My Whole30 Experience

Enjoying my first mocha latte since whole30!

Why, hello! A and I made it to the end of whole30 and we feel ah-mazing. It was seriously such an accomplishment for us foodies who like to devour everything delicious in sight. My whole30 experience was a lot different than I thought it would be — but I honestly would do it over again (and probably will at some point). January was such a loooooong, crazy month for us; A traveled a lot, my mom came to visit, and I juggled work, a few classes I have been interested in, and was forced to slow down and pay attention to my health a little more. 

This past month was spent reflecting on some future goals, naming some fears, reading some deliciously wonderful books until my eyes hurt, and then painfully realizing that my eyes were going to continue to hurt (and twitch) because I lost my reading glasses. Not the best timing to lose those guys when I have so many books on my to-read list. 

BUT, I lost them in the coolest way possible: sitting on top of my car at night on the side of the highway at Port Canaveral, about 12-miles away from the launch pad of NASA's Atlas V rocket. My nerdy husband and I were freezing until we saw that yellow glow rise; it was like a ball of fire bursting through the clear night sky and you could hear the rumble — oh, you could hear the rumble! It was magic. When you watch something that looks like fire take a satellite into space that will orbit at 22,300-miles,  you instantly forget that you're cold. In fact, you feel quite small. I'm guessing that's when I became careless with my eyeglasses.... I remember trying to take it all in, removing my glasses from my face as if I could feel the rumble and warmth. Yes, I suppose that's as good a time as any to lose something. 

We've been trying to be mindful this month, especially when it comes to food. Whole30 helped us to appreciate the natural sweetness in REAL food, opening our eyes along the way.

A few personal disappointments of committing to the whole30 challenge? 

• My skin never really cleared up like I hoped... but I had some major stressors this month

•  I never felt like I had tons and tons of energy. I was hoping to become an early riser and feel more energized throughout the day, but it just didn't happen. My theory is that I didn't eat enough protein during breakfast. I'm never really hungry in the morning, so I have to force myself to eat something. This article in the Huffington Post talks about the importance of breakfast, adding that your metabolism is like a log fire: if you don't put anything on it in the morning, it's going to be a measly flame burning very little calories during the day -  plus energy lulls will resort in cravings for high calorie foods. I desperately want to be a breakfast lover - and I think I will get creative with non-paleo meals — but I was getting so tired of eggs. I should have taken Mel's advice  and eaten more soups, or anything out of the ordinary. *sigh.* Oh well, I tried.

• The $$$ - Oh my gracious, we spent so much money on meats and organic foods. I'm not saying it wasn't worth it, and we will most likely continue to spend a little extra to keep our health a priority, but it still stings.

• Difficulty traveling.... I didn't have to experience this, but A was miserable traveling with these food constraints. 

A few personal perks of committing to the whole30 challenge?

• A better understanding of my relationship with food and why I stress-eat or eat emotionally

• Nipping day-long/night-long snacking in the bud. This was a hard one, especially because I work from home, but a success!

• Lost cravings (for the most part — hey, if I think about Krispy Kreme donuts, I'm only human!)

• Enriched love for mindful eating and meals at the table with my love. 

• An overall positive cooking experience. It was fun experimenting with Aaron in the kitchen. Who knew sunflower butter and coconut aminos could be so good?!

• We finally caved and bought a crock-pot. I am eternally grateful for this - three words: Italian pork roast.

• I lost more than 7 pounds. I wasn't trying to lose weight, but two weeks in I had a doctor's appointment that confirmed I had already lost this much, so there's no telling how much I lost the following two weeks. I'm convinced it's making me a better and stronger runner!

• I learned about my lactose intolerance, which is actually dreadfully sad and not a perk, but at least I know. 

• A rekindled love for fruit. When you are on whole30, fruit is like crack. I'm serious, if you aren't a "fruit person" now, just wait until you try a mango or pineapple during this program. Mmmm. I discovered a love for blueberries too and I'm never going back. I seriously think I will continue to prefer fruit over junk food. 

• Knowledge of what's actually IN the food I eat, and how food corporations traffic addiction and call it "cravability." This is a profound understanding that I learned through the Whole30 recommended reading: It Starts With Food. During my month, a friend also showed me this illustrated short video featuring famous foodie and author, Michael Pollan, and it really says it all:

All in all, the perks far out-weighed any possible disappointments, and I have seen how whole30 has completely transformed my family and friends. What a journey! I can honestly say this program changed my life, even if I stray from the "paleo path" every now and then (which I intend to do; cocktails on Park Ave are calling my name). Happy weekend, friends!

Thanksgiving: Counting My Blessings

"Eucharist [Thanksgiving] is the state of the perfect man. Eucharist is the life of paradise. Eucharist is the only full and real response of man to God's creation, redemption, and gift of heaven." -- Alexander Schmemann

Happy Thanksgiving Day Eve, friends! I hope your day is full of laughter and family and that you eat so much turkey tomorrow that you have to wear sweat pants for the rest of the weekend. Mmm. My aunt once said it's not a good Thanksgiving unless you're groaning around on the floor in agony (and .. thanks?), which we intend to do. I'm pretty nervous because we're somehow going to be making a turkey, ham, three different casseroles and two pies in our small, dinky (endearingly so) little kitchen with one oven. :) But I am thrilled to celebrate my 25th birthday on Friday with my twin by my side. We haven't been able to celebrate together on our birthdays in quite some time, and I am certainly thankful to be with my family for the big 2-5. 

We're preparing for this holiday - I have to confess - a little more frantically than I would have liked. I guess that's what happens when a day is set apart to be recognized as a holiday of thanks and giving; the stress of preparation gets in the way of what it's really all about. I feel like November has been a whirlwind and December only looks more chaotic. In the midst of sweet potato casserole recipes and beautiful Thanksgiving table decorations exploding on the Internet, I can't say I have seen too many reflections on all there is to be thankful for. It's easy to get caught up in the rush of it all, especially since Thanksgiving is late this year. Christmas music and decorations seem to be creeping in all around - and I get it. It's easy to skip to Christmas - at least for me it is. Aaron and I are blessed beyond measure to enjoy so much travel (and family!) time, but I am looking forward to some normalcy. Nevertheless, we're going to eat our hearts out and be thankful, thankful, thankful. 

What do you have to be thankful for? Lately, I am humbled on all sides because of the blessings he has lavished upon me. I'm thankful for my husband, who loves the worst and best of me, my whole family and how the Lord has given us plenty of time to be together, my job and the flexibility to scale back on hours, the wild dreams I have to pursue some literary goals (and the support from my loved ones who egg me on in my wild dreams to pursue literary goals), being in a fairly new home that we love already with a church community that we've grown to love, good health and so so much more. 

More than all of it, I am thankful for the one who gives good gifts. All of the blessings in my life do not compare to the greatness of a God who loved me so much that he sent his son to conquer death to bring me in to his family, all for his own glory. That I am known and loved by a righteous God - and that I get to be an instrument in his story of redemption  - are true gifts to be thankful for, and my heart will sing thanks and praise for eternity. When we've been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun, we've no less days to sing God's praise then when we'd first begun. 

Yes, there is much to be thankful for. Just in the last few weeks I have been reminded of this. 

First, I am thankful for Rebekah, my sister-in-law, and her husband, Brad, and the perfectly-perfect Ezra James Shillinglaw. It was such a blessing to lay eyes on this little fella, and Aaron and I cannot wait to spoil this kid. Seriously, so much love for such a tiny, sweet thing. What a rich Thanksgiving it will be for his new mom + dad. We love them a lot.

I'm thankful to have watched the leaves change in my hometown. 

I'm thankful that I got to explore childhood again in Pinehurst with my parents and sister. I'm also thankful for nostalgic parents who think it's fun to visit all the houses you once lived in. Taking pictures of our old stomping grounds? Not creepy at all!

Like this one. We actually drove up these 10-acres of wood just to reminisce. I wrote a Thanksgiving memory post a few years back about this sweet home. You should check it out if you want to know what 11-year-old me was thankful for on Thanksgiving Day. 

Happy Thanksgiving. May you rest, eat and be merry! 

Love for the East End Market

One of my favorite discoveries since our move to Orlando has been the East End Market in Audubon Park -- a neighborhood market and cultural food hub inspired by Central Florida's local farmers and food artisans. Not only does the East End Market serve as a place of commerce, it also serves as a thriving community dedicated to educating local Floridians on how to engage with the food system, the local economy and how to better understand the significance of their relationship with food. 

The independently-owned businesses also make great use out of the working market garden, cultivating not only the local food and culture, but a shared space for creativity and collaboration.The Audubon Park Garden District of Orlando is certainly a hoppin' place, full of incredible entrepreneurs, tradespeople, artists and chefs. Aaron and I are crushing hard on this place and its vision to flourish a vibrant food culture as the center of community life. 

When we visited for the first time, we were thrilled to try Lineage, a fairly new roasting company aiming to change the world of craft coffee, one cup at a time. Their coffee was EXCELLENT; I've had dreams about it ever since. (Those natural blueberry flavors, gah!) But really, if you are ever in the neighborhood and don't stop for a dreamy pour over, you should be slapped silly -- it's that good. 

We also had fun dabbling in Porch Therapy, a lovely biz that sells decorative plants among other sweet finds, and we ended up buying a beautiful succulent plant (what else?) that looks like it was made for our book shelf. All in all, it was a successful trip to the Market -- although, I am not walking out of there again without some cheese and wine, that is for sure. 

Routines

homesweethome

As I settle into a new writing gig, I am determined more than ever to get into a good groove. Not just an efficient work space, but an organized cleaning schedule, workout routine, meal planning, etc. Of course time management is a fine line; we always want to make room for spontaneity, ministry opportunities, and more importantly: we don't want 'the busy life' to get in the way of rich, creative living. 

That's why I want to be diligent and efficient with my time. I want to work hard in my job so that I produce quality writing. Not just to write well, but for the Glory of God. I want to plan well so that I have more time to be in community, to be in ministry. I want to separate work and life so that I can spend rich evenings with my husband. I want to make a schedule and hold myself accountable to doing and learning things that stretch and grow me: sewing, reading, biking, writing... cultivating relationships. I don't want to let go of hobbies because I'm too tired or I don't make the best use of my time. I want to be a good steward of God's money. What does all of this look like? And how can organization and solid routines keep us open to opportunity and creativity? I'm looking for that balance, or rather I should say, everything to be centered around my King Jesus. Because when I strive to make my life balanced, I end up compartmentalizing my life and my faith. No more of that, am I right? 

Anyway, here are a few internet finds that I am excited to make/implement in my life. I'm sure some will work better than others, but maybe you will find them helpful in making the best use of your time. Also, if you have any tips on creating routines or organization methods, let me know in the comments!

How to shop and cook frugally

Cut your spending by $400 a month

12 Beginner Tutorials for Photoshop

33 Meticulous Cleaning Tips

No-Equipment Workout

How to become an early riser

Organize your life

What's your morning routine?

Routines are not the enemy

Speaking of routines, I found this interesting blog about the daily routines of famous writers. If you're a writer, you'll enjoy reading this. 

Pre-Christmas Fun

I hope this Christmas season brings you joy and peace. I hope you are able to set aside quiet afternoons reflecting on the sweet coming of Jesus, lazy mornings watching timeless Christmas movies, beautifully decorated Christmas cookies (and if you can't decorate them, that your artist sister-in-law does), and I hope you are able to visit family and friends - far and wide. If you can, gather around some tasty crepes and drink mint hot chocolate while you laugh and laugh. If you're lucky, your in-laws will make you delicious Brunswick stew and Wassle, your sister's puppy will play with yours, and your mom will show you a trunk full of volumes and volumes of a lifetime of photos that you can successfully trap your husband into rummaging through with you. 

Also, listen to my friend Allison's amazing Christmas soundtrack. It will make you very happy :)

Foodsies

I don't normally post recipes, but I just had to share some of our most recent favorites from the Williams-Sonoma Simple Suppers book. Cooking together has reminded me of a few things: 1. everything is better with butter 2. more time with the TV off working on something together {even if it doesn't turn out perfectly} is good for the heart and good for the marriage and 3. planning meals, even excellent ones, can actually save you money! Even if you're not a confident chef {ahem..} you should try some of these recipes... I recommend the "make more to store" recipes if your schedules are crazy like ours. 

williams-sonoma

TARRAGON CHICKEN & AVOCADO WRAP {FOR LUNCH}

Ingredients:

• 1 LEMON
• 1/2 CUP MAYONNAISE
• 2 TBS. CHOPPED FRESH TARRAGON
• 2 CUPS DICED PAN-SEARED CHICKEN
• 1 AVOCADO, HALVED, PITTED, PEELED AND COARSELY CHOPPED
• SALT & FRESHLY GROUND PEPPER, TO TASTE
• 4 LAVISH OR 8-INCH FLOUR TORTILLA
• 1 SMALL BUNCH WATERCRESS OR ARUGULA, TOUGH STEMS REMOVED

Directions:

Make the dressing
Finely grate 1 tsp. zest and squeeze 1 1/2 Tbs. juice from the lemon into a bowl. Add the mayonnaise and tarragon and stir to combine.

Assemble the chicken salad
Add the chicken and avocado to the dressing and toss gently to coat all the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper.

Assemble the wraps
On a work surface, lay out the lavash. Divide the chicken salad equally among the 4 lavash, spreading the salad almost to the edges. Tear the watercress into small sprigs and scatter over the chicken salad. Fold the left and right sides over the filling about 1 inch on each side, then starting at the bottom, roll each into cylinders, enclosing the filling. Serve immediately. Serves 4.

Adapted from Williams-Sonoma Food Made Fast Series, Simple Suppers, by Melanie Barnard (Oxmoor House, 2007).

williams-sonoma

Braised Chicken, tomatoes & bacon {For Dinner}

Ingredients:

• 4 thick-cut bacon slices, chopped
• 6 bone-in, skin on chicken thighs, about 2 lb. total
• Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 1 Tbs. chopped fresh oregano
• 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
• 1 can (14 1/2 oz.) diced tomatoes with juice

Directions:

Cook the bacon
In a large fry pan over medium heat, cook the bacon, turning often, until crisp, 4 to 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a small plate. Drain off all but 2 Tbs. of the drippings from the pan.

Brown the chicken
Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Return the pan to medium-high heat, add the chicken and cook, turning once or twice, until golden brown on both sides, about 8 minutes total. Transfer the chicken to a plate. Add the onion and garlic to the pan and sauté until softened, about 4 minutes.

Braise the chicken
Pour in the wine and stir to scrape up the browned bits from the pan bottom. Stir in the oregano, red pepper flakes and tomatoes and their juice. Return the chicken and any juices from the plate to the pan, cover, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook until the chicken is cooked through, 25 to 30 minutes. Uncover the pan, increase the heat to medium-high, bring to a simmer and stir in the bacon. Transfer the chicken to individual plates, top with the sauce and serve immediately. Serves 4 to 6. 

Adapted from Williams-Sonoma Food Made Fast Series, Simple Suppers, by Melanie Barnard (Oxmoor House, 2007).


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Although I <3 these meals and could probably eat them every day for the next month {really} there are a few meals we've had recently that we could never recreate. On Valentine's Day, we went to  Dos Taquitos Centro... not because Aaron and I care to celebrate Valentines Day {grr Hallmark Holiday} but when Aaron saw this deal, St. Valentine won us over with a Herradura Tequila "aphrodisiac infused" Dinner. 


Here is the awesome prix fixe menu:

Between the two of us, we ate:

Tacos con Ostiones Tempura (rojitas corazon)

Tempura style NC oysters and fresh ginger pico served in warm, homemade red corn tortillas.

Queso Fundido con Chiles Asados (abrazo calientito)

Tequila melted cheese topped with poblano y chile manzano rajas. Served with warm homemade corn tortillas. 

Mar y Tierra (cazuelas calientes)

Grilled steak chimichurri and chipotle shrimp served with salt potatoes and grilled onions.

Pechuga Borracha con Salsa de Chabacanos (dulze y picosito)

Tequila and butter-infused chicken breast topped with chile colorado and apricot sauce. Served with poblano mashed papas. 

Regalitos (de muerte)

Fried pockets of banana and Nutella finished with Agavero caramel ice cream. 

Pudin de Nueces (suavecito)

Pumpkin seed custard with sweet local honey almonds.

Drinks:

Pocion de Amor

Vanilla-infused Herradura Silver, Gran Gala, honey, lemon

El Amante

Herradura Reposado, Cointreau, fresh juices, organic agave, hibiscus

Herradura Anejo

Aged 25 months in Jack Daniels barrels. Nose of oak, vanilla, agave, and heavy banana. Sweet vanilla, agave, caramel, and wood taste. Warm, lingering finish.

and after the night, we were happy and felt like this:

Happy Monday!