gym. I learned the hard way.. so now I know and so do you!
Mexican Hot Vegetable Salad with Avo-Salsa Dressing
I sauteed red peppers, cabbage, zucchini, tomatoes, and onions together with turmeric(yellow tint to the mix) and cumin powder
Avo-Salsa Dressing
It is what it sounds like.. Mashed up avo into salsa.
I placed spinach on a plate and topped it with the dressing and warm veggies. The reason I used spinach is because I don't mind when spinach is warmed and wilts some.. can't say the same for normal wilted lettuce.
Rick ate the same vegetable mix above, but instead of on a salad he put it in a tortilla and added ground venison.. basically, he made tacos :)
