Taking Stock – February 2015

February 10, 2015
Tri-Colour Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Paleo, Primal, Food
A collage of some of the Paleo Meals I’ve been cooking up!

I thought it was probably time I stopped and took stock again!  In fact, I think I will write a ‘Taking Stock’ post each month from now on.  My first and only Taking Stock post was in November 2014 and can be seen here. It’s a great way to get a sense of how you’re travelling!

Making: Lots of meals that are new to me and with ingredients I have never used or eaten before – eg Kale, Galangal, Shrimp Paste, Tahini & more!

Cooking: Paleo recipes from Pete Evan’s The Paleo Way 10 Week Activation Program. I may or may not become 100% paleo but I’m going to give it my best shot!  I want to learn more about nutrition and eat less processed foods so that I can be healthier and have more energy and vibrancy about me. Oh and hopefully lose some weight!!

Drinking: Lots of water with a dash of Bickford’s Diet Lime Cordial (not sure that the cordial stuff is paleo friendly sshh!)

Reading: Just started reading ‘Gone Girl’ by Gillian Flynn loaned to me by my sister.

Wanting: A cleaner so I can focus on the stuff I really want to do!

Looking: Forward to late April when the tennis player and myself head over to Tasmania for a 13-day driving holiday. We have put together our own itinerary and everything is booked. Can.Not.Wait!

Playing: With my two-year-old dog ‘Ava’ in the yard. She loves chasing a tennis ball and bringing it back to me … and repeat … and repeat. My other dog Chelsea is nearly 15. She watches!

Deciding: How to spend some Christmas money that was given to me.

Wishing: I weighed a lot less than I currently do!

Enjoying: My pool and air-conditioning during these hot and humid summer months!

Waiting: For my sore feet (Plantar Fasciitis) to heal and be pain-free.  Newsflash:  There has been some improvement!  I will never take my feet for granted ever again!

Liking: The fact that with the end of the Christmas school holidays comes the end of all the crap {cough} sport and re-runs on TV.

Wondering: If I could ever give up coffee?

Loving: Fresh, natural, healthy and delicious foods!

Pondering: Lots of navel gazing stuff.  What my purpose in life is? What do I really want to do?  What would I be best at doing?  I get snippets of visions but 100% clarity still eludes me.

Considering:  Shaking things up a bit!

Watching: ‘The Block’.  I’m a sucker for a makeover of any type!

Hoping: That 2015 is not filled with as many tragedies across the globe as was the case during 2014.

Marvelling: At the longevity of my cherished old girl ‘Chelsea’, a tri-colour Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, who will turn 15 on March 3.

Tri-Colour Cavalier King Charles Spaniel“Chelsea”

Needing: To get more active!

Smelling: Nothing – I’ve never had a sense of smell.  It’s a bit of a mystery and NO it does not affect my taste.  I taste just fine! 🙂

Wearing: Casual, cool and comfortable clothes. I’m no fashionista!

Following: Some new paleo enthusiasts on Instagram.

Noticing: That there are so many courses I would like to do!

Knowing: That things will work out as they are supposed to.

Thinking: Of subjects for blog posts.

Admiring: So many people out there chasing their dreams and hitting goals!

Sorting: Through my thoughts trying to get to the core messages of who I am and what my purpose is.

Buying: Organic foods including lots of coconut based foods such as coconut oil, coconut water, coconut milk etc.

Getting: Educated on the nutritional value and health benefits of various foods.  It’s fascinating!

Bookmarking: Not too much right now as I have too many bookmarks already to go back and read!

Disliking: The really hot and humid days we’ve had here in Brisbane as well as all the sport that my male folk have been watching on TV!

Opening: Lots of Queensland state election 2015 campaign mail recently! Thank goodness it is now over OR is it?!

Giggling: At the antics of my dogs!

Feeling: Determined and inspired.

Snacking: On carrot and pepita seed crackers and Baba Ganoosh dip!

Coveting: Having all my family still living at home with me.

Helping: My son with job applications.

Hearing:
Mindfully listening for the sounds of birds. There are so many different bird songs where I live.


Ciao for now,

Min-Signature

p.s.  This fabulous ‘Taking Stock’ idea was dreamt up by Pip from Meat Me at Mike’s.  Here is a post of hers and where you can grab a blank list to copy and paste should you wish to do your own.

 [This post is linked up with Essentially Jess for #IBOT , With Some Grace for #FYBF and also joining Maxabella Loves, Life, Love & Hiccups, Sonia Styling, A Life Less Frantic and Blah Blah Magazine for Weekend Rewind.]

 

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48 Comments

  • Reply Raychael aka Mystery Case February 10, 2015 at 7:39 am

    Gosh those meals look divine and definitely something I could be eating. I love this post, I might need to do something similar this month.

    • Reply Min February 10, 2015 at 6:07 pm

      Those meals ARE devine! I don’t feel like I am missing out at all … and I’ve had not bread in over a month! I never thought I could do that! Doing a Taking Stock post is a very interesting process to go through. It requires a lot more thought than you might realise! 😉

  • Reply Malinda @mybrownpaperpackages February 10, 2015 at 9:11 am

    I love reading these taking stock posts. I’ve done one before, I should do it again. That food all looks delicious, thank goodness your lack of smell doesn’t stop you from tasting all that deliciousness. And I too am glad that good TV is back again, though I don’t get much of a chance to watch it I like to have something decent on in the background while I get other things done.

    • Reply Min February 10, 2015 at 6:11 pm

      I did one in November last year. This is my first one this year. I might try doing one every month! I am loving the Paleo meals but OMG I’m in the kitchen cooking a lot more and the amount of washing up has increased enormously. It is all worth it though and as a positive – it provides great photography opportunities! 🙂

  • Reply Kirsty @ My Home Truths February 10, 2015 at 10:09 am

    Great idea for a post – love the prompts and your answers too! Let me know how you go on the paleo activation diet. We are trying to choose more paleo meals here too (to reduce and hopefully eliminate processed foods) and I’d like to know whether the activation diet works or not.

    • Reply Min February 10, 2015 at 6:35 pm

      I haven’t been 100% perfectly following the 10 week activation program (eg I still drink coffee, I’ve had the occasional biscuit in weak moments, and I’ve had a dash of skim milk in my coffee occasionally – but mostly having coconut milk these days) BUT as a whole I think I’m doing a pretty good job of it. For the first 2-3 weeks you can feel a bit tired as your body no longer has carbs/sugars to burn for energy. Your body eventually switches to burning fat for energy (yahoo – bring THAT on!). 🙂

  • Reply Maxabella February 10, 2015 at 11:50 am

    Wait a minute, you still haven’t spent your Christmas money!?!?! x

    • Reply Min February 10, 2015 at 6:18 pm

      LOL I know!! I’m one of those weirdo’s that actually doesn’t like shopping! I like to know what I want – whip in and get it and then get the hell outta there. Hence my pondering what I want to spend it on. I’m not a browzer! 😉

  • Reply Beck @ Craftypjmum February 10, 2015 at 12:43 pm

    It’s good to stop and take stock every now and then. Those meals look delicious and the photo of that puppy is just the sweetest x

    • Reply Min February 10, 2015 at 6:29 pm

      Thanks Beck! Chelsea will love that you called her a ‘puppy’ lol. She turns 15 (which is 105 in human years) on March 3rd! 🙂 x

  • Reply Deborah February 10, 2015 at 12:50 pm

    Love the pics – wouldn’t eat the food (being fussy and unhealthy!) but it all looks pretty – and of course Chelsea!

    A great idea to do some thinking about the year so far and what’s to come. Lots on your agenda by the look…

    Deb

    • Reply Min February 10, 2015 at 6:26 pm

      It took lots of thought to do this post! LOL Oh Deb I reckon you would like SOME of the meals I’ve cooked up lately – actually A LOT of them. Gorgeous flavoured chicken and roasts with roast veggies – yummo! It’s not all the green stuff! 😉

  • Reply Mandy Barbie Bieber Beyond February 10, 2015 at 12:54 pm

    Oh my gosh your Cavi is just gorgeous. We have a 2 year old Blenheim and a 8 week old tri colour..It’s all fun and games here at the moment!

    • Reply Min February 10, 2015 at 6:25 pm

      Thanks Mandy! Yes I’ve seen your cavs on Instagram. I commented on a recent picture. Your new tri-colour baby is so cute! I have two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels too – Chelsea who is pictured in this post (turning 15 soon) and Ava – a 2 year old ruby. Love them both so much! 🙂

  • Reply Rita@TheCraftyExpat February 10, 2015 at 1:44 pm

    Ohhh… Min, how are you finding Gone Girl?
    I’m sure you will have a glorious time in Tassie!
    I love all your food pictures on Instagram.

    • Reply Min February 10, 2015 at 6:23 pm

      Oh Rita – I think I will have to start reading Gone Girl from the beginning again. I started it a couple of weeks ago and haven’t got back to it, so I’ve forgotten what I’ve read. I’ve beem waking at around 4-5am every morning so by night I’m exhausted and keep falling asleep when I try to read! Have you read it? I’m glad you’re liking my food pics. I think I might start trying to get a little more serious with some food photography 🙂 x

  • Reply Michelle@myslowlivingadventure February 10, 2015 at 2:27 pm

    Gorgeous looking food. It’s so important to make your food interesting when you’re changing the way you eat. Sounds like lots of things are on track for you. Feeding and nurturing your body is the best thing you can do for yourself I reckon.

    • Reply Min February 10, 2015 at 6:20 pm

      Totally agree – love the food looking good and enticing! Extra fab that it tastes good too! I think food is like medicine and I need to medicate myself with good, healthy wholefoods to improve my health in every which way. It’s worth the effort 🙂

  • Reply Pinky Poinker February 10, 2015 at 8:08 pm

    When I got back to work after 6 weeks of school holidays I saw a friend/colleague who’d been on the Paleo diet for the whole time. She’d lost heaps of weight and her skin was glowing. It almost convinced me but I just CAN NOT give up my three milky coffees with one sugar. Good luck with it Min because it really does work. I’ve never seen this lady look so fantastically healthy. Chelsea is gorgeous xx

    • Reply Min February 11, 2015 at 8:18 am

      Oh I hope I lose heaps of weight! I sure need to! My skin is already feeling amazing! I am still drinking coffee. I’ve replaced my usual milk with coconut milk and I still need to sweeten it. It’s been a trial trying to find something that is not *bad*. Tried Stevia – hated it. I’m now using Coconut Palm Sugar and it works. I guess eventually I will TRY to switch to drinking tea but right now that is a step I am not ready to make. One thing at a time! haha

  • Reply Kathy February 10, 2015 at 8:42 pm

    What a great wrap. That paleo food looks great, I’m sure it tastes great and it would probably smell great too (if you could smell it)! I’m with on the cleaner and I’m with you in doing lots of pondering too. So great that you are giving paleo a go and it is fantastic to be more aware of what we put in our mouths. Enjoy your countdown to Tassie too.

    • Reply Min February 11, 2015 at 8:20 am

      I’m loving the paleo food Kathy! Generally the brekky and lunch options, I prepare on the weekend and they last me for 4 days. I cook up a fresh dinner each night as we have a family of five and rarely ever have any leftovers. Sometimes I double a recipe so it might do two nights and it gives me a break. Hoping to reap health and weight loss benefits! Cannot wait for Tassie! 🙂

  • Reply Renee Wilson February 10, 2015 at 9:30 pm

    Those meals look so healthy and colourful. Good on you! What a great list and a great idea to do. I must do this one of these days. Shaking things up sounds very interesting 🙂 I love your dog too. How gorgeous 🙂

    • Reply Min February 11, 2015 at 8:21 am

      Thanks Renee! You should give doing a ‘taking stock’ post a go. You’ll be amazed at just how hard it get’s your brain working/thinking! 😉

  • Reply Deb @ inner compass designs February 11, 2015 at 12:00 am

    Amazing that your lack of smell does not affect taste. I always thought the two are connected. So nice to meet you today for real xxx

    • Reply Min February 11, 2015 at 8:23 am

      Hi Deb – Smell and taste ARE connected and most likely if I suddenly could smell my taste would be intensified. But, I’ve never had smell so I think perhaps my taste sense alone has compensated and is better than most. Lovely to meet you for real yesterday too! 🙂 xo

  • Reply Tegan February 11, 2015 at 9:15 pm

    Those meals looks absolutely delicious! I went to a podiatrist recently and I’ve also been diagnosed with Plantar Fasciitis. I’ve got to strap my feet for the next 3 weeks at least because I have a lot of swelling around my heel. Hopefully we’ll both be painfree soon!

    • Reply Min February 12, 2015 at 6:26 am

      Sorry to hear you have Plantar Fasciitis Tegan!! Good news is that it eventually will get better. Mine is improving heaps. Good arch support ALL the time and stretching exercises are the key. My aim is to be completely pain free before we leave for Tasmania in late April. 🙂

  • Reply Bec @ The Plumbette February 12, 2015 at 4:47 pm

    Those meals look fabulous Min! I’ve wanted to embrace paleo meals for dinner. I’ve also started reading Gone Girl. I figured if I can’t get to the cinema to watch it I may as we’ll read it at home!

    • Reply Min February 13, 2015 at 6:15 am

      The meals have been fabulous Bec! I’ve had lots of washing up though! lol Still need to get into the book. I keep falling asleep at night before I get a chance to read! 😉

  • Reply Leanda Michelle February 13, 2015 at 10:40 am

    These Paleo dishes look divine Min 🙂 … and aww… Chelsea is a treasure! Loved reading your February wrap-up♥

    • Reply Min February 13, 2015 at 4:21 pm

      Glad you enjoyed the read Leanda! The Paleo dish have been so delicious! Chelsea is gorgeous but a terrible snorer! lol 😉 x

  • Reply Kylie Purtell - A Study in Contradictions February 13, 2015 at 4:37 pm

    Oh I hear you on the plantar fasciitis! It was the reason I had to stop running last July, it was at the point where I could barely walk. Even now, months later, I struggle first thing in the morning, but it’s definitely getting better. To the point where I’m hoping I might actually be able to go for a run in a few week. Fingers crossed! I hope yours gets better super quick, it’s the pits!
    #teamIBOT

    • Reply Min February 14, 2015 at 7:46 am

      Sorry to hear you’ve got/had PF too Kylie! I was walking 6kms every day and had to stop. I’ve got really good inserts for my joggers now that provide the arch support I need so I can start walking again but not every day – yet! Thankfully my right foot seems all better but my left foot still has a way to go BUT it has much improved! We will both have super duper feet again soon. Just got to always wear good supportive shoes to keep it that way 😉 x

  • Reply Janet aka Middle Aged Mama February 13, 2015 at 5:07 pm

    Those pics … are making my mouth water! The ones of the food, not your puppies, of course 😉

    • Reply Min February 14, 2015 at 7:47 am

      Well I’m pleased your mouth isn’t watering over my Chelsea photo Janet! LOL

  • Reply Sonia Life Love Hiccups February 13, 2015 at 7:17 pm

    You have so much going on hun – I hope the Plantar Fasciitis heals soon – man that sucks. I too am loving the block and here’s a confession… I really have no idea what a paleo diet involves lol. Have a great weekend hun xx

    • Reply Min February 14, 2015 at 7:50 am

      There’s more going on than you see in this post Sonia haha! PF sure does suck but there is light in sight – it’s improving! yee ha! The Paleo diet basically removes grains, legumes, sugar and dairy and focuses on good healthy grass fed meats, vegetables (not potato), low fructose fruits like berries, nuts and seeds, lots of coconut based foods and fermented veggies that are loaded with good bacteria for gut health. There’s more to it but that is it in a very brief little nutshell! 🙂

  • Reply Lydia C. Lee February 13, 2015 at 8:01 pm

    I like the considering shaking things up – go you!! That’s fab!

    • Reply Min February 14, 2015 at 7:50 am

      Time will tell as to whether and how much I might shake things up Lydia! 😉

  • Reply JodiGibson (@JFGibsonWriter) February 13, 2015 at 8:17 pm

    Those meals look yummy! And I love these taking stock posts doing the rounds at the moment. It’s great to see what everyone’s up to.

    • Reply Min February 14, 2015 at 7:51 am

      The meals have been very yummy! I like reading the Taking Stock posts too. They provide good insight into a person and what they’re up to! 🙂

  • Reply Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me February 13, 2015 at 9:19 pm

    I adore these posts and have one lined up for tomorrow! Love being a bit nosey into what you’re doing Min xxx

    • Reply Min February 14, 2015 at 7:52 am

      Oooo I’ll have to be a nosey parker and pop over to read yours! 😉 xo

  • Reply Robo February 15, 2015 at 5:01 pm

    I’m having foot issues too! This is a fantastic list and the first time I’ve come aross it. I might have to have a go as well. A wonderful post. Taking stock is very important.

    • Reply Min February 17, 2015 at 7:36 am

      Sorry to hear you’re having foot issues too! This is my second Taking Stock post. It’s fun to do but sure does take a lot of thought – which is a good thing 🙂

  • Reply Grace February 15, 2015 at 8:50 pm

    Chelsea is gorgeous, Min! King Charles Cavalier Cocker Spaniels are my favourite dogs. I hope to get one for our family one day. Always great to take stock x

    • Reply Min February 17, 2015 at 7:39 am

      Thanks Grace! Chelsea is a lovely old thing. As a youngster she was difficult though – so hyper! I have to correct what you called the breed though. There is no ‘cocker’ in this breed. They’re called ‘Cavalier King Charles Spaniels’. There is another breed called King Charles Spaniels that are entirely different. Their faces are more squashed in appearance. Cocker Spaniels are again another breed entirely. People often get confused between the breeds. 😉 xo

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