Thursday, January 5, 2012

Six Whole Months have gone by!


That's right.....I do not know where those six months went and so fast at that. I wasn't sure if I was going to continue the blog, and I guess by now you know that I decided not to. I felt like my blog lacked many things, especially a focus. I may someday create another one that feels a bit more purposeful. I'll be sure to let you know if I do and I hope you will stop by.  Thanks for visiting. I wish you all the best!
Peace Out,
Sena

Monday, July 4, 2011

Independence Day



Wishing you a very happy 4th of July!
xo,
Sena

Thursday, June 30, 2011

I scream for....

Ice Cream

I just made ice cream in my new vitamix. I used the chocolate mint that I grew and it tasted like mint chocolate chip! It was so yummy! If you don't have a Vitamix, I highly advise you to get one soon. You can make healthy protein smoothies, soups, and sauces and so much more with a vitamix! I am in love. :) It is so easy to make these things too. You just add the ingredients and turn the thing on. It's that simple. And, I have lost about ten pounds because of all the healthy things I have been making with it.




recipe for mint ice cream in the vitamix
1 cup of milk
a handful of chocolate mint leaves
1/2 cup of sugar (turbinado)  I used only 1/4 cup and I liked it better.
1/4 cup non fat dry milk
1 teaspoon of vanilla
4 cups of ice


It's easy peasy and inexpensive. Plus, there's nothing better than homemade ice cream!


Hope you are enjoying something sweet and minty!
xo,

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Vacation

VACATION!!!!!
Sandestin, Florida
Will be back on Soon with updates and pictures!




Sunday, June 12, 2011

All of My Chickadees.....

Are in the nest!

left to right:Leigh, Collier (squinting his eyes), Lynn, and Beck

It's so nice to have all four kids home! Lynn, our oldest,  finished her first year at the University of Chicago this week. She will be here until mid-September. Except for one week when she will be traveling to N.Y.C for a Google conference. Last year she was 1 of 25 who was selected to attend the computer science institute at Google for six weeks at their main campus location in California. And, from now on as long as she continues to declare a major in math or computer science she gets to attend the Google conferences which are held in a different city each summer. Right now she is double majoring in both. Also, she can apply to intern with them the next two summers. So, we are keeping our fingers crossed!


But for now, we are just enjoying having her home! Her four year old sister just can't get enough of her. They have been doing a whole lot of sisterly bonding.... painting fingernails, playing dinosaurs, reading books and swinging. It's been a fun few days. We are looking forward to a great summer.

'Hope you have a chance to reconnect with a loved one this summer!
xo,
Sena

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Lazy Summer Days

Are here!


This moment: We are enjoying the beginning of summer break. Just taking it easy and doing whatever our hearts are drawn toward.


These are the days when we can stay in our nightshirts for as long as we want. And, just focus on play.


This chair is calling my name....


And, these magazines are begging to be read.


We're just gonna let the summer sun do it's thing, while we sit back and relax.

Wishing you all a lovely summer!
xo,

Monday, June 6, 2011

Changing Old Ways....

blackberry, blueberry, and banana smoothie with the protein powder

I am trying to change my eating habits......changing the way I eat food, look at food and think about food. I am desperately trying to kick the sugar habit. I am totally addicted to sugar. "Hi, my name is Sena and I am addicted to ice cream, chocolate, candy....you name it". It's like crack for me. I WANT something sweet NOW! I am finally beginning to realize that my eating habits are affecting my entire life. I am not crazy about meat, chicken, fish, red meat, it doesn't matter. I do eat it, but it's not my favorite. We eat quite a bit of chicken throughout the week, because I feel it's the best for the family. Unfortunately, the kids are not crazy about fish. And, believe me I have made salmon and light white fishes a million different ways, but they don't seem to care for it. We will make steak or some type of beef stew every now and then, (more in the winter) but I try to limit the red meat. 

I love fresh fruits and vegetables, so I eat those a lot. The problem is that I am just not getting enough protein and combine that with all the carbs that I'm taking in and it's a recipe for disastrous sugar spikes. I believe that's what causes the cravings. Of course, you know how it is, the more sugar you eat, the more sugar you want. It's a vicious cycle. Not to mention that we live in a war zone of a society when it comes to food. It comes at us from all angles. It is very difficult to raise a healthy child with a healthy view of food in today's world. High fructose corn syrup....don't even get me started. 

peach and banana smoothie w/ a little apple juice and the protein powder
So, I have begun a new chapter in my life, one of healthy eating. And, not just healthy eating, but also learning about different foods and what our bodies really need. Not eating the right foods affects our mood, energy levels and the quality of our sleep. This week I am on a detox of sorts. I am only eating fresh organic fruits, vegetables, and fresh healthy lean protein. I am drinking all natural smoothies with protein and green superfood powders 2-3 times a day. It's been one whole day without a sugary dessert. Let's see if I can go a whole week.



Just add organic fresh fruit or frozen fruit, ice, a little water or 100%, organic fruit juice and blend....it's that easy. If you don't want to use the green powder, then you can add your own veggies, like spinach (which is nice and mild).

Here's to a healthy, fun summer!
xo,
Sena

p.s. if anyone has any sweet all natural, no sugar recipes that are really good, I'd love to have them! :)

I'm linking up to: Life Made lovely Mondays here