Tuesday, January 22, 2013

40 Before 40

 

Lately, I've been seeing lots of lists like this. It got me thinking of all the things I'd like to accomplish before I turn 40. I really like the idea of listing long-term goals in this way. For starters, it's nice to have everything jotted down in one spot. Plus, I like the simplicity of revisiting the list whenever motivation strikes. It's so easy to get caught up in the day to day. A list like this keeps goals in plain sight which will (hopefully) make them more achievable :)

1. Achieve parasympathetic dominance
2. Learn to be present/live in the moment
3. Vacation in Hocking Hills with my hubby :)
4. Learn to knit in the round
5. Take a pottery class
6. Go to lunch/dinner with a friend at least once a month
7. Create and list more patterns, kits and upcycled yarn in my Etsy shop
8. Roast marshmallows with my family over a campfire my hubby built
9. Watch every Modern Family episode created
10. Read the Hunger Games trilogy
11. Knit Christmas stockings for the fam
12. Learn to use a sewing machine
13. Dye my own yarn
14. Adopt a dog
15. Adopt a cat
16. Plant a garden/grow my own food
17. Go on a picnic
18. Visit a museum
19. Go to the orchestra
20. Go see a play
21. Find a church and become a regular
22. Read/Study the Bible
23. Buy a new car
24. Develop photos and update family albums
25. Get new couches
26. Reinstate insurance license
27. Knit myself a sweater
28. Be matron of honor at my sister's wedding
29. Throw a kick ass bridal shower
30. Redecorate apartment/house??
31. Update my wardrobe
32. Get a whiter smile
33. Start a teapot collection
34. Start a savings account
35. Pay off credit card debt
36. Buy a DSLR camera and take a photography class
37. Bake an allergy free cake
38. Learn to paint
39. Practice yoga nearly every day
40. Simplify

Monday, January 14, 2013

"Oatmeal" Cookies


"Oatmeal" Cookies

I haven't done much baking lately (or much blogging either, tee-hee). Due to my food allergies, I'm eating gluten, dairy, egg and walnut free now. It's been frustrating at times, finding things to eat and to make. I was discouraged for a good long while. However, I have luckily stumbled across some great allergy free cookbooks and recipe blogs, plus a great selection of gluten and vegan products in stores. It's because of these findings that I am able to finally (truthfully!) say, I don't really mind eating with food allergies. Sure, there are things that I miss, like eating at restaurants and enjoying holiday foods. I miss cheese, oh God do I miss it! HOWEVER, eating gluten/vegan/dairy/walnut free is pretty easy, once you get the hang of it. Plus, I've found that I can still eat burrito bowls at Chipotle (all is not lost people!!)

So, here are some of those above referenced items/books/blogs that have helped make my allergy free lifestyle manageable (listed in no particular order):

1. Living Intentions ~ Sprouted Flour
(I used this flour for the "Oatmeal" Cookies above. The recipe was on the bag. Nora, Claire and I made them for the first time and they are AMAZING.)

2. Tasty Yummies, A Recipe Blog
I have Pinned tons of recipes from this blog. I can't wait to try them all!

3. The Dairy Free Gluten Free Kitchen 
Some recipes use eggs but many do not.

4. Allergy Free Desserts
I can basically bake and eat anything in this book. I love that!!

5. Bold Organics Deluxe Pizza
SO INCREDIBLY GOOD! I don't know what I would do w/o pizza!

However, there are upsides to living with food allergies. It has broadened my horizons. I know more about food now than I ever did before. Also, I've discovered that there are many NEW foods to love that I never would have tried otherwise. So in some small way, my food allergies have enhanced my life. I can't think of a reason to complain about that! Just keep that cheese platter AWAY, okay? Lol!!