Yesterday we finished putting up the ugly orange road fencing that will temporarily keep the dog out of the garden. Eventually we will replace the fencing with stock panels. These will be thick enough and heavy enough to support the grape vines on the long side of the garden, as well as easy to put up and take down on the front side where we'll need to get in and out occasionally with the truck (especially in spring when we haul in manure and compost.) They aren't very fancy but they will get the job done and once the grapes are growing, and in summer when the sweet peas are winding along, they will hardly be noticeable. Right now its plastic road fence until payday.
We also prepped the garden, finished the garden plan and planted all our outdoor seeds. At first I was going to plant them in the garden and save on transplanting but its still early May and I worry about a late late frost. Instead I planted them in seed trays so if it gets cold I can bring everything indoors. On the building list is a green house, but I can't decide on the design and whether it should be a permanent one or a portable. Hubby jokes that I've turned the house into one big greenhouse...can't say he'd be lying!
Had a couple 75 degree days, they were wonderful. All of us have gotten a little bit of color and the lawn is growing wildly. In the morning the dew smells so sweet, I love springtime!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Reloading primal.....
Its been a while since the last post. With the spring holidays and family visits I've had a hard time staying focused and on track-lots of eating out, junk food, Cadbury cream eggs, totally not primal foods. As a result I've gained back some of the weight I've lost...grrrrrrr!!!
Now to start over. Some would wonder why I am trying to stick with this lifestyle when I seem to have such a problem. Like any bad habit it takes time to break and the Primal diet (when I stick with it) not only makes me feel better, but is the healthiest diet I have ever encountered. There is no counting, no guilt trip (unless you put yourself on one like I do), nothing but good, nutrient-rich food like vegetables, meat, fruits, and healthy fats. When I cut out the sugar and eat more veggies I have less migraines, less general aches and pains, and more energy. But sometimes it's just hard to say no, and that's what I really need to build on: will-power.
So, I'm 4 days in. I've gotten past most of the sugar cravings though hubby brought home some low-carb chocolate cremes and I'm having a hard time walking past them. Must be strong!!
I decided to give myself more goals than just to lose weight and get stronger. While those are great goals to aim for they are pretty vague so here are a few specific short-term ones to work toward:
Compete in the Scandia Run in August.
This is an easy, flat 10k run. I hate to run but this should be far enough out to slowly train up.
Be able to do 5 push-ups and 5 pull-ups by July 1st
Two months...should be enough time
Lose 10 pounds by July 4th
That would be about 1 pound a week-should be do-able.
I just ordered a Nike+ sensor to help track my workouts. Here's to lots of walking, slow jogs, losing weight and getting strong!!
Current Stats:
Weight: 216.2
B: 47"
W: 47.5"
H: 46"
Now to start over. Some would wonder why I am trying to stick with this lifestyle when I seem to have such a problem. Like any bad habit it takes time to break and the Primal diet (when I stick with it) not only makes me feel better, but is the healthiest diet I have ever encountered. There is no counting, no guilt trip (unless you put yourself on one like I do), nothing but good, nutrient-rich food like vegetables, meat, fruits, and healthy fats. When I cut out the sugar and eat more veggies I have less migraines, less general aches and pains, and more energy. But sometimes it's just hard to say no, and that's what I really need to build on: will-power.
So, I'm 4 days in. I've gotten past most of the sugar cravings though hubby brought home some low-carb chocolate cremes and I'm having a hard time walking past them. Must be strong!!
I decided to give myself more goals than just to lose weight and get stronger. While those are great goals to aim for they are pretty vague so here are a few specific short-term ones to work toward:
Compete in the Scandia Run in August.
This is an easy, flat 10k run. I hate to run but this should be far enough out to slowly train up.
Be able to do 5 push-ups and 5 pull-ups by July 1st
Two months...should be enough time
Lose 10 pounds by July 4th
That would be about 1 pound a week-should be do-able.
I just ordered a Nike+ sensor to help track my workouts. Here's to lots of walking, slow jogs, losing weight and getting strong!!
Current Stats:
Weight: 216.2
B: 47"
W: 47.5"
H: 46"
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Happy May Day!
Here at Oak Island we are starting to gear up for the growing season. Outside we have lettuce, broccoli, and cauliflower seedlings up and growing like weeds; inside we have tomatoes and peppers seedlings under the grow lights and have started planning for the green beans (bush and pole), corn, squashes, pumpkins, and watermelons.
Today was a gorgeous day, what a wonderful May Day! We tilled the garden and sank the posts for the garden fence. This year the garden will look much fancier, we are aiming for a cottage garden-type appearance. I think it's going to look fabulous once everything is done, though it will take a few years for the permanent plants to mature and fill in.
Today was a gorgeous day, what a wonderful May Day! We tilled the garden and sank the posts for the garden fence. This year the garden will look much fancier, we are aiming for a cottage garden-type appearance. I think it's going to look fabulous once everything is done, though it will take a few years for the permanent plants to mature and fill in.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Fell off the wagon and man does it hurt
So. Here we are. I fell off the wagon. I know, I know, didn't last long did I? Honestly it wasn't completly my fault, I mean, my folks showed up and brought a ton of food (lots of carbs) and I can't just throw food out. And then about the time all the carb-y stuff was gone they came back for a visit and restocked us; and hubby got sick and only wanted pasta for meals; and finals and...and...
Well, point is I have a lot of excuses and it happened. But now its time to get past it so...here we go...round two.
The nice thing is kiddo is doing great and at her last doctor's appointment the doc said she was growing wonderfully. I discussed the primal diet with her and the doc thought it was awesome, as long as she thrived on it and I watched out for tummy issues. That was a big help since I'd been afraid that maybe eating no grains and so much fats would be bad for little one (and there lies another excuse I used to splurge). I have noticed that both kiddo and my mood swings have gotten worse since gobbling pasta and cookies, and neither of us sleep as well as we did before. So, with the doc's approval, and hubby on board, and agreeing that we need to stop being so lazy and quick with the excuses...we are bound and determined this time to stay on track.
And spring is coming. Its always easier to eat healthy and stick to goals when the sun shines.
Well, point is I have a lot of excuses and it happened. But now its time to get past it so...here we go...round two.
The nice thing is kiddo is doing great and at her last doctor's appointment the doc said she was growing wonderfully. I discussed the primal diet with her and the doc thought it was awesome, as long as she thrived on it and I watched out for tummy issues. That was a big help since I'd been afraid that maybe eating no grains and so much fats would be bad for little one (and there lies another excuse I used to splurge). I have noticed that both kiddo and my mood swings have gotten worse since gobbling pasta and cookies, and neither of us sleep as well as we did before. So, with the doc's approval, and hubby on board, and agreeing that we need to stop being so lazy and quick with the excuses...we are bound and determined this time to stay on track.
And spring is coming. Its always easier to eat healthy and stick to goals when the sun shines.
Happy birthday little one
This posting is rather late but I've been busy with kiddo's first birthday, getting the yard and garden ready, finals and starting the Spring Term.
Last week my tiny little baby turned 1 years old. How did a year go by so fast? How did she get so big? It was great having all the family around to celebrate that special day, even if we all had a bit of a sniffle.
A few days later we planted her tree: an October Glory red maple that should grow big and wide and have deep, glossy, green leaves during the summer and brilliant red leaves in the fall. We were looking for a tree to help shade the front of the house and the timing worked out that we got the tree the day after Miss M's birthday. So we've decided it is her tree, and to start a tradition of planting a tree on significant birth dates. Though, now it will be hard to move from this place-I wonder if I can dig it up in 5,10, 15 years when we finally get the ranch and move? LOL
On the garden front the tiny pepper seedlings have not liked how the changing weather has made the house cold, then hot, then cold and we struggle to build a fire, let it burn out, re-build it. I hate using electric heat, the bill always becomes sky-high but the outside temperatures are all over the place. I've lost a couple seedlings who just couldn't handle the house being 50 degrees one night and 80 the next (that's what I get for trying to put extra wood on so hubby didn't have to get up in the middle of the night to check on it. sigh). Oh well, still have time to plant more seeds.
On Saturday a nice lady is bringing out several yards of compost for me and, if the weather isn't too horrible, we'll get the garden tilled and maybe even sink the corner posts. Never did get around to building the chicken coop so I think the chicken plan will have to wait another year. Unless there are a gazillion wasps around again and then I might pick up some adult birds and build a small pen for them that would work in the warm weather. With Miss M being so close to walking we are going to have to do something about the bug problem this year if she is going to be outside...and darned if I'm gonna keep my kid locked in the house during the sunny season because of those bugs.
So, that's where we're at...still waiting for spring and warm weather so we can get our hands really dirty. I have been planting primroses and pansies to help keep my sanity but there's only so much room for those cuties. I may have to resort to drastic measures and clean out the side yard and start the shade garden idea I've been kicking around for a while.
Last week my tiny little baby turned 1 years old. How did a year go by so fast? How did she get so big? It was great having all the family around to celebrate that special day, even if we all had a bit of a sniffle.
A few days later we planted her tree: an October Glory red maple that should grow big and wide and have deep, glossy, green leaves during the summer and brilliant red leaves in the fall. We were looking for a tree to help shade the front of the house and the timing worked out that we got the tree the day after Miss M's birthday. So we've decided it is her tree, and to start a tradition of planting a tree on significant birth dates. Though, now it will be hard to move from this place-I wonder if I can dig it up in 5,10, 15 years when we finally get the ranch and move? LOL
On the garden front the tiny pepper seedlings have not liked how the changing weather has made the house cold, then hot, then cold and we struggle to build a fire, let it burn out, re-build it. I hate using electric heat, the bill always becomes sky-high but the outside temperatures are all over the place. I've lost a couple seedlings who just couldn't handle the house being 50 degrees one night and 80 the next (that's what I get for trying to put extra wood on so hubby didn't have to get up in the middle of the night to check on it. sigh). Oh well, still have time to plant more seeds.
On Saturday a nice lady is bringing out several yards of compost for me and, if the weather isn't too horrible, we'll get the garden tilled and maybe even sink the corner posts. Never did get around to building the chicken coop so I think the chicken plan will have to wait another year. Unless there are a gazillion wasps around again and then I might pick up some adult birds and build a small pen for them that would work in the warm weather. With Miss M being so close to walking we are going to have to do something about the bug problem this year if she is going to be outside...and darned if I'm gonna keep my kid locked in the house during the sunny season because of those bugs.
So, that's where we're at...still waiting for spring and warm weather so we can get our hands really dirty. I have been planting primroses and pansies to help keep my sanity but there's only so much room for those cuties. I may have to resort to drastic measures and clean out the side yard and start the shade garden idea I've been kicking around for a while.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Day Five
You know what happens when you down two (or was it three?) glasses of wine and then suddenly realize that you haven’t eaten much day, haven’t had anything alcoholic in at least a month, and your eating low-carb? Oh yeah, you get a little silly.
That’s what happened to me, it was a good ending to what had been a cruddy day. It started off good with Hubby saying “We’re going to the coast right?” (I thought he’d forgotten about it) and me bouncing on the couch and saying “To catch us some crabs right?!” I should have realized he wasn’t game for the bug catching when his response was rather lack-luster but I was too busy planning where to rent pots and what to bring with us and how to dress kiddo so she’d stay warm to notice. I rushed through homework and off we went.
Only to wander around the seaport trying to find the rental place, and then to find out the tide had turned. The second the counter lady said that the best time to catch crabs was over till next slack tide (but we’ll still rent you pots, just want you to know), Hubby was saying No to the whole crab hunting thing. Which annoyed me to no end. Sheesh, stop the passive-aggressive crud and COMMUNICATE!
Which meant the rest of the day I was trying not to pout or throw a temper tantrum like a small child, but it was hard, I’d really been looking forward to throwing some pots out and watching the seals. And while we were running around town trying to find these places the gentle sea breeze had worked itself up to a nice strong freezing wind. We did walk on the sand for a little bit but kiddo was starting to turn into such a popsicle from the wind chill (even with three layers, such a cute little round puff-ball of fabric) that we finally gave it up and came home. We get to the coast so little it seemed like a wasted trip. Sighhhh…..
So, the day’s stats:
Breakfast
Couple almonds, some leftover parmesan chips, a stick of string cheese and a piece of sugar free candy…spaced out through the morning, (I was rushing around)
Lunch
Repeat of breakfast…just snacked all day long though all together I might have had 4 chips, half a cup of almonds and 2 packs of string cheese (oh, and 2 candies). I really should have eaten something because…
Supper
Low-carb home-made pizza (cauliflower crust, mozzarella, tomato sauce, belle pepper, pepperoni, Canadian bacon)
I inhaled at least one 12” pizza (made two since we were all a little hungrier than normal) plus the two or three glasses of wine that left me a little giddy and laughing at my childish behavior earlier. Felt silly but hey, I’m a stay at home mom that used to be a career woman and most of my friends are still on the career path (aka haven’t talked or returned emails since kiddo was born) so the few times I get out of the house with Hubby to help with baby are a blessing and a curse when I want to do something specific and can’t/don’t get to. Oh well, Hubby forgave me and I (somehow!!) managed to stay on the diet without succumbing to a chocolate binge. :)
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Day Four
Whoo-hoo energy! OK, I didn't leap out of bed and turn cartwheels but I didn't feel like I was covered in slow-drying cement either. And it's the weekend so Hubby is home, yeah!! I got a few minutes alone and took a looooong hot shower, between lots of girly bubblegum soap and the extra energy I felt like Superwoman by the time I was dressed. And he fed kiddo breakfast...what a sweetie!
So with all this energy I had to do something. After succumbing to 20 minutes of web surfing (what an addiction) I decided to go a little crazy with tonight's menu and try and duplicate our favorite dish from a local pub: Parmesan crusted halibut. I've never cooked fish so this could be challenging.
Once the crazy menu was completed we went shopping. I love having energy and drive while "hunting" I get so many crazy ideas. I even picked up some leeks and red chard (things I've never eaten) much to Hubby's dismay. Oh well, if I cover it in enough cheese or bacon grease he'll eat anything.
Didn't get much exercising done, unless you count carting kiddo around downtown to get to the fish store (which didn't have halibut) and then to the fancy-shmacy Whole Foods place (where I got lost in the bulk herbs drooling over all the possibilities and picked up some ground cardamon to make Butter Chicken with) to get two super expensive fillets.
Oh, and in the name of Grok we stopped by Bi-Mart and got our fishing and shellfish licenses. If the weather is good tomorrow we'll go hunting for real.
Lunch
Shirataki noodles mixed with herbs and sliced grilled chicken
Dinner
Parmesan crusted halibut with Red fried in bacon and roasted summer veggies (zucchini, crookneck squash, and carrots)
Unfortunately the halibut didn't turn out the way I was expecting. Instead of being light and flaky with a crunchy crust it was more like fish-n-chips. Crunchy yes, flaky yes, but in a fast food fried type way. Hmmmm. Hubby loved it and ate 3/4s of the fish and was raving about what he'd do with the rest. He was so happy with the fish he gagged down the chard with no complaints. It was ok, tasted like bacon to be honest. Kiddo loved it and ate all of her share and was snagging some of mine when I wasn't looking. The summer veggies were summer veggies, nothing exciting.
If tomorrow is a nice day we'll have some excitement to share. I've never gone crabbing without my parents (and Hubby hasn't at all) so we'll see how much I remember. And I've never cooked a crab so it could be doubley-exciting. I'm thinking of going total Grok and building a campfire in the backyard to cook any bugs we catch.
So with all this energy I had to do something. After succumbing to 20 minutes of web surfing (what an addiction) I decided to go a little crazy with tonight's menu and try and duplicate our favorite dish from a local pub: Parmesan crusted halibut. I've never cooked fish so this could be challenging.
Once the crazy menu was completed we went shopping. I love having energy and drive while "hunting" I get so many crazy ideas. I even picked up some leeks and red chard (things I've never eaten) much to Hubby's dismay. Oh well, if I cover it in enough cheese or bacon grease he'll eat anything.
Didn't get much exercising done, unless you count carting kiddo around downtown to get to the fish store (which didn't have halibut) and then to the fancy-shmacy Whole Foods place (where I got lost in the bulk herbs drooling over all the possibilities and picked up some ground cardamon to make Butter Chicken with) to get two super expensive fillets.
Oh, and in the name of Grok we stopped by Bi-Mart and got our fishing and shellfish licenses. If the weather is good tomorrow we'll go hunting for real.
Breakfast
Parmesan chips snagged off the rack.
Lunch
Shirataki noodles mixed with herbs and sliced grilled chicken
Dinner
Parmesan crusted halibut with Red fried in bacon and roasted summer veggies (zucchini, crookneck squash, and carrots)
Unfortunately the halibut didn't turn out the way I was expecting. Instead of being light and flaky with a crunchy crust it was more like fish-n-chips. Crunchy yes, flaky yes, but in a fast food fried type way. Hmmmm. Hubby loved it and ate 3/4s of the fish and was raving about what he'd do with the rest. He was so happy with the fish he gagged down the chard with no complaints. It was ok, tasted like bacon to be honest. Kiddo loved it and ate all of her share and was snagging some of mine when I wasn't looking. The summer veggies were summer veggies, nothing exciting.
If tomorrow is a nice day we'll have some excitement to share. I've never gone crabbing without my parents (and Hubby hasn't at all) so we'll see how much I remember. And I've never cooked a crab so it could be doubley-exciting. I'm thinking of going total Grok and building a campfire in the backyard to cook any bugs we catch.
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