NOTICE

At the time of publication, all recipes were free of the allergens listed as being free of in the title (i.e. soy-free, milk-free, etc.), and all other information shared was accurate to the best of my knowledge.
Though I strive to update outdated information quickly and work diligently to make sure you have the most accurate information possible at all times, it is your duty to double check labels EVERY TIME to ensure that the ingredients you use are SAFE FOR YOU.
DO NOT RELY SOLELY ON THIS INFORMATION AS INGREDIENTS AND INFORMATION DO CHANGE.
Your doctor or allergist should also be your first go-to for information on how to handle your medical needs. That being said, if you DO notice an error, please send me an email letting me know (tell me what page or recipe the error is on, what the error is, etc.), and I will correct the error ASAP.
Thank you so much!

Please Be Advised:
I make sure all of my recipes use foods that are free of the allergens they say they are free of. You will need to do the same. For help with this, please see the appropriate "Alternative Names" page for the allergen(s) you need the recipe free of.

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Thursday, December 31, 2015

Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake (Soy, Nut and Fish-Free, Can Be Milk, Egg and Wheat-Free)

I know it has been a LONG time since I've posted anything, and for that I sincerely apologize.  There's been a lot going on over the last year, so my blogs have taken a bit of a backseat for a bit.  I have been working on them - just not posting much.  I am putting a plan into works, though, that will make posting at least once a month possible. :) Hopefully it will work out as I hope it will!  Thank you to all of you who have stuck by me and continue to visit this site even though there's been a stunning lack of new material.  You all are the best! :)

Now onto the recipe that I've been dying to share for a LONG time now... 

Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake!
 

This recipe is an adaption of the one found here by Chef In Training.  It is SO good!  Gooey, sweet - the perfect cross between a coffee cake and cinnamon rolls.  So much easier than cinnamon rolls, too.  It is great for the days you want cinnamon rolls but lack the time.  This recipe is also soy-free (if you use all soy-free ingredients), nut and fish-free, and can be milk, egg and wheat-free (see variations).  I hope you enjoy it!

Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake 
Cake portion:
3 Cups soy-free flour (unbleached white or white whole wheat work great)

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 Cup white sugar

4 teaspoons baking powder

1 1/2 Cups milk

2 eggs

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/2 Cup full-fat, salted butter, melted

Topping/Filling portion: 
1 Cup full-fat, salted butter, softened 

1/2 Cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 Cup white sugar

2 Tablespoons soy-free flour (unbleached white or white whole wheat work great)

1/2 to 1 Tablespoon cinnamon

pinch of salt (no more than 1/8 teaspoon) (optional)

Glaze portion:  
2 Cups powdered sugar

5 Tablespoons milk

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

pinch of salt (no more than 1/8 teaspoon) (optional)

  1.  Preheat oven to 350oF.
      
  2. Grease a 9x13 glass baking pan with butter and set aside.
       
  3. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients from the cake portion except melted butter until well combined, then mix in the melted butter until well combined and pour cake portion into the prepared 9x13 glass baking pan.
      
  4. In another large bowl, combine all ingredients for the topping/filling portion until well combined and creamy.  (Note: The salt in this portion is optional.  I like adding it to make the sweetness pop, but some think it's overkill, so follow your personal preference here.  Also, the amount of cinnamon is based on personal preference.  I preferred it with the 1/2 Tablespoon cinnamon, but if you love a lot of cinnamon flavor, you may want to use the full Tablespoon.)
      
  5. Drop the topping/filling portion evenly over the cake portion by tablespoonfuls, and then use a knife to swirl the topping/filling portion through the cake portion.  It should look marbled when you are finished.
      
  6. Bake in preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted near the center comes out nearly clean. (Note: The toothpick/cake tester will never come out completely clean due to the nature of this particular cake, and you wouldn't want it to as your cake would be completely overcooked at that point.  You are looking for the parts of the cake that don't have the topping/filling swirled into it to be done - it should look like baked cake, not like cake batter.  If it looks like that and the toothpick/cake tester are coming out nearly clean, you're good to go!)
      
  7. While the cake is baking, mix all the ingredients for the glaze portion in a medium bowl with a whisk until well combined. (Note: The salt in this portion is also optional.  I like adding it to make the sweetness pop, but some think it's overkill, so follow your personal preference here.)
      
  8. When the cake it done, immediately drizzle the glaze over top of the cake. (Note: Pouring the glaze over top of the hot cake causes the glaze to melt into the cake and adds to it's gooey texture.  If you don't wish it to be quite that gooey, wait to add the glaze until the cake has cooled to just warm instead - about 10 minutes.)
Enjoy this cake warm or at room temperature for best results.  One recipe makes 12 generous portions or up to 24 small servings.

Variations (Please keep your individual dietary needs in mind when using variations):
  • Milk-Free: Use non-dairy milk and non-dairy butter of your choice in place of the milk and butter in this recipe.  I do not recommend using oil for the butter unless you wanted to use coconut oil, though.  A solid fat is needed, so you could even use lard if you choose in place of the butter.
      
  • Egg-Free: Use an egg replacer in place of the eggs.  For ideas on what to use in place of the eggs, check out my ingredient substitutions page, though I wouldn't suggest using the applesauce, banana or pumpkin substitution unless you want that flavor in your cake.
     
  • Wheat-Free: Use a gluten-free baking mix in place of the flour.  I recommend using either King Arthur Flour's Gluten Free Baking Mix or Krusteaz Gluten Free Flour.  Both can replace the flour at a 1:1 ratio (i.e. 1 Cup mix = 1 Cup flour), and taste great!  You can also use another gluten-free flour of your choice, but note that you may have to add up to 3 teaspoons of xanthan gum or ground flax seed to the recipe for textural purposes.

 
Looks delish, right?  It is, I promise! :)





(This recipe was originally posted on my original site, Natural and Free.)



Sunday, December 6, 2015

Monthly Milestones 2015 {12}



Today will be the twelfth and last Monthly Milestones for 2015.  If you want to share a milestone post, just leave a comment below with a link to your milestone post, and I'll pop over and visit it and leave a comment, and hopefully some of my other readers will, too. :)  Normally, Monthly Milestones, where I will be giving you updates on how I am doing physically, mentally, etc., goes live on the first Saturday of every month.  I'm a day late this month because I wasn't home at all yesterday.

Just an FYI, I plan on keeping Monthly Milestones alive for 2016, but I will not be making it a link-up again at this time.  I do hope you stick with me next year as you have this year, though. :)

Here is how I am doing as of today:

Me as of today, December 6, 2015, at 226 lbs. (Thanks again to my son, Stephen, for being my photographer!)

  1. My weight went up a little!  I had hoped that my weight would be down again this month, but it's not. :( I'm up 1/2 pound from last month.  I'll keep plugging away at it, though, and hopefully I will ring in the new year with a weight loss.
      
  2. November was full of illness!   We've been dealing with a lot of crud in the house over the last 3 weeks especially.  We've had an ER visit with my youngest due to an asthma attack that resulted from hyperventilating due to the Croup, we've had lots of hoarseness, coughing and congestion, some fevers and overall miserableness.  My oldest  now has the ickies, and I'm dealing with it, too, on a milder scale.  So far we've avoid sinus infections or bronchitis/pneumonia, so we're hoping that we continue to avoid those things.  This particular bug seems to hold on for weeks, so even when you're over the worst of it, it's still not gone completely.    I've been cleaning/disinfecting like a mad woman, and I'm definitely looking forward to it being gone (hopefully) soon!
      
  3. We're still plugging away with our new lifestyle choices.  It's been a milder start to the winter season (yes, I know it's not officially winter, but I consider winter starting on December 1st), but we've had lots of cold wind and rain (and illness as I mentioned above), so I've not been able to walk as much as I'd like.  However, I'm hoping to be able to get out a little more this next week as I feel able and as the weather permits.

    The holidays make it a little rougher to eat right, but I'm finding that "cheating" on a dietary change is always a bad thing.  The more gluten-free I eat, the better I feel, so I'm working a lot more diligently at that.  We found out the hard way that my middle and youngest kiddos must not eat gluten.  They got very hyper, lots of focus issues, had a lot of trouble sleeping, and a few other issues for a few days after they got a smaller amount of gluten, so it's a no-go for them, period.  Even my hubby and oldest feel better when we avoid gluten as a whole, so we'll be gluten-free as a family eventually, I'm sure.
       
  4. My body is still fighting me off and on.  My newest random symptom has been dizziness/lightheaded-ness.  With the illness in the house, I'm not sure what is related to what.  I've also had some joint pain and weakness issues, especially in my hands.  This gets worse with a cold environment and has always been this way, so I'm assuming it's just the season at this time.  I am thinking at this point that my symptoms (weakness, pain, dizziness) are manageable for now, so I'm just keeping notes and planning to talk with my doctor about them when I see him at my next check up.  I may have to schedule it earlier than next summer, but we'll see. :) I definitely want to see if these symptoms continue past when I get over this illness and into the next few weeks.  I don't want to go in without anything consistent as I don't want things brushed off as "just Fibro".  Some of you will know exactly what I mean by that. :)  Anyway, prayers appreciated as we make decisions on if and when to see my doctor about these fluctuating symptoms.  Thanks!

  5. Blog updates are still coming along!  Due to illness, updates on this blog and Natural and Free are going slower, but they are still coming along.   I'm hoping to post new recipes/info on my other blog by this weekend.  We'll see how I'm feeling and how much free time I actually get.  You don't get much when you're not feeling well, schooling at home, and playing nurse. :)
       
  6. Overall progress this year: down 3 and 1/2 pounds!
     

            It's not much, but I'll take it! :)  It's been a rough year for me illness-wise, family health-wise, pain-wise, etc.  It took me awhile to start losing, and now that I've started, I'd like to continue.  I know my weight was up 1/2 lb. this month, but that's really trivial, and I think I can start losing again for next month. :)  Here's hoping, anyway!

That's about it for now.  How are you doing?  Are you reaching your goals?  Have you tried something new?  Come up with a new recipe?  I hope all is going well with you, and I hope you will leave a comment sharing your thoughts and/or milestones (with a link to your post, if you wish).  As always, I wish you the best of luck in all you do, and hope you will return soon! :)





(This post was originally posted on my original site, Fibro, Fit and Fab!)

Saturday, November 7, 2015

Monthly Milestones 2015 {11}



Today will be my eleventh Monthly Milestones for 2015.  As this is no longer a link-up, if you want to share a milestone post, just leave a comment below with a link to your milestone post, and I'll pop over and visit it and leave a comment, and hopefully some of my other readers will, too. :)  Normally, Monthly Milestones, where I will be giving you updates on how I am doing physically, mentally, etc., goes live on the first Saturday of every month. 

Here is how I am doing as of today:

Me as of today, November 7, 2015, at 225.5 lbs.
(Special thanks to my eldest for filling in as my photographer today.  Great job, Stephen! :) )


  1. My weight went down again!  Hurray! :) I'm down another 2 and a half pounds since last month.  I am the lightest weight I've been since July of 2013!  Yes, that's 2013 - 2 1/2 years ago!  I am most pleased. :)  I am hoping that this trend continues.  We shall see!
      
  2. October was nuts!   My oldest turned 13 (teenager!) last month, there was a ladies' retreat, we had some family time, and my mom had knee replacement surgery last month.  Busy!  I am doing what I can to be a blessing to my mom as she recovers, too, along with the boy's schooling, so some days are busier than others (FYI, she's doing great and getting around quite well, but she's still got a ways to go before she's 100% again.).  I have also done some of those changes on here and Natural and Free that I'd planned on, though I still haven't been able to post more yet.  I hope you like the changes so far. :)  More to come!
         
  3. We're still plugging away with our new lifestyle choices.  Today I purged the house of all gluten containing flour and gluten containing noodles.  That may not sound huge, but it is.  All baking and cooking that I do will be gluten-free now.  We still have some gluten containing pre-made things (mainly for my oldest and my hubby as I can't eat a whole lot of gluten without it getting to me), but eventually I hope to get those out, too.  It's definitely a process!  Also, I'm still trying to get in walks when possible, but the weather (other than most of this last week) hasn't been the greatest (rain and cold) and it's darker earlier, so I'm not getting out as much as I'd like.  Here's hoping I can work out a routine to be able to get out a little more other than when I'm walking my daughter to and from school.
       
  4. My body is still fighting me off and on. The weakness I was dealing with last time I posted hasn't plagued me for awhile, so that's good.  Unfortunately, I've been dealing with migraines and/or general malaise a bit more often.  About once a week, I've had either a migraine or just a case of the blahs that come with a fever and ickiness.  It's been no fun!  Last week was the first week I didn't deal with that, so I'm hoping it's cycling out.  If it continues, it may be time to get my thyroid levels rechecked or maybe even get some other blood work done.  I'll keep you posted.
       
  5. Blog updates have begun!  As I mentioned earlier, I have finally been able to begin the updates on this blog and Natural and Free.   I haven't gotten much updated beyond the look, but I'm working on it. :)  There's still lots to do!  I hope to be able to start posting more soon, too.  I've finally got some information I was waiting on as far as ingredients go, so I can post some more recipes soon, I hope!  *fingers crossed*
           

That's about it for now.  How are you doing?  Are you reaching your goals?  Have you tried something new?  Come up with a new recipe?  I hope all is going well with you, and I hope you will leave a comment sharing your thoughts and/or milestones (with a link to your post, if you wish).  As always, I wish you the best of luck in all you do, and hope you will return soon! :)





(This post was originally posted on my original site, Fibro, Fit and Fab!)

Sunday, October 4, 2015

Monthly Milestones 2015 {10}



Today will be my tenth Monthly Milestones for 2015.  As this is no longer a link-up, if you want to share a milestone post, just leave a comment below with a link to your milestone post, and I'll pop over and visit it and leave a comment, and hopefully some of my other readers will, too. :)  Normally, Monthly Milestones, where I will be giving you updates on how I am doing physically, mentally, etc., goes live on the first Saturday of every month.  Due to my not being home at all yesterday, this particular Monthly Milestones is going live today.  Next month I should be back to the first Saturday, though. :)

Here is how I am doing as of yesterday:



Me on October 3, 2015 at 228 lbs.

  1. My weight went down again!  Hurray! :) I'm down another half pound since last month.  I am now tied with the lightest weight I've been in about a year and a half.  I can't complain. :)  I am hoping that this trend continues, though I hope it to go a little quicker than 1/2 pound a month.  We shall see!
      
  2. September was crazy!   With back to school and my oldest's recovery from surgery (he had his appendix out on September 3rd, and is doing much better now), it's been a bit insane.  I think we're finally finding our rhythm, so I am hoping to be able to get back to posting more here and on Natural and Free (which I've not posted a new post on in forever - yikes!).  I've got a lot in mind, but no time to really spend on new posts as I'd like.  Here's hoping that I'll get to post more often very soon!
         
  3. We're still plugging away with our new lifestyle choices.  Eating and exercise habits are still improving, and I have to say that's why my weight has been going down and I've been generally doing worlds better than I was.  I know my middle kid's focus on his school work this year has been amazing in comparison to what it was.  I am so glad that we found the cause of the majority of his focus issues.  What a blessing!
       
  4. My body has been fighting me. I have been dealing with some back issues as well as some odd weakness in different limbs off and on for the last few months.  Today my left leg keeps fluxing between pretty much no strength to being pretty much completely rigid.  I had a similar weakness in my arms, though no rigidity, a few months back.  I thought it was related to my Fibromyalgia, but now I'm not so sure.  I want to see if it continues through until tomorrow or gets worse before I call the doctor as I have had random weakness before from my Fibromyalgia.  It's more the rigidity that has me puzzled.  There is no pain with it, but sometimes I do get tingling.  I have also had a tingling sensation at times run up my spine.  it all has me quite perplexed at times, but it never seems to last long enough for me to warrant going to the doctor's about it.  Along with the weird back/limb thing, I'm also dealing with the beginning of some sort of illness, so that's not helping things.  Please pray for wisdom for me and my husband as we decide what to pursue right away and what to wait on with me.  Thanks so much!
       
  5. Blog updates are in the works.  I haven't had the time I've wanted to do updates on this blog and Natural and Free.   In fact, I have had no time to post, as I mentioned earlier.   However, I have been making small changes here and there and answering inquiries and comments. Though I have no idea when I'll get to do the bulk of the updates and changes I want to do, I am hoping to get to them a bit at a time over the course of the rest of the year.  Here's hoping, anyway! :)
           

That's about it for now.  How are you doing?  Are you reaching your goals?  Have you tried something new?  Come up with a new recipe?  I hope all is going well with you, and I hope you will leave a comment sharing your thoughts and/or milestones (with a link to your post, if you wish).  As always, I wish you the best of luck in all you do, and hope you will return soon! :)





(This post was originally posted on my original site, Fibro, Fit and Fab!)

Saturday, September 5, 2015

Monthly Milestones 2015 {9}



Today will be my ninth Monthly Milestones for 2015, though I've decided to stop making this monthly post a link-up due to lack of interest.  I am not opposed to making it a link-up again in future, but you will all have to let me know if you want that by posting in comments.  For now, if you want to share, just leave a comment below with a link to your milestone post, and I'll pop over and visit it and leave a comment, and hopefully some of my other readers will, too. :)  The one thing that isn't changing, though, is that I will still be giving you updates on the first Saturday of every month on how I am doing physically, mentally, etc. 

Here is how I am doing as of today:



Me as of today, September 5, 2015, at 228.5 lbs.

  1. My weight went down again!  Hurray! :) I'm down 1 and a half pounds since last month.  I think I would've lost more, but it's been harder to be faithful to my dietary plan due to a series of unexpected events that I will explain shortly.  Either way, weight loss is weight loss, so I'm thrilled! :) Hopefully next month I'll have even more weight loss to report. :)
      
  2. August was rough!   For the entire month of August, my oldest was dealing with a lot of lower abdominal pain (mainly middle to right) and nausea.  He went though a lot of blood tests, urinalysises, CT Scan, ultrasound and a Meckel's Scan.  Everything came back "normal" or "inconclusive".  Finally, the decision was made to remove his appendix and do some looking around since I (and my mom and a few others in the family) had identical issues when I was around his age for about 3 months that turned out to be appendicitis even though everything looked fine with my tests and scans (my appendix even looked healthy on the outside, but was full of infection when they biopsied it).  Well, we don't have the pathology back, but his appendix was 3 times the normal length it should be (mine was twice the length it should be), the doctor didn't see anything else amiss (his appendix appeared "normal" other than length, but we'll know for sure when we get the report back next week or so), and he's not had any of the pre-surgery pain since the surgery on Thursday, September 3rd.  All in all, if he has no more pain like he was having, it's all good. :)

    We appreciate your prayers as he continues to recover.  He's doing great, but he will have post-surgery pain for a little while.  We're reasonably sure that the issue has been resolved, but we'll know more after he's completely healed from surgery, so prayers appreciated that he won't have any more pain/nausea (not related to surgery), too.  Thanks so much!

    On top of my son's health issues, there's been lots going on with back-to-school prep, other illnesses/injuries (though relatively minor), family events, church events, etc.  I feel a bit ragged and will be glad when we settle back into a routine again. :)
         
  3. We're continuing on with our new eating/lifestyle habits.  My middle kid and youngest are completely gluten-free, and it is helping their attention, skin and tummies a lot.  I am mostly gluten/grain-free, and it helps me out a lot, too.  My oldest and hubby are eating more gluten-free, and it seems to help them, too.  We've also introduced a probiotic to everyone, and that's making a difference, especially for my hubby.  I'm glad we've been able to do some things to help improve our health.
       
  4. All of my medical exams went well and came back normal. My pap and mammogram came back normal.  No cancer to worry about, no masses other than the fibroid type stuff, so I'm very happy.  I can wait 3 years for my next pap unless something changes, and I don't need another mammogram until next year.  The only thing I may need to get checked out sooner is my thyroid levels as they were on the way up from what they were last year, though still enough below 2 (my TSH was like 1.4) to be ok for me.  We'll see how I am symptom-wise, otherwise, no more tests (blood or otherwise) until next year.  Sounds like a good deal to me. :)
       
  5. Updates to the blogs are still coming.  I still have to do the majority of my updates on this blog and Natural and Free.  The free time I'd hoped to have in August didn't happen, and school starts next week, so I have no idea when I'll get to do the updates and changes I want to do.  I guess I do what I can do when I can do it.  It's all I can do.
           

That's about it for now.  How are you doing?  Are you reaching your goals?  Have you tried something new?  Come up with a new recipe?  I hope all is going well with you, and I hope you will leave a comment sharing your thoughts and/or milestones (with a link to your post, if you wish).  As always, I wish you the best of luck in all you do, and hope you will return soon! :)





(This post was originally posted on my original site, Fibro, Fit and Fab!)

Saturday, August 1, 2015

Monthly Milestones 2015 {8}



Today is the start of the eighth Monthly Milestones for 2015. The "rules" are still the same as always. I will be giving you updates on the first Saturday of every month on how I am doing physically, mentally, etc., and you can link up a post (or 3 or more) about some form of progress you are making, if you wish (see details below).  Being publicly accountable (as hard as it is) helps me out tremendously.  I hope you enjoy this link-up, will link up something inspiring and share it with others so that we can meet our goals together! :)

Here is how I am doing as of today:


Me as of today, August 1, 2015, at 230 lbs.

  1. My weight went down!  Hurray! :) I'm down 3 lbs. since last month.  This makes me very happy!  I've been watching what I eat even more and trying to only eat when I'm hungry, and it's paying off.  Hopefully next month I'll have even more weight loss to report. :)
      
  2. July was insane!   It has been a VERY busy month.  We had our tent meetings at church, 2 VBS times (one for teens, one for K4 - 6th grade), family time, birthdays, doctor appointments and more!  I'm very glad July is done.  There's not as much planned for this month, but school supplies will arrive soon, and my youngest has what we're calling Kindergarten prep classes starting in a few weeks, so there will not be a dull moment.  We'll see if I get to post more or not.  Here's hoping I can! :)
         
  3. We've settled into some new eating habits.  My middle kid and youngest are now gluten-free completely.  Their trial off of dairy showed no change, so they don't have to cut that out.  I'm also noticing that they definitely have issues with the artificial ingredients, just like their momma.  I'm trying to be more gluten-free, too, and it's making a difference in how I feel and I believe it's the biggest reason my weight is going down instead of up, especially since my exercise wasn't as consistent last month as I'd like.
       
  4. I'd appreciate your prayers for some medical tests coming up next week. I had my annual physical, and my blood work looked great for the most part.  I do have a mammogram on Monday, though.  It looks like I may take after my mom as the doctor noticed a  lot of what she suspects are fibroids during my exam.  Please pray that the mammogram will show what it needs to show, so that if there is something concerning, we can take care of it sooner than later.  Thanks!  Also, please pray that my pap comes back normal.  Last year's came back ASCUS (though the doctor was not concerned upon ordering more tests, knowing that I'm in a monogamous relationship, and knowing I'd never had an abnormal or ASCUS pap before), and if this one comes back odd, I will need follow up tests.  Breast cancer and ovarian/uterine issues run in my family, so I appreciate your prayers very much.  Thank you!
       
  5. Updates to the blogs are still coming.  I still have to do my updates on this blog and Natural and Free.  I am hoping to do that when I have some more free time.  I've made minor changes, but nothing like I want to yet.  Soon, I hope!
           

That's about it for now.  How are you doing?  Are you reaching your goals?  Have you tried something new?  Come up with a new recipe?  I hope all is going well with you, and I hope you will link-up a post telling me all about it or even leave a comment sharing your thoughts.  As always, I wish you the best of luck in all you do, and hope you will return soon! :)




~*~*~*~
Now It's Your Turn!



~*~*~*~
Grab A Badge!


(This post was originally posted on my original site, Fibro, Fit and Fab!)

Saturday, July 4, 2015

Monthly Milestones 2015 {7}


Today is the start of the seventh Monthly Milestones for 2015 - and Independence Day (Happy Independence Day, everyone!). The "rules" are still the same as always. I will be giving you updates on the first Saturday of every month on how I am doing physically, mentally, etc., and you can link up a post (or 3 or more) about some form of progress you are making, if you wish (see details below).  Being publicly accountable (as hard as it is) helps me out tremendously.  I hope you enjoy this link-up, will link up something inspiring and share it with others so that we can meet our goals together! :)

Here is how I am doing as of today:


Me today, July 4, 2015, at 233 lbs.

  1. My weight is back up again.  Boo!  I'm up a pound and a half since last month.  I was doing fantastic until this last week when things got a bit nuts.  Yesterday, I also forgot to take my thyroid pill and ate a lot of things that I don't normally, and it definitely had its ill effects from pain to bloating to lots of other things.  I really need to stop learning my lessons the hard way.  :(  I firmly believe that my weight would've been down again this month if I had not blown it.  What can I do but keep on trying?
      
  2. Warmer weather = lots of walking!   I've even gotten to go swimming (well, walking in a pool) with my mom during her aqua therapy (she's having a knee replacement soon, so she's doing aqua therapy to help strengthen her legs and such beforehand, and I'm her swimming buddy).  It's been really great!  I hope we have a milder fall and winter so I can walk more then, too.
         
  3. New diets are in the works at my house.  My middle kid and youngest have had some recent dietary changes.  We just discovered that they both are gluten/wheat sensitive (though not allergic), so we've cut it out of their diets.  I also noticed that (when I follow their dietary rules) I do better, too, so I've cut way back on the grains (though not so much rice), especially gluten/wheat.  We are doing a trial off of dairy for the 2 above mentioned kids, too, to see if that helps things further (they both have keratosis pilaris and bowel issues which have improved remarkably since the gluten-free diet has been introduced, and they both have better focus since going gluten-free, too).  So far, we've not noticed any real difference since removing the dairy, and that is saying a lot as we had at this point with the gluten removal.  We shall see!
       
  4. Life is slowing down, but very slowly! After next week, I should have a lot more free-time, so I'm hoping to post more.  We'll see if that happens!  Looks can be deceiving.
       
  5. Updates to the blogs are still coming.  I still have to do my updates on this blog and Natural and Free.  I am hoping to do that when I have some more free time.  I've made minor changes, but nothing like I want to yet.  Soon, I hope!
           

That's about it for now.  How are you doing?  Are you reaching your goals?  Have you tried something new?  Come up with a new recipe?  I hope all is going well with you, and I hope you will link-up a post telling me all about it or even leave a comment sharing your thoughts.  As always, I wish you the best of luck in all you do, and hope you will return soon! :)

And, Happy Independence Day, again, everyone! :)  I hope you enjoy your weekend with your friends and family, and remember that freedom is not free - so take time to thank those who served, who are serving or will serve for helping us get the freedom that we have to enjoy!




~*~*~*~
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~*~*~*~
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(This post was originally posted on my original site, Fibro, Fit and Fab!)

Saturday, June 6, 2015

Monthly Milestones 2015 {6}


Today is the start of the sixth Monthly Milestones for 2015. The "rules" are still the same as always. I will be giving you updates on the first Saturday of every month on how I am doing physically, mentally, etc., and you can link up a post (or 3 or more) about some form of progress you are making, if you wish (see details below).  Being publicly accountable (as hard as it is) helps me out tremendously.  I hope you enjoy this link-up, will link up something inspiring and share it with others so that we can meet our goals together! :)

Here is how I am doing as of today:


Me today, June 6, 2015, at 231.5 lbs.
Please forgive the blurry "back" photo.  My camera's flash didn't go off like it was supposed to, and we didn't have time to take another photo.

  1. My weight is finally headed back down.  Yay!  I'm back down to 231.5 lbs!  I still have a long way to go, but being down a pound and a half is so nice! :D  I've been focusing more on my diet, especially the last 2 weeks, and it has definitely made a difference! :)  Let's hope and pray that I continue on this path.
      
  2. I've been able to walk pretty much daily, sometimes multiple times a day.   It's been a pretty lovely more often than not, so walking is happening a lot, and it is so nice to get out!  I'm very much enjoying it. :)
         
  3. I got a haircut!  I cut off about half of my hair, as you can see.  I didn't do it because I hate longer hair, I did it because it gets very hot in the summer, and I was having trouble managing putting it up with it's length and weight.  Also, having so much hair on top of my head when I have to pin it or put it in a higher ponytail to keep cooler leads to more headaches.  So, I chopped it off enough to be lighter but still pull back.  I like it. :)
       
  4. Life is still and will stay insane for a bit yet! There's been some down time, but mostly there's been a lot of running and activities.  It will probably be at least another 2 weeks before I really get some time to breathe.  I'm looking forward to it!
       
  5. Updates to the blogs are coming.  This blog and Natural and Free will be getting some updates soon, I hope, though some more tedious things will need to happen first.  I found out that a lot of my recipe pictures have been stolen and used without my permission to promote other people's work (one even added a watermark to my image, trying to claim it as their own), so I will have to delete all of my old recipe photos one at a time, watermarking them, and then re-uploading them.  It will be a huge, horrific process, but it needs to be done.  I will watermark all of my photos eventually, but it will take time.
          
    That being said, if you ever see any of my photos or photos that look suspiciously similar to mine, please email me a link so that I can check it out and report it if need be.  And, PLEASE, I beg of you - do NOT use any of my photos without linking back to my blog(s).  My photos are one of the biggest ways that people find me, so when you use a photo without linking back, that's robbing me of visits, and denying others the chance to come to my blogs for more information about Fibromyalgia, allergy-friendly recipes, etc.  My photos are NOT public domain or "free to use" without linking back.  They are also copyrighted (see the bottom of this page).
               
    Though I don't require that you contact me before you use my photos or link to me AS LONG AS YOU LINK BACK TO ME (and keep in mind that I may require you contact me in future if people continue to use my work without permission, marketing it as their own), I'd love it if you'd please let me know if you want to use one of my photos or link to my blog.  I love to know when someone links to me so that I can return the favor. :)
         
  1. The boys' school year ends on the 11th, and my daughter's done!  Wowzers!  Technically, the boys are done with all of their required classroom work, but they still have to log hours until June 11th.  We're doing lots of "fun" classes, PE, watching educational videos, reading, etc.  It's great! :) My daughter may end up taking some "Kindergarten readiness" classes later this summer, but we're not sure yet.  Either way, I'll be glad to be done with official school work for awhile. :)

That's about it for now.  How are you doing?  Are you reaching your goals?  Have you tried something new?  Come up with a new recipe?  I hope all is going well with you, and I hope you will link-up a post telling me all about it or even leave a comment sharing your thoughts.  As always, I wish you the best of luck in all you do, and hope you will return soon! :)




~*~*~*~
Now It's Your Turn!



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Grab A Badge!


(This post was originally posted on my original site, Fibro, Fit and Fab!)

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

#FoodAllergyAwarenessWeek #1in13


Food allergy affect 1 in 13 US children. This is a real, serious epidemic
Image from Kids With Food Allergies

This week is Food Allergy Awareness Week (to learn more, go here: foodallergyweek.org).  There is so much you can do to help raise awareness.  Here's just a few ideas:

1. Wear teal for the week.  It's a cool color anyway, but it's even more awesome when you wear it for a cause. :)  You can wear it in the form of a shirt, an awareness ribbon, a dress, a pin - any way you like.  Just be prepared to share the why.


2. Share some links via social media about food allergy awareness.  Not sure where to look?  Well, here's a few to help get you started:

  • foodallergyweek.org This will take you to FARE which has a LOT of great resources and ideas.  It is an AWESOME organization.
         
  • Grateful Foodie  This is seriously one of the best food allergy advocate people I know!  Caroline is amazing and has great info.  She's always got some wonderful stories and ideas.
        
  • FAACT's Food Allergy Awareness Week page. There's some awesome ideas on here for how to raise awareness.
         
  • Ideas on Pinterest to share.  Pinterest is always a good place to go to get some good ideas and share some, too.
         
  • Kids With Food Allergies has some great ideas, too.  This is a seriously awesome site that has a lot of things for kids, profile pictures relating to food allergy awareness you can use, etc.  It's where I got the cool picture at the top of the page, too.  They have other banners and such that you can also use.  So cool!
         
  • Google "food allergy awareness" and see what pops up.  You should find some awesome articles to share!
         
  • Hashtag your shares, too! Here's some ideas of hashtags to use:
     
    #FoodAllergies
    #FoodAllergyAwareness
    #FoodAllergyAwarenessWeek
    #GoTealForFoodAllergies
    #1in13
         
    Any of those will work, or you can come up with your very own.
3. Show your support online by changing your profile picture on Facebook, Twitter and other social media to something related to Food Allergy Awareness.  I made something today that I will be using on Facebook, Twitter, etc.  It's probably the easiest way to get the word out.  If you are looking for something already made, check out the ones on Kids With Food Allergies.

4. If you're a blogger, post about Food Allergy Awareness Week.  It only takes a little bit of your time, and it can help so many.  Seriously.  What are you waiting for?  You can share personal perspective, have a guest blogger who suffers from food allergies, just post a list like I have, and so much more.  The more we spread the word, the more our voices will be heard, and the more of those 1 in 13 children with food allergies can get the respect they need and deserve.

5. Donate if you can.  You can donate time, a blog post, money - anything.  Just help get the word out and support those who do, financially if possible, or with a kind word or moral support.   There are even ways to become an advocate.  Looking for ways to help?  Check out this page on FARE for ideas and more information.  


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With 1 in 13 children facing food allergies, I have to assume that each of us knows someone with them.  I know several myself, and I'd do anything to help keep those children safe, healthy and happy.  Wouldn't you?
Let's take a moment to raise awareness - for them.
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P.S.  Before I go, I want to share this video with you done by a teenager who suffers from some serious food allergies.  Give him a like and a share, and subscribe, if you're so inclined.  He's awesome! :)



(This post was originally posted on my original site, Natural and Free.)

Saturday, May 2, 2015

Monthly Milestones 2015 {5}





Today is the start of the fifth Monthly Milestones for 2015. The "rules" are still the same as always. I will be giving you updates on the first Saturday of every month on how I am doing physically, mentally, etc., and you can link up a post (or 3 or more) about some form of progress you are making, if you wish (see details below).  Being publicly accountable (as hard as it is) helps me out tremendously.  I hope you enjoy this link-up, will link up something inspiring and share it with others so that we can meet our goals together! :)

Here is how I am doing as of today:

Me today, May 2, 2015, at 233 lbs.
I also have new glasses. I am sorry for the open mouth in my side photo.  Hubby caught me when I wasn't ready. :)

  1. My weight is up again.  I'm up to 233, and not happy about it either.  That's nearly 2 lbs. heavier than last month.  That doesn't sound too awful, but when you consider that just last week I was down to 229, it is very frustrating!  I know that part of the issue is that I'm retaining quite a bit of water at present (more yesterday, and it was VERY painful as I was very stiff and it was hard to move), but that's not the only issue.  Life has been insane (quite literally) lately, and I used that as an excuse to not always eat as I should.  The biggest thing I've learned over the last week?  My body needs more protein, and CANNOT handle processed sugars and simple carbs, period.  I do ok with honey and grains that are less processed, but that's about it.  The more "junk" I eat, the more the weight piles on.   I also noticed that my blood sugar is starting to bottom out more when I eat more processed/lower protein foods.  I do ok with fruits and veggies, but things like white bread or white sugar are messing with my blood sugar greatly.  Lesson learned the really hard way.  Let's hope it sticks this time. :)
      
  2. I've been able to walk pretty much daily, sometimes multiple times a day.   Did I mention that I love that the weather is nicer? :)  It means I get out and about more, and that is very helpful as far as my pain and attitude goes.  It helps me be able to sleep better, feel better, etc., too. 
         
  3. I got my new glasses! And boy, have they made a difference!  Less migraines, clearer vision, less eye strain...Yes, I'm quite happy with them. :)
  4. Life has been insane! April was a nightmare in a lot of ways.  We've had illness, my middle kid had surgery (appendix removed - he had a stone in it), middle kid smashed his big toe, M-STEP testing, doctor's appointments...  One week we were in the doctor's office or hospital every.single.day.  Another, we were traveling somewhere every.single.day.  We also had Missions Conference this month, we're cleaning the upstairs of our church, my middle kid turned 11, and so much more!  I feel like we may get a little bit of a breather now that May is here, but maybe not.  Let's just say, I'll be glad when the school year is over. :)
       
  5.  Updates to the blogs are coming soon...I hope.  This blog and Natural and Free will be getting some updates soon, I hope.  I have been making mental lists of things that I want to change, and working on things slowly.  You may not notice a lot of change, but there will be some. :)  I still hope to post more soon, but it's not to be at the moment.  I may not get the time until June, but I'm going to do my level best to do more in May.  Forgive me in advance if that doesn't happen.  Wanting it to happen and making it happen are 2 entirely different things.
         
  6. The boys' school year ends in about 6 weeks, and my daughter's ends in 3 weeks!  Wowzers!  The end is fast approaching.  Next week is the last round of school required testing for the boys, and we are winding down in the subjects.  The last week or 2 should be a lot lighter, and we're hoping to do some more fun educational things. :)  I am hoping my time will free up a bit within the next few weeks, but until then, my email is always open, so feel free to write me at any time, and I'll get back with you ASAP.  I'm here for you!

That's about it for now.  How are you doing?  Are you reaching your goals?  Have you tried something new?  Come up with a new recipe?  I hope all is going well with you, and I hope you will link-up a post telling me all about it or even leave a comment sharing your thoughts.  As always, I wish you the best of luck in all you do, and hope you will return soon! :)




~*~*~*~
Now It's Your Turn!



~*~*~*~
Grab A Badge!


(This post was originally posted on my original site, Fibro, Fit and Fab!)

Saturday, April 4, 2015

Monthly Milestones 2015 {4}





Today is the start of the fourth Monthly Milestones for 2015. The "rules" are still the same as always. I will be giving you updates on the first Saturday of every month on how I am doing physically, mentally, etc., and you can link up a post (or 3 or more) about some form of progress you are making, if you wish (see details below).  Being publicly accountable (as hard as it is) helps me out tremendously.  I hope you enjoy this link-up, will link up something inspiring and share it with others so that we can meet our goals together! :)

Here is how I am doing as of today:
Me as of today, April 4, 2015, at 231.5 lbs.
  1. My weight is up a little again overall.  My body seems to like the roller coaster weight thing.  Again, I've actually lost weight this week (nearly a pound), but  my weight is up about a pound overall since last month, and up about 2 lbs. since the beginning of the year, which upsets me, honestly.  I am a lot more active, and I know that's playing into excuses to eat when I'm not hungry or eating more than I should or eating the wrong kinds of things.  It makes it harder for me to stay healthy and pain free when I'm not following my eating rules, so you'd think I'd be more diligent about it.  It just proves to me that will power isn't all that easy.  I am thrilled that I'm a little more toned due to more exercise, but that doesn't mean that I can make excuses.  My diet has to be right for me 24/7 regardless.  I'll get there...eventually...I hope. :)
      
  2. I've been able to walk more.  Hurray for nicer weather!  I've been able to get out and walk more with my hubby (sometimes over an hour) on most days.  It's been wonderful. :)  I'm hoping to move that to pretty much every day (except nasty weather days) because it helps so much to just get out in the fresh air and move.  I sleep better, I feel better, I'm happier - all kinds of wonderful things. :) Here's hoping for a warmer, nicer spring and summer!
         
  3. I've learned some important things this month regarding my health, and I am dealing with some more things regarding my health.  As I mentioned before, my body is being less and less tolerant of foods that hurt me, and I'm feeling those side effects quicker each time.  I'm noticed that I really cannot eat highly processed or fast foods very much nor a lot of refined sugar.  I do ok with honey and maple syrup, but regular sugar tends to pile on the weight quickly, and make me feel ill because it messes with my blood sugar levels more.  I also notice when I eat something highly processed or full of preservatives, I am moodier and have a harder time getting over illness.  Case in point, I've been dealing with a cold/sinus issue for going on 3 weeks now that's left me downright miserable.  I notice when I'm eating right, I feel almost completely over the sinus issues.  When I slack off, I feel like it comes back tenfold.  Go figure.  It really does pay to eat right, especially when you're not well.

    The other thing that I've been dealing with is some more painful days.  I've recently noticed an issue with my left hip that comes and goes, and sometimes some pain in my thighs.  I'm not sure if those things are Fibromyalgia related or something else.  It feels like muscle, but that doesn't mean it is.  When I have one or both of those issues, it can make it really hard to walk or move correctly, depending on how bad the pain is.  Anyway, it is something I will talk with my doctor about if it gets worse.  I plan on talking to him about it when I see him next this summer if it is still intermittent regardless.

    On a positive note, I found out that my eyes have improved in the last year by 2 whole scripts!  I will be getting new glasses in another week or so. :)  Having glasses that are too strong is definitely causing more headaches, so it is my hope that having that corrected will help me to have less migraines. :)
        
  4.  I'm still working on my new groove with my blogs.  I am still having a hard time getting a chance to post on here and on Natural and Free.  All I've been able to get to here is the Monthly Milestones posts, and I've been completely unable to get to my other blog, and I'm trying to change both of those things.  It's a bit frustrating to have posts to share, but no time to write them up and get them published.  Hopefully this summer I will have more time if nothing else, but I'm not expecting to have much time in the foreseeable future, unfortunately.  I will get to where I want to be (posting weekly on both blogs), but it is just taking a lot more time than I realized.  I am also working on other ideas that I hope to implement soon.  I've gotten a few little things done, but I haven't gotten done anywhere near what I want to do yet.  Don't give up on me!  I'll get there! :)
         
  5. The boys' school year ends in less than 10 weeks!  Wowzers!  Time has flown this year.  My daughter is due to be done with preschool in about 7 weeks, too, and that just doesn't seem possible.  It means a lot more craziness for me (though we are finishing up my daughter's spring break on Monday, and just started the boys' spring break on Friday) as we are getting into testing time, re-registration time, awards things, etc.  I am extremely busy already, and it won't be slowing down until at least mid-May or so.  It won't stay insane forever, but I know I won't be here as much as I want to be.  My email is always open, though, so feel free to write me at any time, and I'll get back with you ASAP.  I'm here for you!

That's about it for now.  How are you doing?  Are you reaching your goals?  Have you tried something new?  Come up with a new recipe?  I hope all is going well with you, and I hope you will link-up a post telling me all about it or even leave a comment sharing your thoughts.  As always, I wish you the best of luck in all you do, and hope you will return soon! :)

Oh, and Happy Easter, everyone! :)





~*~*~*~
Now It's Your Turn!



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Grab A Badge!


(This post was originally posted on my original site, Fibro, Fit and Fab!)