tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17606879765240159802024-03-08T11:59:46.488-05:00Eat Good SupperExploring, Eating and Living South CarolinaSherreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650306528116222722noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760687976524015980.post-54014265603891163902020-06-16T09:17:00.000-04:002020-06-16T09:17:10.027-04:00Welcome Back<p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
</p><p style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Travel in this era of the Corona Virus has been super
stressful, almost obsolete. I'm sure you can relate when I say that part of me
wants to keep my family tucked away, snug as a bug, safely in our home as the
other part wants to run freely down the crowded beach asking "What
virus?" Let us be realist here, we need a little bit of both sides
of the coin to maintain sanity.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
</p><p><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span> We are quite the travel bugs, so
this shutdown of life has really been difficult. Through the grace of God we were
able to get out on the rivers, lakes and parks to explore some of the great
outdoors while we got in our exercise. With so much extra time on my hands, reflecting
has been an ever day activity. I have thought about the day trips, camping
adventures, bug bites and laughter that we have had over the past few years. We
have been so blessed in that area. As much fun as it is to go on these trips,
it is always taxing to gather links, resources and simple knowledge of what we
would actually be doing. I think we must spend a good bit of a month just
picking the right place to lay our heads at night. I can hear my husband as he
is doing some searching “Should we pick site 12 vs 18? Or better yet 3583 has a
slop that leads down to the water. Should we get that one?” It is a lot. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
</p><p style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also reflect about this
blog. What do I do with it? I have been told some of you have been missing my
writing. I figured, with a bit of encouragement from my Uncle, that I would
take this time to jump back in and share some of our musings with helpful links
and pictures to each of our findings. Since we are doing the work anyway, why
not share what we learn? If we can save a Momma a bit of stress by doing the
legwork, I am all for it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not sure exactly where this is going yet,
but I do hope you enjoy our family’s collection of resources.</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
</p><p style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
</p><p><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Much love,</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
</p><p><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Sherree</span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;">
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /></p>Sherreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650306528116222722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760687976524015980.post-23643063381643620992017-05-15T10:39:00.000-04:002017-05-15T11:00:51.075-04:00My Athlete Children<br />
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As a mom I feel like I feed my children a pretty balanced diet. I mean, they will eat pretty much anything and they graze often. So when my seven year old son started having dizzy spells we were at a loss of what was the cause.<br />
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We made several visits to our trusted Pediatrician. He did several neurological and reflex tests which all yielded normal results. He suggested increasing his electrolytes. I was not quite sure what an electrolyte actually is or how it functioned in the body. Thankfully my husband is quite knowledgeable about these specifics from his triathlon years.<br />
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When the spell hit about a week later, our pediatrician repeated the tests and concluded that it was most likely a combo of things that were going on. ( Doesn't everyone just love a mystery puzzle?) He detected a slight infections deep in the sinus cavity. We started him on a daily allergy treatment along side an antibiotic. We also kept his electrolytes increased.<br />
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That increase got me to start looking at how many calories a kid is actually supposed to be getting on a daily basis according to U.S pediatric standards. As a grown adult, I know what my needs are. As a mom, I knew what my babies needed. Babies. My babies... They physically aren't babies anymore and their needs have changed. Dramatically, I might add.<br />
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Both of the kids eat pretty much what they want when they want it. I restrict sweets but they know real food is always available for them.They will eat all day long so I was never worried that they weren't eating enough. That was until this dizzy situation with my oldest. Over the past few weeks I have consciously made a note of what, when and how much was being eaten by each kid. It all seemed lagit.<br />
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Puzzled by the food intake I was seeing and thinking it was good, I decided to do a bit of research on what an athletic childs caloric intake need actually is per the American Pediatrics Association. After reading several articles, I was faced with the fact that the kids were indeed short on their daily needs as athletes. Wow, what an eye opener for this Momma!<br />
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Thanks to HeathlyChildren.org and Nutrition.gov I was able to see what my children need.<br />
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I am such a visual girl that it is difficult for me to grasp quantity in just a written form. Someone can tell me 6 oz of grains and I struggle with what that actually means.<br />
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Naturally I started to compare an apple to a measurement of a cup. Okay, That is any easier one to sort through, but what about that 6 ounces of grains? Not so easy now to ingest. It could be anything from bread to quinoa, to barley or rice.<br />
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More questions started to simmer as I run down my grocery list. Questions like, Is that cooked grains? Does Almond Milk count as dairy? Won't they get constipated if they get 3 cups of cheese a day? Yes, that is where my mind went.<br />
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For today, I have made progress. To learn and actually admit that what I thought was right, really wasn't is a tough pill to swallow. I may not know all of the answers to my questions, but you can bet that I will find out. I will have visual ques to guide my inquisitive brain down this new path of mothering.<br />
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Helpful Sites;<br />
https://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/dietary-guidelines<br />
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https://www.healthychildren.org<br />
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https://www.aps-spr.org/<br />
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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3805623/<br />
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https://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015/guidelines/chapter-2/a-closer-look-at-current-intakes-and-recommended-shifts/<br />
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https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/wecan/downloads/calreqtips.pdf<br />
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<br />Sherreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650306528116222722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760687976524015980.post-12328519074541280382016-12-10T20:29:00.000-05:002016-12-21T10:45:00.711-05:00One Taco Two Taco<br>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/onetacotwotaco/" target="_blank"><i>One Taco Two Taco</i></a></div>
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My
family does not have the luxury of eating out regularly. Since we have birthed the children, we always
seem to have a tough time managing the kid’s needs and getting to eat our food
while it is still warm. There is usually
some type of spilled mess that I feel the need to clean up before our server
spots the flowing river that will make its way down the table, pooling on the
floor. And inevitably either my husband
or I have to remove one child or the other from the restaurant because they
wanted or did not want some food item touching another food item on their plate
and they proceed to have a screaming fit to express their dislike. We are a hot mess with young children and we
know it, so we opt out of most of the trendy new openings where people can
easily see our crazy life.</div>
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When
I was invited to attend a soft opening of One Taco Two Taco I was truly excited
and figured I could make a date night out of it for my husband and I. Sadly, we did not make it because one of the
kids was not feeling well. I shrugged
off the opening and I did not really think too much about it until the day that
One Taco Two Taco opened to the public. </div>
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It
was lunch time, I was home and the kids were in school. Although I was in the midst of school work, I seized
the moment and bolted out the door to eat some tacos. I am super picky when it comes to food. Picky
as in the ingredients quality has to be something I would have chosen to cook
with myself. The recipe needs to be
totally authentic or a completely new, twisted version. I mean, I do not want a
Taco Bell type taco from a locally owned eatery. Not only am I selective with the food itself
but the environment in which I will be eating is also important. The music playing in the background, the color
of the lighting, the ability to see what is happening or not happening in the
kitchen will all influence my experience.</div>
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There
are always, always some hic-ups during the first day of a new business. Whether it is computer glitches, an item left
off the plate or the air conditioning goes out, something will go wrong. Knowing this through personal experience, I
kept my expectations realistic and just wanted to eat something as fuel for my
body and not for my soul.</div>
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I
was pleasantly surprised by the scene. The
décor was fresh and swanky without being over the top. There is a sort of chic, modern atmosphere
with cool toned colors, yet warm lighting. It made me feel comfortable and impressed me
more than I thought it would.</div>
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The server was
friendly and quickly took my order of Carne Asada Fries, which by the way is a
healthy serving, and two of their specialty tacos. The tacos by themselves would have been
sufficient to feed my husband. </div>
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My food arrived
and holy smokes it had an amazing presentation.
The server placed a piping hot, cast iron trivet on my table. It was piled high with pencil thick fries,
marinated beef cuts and fresh pico-de-gallo. The two tacos were of the same quality of
pleasantness. You could clearly tell the food was fresh and cooked with care. To say that I enjoyed the flavors would be an
understatement. </div>
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One Taco Two Taco
has definitely earned my business. If I
were to recommend a restaurant it would be this one. The family friendly, yet modern feeling dining
room with excellent, affordable food is a win for me and my family. I hope you
and your family will enjoy One Taco Two Taco as much as I do.</div>
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Sherreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650306528116222722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760687976524015980.post-24523665014880600142016-11-30T18:57:00.001-05:002016-11-30T18:57:04.790-05:00Woah! Wow! It has been a really long time since I have written a blog post. Do you think I should jump back in and get to writing something?<br />
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I was able to travel to see my stepmother and brother in Germany last fall. It was really nice to be home. somethings were exactly the same and others were very different.<br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WNPzqCNSGZk/WD9idIgfWjI/AAAAAAAAJXU/dDgNhkeHuA46El819xFTJn6ut2cmeuXjACLcB/s1600/Germany%2B2015%2B035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WNPzqCNSGZk/WD9idIgfWjI/AAAAAAAAJXU/dDgNhkeHuA46El819xFTJn6ut2cmeuXjACLcB/s200/Germany%2B2015%2B035.JPG" width="133" /></a> That is how life is though, ever changing and yet something never change. Life is funny that way. It is one stationary yet evolving progression into the future. Maybe it is not life that is changing but me that is. Yes, I think that is more likely.<br />
There have been big changes for my bubble over the last year-ish. I went back to Germany for a visit. My family moved to Lexington. My daughter started kindergarten and I am finishing up my first semester at Midlands Technical College. And because my plate was not full enough, I decided to start substituting at the kid's school. Life has been interesting to say the least.<br />
Anyway, Here are a few pictures I took while abroad. My brother, his fiance and I hiked about 12 kilometers the day I took the first two pictures. Once we reached the top of the mountain we climbed all these crazy high stairs for the most rewarding view. This picture does not portray the beauty as it was seen, but at least you can get a feel for how breath-taking it was.<br />
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Sherreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650306528116222722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760687976524015980.post-88712031802034090592015-05-11T16:41:00.001-04:002015-05-11T17:29:45.294-04:00Out Of My Zone <p dir="ltr">Lately I have been trying new things. New foods, cooking techniques and now a book review. </p>
<p dir="ltr">I'm not really sure why I decided to review a book. I mean let's get real here, I can't even complete most daily tasks let alone something that will take a few weeks to do. But I must say, I'm so happy that I am doing it. I say "am" because I'm not technically finished reading it. However, I am finding myself reciting the authors words and that's kind of big for me. </p>
<p dir="ltr">LooseThe Cape - Realities from Busy Modern Moms and Strategies to Survive written by one of our own Columbia mother's, Alexa Haddock Bigwarfe and her friend Kerry Riverra is a reality driven perspective that is not only honest but an eye opener. <br>
With help from mom's around the country these ladies have nailed situations that new mom's and experienced mom's alike, find them selves in. They also provide reasurrence through their own twisted mom comedy. I wish this book had been around five years ago. I'm looking forward to finishing these last few chapters and I think every parent should read this. Here's is the link to buy the book. I promise you won't be disappointed!</p><p dir="ltr"><br></p><div class="separator" style="text-align: start; clear: both;">http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00UWCLY9M?ie=UTF8&redirectFromSS=1&pc_redir=T1&noEncodingTag=1&fp=1 </div><div class="separator" style="text-align: start; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: start; clear: both;"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5ib7WFM-KkA/VVEa5KhIQCI/AAAAAAAABUA/cpuEN-bD_Lw/s1600/front%252520cover%252520cropped-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5ib7WFM-KkA/VVEa5KhIQCI/AAAAAAAABUA/cpuEN-bD_Lw/s640/front%252520cover%252520cropped-3.jpg"> </a> </div>Sherreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650306528116222722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760687976524015980.post-58875173293552493722015-01-28T17:29:00.002-05:002015-01-28T17:29:40.360-05:00The Local Movement<br />
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You might have noticed the local food movement sweeping over the Midlands, and the rest of South Carolina for that matter. I mean its kind of hard to miss the Soda City Farmers Market on Main Street, or the that list of must-eat-at-while-in-Columbia restaurants just so happen to source most of their ingredients locally. And hearing about Columbia Food Tours tasting their way through said hot spots on those beautiful January days just solidifies the thirst for local food.<br />
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What you might not have noticed though, is that the movement has touched more than the local consumer or the small farmer. Large farms, the USDA, schools, and many more entities are joining the conversation. Each looking to learn, incorporate techniques and assist in making foods more accessible.<br />
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I attended the Agri Biz Expo in Florence and was amazed at what I saw. At first I saw the typical "Red Tape enforcer' government employee, the ginormous farmer that just wanted to make a buck and of course the salesman. Avoid eye contact at all costs I thought to myself or I would be thousands of dollars in debt in the matter of ten minutes. Non the less, I was hyped to be there.<br />
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It didn't take long before my heart was warmed and there was change occurring in what I was seeing. I started to see the people. The government point person became this really knowledgeable lady that wholeheartedly wanted to help people navigate all the hoops that are in place. The amount of helpful information that she gave was like hitting a Vegas Jackpot. Then I saw that large farmer. That farmer happens to be from the midlands area. He was sitting in on a Soil Seminar that Dr. Kloot from USC was giving. With it being the year of the soil endorsed by the United Nation, it was refreshing to see that farmer learning a better way to tend to the soil. And as it turns out, that farm has put in place some amazing organic practices. Now we have the salesman, which didn't try to sell me anything. Not even an idea that their product was better than xyz. They just wanted to help solve problems that most farms run into at one point. Actually one even offered to help me with some writing contacts. Finally we have the schools. Dave Lamie of Clemson gave a fantastic workshop on Choosing Wholesale Markets for Local food Products. (I have some handouts if your interested.) And the Florence Extension is looking at building a Food HUB among other projects. How awesome is that?<br />
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I walked away from the expo being able to see the local food movement happening at the state level by local people. I'm so grateful to see the love these people have for our great state and local food.<br />
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<br />Sherreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650306528116222722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760687976524015980.post-58937095971657035032014-12-13T08:21:00.001-05:002014-12-13T12:44:26.761-05:00The Midlands Food Alliance Over the past few months I have been working with other local people who share the love of supporting our local farmers.<br />
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We have come together and created The Midlands Food Alliance. The press release states our ideas. </div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; padding-left: 36px;">"</span><span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="bumpedFont15">We don’t have a concrete map or understanding of the local food system. There are gaps and challenges that are not currently defined. We have people that care about local food, but we don’t have a network built or communication among the people that care about the local food system.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; padding-left: 36px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; padding-left: 36px;"></span><span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="bumpedFont15">Local food supports our health, the local economy</span></span><span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="bumpedFont15"> and local farmers</span></span><span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="bumpedFont15">, it tastes better, is resilient and sustainable, and independent from big corporate farming and the food industry. It provides food security for the region, which promotes homeland security and secures water for the future. Caring about local food will hopefully influence future generations to make better food choices</span></span><span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="bumpedFont15"> and will connect children back to their roots</span></span><span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="bumpedFont15">. Local food is better for the environment, connects us back to our land, and will help preserve our beautiful S.C. wildlife and traditions, such as hunting and fishing. </span></span><span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="bumpedFont15">We want to work toward a fair, secure, sustainable, dependable, healthy local food system.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; padding-left: 36px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; padding-left: 36px;"></span><span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="bumpedFont15">If we are going to support local food and learn how to improve the local food system, we need to map it out and understand it better. That way, we’ll know where our strengths and weaknesses are so that we work toward a healthier, more accessible local food system as a community. We need to raise awareness of the local food system and advocate and educate about the gaps and weaknesses we find in our local food system, so that we can make it better. Creating a network that cares about local food and opening communication is important. Connecting local farmers to each other and all aspects of the local food system is also important, as well as connecting local farmers to resources and information.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="bumpedFont15"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="bumpedFont15"> We have an opportunity to learn about how to improve our local food system. Local food boosts the local economy, decreases the carbon footprint of food, is better for the environment, and connects back to the land, wher</span></span><span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="bumpedFont15">e we belong. The Midlands </span></span><span class="s3" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span class="bumpedFont15">Food Alliance is coming together to map our food system. We are looking for members right now."</span></span></div>
<div class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 36px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s3"><span class="bumpedFont15"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 36px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s3"><span class="bumpedFont15">The Midlands Food Alliance</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s3"><span class="bumpedFont15"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 36px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s3"><span class="bumpedFont15">If you are interested, please get involved. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s3"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/midlandsfoodalliance">https://www.facebook.com/midlandsfoodalliance</a> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 36px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s3"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s3"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Or </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s3"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div class="s4" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 36px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span class="s3"><span class="bumpedFont15" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Sustainable Midlands </span></span></span><a href="tel:(803)%20381-8747" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">(803) 381-8747</a></div>
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Sherreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650306528116222722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760687976524015980.post-53070406475054923912014-11-17T18:01:00.001-05:002014-11-17T18:01:38.363-05:00Navigating DisneyWow! Finding real food in Disney has alway been the stick in my throat. The whole Dinning Plan thing burns me too. Trying to navigate through a week can be just a tad bit irritating to say the least. <div> </div><div> This time I decided to let it go and just do the best I can. I mean after all it is vacation and your supposed to eat junk, play late and laugh a lot, right? </div><div><br></div><div> We got in yesterday, later in the day but in time for supper. We are staying at The Wilderness Lodge so we ate here. </div><div><br></div><div> I was truly suprised to see a pan seared quinoa cakes dish along with several other appatizing choices. Someone has obviously made an executive decision in the food department. I ultimately decided on a smorgasbord of meat that wasn't quite South Carolina BBQ, but still quite delicious. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-z_xWeQMLcnM/VGp-UBRGSvI/AAAAAAAABRM/5rC8btHHCrM/s640/blogger-image--1926638490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-z_xWeQMLcnM/VGp-UBRGSvI/AAAAAAAABRM/5rC8btHHCrM/s640/blogger-image--1926638490.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div> Today we headed into Epcot for a special Princess lunch. Again, wonderful selections offered in the Norweigan eatery! Seriously!! I'm not sure what has happened that made Disney finally get with it, but I like! </div><div><br></div><div> Thanks for making some changes Disney! I can't wait to share what other goodies I find this week :)</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ycGjHVO-lxE/VGp-SPyM1kI/AAAAAAAABRE/Lun68GLt8dU/s640/blogger-image-1212711633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ycGjHVO-lxE/VGp-SPyM1kI/AAAAAAAABRE/Lun68GLt8dU/s640/blogger-image-1212711633.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Sherreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650306528116222722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760687976524015980.post-38388847275254579222014-08-06T19:36:00.000-04:002014-08-06T19:36:00.218-04:00Our Food System<div class="MsoNormal">
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I had
the opportunity to attend The Midlands food Summit hosted by The Midlands Local
Food Collaborative on Monday. When I got the invite I had no idea what the
event was, or what it was really about. Nor did I have a clue as to what The
Midlands Local Food Collaborative was or what they stood for. Needless to say I
was just tickled to be included in something to do with the midlands food
movement.</div>
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After
giving myself a bit of a pep-talk sitting in the car, I headed for the door of
the Philips Center at the State Farmers Market. Once inside I quickly tried to
find some familiar faces. Seeing a few made me more comfortable and I started
to breathe a little bit easier. I found a seat and started to listen to the
crowd around the table. I unknowingly sat with a group of Ag Teachers. </div>
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About
an hour or so into the meeting I had a pretty clear view of who this collection
of people are. I was extremely grateful to be present. They are people that
work, lead and motivate our actual food system. It was everyone from Non-Profit
Food Hubs, The USDA (Natural Resources Conservation Service), Farmers, Lenders
(agricultural lenders that help get grants and such), to the consumer. It was a
large group of entities and individuals that care about making our food
sustainable.</div>
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I think
I might have actually died and gone to Heaven for the few hours that I was
there. Being able to learn about the challenges that our current farmers have
was truly an eye opener for me. To realize that for our whole state, we only
have two USDA certified slaughtering facilities gave me perspective on what
our meat farmers are up against. For me to hear that our schools are not
equipped to handle fresh food was another kicker. Are we not building kitchens
in schools anymore? Or is it that there are so many regulations in regards to
cooking real food, that the system just does not allow real food? I was learning
all of this and more while we were brain storming ideas on how to solve such
issues.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And
that is where the beauty of this whole meeting came together. When a hundred or
so people put their minds together to bring positive change, is when change can
actually happen. We all understand that in today’s society that what we eat
will not be 100 percent local. But to strive towards a goal that will allow
more people to actually have access and eat food produced in South Carolina, is
a goal all South Carolinian's should be working towards. If we want to avoid
major price hikes and not knowing where our food comes from, we might want to
take a moment to think of how much food is needed for each person, each day.
Then think about how much land is actually being used to raise said food. And
then, Think about who will farm that, because as of now the average age of a
farmer is 59 years old. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My
brain is still reeling from so much information, information such as the Food
Safety Modification Act (FSMA) that was signed into law in back in 2011. (<a href="http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/FSMA/ucm247548.htm">http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/FSMA/ucm247548.htm</a>
) It went into law but the FDA has yet
to re-release its guidelines. Guidelines that when first released last year
would have cause the organic farmer to be obsolete. Thankfully, the FDA is
rewriting the guidelines, but they still expect that a number of small farms to
be put out of business.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Whatever
the FDA decides is appropriate, we as consumers can make the difference for our
state by buying from our local farms, and of course by being active in organizations
that lead the way in managing our food rights. I mean, how silly would it be if
we could no longer have a farmers market because of regulations?</div>
Sherreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650306528116222722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760687976524015980.post-90955899814001330122014-06-23T16:09:00.001-04:002014-06-23T16:09:52.627-04:00Summer <div class="MsoNormal">
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A
friend told me she had wondered what I had been up to since we last spoke. She
said “I headed to your blog and read the last few posts”. As I was reading her
email, I realized it has been some time since I actually wrote something for my
own blog. Opps. It is funny how easily one can forget to take care of their own
“stuff” when they are taking care of others. Anyway, I figured I would take
this nap time and bring everyone up to speed on what’s been going on in my
world.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eSwjIO3mjtw/U6iHb2L2xzI/AAAAAAAABEI/jgSTVUzYzKM/s1600/may2014+047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eSwjIO3mjtw/U6iHb2L2xzI/AAAAAAAABEI/jgSTVUzYzKM/s1600/may2014+047.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a> This
family has been quite the road-running-group this summer. Mostly day trips but
we have had a few over night ones as well. Yes, I know, summer just started,
what can I say?</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PK9Qc-ZU4Ts/U6iGF6wyN-I/AAAAAAAABDs/dyqQVaRpwxM/s1600/tablerockapril2014+162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PK9Qc-ZU4Ts/U6iGF6wyN-I/AAAAAAAABDs/dyqQVaRpwxM/s1600/tablerockapril2014+162.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a>Our fist trip was actually before
school was out. We headed to the mountains to show the kids what a mountain
actually is. With Table Rock being so close we thought hey, why not? I mean
after all I don’t think one can really describe the beauty of it in terms a 4
year old can fully grasp. Some things they just need to see for their selves to
get the true impact of such a sight. Jay
and I have hiked Table Rock before so we knew it wasn’t something we could have
our little tackle quite yet. We did however hit the base of it to show them the
creeks and goof around. We also checked out the waterfall which was stunning
although they didn’t think so. One day they will appreciate it, but just not
yet.</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hc1xxe5y_bU/U6iIrAPJwkI/AAAAAAAABEQ/yW-Ah9ulLdU/s1600/IMG_5569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hc1xxe5y_bU/U6iIrAPJwkI/AAAAAAAABEQ/yW-Ah9ulLdU/s1600/IMG_5569.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isle of Palms</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Next we
had a fantastic beach day at The Isle of Palms. What a fun place that was! We parked
in a county (at least I think it was county) park right at the beach. There
were bathrooms (real bathrooms, not a port-a-john), changing rooms, a
playground, grilling areas and even a small snack cart in case you needed a
little treat. It really was the perfect spot for a family fun day!</div>
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Then
over Father’s Day we headed out for our first “camping” trip with the kids. I
say “camping” with a grain of salt because although we had a fantastic time and
the facilities turned out to be truly appropriate for a first outing, it wasn’t
what we had thought it was going to be. We headed down to James Island. We
thought we would save a few bucks and get the “primitive” campsite and really
give the kids a true woodsy camping experience. </div>
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</div>
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Okay,
Soo we got there kind of late, well late. It was after dark late. We checked in
and headed to our spot. We parked, walked to the entrance trail and saw a giant
football field. There were tents pretty much along the entire boarder of the
field. We laughed at our “primitive” spot and carried on with our setup. As we
were heading back to the car we noticed frogs everywhere. Not like one here or
there, but like you had to really watch where you step or you would squish one.
The kids really enjoyed playing Spot the Frog. The kids did great sleeping in
the tent, even though we forfeited our dry run of camping in the back yard.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TBDg3UrtzNQ/U6iElvE9yoI/AAAAAAAABDg/XgY6VtI5NiE/s1600/fathersday+2014+026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TBDg3UrtzNQ/U6iElvE9yoI/AAAAAAAABDg/XgY6VtI5NiE/s1600/fathersday+2014+026.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Folly Beach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</div>
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This county
park was really geared towards families. They had a splash pad, bike trails, a
water park and free access to Folly Beach. Folly beach was awesome. There was a
channel that runs along the shoreline. When its high tide it fills and then it’s
super suitable for small kids. I think we had more fun in the channel than the
actual ocean waves.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let me
just say that for each of these trips, we maybe spent one hundred and fifty dollars.
The county and state park system is a true jewel on the wallet. Anyway, In
addition to this I have had the pleasure of reading the book of John with some
really great ladies, meeting a cool Bee Keeper in Sumter, eating some delicious
BB-Que from different parts of the state and celebrating a sweet someone turning
three. </div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
So
there it is, well the highlights anyway. This type of schedule will continue
on, my house will remain a mess, but we will be living life and enjoying all
that South Carolina has to offer. May you find yourself in such a place! Happy
Summer!!</div>
Sherreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650306528116222722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760687976524015980.post-20298851806879059092014-05-02T13:32:00.001-04:002014-05-02T13:40:12.152-04:00Slab-O-Meat<div><br></div><div><br></div> Yesterday morning I had made a promise to my son. Okay, I bribed him into going to school with an ice cream party. In order to make good on my promise, we needed supplies.<div><br><div> We were pursing the grocery, the meat section to be percise, when my little jammed his pointer finger strait through the packaging and into the meat. Alrighty then. I tried not to laugh or get upset, but I was not indending on buying a roast for any reason. </div><div><br></div><div> Well, it did make it's way home with us and I was at a loss on what I should do with it. Just stumped. We are <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">out of most of my staple ingredients, which made it that much more difficult. </span></div></div><div><br></div><div> I finally just cubed it up and started throwing stuff in the pot.</div><div><br></div><div>This is the beauty that emerged.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lVob98L55sc/U2PWvXraTBI/AAAAAAAABC8/tr8m3Svbb9A/s640/blogger-image--573288046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lVob98L55sc/U2PWvXraTBI/AAAAAAAABC8/tr8m3Svbb9A/s640/blogger-image--573288046.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Ingredients</div><div><br></div><div>Onion</div><div>Paprika </div><div>Turmeric </div><div>Olive Oil</div><div>Fresh Rosemary </div><div>Fresh Garlic</div><div>Salt & Pepper</div><div>Can of Pre-seasoned Diced Toms</div><div>Water</div><div>Chuck Roast</div><div><br></div><div> I did only use half of the roast. I figured that it could at least help us stretch our dollar a bit further by being a Two-Fer item. You know, two-for-one? </div><div><br></div><div> I have been trying to use less meats in cooking lately. No particular reason other than trying to change up eating habits and spending more wisely. If we stay out of the rut, the kids seem to be more open to eating whatever we throw their way. And who doesn't want more for their money? I know I do.</div>Sherreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650306528116222722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760687976524015980.post-90868547115971867352014-04-27T10:10:00.001-04:002014-04-27T10:10:57.764-04:00A Different Kind of Food<div class="MsoNormal">
Spring Break has come and gone. It seemed like it just flew by, leaving us with only a few eye-batting-what-was-that moments.maybe because this has been a busy spring break. So much so, that I cannot
recall most of it. What I do recall is, finally getting soil and being
convicted. Yes, convicted.</div>
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The surprise cost of 3 cubic yards of soil was much more
than I had anticipated for our garden. So much so that I accepted that we
wouldn't be able to fill our raised beds. After I had phoned a few
distributors, I literally said to my hubs “not No, but h-e-double hockey sticks
no”. There was no way I could justify the cost (right now). I even planted half
of one of the bigger boxes thinking we would make do.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Saturday
morning came and the Hubs had been to drop the kids off with his parents. On
the way back he stopped by a landscaping lot that we drive by every time we
head to Manning. He did so just to see what they had to offer. They were such
amazing people that they met us after hours so we could get some reasonably
priced top soil. The cost was about $30 for our truck full. Blue Moon
Landscaping has by far been the best customer service oriented facility I have
seen in a long time. And they have great products.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So the
soil is in. The boxes are not completely full, but we figured hey, it’s a start
and we are trying to be budget friendly here. We filled holes, seeded, put in a
bed and literally worked all day. We got as much done as we could and went to
get the kids back.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We met
his parents at his sister’s house in Pinewood, had a fun egg hunt and she
invited me to one of her church’s events. It sounded like fun, so I was in.
Little did I know what would take place at that event.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
That Thursday I made my way back to
Pinewood. Before I get started with this part, I want to say that I believe in God.
However, I have never felt the need to know the Bible inside and out, or
discuss really anything about it with others. I looked at it as a personal
“thing”. With that said, let’s move forward.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I get
there, meet up with my sister in-law and we head to the church. It was quite
lovely. The tables were all set with fine china and decorated in a manner that
suited each person’s personality that sponsored the individual table. The men
were the servers and sported a black tie. The food was catered and door prizes
were handed out. The guest speaker was Dawndy Mercer Plank and what a speaker
she is. As she spoke, I started to get that tight knot in my throat. You know
the one that is paired with pursed lips? As I listened to her, it became very
clear to me that it was no accident that I was present. Her words about being
“F-I-N-E” described exactly how I’ve become, Frustrated-Insecure-Neurotic-Exhausted.
I was so worried about fitting in, being accepted by the “right crowd” (whoever
they are), focused on injustices and looking forward to what I want to do with
my life that I was missing it. I was missing the life that was going on right
in front of me and I got so exhausted trying to keep up. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She
gave several situations that were her own tests. But the one that struck me was,
when she was given a specific verse to guide her. And that’s when I knew how
important it really is to know Gods words.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When
the supper was over, I made the hour drive home and had plenty of time to
think. To think about all the directions I've been pulled, about how easily my
eyes have been shifted away from what IS important. How I have already wished
away so many sweet moments. I was so moved that I pulled over in the Food Lion parking
lot to write down a few things I was thinking. This is a bit of what I wrote that
night in the parking lot.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Well,
I’m pretty blown away with God’s Love. You see, I have been having a difficult
time with a number of things lately. Being pulled so many directions, I have
become all that she spoke of. Gods calling me back and tonight he was pretty
direct. Giving me answers to the many, many questions I have been asking. He spoke
to me as if I was the only one in the room, and I wanted to bawl like a child
who has been busted telling a lie. Conviction is a beautiful thing, and it’s
why I sit in this lot writing my story.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.0pt; margin-left: -7.5pt; margin-right: .75pt; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: 79.5pt;">
Receiving
this message has given me the perspective that I really needed. I’m kinder to
my children, more empathetic in rough situations and quite frankly, I am
relieved to be able to stop trying to empress people. I can breathe deep and know I am loved. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Sherreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650306528116222722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760687976524015980.post-33511655786251850852014-03-25T16:19:00.000-04:002014-03-25T16:19:29.311-04:00Finding the Light<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c8hK2ZTPHrs/UzHdr6yNCkI/AAAAAAAABBA/wg_h9fZ98q4/s1600/IMG_5120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c8hK2ZTPHrs/UzHdr6yNCkI/AAAAAAAABBA/wg_h9fZ98q4/s1600/IMG_5120.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
I received a "real" camera from my husband for my birthday. Since then I've been playing around and capturing some nice shots. At least I think they are.<br />
Instead of writing an entry today, I thought I'd share some of my favorites. I hope you enjoy this learning journey I am on. Please feel free to send your advice, critics or any general kind encouragements.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IcAawsepr4I/UzHikutgqZI/AAAAAAAABB8/sfMV1gw1_G0/s1600/5-IMG_4582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IcAawsepr4I/UzHikutgqZI/AAAAAAAABB8/sfMV1gw1_G0/s1600/5-IMG_4582.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4EYti3pQ7fo/UzHilNRLx4I/AAAAAAAABB0/Z4Kt9zw5f-I/s1600/6-DSC_0175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4EYti3pQ7fo/UzHilNRLx4I/AAAAAAAABB0/Z4Kt9zw5f-I/s1600/6-DSC_0175.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Sherreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650306528116222722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760687976524015980.post-43678230180212603202014-03-02T19:57:00.001-05:002014-03-02T19:57:30.183-05:00Twisted Turn<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">So a few nights ago I had to take my hubs into the ER. He was having cardiac like symptoms and it's always better to be cautious than not. He's fine and all, but the experience has left us with many questions. </p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 15px;"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">He started reading an athletic training book and came across something we both thought was interesting. Now I'm not saying this is what has happened to him but the symptoms are similar. </p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 15px;"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">Most of us have heard of a gluten intolerance by now, but what about a Carb Intolerance? </p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 15px;"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">Ya, we hadn't either. The book suggests a two week trial "Diet". </p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 15px;"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">The word Diet makes me gringe. To me, it says "go without" or "eliminate". I don't know about you, but when someone tells me I can't have something, I want it more than ever. </p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 15px;"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">So when he said he wanted to try this diet, I took a deep breath and held it. I heald it until he started reading the "regulated foods". </p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 15px;"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">At that point I started to laugh and say " Wait, we already do that!" And here it comes...</p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 15px;"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">He only eats supper at the house for the most part. So, out with that, finally! </p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 15px;"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">As it has it, it took some shaking (not from me) for him to fully commit to a clean eating lifestyle. </p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 15px;"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">Now, please don't take me wrong. We are way far from a "perfect eating" family. But we do the best we can with our schedule. </p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 15px;"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">Hopefully, over the next few weeks we can nail down the cause and move forward. </p>Sherreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650306528116222722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760687976524015980.post-53796648836591603902014-02-27T14:39:00.001-05:002014-02-27T14:57:18.949-05:00Food First!<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A few weeks back, okay, last summer I asked Kristen of Elite Nutrition and Performance on Devine Street,</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> to write a guest post. I held onto it waiting for the right time to post it. I have come to realize there is no right time. Something always comes up weather it's buying a house, getting sick or getting caught up in every day life. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">With that said please welcome Kristen and her helpful insight! </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Black","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Black","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial Black","sans-serif"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Food
First!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Supplements Second<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">People often ask me what supplements should I
be taking to help me excel in my sport, gain muscle, lose weight or just feel
better. What always amazes me is that their diets are usually are filled with
fast food, prepackaged foods and “junk” foods! Therefore, they have no business
thinking about supplements and should be thinking about how to improve their
diet. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">What someone eats on a daily basis far more determines
how his or her body responds and ultimately produces the results they are
looking for. I always remind my clients “garbage in, equals garbage out.”
Meaning, if you fill your body with junk food, you will get poor results from
your body. Supplements are not meant to be a healthy diet in a pill; they are
simply what they say they are…a supplement. They are meant to supplement your
diet that is already filled with whole foods that come from the ground. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Eating a diet based on a whole food diet has
many benefits, such as:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It’s more nutritious<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Ingest more fiber <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Food is better digested, absorbed and
utilized<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">No hidden sugars, preservatives,
chemicals or ingredients we can’t pronounce<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Let’s compare eating a real banana versus a
Gu Energy Gel during a training session. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Banana<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Gu Energy Gel<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Ingredients<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Banana<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">Maltodextrin (Glucose
Polymers), Filtered Water, Fructose, GU Amino Blend (Leucine, Valine,
Histidine, Isoleucine), Sodium And Potassium Citrate, Natural Peppermint
Extract, GU Antioxidant Blend (Natural Vitamin C And Vitamin E), Citric Acid,
Calcium Carbonate, Sea Salt, Contains Preservatives [Sodium Benzoate,
Potassium Sorbate], Fumaric Acid, Gu Herbal Blend [Chamomile, Ginger],
Pectin.</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Calories per serving<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">89 calories<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">100 calories<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Carbohydrates<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">22.8g<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">25g<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sugar content<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Total: 12.3g<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Glucose: 4g<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Fructose: 2.3g<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sucrose: 6g<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Total: 5g<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Maltodextrin: 70-80% (3.5g)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Fructose: 20-30% (1.5g)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Fiber<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">2.3g<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">0g<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Protein<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">1.1g<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">0g<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Benefits<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">-Contains fiber <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
-prevents certain cancers <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
-time released energy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">-Contains vitamins B6, C <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">-Contains manganese, an essential mineral <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">-Contains potassium, an electrolyte<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">-Contains water (~75% of banana is water)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">-Contains some protein (amino acids), which
helps to time- release energy from food <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">-More palatable than Gu<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">-Portable<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">-Research supports bananas as just as good
or even better than sports supplements<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">-Cheap (~ ¼ the price of GU)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">-Can buy anywhere<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 2.05in;" valign="top" width="197"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">-Contains electrolytes <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">-Some contain caffeine <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
-quick, extra boost of energy <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
-can lead to heart palpitations in those with heart conditions<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">-Contain some amino acids (protein) for
time released energy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">-Portable<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This of course is just one example of a
sports supplement vs. real food. However, you should always be doing your
homework when considering taking a supplement. Things to ask yourself should
include:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Is
it safe? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">a.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A
number of supplements are tainted with ingredients they shouldn’t contain, such
as prescription drugs and steroids<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">b.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Check
out </span><a href="http://www.consumerlab.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">www.consumerlab.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
or </span><a href="http://www.nsfsport.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">http://www.nsfsport.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
for help with this one<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Is
it effective?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">What
are the ingredients and can I pronounce them?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">4.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Are
there any real-food options that are comparable to the product? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">a.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Remember,
real food will be absorbed and utilized better than supplements!<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">5.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">What
is the cost?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">6.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Is
the manufacturer making to good to be true claims? If so, this is a red flag!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Most athletes get sick of the super-sweet
taste of sports supplements and don’t favor the aftertaste and “film” that’s
left in their mouth afterwards. If this is you, consider making your own
“supplements!” A few favorites of mine are </span><a href="http://www.nsfsport.com/"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Homemade Sports Drink and Gluten Free
Energy Balls!</span></a><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: yes;"><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600"
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Kristen
Tice-Ziesmer</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">, MS, RD, CSSD, LD</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sports
Dietitian, Certified Personal Trainer<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Owner
of Elite Nutrition & Performance<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><a href="http://elitenutritionandperformance.com/" target="_blank">http://elitenutritionandperformance.com</a></b></span></div>
Sherreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650306528116222722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760687976524015980.post-90013160797908228802014-02-26T14:32:00.001-05:002014-02-26T14:32:39.414-05:00A Quick SpaghettiA Quick Spaghetti<div><br></div><div>Turkey sausage, basil, garlic (fresh), onion, rosemary, two small tomato sauces, a teaspoon of sugar (to counter act the acid build up in the can) salt and pepper, and I plan on popping some portabellas in after a bit :)</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-lPL9DiYZIcQ/Uw5BVV3E9ZI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/FWjNabsl8jU/s640/blogger-image--668785162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-lPL9DiYZIcQ/Uw5BVV3E9ZI/AAAAAAAAA-Q/FWjNabsl8jU/s640/blogger-image--668785162.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Serve over pasta! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Everything is to taste so start with less and stop when you find your blend. </div>Sherreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650306528116222722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760687976524015980.post-42164349283606553682014-02-17T16:02:00.001-05:002014-02-17T16:02:33.589-05:00Medusa Peas<br />
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Remember about two weeks ago, when we had that one beautiful day? No? That's okay, I'm pretty sure I would have forgotten to if I hadn't planted some Amish Sweet Pea's.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r1VPwxoM3a0/UwJvYi2zuPI/AAAAAAAAA94/tnIt-IAYXes/s1600/1794669_10202523487480241_1565229681_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r1VPwxoM3a0/UwJvYi2zuPI/AAAAAAAAA94/tnIt-IAYXes/s1600/1794669_10202523487480241_1565229681_n.jpg" height="200" width="148" /></a> The kids and I were so excited to get a jump on seeding that we couldn't resist the temptation when the sun was in full effect. We started about twelve of the peas and twelve of the tomatoes. I made a small area available in the house for them. I mean after all it was only the first day in February. It was kind of a given that I couldn't just toss the seeds in the beds and expect everything to magically grow.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lvfVK9daEHg/UwJuJNy9TyI/AAAAAAAAA9M/c97Uh__pNSg/s1600/02-DSC_0067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lvfVK9daEHg/UwJuJNy9TyI/AAAAAAAAA9M/c97Uh__pNSg/s1600/02-DSC_0067.JPG" height="200" width="149" /></a> What I did 't expect was the craziness that took place over the last two weeks. Rain, ICE and Earthquakes? Yeah that happened, but what got me was how quickly everything was growing! I had a Medusa plant hanging out on my kitchen table. And two eager mini-me's trying to investigate them every two minutes. We have a few starts that I'm pretty sure aren't going to be joining us in the spring months. If need be I can always call on Ariel over at Humble Farm, LLC and join her new CSA program.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nhZNondxuYw/UwJuYwftHYI/AAAAAAAAA9w/BvKysa8kLuA/s1600/05-DSC_0081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nhZNondxuYw/UwJuYwftHYI/AAAAAAAAA9w/BvKysa8kLuA/s1600/05-DSC_0081.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a>Thankfully, yesterday I was able to pull together more leftover wood from the remodel and build a vine climber. I'm not sure if that's what it's really called or not but that's how I'll be referring to it. I also was able to transplant the peas into yet another temporary bin. The new contraption and bin combo does make it a bit tricky to haul in and out of the house, but at least I can baby them for another few weeks.<br />
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It was fairly easy to put together. I just made some feet, attached the legs and added a cross-bar. I strung a bit of twine and transplanted the starts. I am always thrilled when I get to re-purpose materials around the house. Find the materials list at the bottom of the page.<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u><i>Two equal length 1x1 wood pieces (I used about waist high)</i></u></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i><u>two equal length 4x1 wood pieces( iused about 4 inches) </u></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i><u>one additional 1x1</u></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i><u>four screws or nails</u></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i><u>Twine</u></i></b></span></div>
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Sherreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650306528116222722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760687976524015980.post-91909339428677196282014-02-05T14:19:00.001-05:002014-02-05T14:25:32.697-05:00Who's YOUR'S?I am doing my first ever presentation on where to find local food next week. I know where I find it, and know the farmers I buy from, but I also know that there are a ton of other farmers that I haven't made it around to, yet. I don't want to leave them out.<br />
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These last few years I have met some really great people in the farming community that value life in the same matter that I do. I have found a number of people that care where their food comes from, and how their dollar can benefit our local economy. I am confident you are one of the same.<br />
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My time has very limited as I have two children that demand (and rightfully so) most of my attention. Thankfully I have integrated them into my calling and they help me along the way. But today they cannot help me, so I come to you from my laptop that is missing 13 keys, to ask for your help. As a comminity, a loving friend or someone that just knows...I ask who's your favorite farmer?<br />
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Help me, help people to want to support our local farmers.<br />
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Yours Truly,<br />
SherreeSherreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650306528116222722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760687976524015980.post-10356903356193546712014-01-26T12:39:00.001-05:002014-02-05T11:07:13.927-05:00Fantastic Fish StickI was talking to my girlfriend the other day. We were discussing our quick meals that we reach for when we don't feel like cooking. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Yes, every- so -often, I don't want to cook.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">She brought up Fish Sticks and a quickly realized that I have never fed my sweet babies Fish Sticks. That's a huge mommy faul on my part. After all, aren't eating Fish Sticks a childhood right of passage? </span><br />
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Another friend supplied me with a super kid friendly recipe. We all know I can't follow one, so here's my adaption. </div>
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Fish sticks</div>
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1 teaspoon roasted cumin </div>
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1 tea basil</div>
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1 tea lemon peel</div>
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1 1/2 tea dill</div>
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1 tea sea salt</div>
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1/2 tea pepper</div>
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2 cups breadcrumbs (I used pepridge farms</div>
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2 cups yogurt (I only had vanilla 😉)</div>
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2 pounds tuna ( giver or take. Just enough for four persons)</div>
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I mixed the spiced in the yogurt. Let it Merry for about ten mins</div>
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I sliced the fish against the grain then rolled it in each yogurt mix to breadcrumbs. Place on lightly olive oiled baking sheet and place in a preheated 400 degree oven until the bred crumbs browned then I flipped the and cooked another 10 mins or so. </div>
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I am a firm believer in using what you have. Hence why I used tuna. I suggest using a milder fish. A white fish like flounder or cod. </div>
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I think it works best with about a inch or so rise. Then you can adjust cooking accordingly.</div>
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I have some leftover and plan in making a Balsomic reduction for a sweet addition. </div>
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I hope you enjoy these as much as I did!</div>
Sherreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650306528116222722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760687976524015980.post-15145090719594833022014-01-22T21:21:00.001-05:002014-01-22T21:21:11.071-05:00We All Know The Good SpotsWe hear about them, see them featured in articles and every so often we get to experience them.<div><div>I'm talking about the best spots to eat in town. </div><div><br></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> I finally had my own experience at one of the best. I</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> had the pleasure of meeting some family at The Drip in Five Points this morning.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> I walked in, Daisy in tow and was greated by friendly faces and some cool jazz. </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">The place was comfortable and perfect for a relaxed get-to-gether.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Upon a quick review of the menu, I spotted a prosciutto, brie and egg biscuit with </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">a fig jam. Hello! That's four of my favorite things. The only hang up was...uhm, I don't like biscuits.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> Yup, you read that right, I-don't-like-biscuits. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I asked if I could sub-it-out and was sort of let down that I couldn't, even though I understood why. I </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">ordered it anyway. </span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jx4MzT_ZJG8/UuB8j2dnfBI/AAAAAAAAA5A/Yu4GGEIv2QA/s640/blogger-image-1524107226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jx4MzT_ZJG8/UuB8j2dnfBI/AAAAAAAAA5A/Yu4GGEIv2QA/s640/blogger-image-1524107226.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">When it came, I quickly inhaled it. I was pleasantly surprised that I actually enjoyed the life long dreaded pastry. And I might even say that they have turned this girl into a biscuit eater. Ok, maybe I won't be eating them everywhere, but I'll enjoy a few more there along with another giant coffee.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2biwz85shzs/UuB8lWKpB5I/AAAAAAAAA5I/8G-gZ6NiURE/s640/blogger-image-698762522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2biwz85shzs/UuB8lWKpB5I/AAAAAAAAA5I/8G-gZ6NiURE/s640/blogger-image-698762522.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div></div>Sherreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650306528116222722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760687976524015980.post-9489692423216479122013-12-27T17:37:00.000-05:002013-12-27T17:37:01.326-05:00The Wheels Are Turning It's not quite January but I am already plotting how I'm going to tackle this springs garden. This will be my first early garden so It should be eventful.<br />
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I am hoping to apply what I learned from the summer garden, but apparently this past summer was out-of-the-normal for gardens. This is just the thing that would come my way. I always seen to try a first when everything is all out-of-whack. Technically I think it might actually be a good thing. I mean the more hurdles that are tossed my way just forces me to learn even more.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cross Pollinated Cucumber</td></tr>
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A few things I learned last year are not to plant some plants by others or they will cross pollinate. For <br />
example; don't plant cucumbers by zucchini.You will get these funny gourd looking cucumbers.<br />
Another tips is to make sure to net your berries or they will be swallowed by the birds.<br />
I also opted not to make raised beds and that will not be happening again.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0zpPoB_Ah98/Ur39ZkM8kTI/AAAAAAAAA38/osoWCmuTbfc/s1600/2-IMG_3355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0zpPoB_Ah98/Ur39ZkM8kTI/AAAAAAAAA38/osoWCmuTbfc/s320/2-IMG_3355.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Raised beds a River Banks Zoo</td></tr>
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Being that we have fresh ground to work with, we have a few big projects ahead of us. One being the beds. I must work on that shortly or I might miss my window for planting. I'm such a procrastinator about the things that I think won't take that long.<br />
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I feel like I already have a jump on the planning though. I have my seed source ordered, my garden mapped (mostly) and a watering system plotted.<br />
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I actually think I might pull out a calender and write out my plan. Go me! That is definitely a first. Here's to getting organized.<br />
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A few fun things to look forward to;<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">11 January Seed Swap at 701 Whaley 10:30-1:00</span></h4>
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<span style="background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-size: 18pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; color: #db3632; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b style="background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Smokin at the Farmers Market<br style="background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" />“Commissioners Cup”</b><br style="background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /><b style="background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">BBQ Cook Off and Festival</b></span></span><span style="background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; color: #db3632; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-size: 10pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b style="background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">sanctioned by the Southern BBQ Network (SBN)</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 20pt; text-align: center;">March 21 & 22 </span><strong style="background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><strong style="background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; color: red; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; color: black; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span></span></span></span></span></strong></strong><br />
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<span style="background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-size: 16pt; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><strong style="background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">State Farmers Market</strong></span></span></div>
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<br />Sherreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650306528116222722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760687976524015980.post-54901773805003125912013-12-17T22:11:00.001-05:002013-12-17T22:37:12.639-05:00Gluten Me Please<br />
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I have heard so many people use the term gluten. I see it on labels, in adds and pretty much anywhere I grab a quick bite.</div>
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Many people have explained what it is to me. They go into great detail about the wheat and process that expands it's reach. So I know what it is, technically. But I never really understood WHAT it was. That was until I happened across a show that said it so plainly that it finally clicked.</div>
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It is literally in almost every processed product we, as American's create. Y'all I was shocked to learn that it's even in the glue on envelopes! Envelopes, really?</div>
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Here's a quick snippet of the show and all the crazy places you can find it.</div>
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Over the Thanksgiving holiday My sister- in-law asked me to make a gluten free stuffing. I have been fortunate enough to not have any food allergies, so shopping with such tight restrictions was something new to me.</div>
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I headed to Whole Foods Crosshills knowing they would take me by the hand, and walk me through the madness of products.</div>
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With all the base products in hand, I made my way through checkout confident I could actually pull this off.</div>
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I have bee told gluten free breads can be dry and quite bland. To assure this didn't happen with the stuffing, I made two.</div>
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Yup, and Im glad I did because the recipe I used really needed some tweaking to get a nice flavor and texture.</div>
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Here is what I did ~</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">wholefoods sandwich bread to make the croutons. Just cut them in squares and baked until brown. Then sautéed onions, shallot, celery and mushrooms. Added salt, sage and thyme and 1/2 cup white wine. Simmered down then added the mixture to the croutons with chicken stock (g free of course) until moist then baked about 20 mins on 325. </span></div>
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Sherreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650306528116222722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760687976524015980.post-82206035212027810542013-11-22T14:48:00.000-05:002013-11-22T14:57:05.340-05:00We Are In!!<br />
These last few weeks have been really fun, but a lot of physical labor. We managed to close on the HUD home we purchased, gut it, repair it and finally refinish everything.<br />
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This was such an amazing adventure that I think everyone should take part in at least once. Even if it's just heading over to Habitat For Humanity and volunteering for a home build. Do it. There comes an amazing joy from building something out of nothing and doing it with people that have the same heartfelt intentions.<br />
We started with uncertainties that slowly evolved into a great plan. Finding a house is no small task. Finding a house you can make a home when you only have forty-five days is crazy. Especially when you need to tear out the floors, fix a joist (is that what it's even called?), seal windows and brick cracks and the other five hundred items.<br />
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I am not a contractor. I don't even know what the real difference is between a "driver" and a "drill", but together with our family we made a home.<br />
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Please don't think we did this elaborate remodel with high end anything because that is not the case. We kept it simple. We shopped around for all our materials, opted to "refinish" cabinetry and tried to reuse as much as we could. I really tried to shop local during this process, but sadly we were met with some poor customer service and prices outside of our budget.<br />
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So, Yes, Home Depot was our friend and I have a new found respect for men shoppers.<br />
You know how people always say men and women are so different? I never really thought that until the guys sent me to the big box store for some additional supplies. Clearly whoever setup Home Depot was a man because each time my common sense would kick in on where something would be located, it was met with that big "whaawaa whaa" sound. Now I understand how my hubs feels in the grocery store. I think I'll let him off the hook for now on.<br />
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Speaking of shopping, our food intake during this time has been horrid! I mean, I have eaten more fast food in the past two weeks than I have all year!<br />
This has left me feeling so gross. I'm ashamed to admit it but, I was in no way prepared for this move food wise.<br />
Some things I wish I would have done to prep;<br />
1) Have easy freezer ready meals on hand. ( That I had made ahead of time ) <br />
2) Not have packed my crock-pot<br />
3) Moved the fridge and pantry first, not last<br />
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All in all the move has gone pretty well. We are in, still unpacking and trying to rid our non-essential "stuff". There are random item strung from the front yard, through the house and into the backyard. It will take time to manage the madness but we will get there.<br />
Thank you to all that made this happen for us. We couldn't have done it without you.<br />
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Here are a few pics of before and after.<br />
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<b><i>Before</i></b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When we ripped u the carpet, this is what we found.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Random wall shelving unit removed!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water Damage</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few Termites! Thank god for bonding.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deck needed steps</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b>And Then there was After</b></i></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiny kitchen, But I love it!~</td></tr>
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Sherreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650306528116222722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760687976524015980.post-75544036533106620612013-10-22T10:37:00.000-04:002013-10-22T11:41:51.189-04:00I Will Eat You, Just Not This TimeI was informed that the Whaley Street Market now has a rabbit vendor. I was very excited to learn this since I had been looking for an alternative to the everyday chicken. I thought, This would be perfect, so I headed on down to snatched one up. I wasn't really sure as to how it would appear. Would it be a whole rabbit? Would I have to skin it? I just hadn't had any experience with the raskly thing. I am not put off by butchering meats so I just kind of brushed it off.<br />
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I got there and met the farmer from Hanna Hands Farm. Super nice guy and really helpful I must say. He had already barbecued some of the handy meat. He offered me a taste and I was sold. The mild flavor did shine through the traditional southern favorite treat. He showed me his stock and suggested I start with a smaller one. I did just that. It was a whole-un-butchered rabbit that kind of looked like a chicken in the wrapping.<br />
I got this! Oh and to play with a new ingredient is a bonus.<br />
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As you know, I have a plateful going on in my life. It took me a few weeks to slot out some playtime but I finally did.<br />
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I opened the thawed meat and I was faced with a new situation. I was having a difficult time visually . Not because I was thinking of the furry little bunny hopping through the forest. But because the back bone was soooo long. Long like a squirrel or other four legged varmints.<br />
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I mustered past the hurdle and tossed it in the pan (whole). Not giving it two seconds to even think about butchering it into smaller, more manageable pieces.<br />
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It smelled amazing! The cumin that was suggested by my cousin had the perfect blend for the appealing aroma. The food actually cooking was very appetizing, but then when I'd look at it I would tense up. The turmoil was unsettling. I couldn't do. I wanted to but I couldn't actually eat the whole rabbit with it's alien looking back.<br />
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After going around and around with my self- let- down, I decided I was not giving up on this little critter.<br />
I am going to buy another rabbit and see if someone else will butcher the thing for me.<br />
I feel like sometimes you just need some actions taken care of for you. This just happens to be my Better-To-Have-It-Done-For-You situation.<br />
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So look out little rabbit, I have you in my sights and I will eat you.<br />
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<br />Sherreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650306528116222722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1760687976524015980.post-32057034576853345282013-10-15T12:39:00.000-04:002013-10-18T09:11:04.068-04:00Be Still<br />
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The past few weeks have been..well, busy and stressful. We have been house hunting, had family visiting, and had a few members (Everyone but me) in the house get sick.<br />
Needless to say, I have been over loaded. But really who am I kidding? Isn't life always this way anymore? Isn't this, just the way it is during this stretch of life?<br />
I think for most people with small children, or anyone taking care of anyone for that matter, it is. What's different here is the way we are dealing with it all.<br />
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Let start with the house. Yes, it is so fun to dream big and imaging the beautiful kitchen I have created for my own personal pleasure. Walking into a perfect new setting where the kids can play in the street with no fear of cars or kidnappings would be blissful.<br />
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But let's be real here. This is not the reality we have chosen. Yes, I said chosen. We have chosen a more moderate approach. Deciding to buy what we can with what money we actually have on hand. It's not much to some, but it's giving us a future that will be more than we could ask for. No, I do not think my kids will be kidnapped where we are buying, but it's definitely not the road that Beaver Cleaver grew up on either. It's just a road we are comfortable living on in a community we love.<br />
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We should be closing in the next week, so after days of dreaming of bettering the place, we headed back in to get our materials list and measurements. I mean after all there is some work that has to be done.<br />
It's kind of funny how the mind works. I thought I'd have more space to work with in the kitchen, and the backyard is much bigger than I remember. Some of the repairs are going to be a simple fix and some are a bit more complicated. With all of this in front of us, it's easy to forget the process that led up to this point.<br />
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The search for a suitable home was crazy y'all! And to boot, I was a Realtor for 5 years prior to moving to the area. So I'm kind of familiar with the up's and down's of the whole process. What I wasn't prepared for was the emotional toll and worry for our family.<br />
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Staying in Cayce was rather important to me. I'm not really sure why, but I just felt as if we were in the right place. Now, we looked at all our options; financing some, renting, buying as much as we could, buying as little as we needed and so on. We looked online, in the paper, through word of mouth, and even called the property management company listed on the windows of some foreclosed homes<br />
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Then we found a place! I just knew it was the one that would work. The day we went in and looked at the interior, a bid for the property was accepted by HUD. Not our Bid, but someone elses. Ugh!<br />
I was disgusted and angry at so many things.<br />
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I did what I always do in tough times, talk with God. I vented quite heavy and took a deep breaths. "What I am I to Do?" I asked. I just don't understand.<br />
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For the next few weeks, I was delayed by trains, held up by slow cars, spoken directly to at a comedy event and even had my husband come home from work with a text message ( not directly from god, but a friend). Then I slowing started hearing him. Wait. Be still. Listen. The more I spoke to people about what was happening, the louder I heard the message. Wait. Be still. Listen. If you know me, you know that being still is not something I am really good at. I'm a fixer. I like to solve the problem and move on. One day on the way to pick up the kids from school, I out loud, asked for help in listening. Help me listen. How do I decipher it's you and not just me making stuff up in my head? In my heart, I knew I would just know. I needed to stop questioning. Stop trying to fix "it", and I would know.<br />
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Another home became available, and we bid on it. I just didn't feel certain about it, like I did about the other. But at this point I had started to question my gut, so we made the offer. Turns out three other people like that house a whole lot.The seller was asking for highest and best offer.<br />
Financially it was going to max out our plan and would have taken longer to get to the next stepping stone. By now, my poor husband is dealing with an emotional me saying "Screw this, let just rent".<br />
Now my brother is here visiting from Germany and I'm sure he is feeling the craziness going on. The Stress level is through the roof and our house is a disaster from the pre-moving.<br />
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The hubs and I had to set a meeting. We both needed to approach this in a "Business Type" thought process as we were starting to separate our alliance. The best way for us to realign our communication, is to act like we are business partners discussing a transaction.<br />
At this meeting we discovered a few things we both hadn't disclosed but thought we had. The biggest item: the original house was now back on the market! Oops, sorry, my bad. Well at least now he could understand why I was so squirrely.<br />
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After our meeting, we pulled our bid off of the popular home and resubmitted on the original place. We got it! And we got it for less money than we originally offered. Now, again I am told to be still. Which by now you'd think I should be pretty good at since I've been smacked upside the head with everyday for the past two months.<br />
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Ha! After the visit to the house yesterday, the plotting started. Put the stove here, the fridge there blah blah blah...<br />
We got home, fed the kids and off to be we all went. Seriously, it was nine o'clock when my head hit the pillow and I was out. Snoring, completely out apparently.<br />
I woke this morning to two toddlers ruling the house. Totally missed school, and I was just puzzled at how I slept .I was laying there thinking on the house when I grab my phone to do my daily checks. I first messaged the hubs that we could just add on to the house in the spring, got his reply and continued on with my morning routine. Email, Facebook.... and Bam! There it was again. First thing on the feed!<br />
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<span style="background-color: #990000; color: #fff2cc; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">"Be still, & know that I am God;</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #990000; color: #fff2cc; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I will be exalted among the nations,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #990000; color: #fff2cc; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I will be exalted in the earth."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #990000; color: #fff2cc; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Psalm 46:10</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #990000;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;"><span style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I think I might actually be getting the message. Being still, and in the moment is one of the most difficult things for me to obtain, but I will try. I'm not really sure why I'm putting this all out there, but I think there might be others who need to be still too.</span></span></span><br />
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<br />Sherreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14650306528116222722noreply@blogger.com0