This blog started as The adventures of a D.I.N.K. family where the two "kids" are four legged and how we are going to retire early. Now it's a 1 income, 1 entrepreneur, and 1 pup getting closer and closer to retirement.
So we always celebrate on Christmas Eve and we prepare all of the Italian dishes from my family.
Orange Salad
Zeppole
Sous Chef watching over making knots
After dinner we opened up stockings. We just did stockings this year, but hubby buy me more than just stocking stuffers. He got a big present before Christmas. Z was really excited for the stockings - his and both of ours.
We always have extra frozen bread dough, so a couple of years ago, we started making cinnamon rolls for Christmas morning.
When my aunt Helen was in the nursing home, we started ordering Chinese on Christmas Day.
We've continued that tradition since she passed away.
So I really want to start getting more active on here. I usually post to Instagram which is linked to Facebook for Daily Zed.
Tuesday, we went to see the lights around the neighborhood and then to Leesburg, Va where there is a house that has lights and music. They also do this at Halloween time. - Edwards Landing Lights. We decided that since we would probably just be in the car to bring Z. He doesn't mind the car at all.
He kind of freaked out because he slid off of the seat and we decided to just bring him up front. He just FROZE. Dan was like "maybe he thinks we are dropping him off." Once he was upfront on my lap, he was fine. We drove around then headed up to Leesburg. We didn't know how big of an event it was going to be. There were people hanging out all over. We parked and luckily we had his leash with us.
So I reordered an Esa ring from another Etsy shop and it was a success! The ring fits perfectly and is the exact match of the first ring.
Yesterday, what came in the mail, but the first ring! I was excited, until I looked at the ring - the font was different, which is no biggy but the dates are wrong!
All I can say is I'm glad that it didn't come and I ordered another one. I would have been so upset.
Anyway, it all works out! I am so happy with the ring.
I finally decided about two weeks ago to order a replacement Esa ring (see the blog post fromAugust 17 2014). When I bought it, it was so hot out my hands must have been swollen. Within a mont or so, it was obvious that the rind was too big. I added a ring adjuster to it, but lately, it's still too big for my thumb.
So I went on Etsy and ordered an exact replica but in a smaller size. The seller was great communicating. On the 30th, I got notice of postage being created. I waited a couple of days then contacted the seller because it didn't arrive. We gave it until Wednesday and still nothing. The seller refunded my money without even asking me if I still wanted the item.
So back it Etsy - I found another one tha will hopefully be the same. The order was shipped out on the 10th from NJ and the tracking hasn't Ben updated since then!
I'm going to be PO'd if this order does come through!
This was really easy to make. I didn't have the peppers (don't really care for pepper), but used onions instead. I didn't have sub rolls, so used hot dog rolls.
Looks like regular pot roast
It tasted really good, but didn't taste like anything special. Dan has a really good idea for next time - put provolone cheese on it and melt it a little.
So for every Christmas Eve, we have Alia Oilia (garlic and oil sauce). Usually every week Dan and I have pasta with Francesca Rinaldi sauce. That is the only sauce I will use because it's close to Aunt Helen's sauce. So anyway, I was going to do our regular pasta dish last night when I realized we didn't have any Francesa. Then I was thinking, I'll just use italian dressing ( my speciality pasta dish), but then I though - what about Alia Oilia? DONE!
Now, this is my FIRST time making Aunt Helen's sauce AND I didn't follow the recipe (I didn't let it simmer for 3 hoursplus we didn't have paprika). So this was a big thing for me! Dan is usually the one in charge of the sauce on Christmas Eve.
My twist - using ziti and adding Italian blend shredded cheese. Dan liked it, so that's all that matters - and of course I liked it. Definitely not the same as Christmas Eve, which is what I wanted.
I think Aunt Helen would be proud. Of course, I was always her favorite, so no doubt. I probably would have asked to chance it first though.😉
I know! How have I never made these before? How about no leftover baked potatoes?
Dan made a couple of extra earlier in the week and I'm at the point where I just don't want to cook/eat the same old, same old. So I looked up recipes for twice baked potatoes and came to this recipe:
I have been so bad at blogging anymore. I enjoy it, just don't do it. Anyway, an update on Z.
He had a checkup with the cardiologist on the 23rd and received a good checkup. The meds have really helped his hypertension. Originally his range was in the 110s (whatever number they look at) and now it's in the 40's.
I asked if his life expectancy has changed, but of course the vet didn't want to increase the 1 year estimate. I am grateful for the days I do have him and hope he is here longer than a year ( actually, it would be 9 months from the original 1 year estimate. 17 months from the original 2 year estimate).
I hope he makes it through his calendar month, whenever that is. He made the calendar for the CVCA (cardiologist), by people voting daily for him. When we were at the appointment, I told them that he was going to be in the calendar and they were all excited ( the cardiologist and 2 techs).
Please check out Zed's Facebook and Instagram pages. I post regularly on there.
Since May, we have been dealing with Zed and his health problems. I have continued to post on my Facebook page (private) about his health and have posted #dailyZed pictures there. Recently, I created a Daily Zed Facebook page and have posted #dailyZed there along with on Instagram.
At Zed's yearly check-up, it was suggested that we visit the cardiologist to see how his heart murmur was. We have known about his heart murmur for awhile and it was given a 5 out of 6 rating without an ultrasound.
He did well at the appointment and was the perfect patient. We were given two prescriptions to hold on to until his blood work came back. His blood work came back and shortly after that (like within 2 weeks), he started to go into heart failure. Basically, water in his lungs. He was breathing really fast. He also will start gagging and can't stop, then faints. It was suggested to put him on a couple of heart meds (like 2 meds and then a supplement for his liver since his liver enzymes were up). The cardiologist mentioned that when a dog goes on heart medications, it usually extends their life about 2 years.
Zed had a couple of incidents during the night, but I thought he wasn't waking up in time to go outside to go the bathroom. I also figured it might be the meds. Then one day (August), I ran upstairs and Zed followed. I turned right around and started back down. Zed turned around and "fainted" in front of me.
I took him to the cardiologist and they did another ultrasound and said there was more damage to his heart so he was to take 2 more meds. I asked what his life expectancy could be and it was now down to one year.
That's when I decided to create Daily Zed Facebook and Instagram. I thought about how people had "bucket lists" for their dogs. There wasn't any way that Z could do a bucket list trip, but a flat Zed could! So a created a #flatZed and asked that people print it out and do selfies.
At least one of my friends has been having fun with it and Dan and I took Flat Zed on vacation with us to the Outer Banks.
Zed has been doing well since starting the two additional medications. At first he was a little lethargic, but after 4 weeks on the meds, he started to become himself again and we found out that his liver enzymes were going down, so that was probably why he was acting much better.
Then last week, Z and I took a trip to NY. I had noticed that he was hacking a little more than the once a day, but he seemed ok. He ended up peeing in the house, but that could be because of the smells in the house AND mama slacked and didn't realize it was that time when he usually goes out. That was Thursday night. Friday morning, we were going to leave. When we woke up, he had an episode. Hacking and didn't stop until he "fainted". I was so scared. Here I have to drive with him for 6 hours - what if he didn't jump back like usual.
Luckily, he did. He was quiet/tired on the drive home, but he was really good. I added an extra Lasix to his meds to help. We probably won't be doing any more traveling with him.
Today, I stopped the mid-day Lasix and now I'm wondering if I should have. He has hacked a little more than usually, but still seems good.
Please visit Zed's Instagram or Facebook page for pictures of Daily Zed and see what we have been up to.
I was asked to review this book at the last minute - "Dog story? Of course I'll read it!" I was happy that I was given the heads up of "with a happy ending." I don't think I could handle a sad dog book with Zed's medical outlook.
I really enjoyed reading about Toby, Charmaine, and Chris. Oh how I relate because when Esa was a pup (like 7 months old), she was a terror!
Charmaine and Chris took a chance with Toby even though they knew about his quirks (separation anxiety and destructive behavior). It takes a big heart to handle any dog with behavioral issues, let alone a 95 lb dog!
Kudos to Charmaine and Chris for seeking professional help for Toby. Most owners don't even take their dogs to obedience school. The stories that followed were wonderful. Once Toby became a "work dog," he found his calling - and so did Charmaine. Volunteering at a local hospital, becoming a book celebrity - just being a dog - gave Toby a purpose, which most dogs are looking for. All was not rosey, as there were still behavioral issues, but they were limited.
Charmaine did a great job telling the tales of Toby. She told of not just the bad behavior, but how he changed over the years. She also told of Toby's medical emergencies and how he became older. Most importantly, how Charmaine and Chris's lives were changed by this dog. I was glad that the story continued with Toby 2.0.
****
When Charmaine and her husband adopted Toby, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever, they figured he might need some adjusting time, but they certainly didn’t think he’d be a holy terror, beset by severe anxiety and destructive behavior that would take a miracle to curb. Turns out, Toby routinely opened and emptied closets, turned on water taps, and pulled things from the bookshelves. Oddest of all was his penchant for locking himself in the bathroom, and then push the lid of the toilet tank onto the floor, smashing it to pieces. After a particularly disastrous encounter with the knife-block in the kitchen—and when the couple discovered Toby’s blood and paw prints on the phone—Charmaine decided Toby needed professional help.
Little did she know what they would discover about this dog. And how he would change their lives.
“Simply a beautiful book about life, love, and purpose.” —Jack Canfield, Chicken Soup for the Soul series
"A deeply captivating and heartwarming story that will touch your heart!" -Ken Kragen, Film & Television Producer
The Team Toby mission is to PAWsitively improve lives by teaching kindness, acceptance and respect. Team Toby accomplishes the mission through professional speaking and corporate training, presentations to schools and organizations, through the Team Toby Global Speakers team, our books and products, philanthropy and causes projects, and philanthropy efforts.
Follow Team Toby on their Million Acts of Kindness Tour, a six week, 10,000 mile kindness mission road trip in a camper across North America stopping in communities to provide presentations to workplaces and schools, and to participate in acts of kindness.
Charmaine and Toby Sr., and their new Toby, have presented to more than 30,000 students across North America, raised more than $10,000 for charities, and have donated books and presentations to schools and organizations to support healthy character development in children.
Other Toby Books
Toby the Pet Therapy Dog and His Hospital Friends (A CHILDREN'S DOG STORY)
Toby is a big, brown, happy dog. Every week his owner takes him to visit and comfort children who are in the hospital. Follow Toby the service dog for a day and see how he makes friends, and makes others happy. Beautifully illustrated, this simple story sends a positive message about community and the importance of kindness and being helpful to others.
Toby the Pet Therapy Dog says be a Buddy, not a Bully When Toby steps into the path of a dog who bullies him, and shreds his beloved stuffed teddy-bear toy, we see the hurt feelings it creates. This beautifully illustrated book teaches children about the importance of kindness, acceptance, and being considerate of others, including pets. A wonderful story to start discussions in ages 3 to 10.
About Charmaine Hammond
Charmaine Hammond is an international transformational speaker (has spoken to more than 75,000 people around the globe), helping build inspired and resilient teams. She speaks on the topics of resilience, Bouncing Forward, and courageous dialogue.Together,
She is also a #1 international best selling and award winning author of dog book On Toby's Terms, (Bettie Youngs Books), Toby The Pet Therapy Dog & His Hospital Friends, and Toby The Pet Therapy Dog Says Be a Buddy Not a Bully. Her children's books are A Mom's Choice Awards Recipient, and also received the Parent Tested Parent Approved Award, and gold in the Global eBook award. She is co-author of wildly popular new book, GPS Your Best Life-charting your destination and getting there in style. Charmaine was the winner of the 2012 Business Matchmaker of the Year award, an international award (eWomenNetwork)and the Outstanding Alumni Award. On Toby's Terms won a GOLD in the Reader's Favorite Book Awards.
Her book On Toby’s Terms is currently in development to become a major motion picture! She has been featured in the Metro USA, Metro Canada, Edmonton Journal, Edmonton and Spruce Grove Examiner, Calgary and Edmonton Sun, Del Mar Times, National Post, Global TV, CTSTV, Alberta Prime Time (CTV) and on many radio stations in the US and Canada.
In an effort to get Toby’s behaviour under control, a K9 behaviourist worked with Toby on his behavioural issues and stated that Toby was a dog who needed a job, a purpose. Christopher and Charmaine found Toby a job as an Animal Assisted Therapy dog. After training and testing, Toby was approved as a volunteer with Chimo Animal Assisted Therapy and received a volunteer placement at an adult mental health hospital.
Wednesdays with Toby were life changing for the patients he visited, as well as for Charmaine and Christopher. While Toby was bringing unconditional acceptance and happiness to those he visited at the hospital, he was also becoming a teacher for Charmaine and Christopher, teaching them powerful life lessons, about patience, purpose, persistence, the power of unconditional acceptance, and showing up as your authentic self.
The patients that Toby worked with at the hospital and all of the children that he met in schools experienced the benefits of a therapy dog’s whose mission in life was to leave pawprints on hearts everywhere he went x
I originally signed up for the review of “A Pet for
Christmas,” but since I hadn’t read the first book, “A Father for Christmas,” I
got to read both at the same time!
I enjoyed “A Father for Christmas.” I haven’t read a romance novel in a while and
this was a nice chance to just read about a blooming romance. The story was a sweet one where you learned
about Kelly and her daughter, Bree, along with their backstory. Then comes the rugged, handsome, Tyler. But, like Kelly, he has “baggage”. (NOTE:
I’m not degrading PTSD in any way – I’m just saying we all have some
sort of “baggage” that we bring into a relationship.)
The story is touching because it shows how love overcomes
the “baggage” and you create your happiness.
It’s a sweet story and ends on a good note.
“A Pet for Christmas” happens a year later with Tyler in
Afghanistan working on his children’s charity.
The family has been apart and the family is coming apart with Bree
asking about her real father instead of accepting Tyler as she had in the
past. Kelly is pregnant and
stressed.
The writing in this book flips back and forth between Kelly
and Tyler. The “taking turns” between
the two characters makes sense so that you keep up with the “two worlds.” I noticed that the writing style between the
two characters were different. Kelly’s
sections are in the first person point of view, while Tyler’s is in the 3rd
person point of view. Tyler’s portions
were more about the activity around him, so the 3rd person point of
view make since.
I was more interested in Kelly’s sections of the book than
Tyler’s. Maybe because I’m not really an
action reader. I prefer to leave the
action to movies. However, the story
made sense. You couldn’t just write
about Kelly and leave Tyler in nowhere land!
Getting past the “action” in Tyler’s section, you can see
that Tyler realizes that he belongs with his family of Kelly and Bree (and the
baby on the way). His caring side showed
through the trauma he was going through in Afghanistan.
I do not have any family that is in the military, but I can’t
imagine them being so many miles away and not knowing what is going on with
them. Ms. Ayala does a great job showing
both sides of the story – and, of course, ends with “A Pet for Christmas.”
NEW RELEASE...
Dedication
To those who still suffer the wounds of war.
>>><<<
Kelly Kennedy thought her life was finally on track. Engaged to the man of her dreams and with a baby on the way, she reassures her five-year-old daughter, Bree, that the father she picked for Christmas still loves her.
Unfortunately, war veteran Tyler Manning has been away most of the year. Recovering from PTSD isn’t easy. Rather than worry Kelly, Tyler spends his time traveling to Afghanistan to work at a children's charity he founded.
Kelly decides to distract Bree with promises of a pet for Christmas. When Tyler is taken hostage by terrorists, she finds it hard to convince Bree that they will truly be a family in time for Christmas.
A Pet for Christmas is a sequel A Father for Christmas. While it can be read as a standalone, you'll get more of the relationship aspect between Kelly, Tyler, and Bree by reading A Father for Christmas first.
"Heartwarming story of hope and second chances.” - Ruth Davis on Book 1, A Father for Christmas
"Absolutely breathtaking love story." - Amber McCallister on Book 1, A Father for Christmas
Also Available A Father for Christmas (A Veteran’s Christmas Book 1)
Dedication
To all the veterans who gave so much.
>>><<<
Single mother Kelly Kennedy can't afford lavish gifts for her four-year-old daughter, Bree. Homeless veteran Tyler Manning doesn't believe he deserves a Merry Christmas.
When Bree asks Santa for a father and picks Tyler, both Tyler and Kelly vow to keep Bree from being hurt while fighting their feelings for each other.
Tyler struggles with frightening flashbacks that scare Kelly. Meanwhile, Kelly's criminal past threatens her chance for happiness. Tyler and Kelly must believe in the power of love to give Bree her best Christmas ever.
Rachelle Ayala is a bestselling Asian American author of dramatic romantic suspense and humorous, sexy contemporary romances. Her heroines are feisty and her heroes hot. She writes emotionally challenging stories but believes in the power of love and hope.
Rachelle is the founder of an online writing group, Romance in a Month, an active member of the California Writer’s Club, Fremont Chapter, and a volunteer for the World Literary Cafe. She is a very happy woman and lives in California with her husband. She has won awards in multicultural and historical romance.
So I knew I wanted to make pot roast for dinner. The plan was the "regular" pot roast with potatoes, carrots, onions, and dumplings. Well, so much for that plan when you don't have beef broth!
Then, I thought - there was a recipe that wanted to try that was a "three packet" recipes. Once again, didn't have everything. 😡 Now I could have gone out and got what I needed, but I figured, "Let's check Pinterest first. Maybe there will be a recipe that I have all of the ingredients for on there."
About two years ago, I did Lisa's 3 day detox that was all
juicing. After that, I decided that juicing wasn't for me.
Anyway - then I got asked to do a review of Lisa's book, Renewal "Anytime" 10 Day
Detox. I
will say this - I am not a good diet follower. I have read the book and
decided - I can at least try some of these recipes! I am a terrible
eater. I know I need to eat better, but ... So I figure I can at least do the day stuff
Monday through Friday, when it’s just me.
Lisa makes following this cleanse so easy
- right down to the shopping list. Recipes
are easy, items can be found in your local grocery store, and she gives you
options if you don't like the recipes that are in the basic 10 day cleanse. The only improvement might have been to break
down the shopping list by week, but if you just cut the amounts in half, you
have the amounts for the week.
The recipes I did do were easy and were
good. I will be trying some of these
recipes again. The biggest obstacle is
getting my taste buds used to the new items that I am trying. It is a great kick start for a healthy
eating program. The foods are filling
and do not take long to make.
I also know that Lisa is available if
there are ever any questions. She wants
you to be successful and is very supportive.
******
Lose weight, energize, and glow with over 50 recipes and complete 10 day detox plan. This whole foods cleanse includes detailed menu plan, shopping list, and bonus recipes to make after your cleanse. Renewal "Anytime" also includes pre-detox plan, daily instructions, FAQ's, and post-detox next steps.
If you need a quick pick-me-up after vacation or a binge weekend, Renewal “Anytime” is a perfect body reboot. You can also use this detox if you need to look amazing fast for a wedding, reunion, or big event.
Before you embark on your detox journey, I want to talk about the word BALANCE.
Ahhhh, balance.
You are told to strive for balance in your life. In my opinion, that’s pretty difficult to accomplish. There are so many outside sources that can get you out of whack with life: new job, moving, marriage, trips, environmental toxins…the list is endless.
You can’t control every single thing in your life. You can, however, control what you put into your body and how you deal with stress.
That’s why I developed the Renewal “Anytime” 10 Day Detox. Think of this plan as a clean living jumpstart. You will start with eating clean, whole foods. You will also incorporate exercise, breathing and even dry brushing and massage.
Let’s call it a RE-BALANCE.
Your body is always striving for balance to keep you in optimum health, physically, mentally and emotionally. Even things like the changing seasons, nature and being around other people can move you away from the balance your body craves.
Physically, your blood needs to be at a pH level of 7.365. Have you ever heard of acidity and alkalinity? Maybe in a biology class way back? I don’t want to go into a big science lesson. What I first want you to know is something extremely important—your body loves you. Your body works hard to keep you alive.
With that love in mind, it is valuable to know that your body becomes more acidic over time due to consuming a lot of caffeine, sugar and processed foods, as well as exposure to environmental toxins like pesticides, and most of all stress. The acidity leads to inflammation.
Inflammation leads to chronic disease.
Not good. We don’t want any of that. Doing a gentle cleanse is a great way to re-balance your body by pumping in alkaline foods such as dark leafy greens, veggies and fruits and taking some “me” time.
Managing stress is also a way to help your body re-balance. Try yoga, meditation or breathing exercises over the next 10 days. Or, even easier, while eating your lunch, try sitting still for 5 minutes without the TV on, texting or reading a magazine. Your body is striving for balance so make sure to participate in activities that are relaxing and soulful; alkaline activities.
While your body is working to keep you healthy make sure to get a re-balance once in awhile to help her out. You can reuse this plan after your cleanse. Use the recipes and tips to give your body a reboot each season or when you feel out of whack. Remember that having perfect balance isn’t really doable, but you can get pretty darn close by following the steps in this plan.
I’m so excited to be on this wellness journey with you. Have an amazing detox experience and keep in mind this is not about perfection but about getting a chance to RE-BALANCE.
With love,
Lisa x
Renewal “Anytime” Detox…How It Works
Renewal “Anytime” Detox is for 10 days…10 days of discovering new things about your body. How glorious!
Here’s how it works:
Read this entire book, cover to cover, before you head to the grocery store.
Check your pantry. Do you have leftover quinoa or a spices that can be used for the cleanse?
Don’t go and buy extra items. Stick to the list, especially if you have a budget. You might have some of the ingredients hanging out in your cupboard or fridge.
*Most items can be found at a natural food store. Just ask anyone in the produce section or bulk section for items you are looking for. Don’t take a lot of time searching for items. Ask for help.
*I like to buy my grains like quinoa in the bulk section of the grocery store; saves me a little cash plus I can get the right amount I need for a recipe.
Make sure to follow the Daily Practices such as breathing and dry brushing so you have an overall holistic experience with your detox.
Journal during your cleanse to jot down feelings, observations, etc… This is a nice way to get to know your body better and make that body-mind connection even stronger.
Use the “Return to Life” section of this book to ease back after detox. Make sure to focus on what foods you don’t need or just want to introduce slowly. This packet can guide you towards a plan afterwards. As you know, each person is uniquely different, so customize your next steps per your body, schedule, and lifestyle.
Use the BONUS recipes after your detox to keep the glow going. These recipes will also help you ease back into “regular life” without shocking your system.
About the Author
Lisa Consiglio Ryan is a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and founder of Whole Health Designs. She is also a mom, triathlete, yoga lover and green juice drinker.
After spending years struggling with a growing arsenal of health-destroying conditions that ranged from fibromyalgia, hypothyroidism, candida and rosacea to cystitis and tons of allergies, she decided to turn to nutrition and lifestyle to reclaim her health. Then pursuing her education with the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, she turned her personal quest into her vocation with the launch of Whole Health Designs.
Lisa provides seasonal detox programs, meal planning and private coaching for those who desire to embrace “clean living. “ She also provides juice cleanses to local clients and leads wellness retreats in Costa Rica.
As a nationally acclaimed wellness expert, Lisa has worked with thousands in her Renewal 10 Day Detox programs. Her work has been featured in Fox45 News, Fitness Magazine, TinyBuddha, Elephant Journal, Kris Carr's Crazy Sexy Life , Good Life Project, The Daily Meal, and Mind Body Green. She is also the author of her new book, Go Clean, Sexy You: Your Seasonal Detox and Clean Eating Guide will be available late 2015.
"My personal mission is to spread the word~ FOOD IS LOVE. The more whole, REAL foods we eat, the more REAL we become. Imagine how we can change the world by transitioning to the clean life together. I would love you to join me!"
Sweet Potato Salad
Ingredients:
1 sweet potato, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes
1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 Tbsp. lime juice
1 apple, cored and sliced
½ yellow onion, finely chopped
¼ cup chopped cilantro
½ avocado, peeled, pitted, and cubed
2 Tbsp. pumpkin seeds
Directions:
Place chopped sweet potato in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring
to a boil and cook for 10 minutes. Transfer to a colander and rinse under
cold water. Drain well and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine oil, lime juice, apple, onion, and cilantro. Add
avocado and cooked sweet potatoes. Toss, top with seeds, and serve.
Serves 1-2
