Recipe Friday - Kale Chips

Hey everyone! It's been months since my last recipe Friday post. I get really sick when I'm pregnant and I knew I wouldn't be able to keep it up during those 9 months. To be honest, I still don't know if I'll be able to post a recipe EVERY Friday because life with a newborn, AND a 2 year old AND a 3 1/2 year old is CRAZY!!! Any way, here's a recipe for this week.

I saw this on the Ellen Show. Gwyneth Paltrow was demonstrating some of the recipes from her cook book and this was one that her kids loved. Later that week one of my super healthy friends posted on facebook about how much she loves kale chips.

Kale Chips

Ingredients

- 1 bunch of kale, washed and cut into bite size pieces (ribs removed)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- sprinkle of salt

Line a baking sheet with waxed paper.
Spread the kale over the waxed paper.
Drizzle with olive oil.
Sprinkle with salt.

Place in the oven at 270 degrees F for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy. Let cool before eating.

ENJOY!!

Pat Myself on the Back

Sometimes I wonder if my kids are ever learning anything valuable from me. I often feel like they only pick up the not-so-nice habits from my husband and I. Like when Rosie (3 and a half years old) screamed "listen to me right now" at her brother the other day.

Well the other day Rosie proved that she is learning something great. I filled a couple bowls with Goldfish crackers and gave one to Joseph and one to Rosie. Rosie said "no thank you. Goldfish are not healthy. I want an apple." I was so excited to hear that! Then five minutes later, Dave walked into the house with McDonalds french fries. I thought Rosie would eat them for sure, but.... "french fries aren't healthy Daddy." Wooo hoooo!!! I'm so glad she's starting to understand. It was one of those "oh I'm such a good mommy" moment :) Now if only I could convince my husband that french fries are not healthy.

New Baby!

I know it's a month late (4 weeks to be exact) but I'd like to finally announce the arrival of baby #3! We welcomed baby Michael on June 3rd at 7:50 am. He weighed 8 pounds 1 ounce, a lot less than Joseph did, and I could totally feel the difference in labor. He has blond hair and blue eyes (so far, things might change)and he's as cute as ever. I love him so much and am so happy to have him as part of our family. More birth details coming soon-ish.

8 Weeks Left!! Planning on a Natural Birth.

Hi Everyone!

I just wanted to pop back on here (I miss blogging) and let you all know that the pregnancy is going really well! Ok.... I'm nauseous, have swollen feet, gained over 60 pounds, have to pee ALL THE TIME, exhausted, and have a hard time sleeping... BUT the baby is healthy and will be here in about 2 months :)

I'm so excited to meet the little peanut and see how cute he/she is. Of course we don't know if we're having a boy or a girl (we never find out) but Dave and my Chinese grandmother both think it's a boy. They've both been right the first two times, so we'll see. I kind of think I'm having a girl but only because I had a few dreams and the baby was a girl, and I have the perfect girls name picked out (sorry, I won't reveal it just yet). It really doesn't matter, boy or girl. We'll be super happy whatever we have. Any way, only time will tell.

So when my first baby was born, I was in labor FOREVER! I had been up all day, then around 2 am started little contractions (I had only been sleeping for 2 hours). I was so excited to finally be in labor that I pretty much stayed up all night. When morning came, labor was really intense, but she wasn't born until after midnight. SO... I was awake for well over 24 hours by the time she arrived. I was so exhausted during labor that I was actually falling asleep between contractions. The baby's heart rate elevated, I started a fever, and despite my hope for a natural birth, we decided an epidural would be VERY HELPFUL.

When I had my second child I was pretty determined to go natural. The epidural, although nice to be out of pain, well it was creepy, not to mention all the other possible side effects. I just didn't like the idea of the epidural at all. So second time around I opted for a home birth- with midwives. There's no option for an epidural at home, so I had no choice but to go natural. Well I DID IT!!! I delivered a 9 pound 9 ounce baby boy a home, drug free!

I want to deliver this baby drug free. Here's my reasons for going natural.

1. Ability to labor in any position and/or walk around.
2. Ability to actually feel what's going on and know exactly when and how hard to push.
3. Avoid being hooked up to fetal monitor, blood pressure cuff, catheter, etc.
4. Baby will be more alert after birth.
5. Baby will have an easier time breastfeeding after birth.
6. No creepy needles in my spine and arm.
7. Sometimes the epidural doesn't work any way.
8. Antibiotics are often needed when you have an epidural, which can lead to thrush in mom or baby.
9. Epidurals can slow down the birthing process.
10. No longer allowed to eat or drink with an epidural.
11. I'll have the feeling that I can do anything after the baby is born.

As long as there aren't any complications, and as long as the baby turns around (right now baby is in a breached position) I will have a natural birth. I'm praying and keeping my fingers crossed that everything goes as smoothly as my last.

Next time I blog it might just be full of pictures of the new baby!! In the meantime, here's a horrible picture of my pregnant self, looking really puffy and HUGE, standing next to the quilt I just made my husband for Valentines Day.

Me Ka Aloha
- Elisabeth

The Truth About the "Blog Break"

Recently I went on a blog break. I said it was because my life was getting really busy and that my kiddies needed my attention. While this is all true, the real reason for going on break is because....


I'm pregnant again! Baby is due in June :) I get really sick when I'm pregnant and I have to take medication to keep me from throwing up every 10 minutes. The side effect of taking this medication is that it makes me really drowsy. There have honestly been days where I've done nothing but sleep on the couch while my kids watch Dora (horrible, I know). Finding time to write a blog, let alone a blog about food has been next to impossible.

I will try my best to post something every now and then until life is back to normal. I'll be posting after I have the baby, giving you all updates about my post pregnancy weight loss.

Me Ka Aloha
- Elisabeth

Blog Break...

I'm writing a quick note to let all my followers know that I'll be taking a brief blog break. Life has been pretty hectic around here (not to mention my internet/laptop have been less than cooperative). My kiddies need my attention right now and there's just too many things demanding my time.... so.... I'm taking a little blog break. I will be popping in every now an then with updates and so on, but the regular twice (or more) a week posts won't be back for a few months. Sorry :(

Me Ka Aloha (With Love)
- Elisabeth

Recipe Friday - Scones

Alright, so this isn't one of those magic, packed with vitamins, low fat, veggie lovers recipe. It's actually not that healthy at all... HOWEVER, I've been asked for this recipe by several of my friends. It's quick, easy, and tastes wonderful with any of my soup recipes.

2 cups sifted all-purpose flour or whole wheat 1/4 cup white sugar 2 ½ tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp baking soda) 1/2 tsp salt 1/3 cup butter 1 cup skim milk

METHOD: Preheat oven to 355°F. Sift the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt together. Cut in the margarine or butter till mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs Add the milk and mix to make a smooth dough. (add more milk if necessary to ensure mix is not too dry) Spoon desired size dough onto baking sheet. Mine are usually slightly larger than a golf ball. Baking time approximately 12 minutes

10 Ways to Eat More Whole Grain

In our home, white bread was never introduced. I think the only time they've ever had it was at other people's homes. I almost always cook with whole wheat pasta so getting my kids to eat whole grains hasn't been an issue at all. However, I learned recently that getting some kids to eat whole grains is mission impossible. The thing is, whole grains are better sources of fiber and other important nutrients, such as selenium, potassium and magnesium. So whenever you can, choose whole grains over refined grains. Here's 10 ways to get your kids (and you) to eat more whole grains.

1. Make checkerboard sandwiches.
2. Popcorn! This is probably the yummiest whole grain out there, but keep an eye on your kids because chocking happens easily with popcorn.
3. Try making half a cup of white rice with half a cup of brown. You family might not notice they're eating whole grains especially if you top it with something yummy like slow cooker beef.
4. Next time you make french toast, use whole wheat bread. Your kids won't notice since french toast is darker (toasted) anyway, plus who wouldn't eat something covered with maple syrup?
5. Always serve pesto on whole grain pasta. Pesto has such a strong garlic flavor that you won't notice the whole grain pasta.
6. Switch to healthier cereal made with whole grains like Cheerios.
7. Add oats when you bake. Try breakfast cookies or black bean brownies.
8. When making meatloaf or meatballs, use whole grain breadcrumbs instead of white.
9. Next time you make chicken wraps, use whole grain.
10. This thanksgiving try adding whole grain bread in the stuffing (recipe coming!)

Salsa Breakfast Burrito

Today my husband, kids, and I went on a little road trip to New York (state) to see some church sites and then do a little shopping. On the way there we went to *gasp* McDonald's and got some breakfast sandwiches! I know, I know, terrible right! Those darn breakfast sandwiches are so bad for you with the processed cheese and English muffin. So for today's recipe, I'm going to teach you how to make a healthier breakfast sandwich, I mean burrito.

Ingredients

1 Egg, plus 1 egg white
1 teaspoon skim milk
2 tablespoons salsa
1-2 tablespoons light cheddar cheese, grated
1 whole wheat tortilla
pinch garlic powder
pinch salt and pepper

Method

-in a bowl whisk together egg, egg white, milk, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cheese.
- in a non-stick frying pan, on medium heat cook egg mixture. Stir constantly until no longer runny. Remove from heat. It should resemble scrambled eggs... well that's exactly what it is, scrambled eggs.
- in a separate non-stick pan, warm tortilla on med heat for about 30 seconds per side (or longer if you want it slightly crispy)
- spread salsa on tortilla and top with scrabbled eggs
- roll up, cut in half and enjoy!

Happy 50th Mom!

One look at my Mother and you'd never guess that she's 50 years old, a mother of 5, or a grandmother of 4. She looks way younger and has often been mistaken for my sister. My mother has also been very aware of what foods she eats and works out regularly. Even though she thinks she needs to loose weight, there are a lot of women out there that wish they could look as good as she does especially considering she's had 5 (beautiful) kids.

My Mom has taught me so much in my life and has raised me to care about my health. As kids, she never let us eat white bread, canned pasta, processed cheese, or instant mashed potatoes. She encouraged us to take our vitamins, drink plenty of water, eat salad, and to buy organic as often as possible. My Mom is the reason why I chose to go as natural as possible during my pregnancies and delivery of my children (my mother gave birth at home with midwives... drug free! I used a midwife with both my children and Joseph was born at home.) It was her advice and help that I was able to breast feed my babies, even though I so badly wanted to give up at first. She taught me how to make pesto, a weekly favorite at my house!

My Mom has also taught me the value of being a stay at home mom and to cherish every single moment with my family. Her creativity and energy made growing up so much fun, and she now uses those same skills to entertain the grandchildren. I know that she sacrificed a lot to raise my siblings and I, putting us first instead of her own interests. I hope that I can follow in her example.

I love you Mom!! Happy 50th!!

Me Ka Aloha (with love)
- Elisabeth


Mom enjoying life! (last year in Florida)