The 21-Day Sugar Detox- Day 12

Ugh! What a terrible night's sleep I had! Insomnia, bad dreams, sweating, nausea, and a headache were just some of the suffering I dealt with last night. Needless to say, today I'm totally fatigued. I guess since our bodies typically heal while at rest, mine is just doing what it's supposed to do. Stinks though!

Well, I had to change my housecleaning day to today instead of tomorrow because I have a catechist's retreat to attend. So, exhausted, I move about, doing my chores. I did three loads of laundry and cleaned the entire house, including the oven. By 2 PM, I was done. I fixed myself a little lunch of leftover chicken legs, asparagus, and olives. Quite random, I know. But, today was not the day to argue with myself.

After lunch, I had some work to do for my shop, Boho and Mo. Some of my pieces may be featured on bookcovers.  I'm trying to work out the deal. And, I'm in the process of writing an ebook, which requires a ton of research. Both of these require brain function I may not have today. But, I've got deadlines; so, I have to push through it. Just as I started to make progress, the buzzer for the dryer went off. This is exactly the reason I clean on Saturdays, not workdays. Argh!

Finally, it's time to cook dinner. I really needed some comfort food; so, I decided to try to replicate one of my favorite Cajun dishes, Dirty Rice, paleo style. For the rice, I would use cauliflower rice. I set about cooking it as I normally would.  When it was time to add the rice, I instead added the cauliflower rice. I sauted it as I normally would. The only difference was the lack of rice and cayenne pepper.

I served my Paleo Dirty Rice with a side salad of arugula, peeled cucumber, and half an avocado.  The faux Dirty Rice wasn't bad. It certainly wasn't as good as the real thing. Next time, I think I'll add a little more bacon fat. I think it would taste better with some organic chicken gizzards. But, boy, are those hard to come by. I've been searching online and everywhere, trying to find them. Cayenne pepper would have helped,too.  I'll keep trying until I perfect it. Then, I'll share the recipe with all my Cajun food lovers.

After dinner, I settled into the sofa to write this blog. When done, I think I'll head to bed early. I have to be up early tomorrow morning. Ugh!

Today was not so good. Losing sleep last night did not help. It's not that I felt sick. I just didn't feel as good as I have been. I give it a big thumbs down! Boo hiss!

Hopefully, tomorrow is a better day. I have to prepare food to bring with me to the retreat. There is always a ton of food at these functions. I know I can have none of it! I can't even eat the dish that I'm slated to bring to pass. Now, that stinks! Whatever, I'll just have my lettuce wraps, I guess.

Once again, this blog is to share the real ups and downs of the detox process. I keep it real for y'all. If I'm having a bad day, your going to know about it. Likewise, if I'm having a good, "lollipops and unicorns" day. When you're trying to heal, you have to take the good with the bad. If someone tells you they were healed in a day, they are FULL OF IT! It doesn't work that way. You have to make an effort.

If you are ready to start healing, do it! The sooner you start,the sooner you can get this detox phase over with. And, if you need someone to encourage you when things get rough, email me or comment below. I'll be right there with you! Tmoperillo@gmail.com

Wow! What A Year for Boho and Mo!

Well, first I'd like to thank all of you who follow my blog and Facebook page! Thank you so much for allowing Boho and me into your lives. I hope I've been able to provide you with some insight, camaraderie, and fun over the last few months. It's been great getting to know you all!

I find myself reflecting on this incredible year, 2013. In one years time, I founded and began building Boho and Mo, opened my Etsy shop, was diagnosed with Lupus, began a whole new way of eating, and premiered this blog. In just a few short months, I've built my Facebook page, Boho and Mo, from just three "Likes" ( my husband, my Mom, my sister) to 456 "Likes". That's 456 people I have the opportunity to help!

The whole reason I founded Boho and Mo was to help others to heal through information and my own experiences.  And, at the same time, I wanted to do my part for our wonderful country.  This is why I repurpose, recycle, upcycle, and fight against companies and people who try to poison us. I do what I can to protect the citizens of this fine nation from those who want to take away our liberties and safety.

In the new year, expect many changes. I will continue to grow Boho and Mo in new ways. My Etsy shop will grow to include a full all-natural skincare, body care, and household cleaning line of products. I will also be adding more vintage and handcrafted clothing and accessories. I aim to make into a shop where you can find everything you need to live naturally.

I will also focus more on natural, healthy pet information. After all, it is Boho who inspired me to create Boho and Mo!

So, as we enter into this new year together, I promise to keep the information coming in new and interesting ways. I hope you'll stick around. And, please feel free to comment and share your experiences. I love hearing from you all!

Happy New Year!

Paleo Thanksgiving Prep- Day Two or What Was I Thinking!

So, this morning I set off to do my Thanksgiving dinner shopping.  I needed to purchase a few hard to find foods; so, decided to shop a grocery store that carried a big variety of specialty foods. I parked my car in a spot pretty far from the entrance, as I always do. I figured there is someone out there who needs a closer spot than I do. Besides, I like to walk. Midway through my walk, I started to feel that old wicked ache in my hip joint. Aargh!  I could not let the pain deter me. I had seven family members and Boho counting on me to provide them with a Thanksgiving feast. I hobbled onward.

Inside the store, desperation festered from last minute shoppers scurrying around like rats in a maze. I carefully maneuvered my way through the fresh produce department. Luckily, I was the rare bird who wanted organic only produce.  I picked out my Fuji apples, sweet onions, sweet potatoes, parsley, and green beans without so much as a sighting of another shopper.  Yeah for me!

In the meat department, I quickly located the fresh free range turkeys. Yikes, fifty bucks for an eighteen pounder!  I knew Trader Joe's had them pre-brined for $1.99 a pound.  As I stood contemplating, a woman came by and started shuffling the turkeys around. " That's an awful lot to pay for a turkey, don't you think?" She asked me.  " Yeah, I think I'm going to get one from Trader Joe's for $1.99 a pound," I answered.  She proceeded to tell me that she'd just come from Trader Joe's because they were SOLD OUT! I grabbed my $50 turkey and placed it into my shopping cart.

The next three hours were spent collecting the ingredients I needed to make my mixed paleo/traditional dishes. I travelled to three different stores to locate everything. Well, almost everything. I could not, for the life of me, find raw cashew butter! I, finally, decided to make my own with raw cashews I picked up at Trader Joe's ( by the way, the woman I met earlier was right- NO TURKEYS). I said a silent prayer of thanks to God for sending me that wonderfully informative woman at precisely the right time.

Once home, I carried my loot into the house, looking like a pack mule. I don't know what it is; but, I hate making more than one trip.  Boho barked at me as I balanced on one leg, slipping off my boot and replacing it with my slipper. She was still barking as I reshifted and did the same with the other side. I plowed through the house until I reached the kitchen and laid the sacks on the floor.

The rest of my afternoon was spent putting away my groceries, taking out the garbage ( tomorrow is garbage day), adding the extra leaf to the dining room table, moving the furniture to accommodate guest, choosing table linens, baking grain free bread for the stuffing, and cooking dinner ( Cilantro chicken and zucchini).

I wish I could answer the question I keep asking myself. What was I thinking? I have never waited until the last minute to prep for Thanksgiving or any other holiday ( I host all of them!). I don't know if it has anything to do with my diagnosis, the trip I took to visit my newborn nephew, or my constantly evolving symptoms. All I do know, is I will never do this again!

Tomorrow, I will clean house ( which includes shampooing the carpet), brine the turkey, and prepare the green bean casseroles, sweet potatoes, and grain free sausage stuffing.  These will all be made in advance and then refrigerated.  Thanksgiving day, all I need to do is pop them in the oven about a half an hour before serving. Easy as pie! Oops, I forgot about the Paleo Pecan Pie! I'll make that tomorrow, too.

All of my recipes can be found on my Pinterest boards, Gluten Free For Me and Paleo-a-go-go.  Http://www.pinterest.com/bohoandmo 

And: Danielle Walker's Thanksgiving ebook on Amazon.com

Glutino Gluten Free Frozen Pizza Review

I LOVE cooking! But, recently my fatigue level has been at an all time high. Tonight, I was glad to have purchased a few pre-made gluten free frozen dinners. Usually, I have a few dinners prepared and frozen for such occasions. When I opened my freezer, this Glutino frozen pizza was the only dinner left.

I was in no mood to fight the hunger dragon in my stomach. I opened the box, took off the wrapping, threw a few gluten free Trader Joe's Ciao pepperoni slices on top, and tossed the pizza into my toaster oven. Thirteen minutes later, I had a lovely, toasted pepperoni pizza.

Now,it was time for the real test! I hoisted up a slice and took a bite. I have to admit, it was pretty darn good. The texture of the crust was perfect. The sauce was mild, with a touch of sweetness. The cheese ratio was also perfect. Fact is, this was the best frozen pizza I ever ate. It was even better than any of the non-gluten free frozen pizzas I ate in the past.

Ya'll, I live in the real world. I know it's not always possible to cook each and every meal. It's nice to know that once in a while, I can grab something quick and easy. And, when that food tastes good, that's even nicer.

So, I give Glutino Gluten Free Pizza a big thumbs up for convenience, taste, and texture.

Mangiare!

Warm Mediterranean Quinoa and Black Bean Salad Recipe

Well, it's time for a new recipe. I made this warm salad last week on one of those crisp fall days. As the quinoa was simmering in its spice infused broth, the aroma wafted through my kitchen. Aaah, Fall.  I love these days, before the icy, jarring fingers of winter pierce our skin. Sorry, I get carried away sometimes. Without any further ado, here is my recipe for Warm Mediterranean Quinoa and Black Bean Salad. By the way, it's vegetarian and Gluten Free. Enjoy!

1 cup Quinoa

2 cups Vegetable Stock

1 can Organic Black Beans- rinsed and drained

1/2 Red Onion- diced

1 Tomato- diced

1 Small Cucumber- diced

1 Avocado- diced

1 Tsp Garam Masala

1 Tsp Tumeric

1 Tsp Cumin

1/4 cup Feta Cheese

Salt & Pepper to taste

Tzatziki Sauce- prepared ( I like Trader Joe's.)

Place Quinoa and Vegetable Stock into a 1 1/2 quart saucepan and bring to a boil. Cover, lower heat, and simmer until 1/2 of liquid is absorbed. Add Black Beans and Spices and continue to simmer, covered, until all of liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit for 2 minutes. Transfer Quinoa to glass or ceramic bowl. Add Onion, Tomato, Cucumber, and Avocado. Toss. Sprinkle with Feta, salt and pepper. Toss lightly. You can add a dollop to bowl; or, you can add a dollop to each individual serving.

So easy and so tasty! It only takes about 20 minutes to make!

Gluten Free Products Reviews Plus Quick Chicken and Waffles Recipe

Last night, I was pretty tired at dinner time.  I really didn't feel like making a big meal; so, I decided to raid the pantry and freezer.  I just bought these frozen waffles from Trader Joe's and decided to give them a try.  Not wanting just waffles, I pulled out an organic chicken breast from the fridge. I was going to make some chicken and waffles. I grabbed my Schar Gluten Free Bread Crumbs from the pantry and set off to make a quick dinner.

I dredged the chicken breast in the bread crumbs mixed with a little salt, cayenne, and garlic powder. Then, put the chicken breast in my toaster oven on 400 degrees for 40 minutes, flipping once. Once chicken was cooked, I put my waffles in the toaster. Then, I sandwiched the chicken breast between the two waffles and poured Trader Joe's Organic Maple Syrup on top.

It was delicious!  The Trader Joe's Wheat Free Toaster Waffles were so good, I couldn't tell they were gluten free.  Even the texture was perfect.  I would recommend them to anyone who likes frozen waffles for a quick meal.

I would also like to recommend Schar Gluten Free Bread Crumbs. I have used them a few times now and they have never let me down. I've even used them to make meatballs.  They are a great replacement for regular bread crumbs.

On a side note, I also tried the new Pillsbury Gluten Free Pizza Dough. It's sold in a tub. Unfortunately, I have nothing good to report. The taste was bland. The texture was too thick, crumbly, and doughy. It ruined my pizza. I was not happy.

Oh, and I tried Amy's Frozen Gluten Free Macaroni and Cheese. Can you tell my husband has started hockey season again? I've been left to make dinner for one.  Anyway, the Mac and Cheese was awesome, very creamy and delicious.

Did you know that Trader Joe's has a printed list of the gluten free foods they carry. All you have to do is ask someone who works there to get one for you. I just got mine today. It's quite extensive.

A little trick I learned today, to remember which products are gluten free when it's not on the package, write GF on the label with a Sharpee. I know it seems simple. But, when you're buying different foods for different members of your family, it can drive you crazy figuring out who can have what.

Super Simple Gluten Free Orzo Salad

This is a super simple recipe. You can even make it the night before to have for lunch the next day.

2 cups cooked Gluten-free orzo ( I like Delallo brand)

1 small cucumber, diced

1 medium tomato, diced

1/2 avocado, cut into small chunks

1/4 cup feta cheese ( I like Trader Joe's made with sheep's milk in brine)

1/4 cup lemon juice

Splash of red wine vinegar

1 Tablespoon dried oregano

1 Tablespoon Greek olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Cook orzo according to package. Meanwhile, dice tomatoes and cucumber. Cut avocado into small chunks. Once orzo is cooked, drain and rinse in lukewarm water. Place orzo in large bowl. Add all ingredients and toss lightly. Place in refrigerator and let sit for at least 10 minutes.  Serve.

Voila! Easy and delicious.