Vacation is over…
Well hello there – long time no see! I’m sure you’re all wondering how our short vacation to Disneyland went and the answer is AmAziNg!
Michael and I had such a good time that we’re already planning our next trip to Disney World in Florida. Ha! We got to Anaheim late Friday night, so we didn’t have much time to sleep in preparation for the beating we put our bodies through. Getting up at 6 in the morning to walk the entire day while eating less than Paleo fare can definitely take a toll on you. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining, I would do it again in a heartbeat. Saturday we spent the day wondering around the Disneyland park soaking up some sun, riding rides, and eating some delicious treats.
Everything tastes better when it’s shaped like Mickey, and these biegnets are no exception! (Yes, I know biegnets aren’t Paleo, but yum)
Michael kicking my butt on the Buzz Lightyear ride.
In line for Mr. Toads Wild Ride.
Sunday we moved over to California Adventure to see what all the hype over the new Cars Land was about. I’ve never actually seen the movie Cars, but I can imagine that if I was an 8 year old boy I would’ve been in heaven.
Cars Land was cool but I was just happy being in a Disney park that I’ve never been to before. It was an interesting experience having to actually use a map for change.
Sunday night we had reservations to eat at Napa Rose, a 4 diamond restaurant in the Grand Californian Hotel. I couldn’t resist ordering the 4 course tasting menu, although Michael’s wallet probably wished I had. It may have been expensive, but it was so worth the experience. Check it out:
Grilled Wild Snapper and Nova Scotia Lobster Fennel Puree, Roasted Winter Squash and Lobster Sauce
Tart of Artichoke Hearts, Sundried Tomatoes and Carmody Cheese, Grilled Winter White Asparagus and Meyer Lemon Balsamic
Pan Roasted Petite Filet Mignon of Angus Beef, Whipped Sweet Potato, Apple Relish on a Sunset Chili – Rose Petal Essence
Raspberry Vairhona Chocolate Crunch with Tangerine Sauce and Almond Pudding Accented with Fresh Tahitian Vanilla Bean
Looking at these food pictures makes me want to eat there again, it was so good. If you’re at Disney and in the market for some high class cuisine, then I definitely suggest checking out Napa Rose.
You can’t tell from this picture, but I’m thoroughly stuffed!
We spent Monday morning hitting some of the attractions we liked the most and doing some souvenir shopping. I had to buy my niece a classic Disneyland shirt because it’s practically a requirement.
And just like that, the trip was over. I wish I could put into words why I enjoy Disney so much. I was talking to Michael about it today at lunch and it’s strange, because it’s not like I’m overly excited while we’re at the parks. I have fun riding the rides and eating the food, but I think it’s more about the nostalgia of it that I like so much. When I’m there I feel connected to my parents and my sister, my childhood, and the future family that Michael and I will someday bring. It’s seriously one of my happiest places on earth and I can’t wait to share that with my kids. Oh Disney, how I miss thee already…
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Happy Valentine’s Day All! Michael was an awesome boyfriend and sent some gorgeous flowers to work for me.
This is actually the first Valentines day that I’ve ever received flowers, and I must say that I really enjoyed it. When Michael and I first started dating, I thought I would be clever and tell him that flowers and chocolates were stupid and to never bother with such things for me. By doing this I thought I was making myself seem like low maintenance, but instead I was setting myself up to be disappointed when flowers never came. I finally decided to come clean to Michael last year, which was a great decision because my life since has involved many a flower bouquets. Who doesn’t love getting flowers, I mean really?
Now that Valentine’s Day has come and gone, it can only mean one thing – Disney time! Tomorrow we’ll be heading to Anaheim to spend two full days immersed in all things Disney and I can’t wait! I spent 30 minutes the other night studying the Disneyland map and planning our attack. Yes, I know I’m crazy, but I can’t help it. Check out the Valentine’s card I got Michael:
Yes, that’s Minnie Mouse and yes I love it. Ha!
Before I move on to a recap of our meals, I want to give a quick update on Tessie. The vet didn’t think her liver enzymes were that high, but he did want to try a few things to get them back down. She’s on a round of antibiotics to make sure it’s not being caused by an infection, and we’re going to try giving her some milk thistle to help boost her liver’s power. I’ll be taking her back in 3 weeks to be re-tested, so hopefully the enzymes go back to normal by then.
Alright, time for some food pics, here’s a visual recap of dinner from the last few nights.
Hamburgers (on an almond flour bun) with Fried Plantains and Kale Chips
Sauteed Mahi Mahi with Sweet Potato Fries and Steamed Green Beans
Taco Soup w/Avocado (Recipe Coming)
My Life in Pictures
This weekend has been really short but sweet. Michael and I have been doing the usual errands accompanied by plenty of laziness, which is just the way I like it. A couple of days ago I was reading through a list of fun things to do that don’t cost any money and came across an item that sounded pretty cool. It was a challenge to take a picture an hour for a full day – just to see what life looks like through film my iPhone Photos app. I planned to do this yesterday, and even got off to a good start..
But then it all fell apart – I completely forgot to take any other pictures besides one of Tessie after her grooming appointment.
When I think about it though, those two pictures really do kind of sum up my day. Even though there’s like 12 waking hours missing, they wouldn’t have appeared that much different than the ones above. Yep, my life in two pictures is Michael and Tessie and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
This upcoming week is going to be packed full of activities, both work and play. I’m hoping to push through and get the work week over as fast as possible because Friday brings the awesomeness of Disney. The weather in Anaheim is supposed to be in the 70s and sunny, which just screams Mickey Ice Cream bar to me. I can’t wait!
Since this week isn’t going to leave a ton of time for cooking, I’m planning to make a big batch of meatballs and roast a spaghetti squash for some easy lunches. Check out what I have planned thus far:
Sunday
B: Microwaveable English Muffin Breakfast Sandwich
L: Leftover Country Style Ribs with Sweet Potato and Salad
D: Cauliflower Crust Pizza
Monday
L: Leftover Cauliflower Crust Pizza
D: Pecan Chicken with Parsnip Fries and Sauteed Cabbage
Tuesday
L: Spaghetti Squash with Meatballs and maybe a Side Salad
D: Hamburgers with Fried Plantains and Kale Chips
Wednesday
L: Spaghetti Squash with Meatballs and maybe a Side Salad
D: Sauteed White Fish with Side Salad and Steamed Green Beans
Thursday
L: Pecan Chicken with Leftover Side Dishes
D: Big batch of Taco Soup w/Avocado (Recipe Coming)
Friday
L: Spaghetti Squash with Meatballs and maybe a Side Salad
D: Leftover Taco Soup w/Avocado
Saturday
Disney Food!
And now I’ll leave you with a recap of our dinner’s from the past few nights:
Almond Flour Crusted Pork Cutlets with Butternut Squash Puree and Side Salads
Cuban Spiced Marinated Chicken Thighs with Broccoli and Sweet Potatoes
Country Style Pork Ribs with Baked Okra and Spaghetti Squash
We’re going to Disneyland!
One of the things I love the most about Michael and I is that we aren’t afraid to do things on a whim. Some of our best vacations have come from split decisions that came out of nowhere. Today, over our morning coffee, I mentioned that it would awesome if we could visit Disneyland during our next 3 day weekend (President’s Day). As you all know, I’m in love with all things Disney, it’s been ingrained in my sister and I since we were little. I’ve been itching to get back to a park ever since our last Disney vacation was cancelled in December 2011. After checking ticket prices and finding some super cheap plane tickets, we decided to go for it! I’m SOOO eXciTed!
I’ve never been to the original Disneyland, we’ve always gone to Disney World in Florida, so I’m interested to see what it’s all about. I can’t wait to eat some amazing food, ride some rides, and be immersed in all things Disney – even if it’s just for 3 days. Yes, I know I sound like a child, but this is exciting! The countdown begins – 26 days to go!
Michael and I at Disney World in December 2010 (Pre-Paleo)
Speaking of countdowns, we’ve finally made it over the hump – only 15 more days of the Whole30 left! Now is the time to really buckle down and not lose focus. For some reason, week 3 has historically been the hardest for me, I’m always tired of cooking and miss the whole experience of going out to eat. To take the edge off the coming week, I plan to make a big Shepherd’s Pie using the recipe in Well Fed - it should provide enough leftovers for a bunch of our lunches. Now on to my food journal from yesterday and our meal plan for the week:
Day 15 (1/19/2013)
Breakfast:
Egg Scramble
Coffee with Coconut Milk
Snack:
Banana Pancakes w/Almond Butter
Lunch:
Ginger Apple Pork with Sweet Potato Soup
1 Small Apple
Dinner:
Chicken Wings
Side Salad
Sweet Potato Fries
Sunday
B: Egg Scramble
L: Kobe Burgers with Side Salad and Sweet Potato Fries
D: Spaghetti Squash with Meat Sauce and Side Salad
Monday
B: Egg Scramble
L: Shepherd’s Pie with Roasted Broccoli
D: Mustard Glazed Chicken Thighs with Parsnip Fries and Broccoli Slaw
Tuesday
B: Egg Scramble
L: Leftover Spaghetti
D: Slow Cooker Italian Pork Roast with Side Salad and Butternut Squash Puree
Wednesday
B: Egg Scramble
L: Shepherd’s Pie with Leftover Sides
D: Sweet Potato, Spinach, Sausage Hash
Thursday
B: Egg Scramble
L: Leftover Sweet Potato, Spinach, Sausage Hash
D: Leftover Pork Roast with Side Salad and Brussels & Leeks
Friday
B: Egg Scramble
L: Whatever is still Leftover
D: Leftovers with Roasted Green Beans
Saturday
B: Paleo Oatmeal
L: TBD
D: TBD
Appendicitis Doesn’t Taste Half Bad
Yesterday started out as a normal workday, except for our planned departure to Disney of course. Michael had stayed home the day before with a stomach ache, something we were hoping would go away by the time our New Years Eve fun rolled around in South Beach. Unfortunately, the pain didn’t go away, instead it moved to the lower right of his abdomen. After some Googling, and a quick chat with his mom he decided to get it checked out, just in case. Next thing I know, I’m on my way to the Emergency Room to meet up with Michael before his appendectomy begins. What a whirlwind. In the matter of 8 hours Michael was in and out of the hospital minus an appendix. Our trip to Disney may be postponed now, but thank goodness this happened before we made it to Florida. I can only imagine the nightmare it would have been if his appendix had burst while we were there. We’re both sad to be at home, instead of partying with Mickey, but so grateful we caught it early. When we got home last night, I had strict instructions to fix him something to eat that was easy on the stomach. After a quick trip to the grocery store, I threw together this super fast soup, which is just what the doctor ordered. No pun intended.
4 Ingredient Appendicitis Soup
1 cup water
2 cups of chicken broth
1 cup white rice
4 eggs
Bring the water and chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice and cook until tender. Crack the eggs into the soup mixture, breaking apart the yolks. Serve when the eggs are cooked all the way through.
This soup was so easy, and so good for what was in it. I know rice isn’t strictly paleo, but I wanted something that would help keep the pain meds from making him nauseous. The doctors recommended a slice of bread or crackers, so rice was sort of our gluten free compromise. If you’re ever feeling sick and want something easy on the stomach, this is your soup.
Our soup..
Michael waiting for surgery
Disney is right around the corner…
Christmas is over which can only mean one thing, vacation is almost upon us! I can’t wait to walk through the gates at Magic Kingdom again, a home away from home. Michael and I have been preparing for all the over eating we’re going to be partaking in by indulging in mounds of delicious Christmas fare. Over the holiday my mom and I prepared a Paleo feast for 8 people. It took 2 days, some hard work, and lots of fun in the kitchen. Unfortunately, some of my family members got sick and couldn’t come to our dinner, which means a meal for 8 turned into a meal for 5 and leftovers for us to eat all week. The food was absolutely amazing and I’m very proud to say it was entirely gluten and refined sugar free (minus the chocolate coating on our pecan pie truffles). Our menu went like this:
5lb Organic Ham w/Pineapple
Turkey
Sweet Potato Casserole
Roasted Green Beans
Carrot Casserole
Paleo Stuffing
Cranberry Sauce
Mashed Red Potatoes
Stuffed Mushrooms
Boiled Turnips
Fresh Fruit
Deviled Eggs
Pecan Pie Truffles
Here are some pictures of our holiday meal…
The Doors Will Automagically Open
Yesterday I bought our tickets for my 21st trip to Walt Disney World (FL), and I’m still riding that high. I can’t believe we’ll be driving through those gates once again in just a few weeks. That yearly vacation with my family has been such a staple in my sister and I’s life. It’s the light at the end of each year, when we get to be 10 again and hold my dad’s hand. I always say it truly is the happiest place on earth, at least for me. This year is going to be particularly amazing because we get to witness my 17th month old niece’s first time at the parks. She may not remember it, but my family and I sure will. This will also be our first attempt with trying to remain gluten free eating theme park food. We’ve decided to not disclose that we’re gluten free when making reservations because Disney takes it very seriously. We don’t want to make the chef come out and talk to us, I just feel like that might be overkill for a vacation. Luckily, Disney has some amazing restaurants with a ton of interesting meat and veggie options. We’ll be making the smartest decisions we can while enjoying ourselves on vacation.
Alright, you’ll be reading a lot more about Disney after our trip so onto some food. Last night we made Curried Shrimp from a recipe on ElanasPantry.com. I’m not sure why it’s called Curried Shrimp because it was a lot more tomato-y than any other curry I’ve had. We served the shrimp with some sautéed baby bok choy. This meal was alright, but I don’t think we’ll be making it again.
Curried Shrimp with Sauteed Baby Bok Choy
And a Disney picture, for good measure. This is Michael and I last year in our pre-paleo chubby glory
