That's All Folks!!

After almost two years of writing this blog, I've decided to stop.  Please visit Novel d'Tales for more information and where to find me now!

World Elephant Day!!!!

Today is World Elephant Day - my favorite *holiday* of the entire year.  Elephants are by far my favorite non-domestic animal (although I love all animals).  To celebrate today.. here are my favorite elephant pics!

The gorgeous Willy form the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo in Cleveland, OH. My little sister took this one!

It was dinner time at the Cleveland Zoo when we too this one. Female #1.

Such a gorgeous elephant. The second female at the Cleveland Zoo.

Female #1 again. She's more of a taupe instead of grey. Love it!

Scotty! This was taken at his first birthday party in Cleveland. He was so tiny!

Elephant sculpture at the Cleveland zoo. They had several, but this was my fav.

Last but not least, the pink elephant cake I made for my 20th birthday.  This was take right after I finished, so the cake *fleas* weren't removed yet. haha! Not too bad for only 1 batch of frosting, 2 - 8in cake rounds and some black food gel!

Now, go hug an elephant!!

Happy World Elephant Day!

Updates!

So after realizing my harddrive on my *new* laptop is just done...(sigh) I'm back to using my old, but ever faithful laptop.  Let the mischief rebegin! haha

I've been testing out some organic products for a while now (three weeks ish..?) and have found my favorites.

Raw Cacao Powder
Coconut Sugar
Coconut Flour

The coconut flour isn't very easy to use, but I like the challenge.  It can absorb a ton more moisture than regular all purpose flour (or wheat flour).  BUT it made phenomenal dog treats!  My dachshund prefers homemade treats to store bought, especially the new recipe we made.  I haven't perfected it yet, I try to remember and share when I do.. but here is the general idea.

Apple Dog Treats:
Coconut Flour
Eggs (yolks and whole)
Sugar free apple sauce (I made my own)
Apple - cubed and peeled

Basically, I just took a whole cup of the flour, added about two cups of apple sauce, one yolk and two whole eggs then just threw in a bunch of apple chunks.  There was no exact science when I made it, but they came out well!  I chilled the dough for about an hour, then rolled it, cut it out into "bone" shapes and baked at 325*F until very light in color.  These were crunchy, healthy treats that Yosuke loved!  We still have plenty left as he only gets 2-3 treats per day.

I'm really excited to try out coconut flour for baking with "human" treats, but haven't had a chance yet.  Has anyone tried it before?  Happy Update Day!

Experimenting Update: Chocolate Fun!

Decided today I would pamper myself with a chocolate facial, scrub and hair mask. mmm... chocolately goodness.

Chocolate Facial - tightens and cleanses pores (and smells so good!)

Milk (2 to 4 Tbsp)

Raw Cacao Powder (2 to 4 Tbsp)

Mix the milk into the cacao powder until it forms a paste.  I used 4 Tbsp of each.  Brush onto your clean, dry skin.  Relax for 15 minutes or until mostly dry.  Rinse with warm water, pat dry face and apply moisturizer.  Your skin will feel tighter and your pores will be completely cleaned!

Chocolate Scrub - exfoliates and tightens

Raw Sugar (I used coconut sugar)

Raw Cacao Powder

Honey or Oil

Mix all ingredients together. Smooth over skin in circular motions.  Rinse with warm water.  Pat dry and apply lotion.

Chocolate Hair Mask - This is for dark hair only!  It will darken you're hair a teensy bit.

Raw Cacao Powder - 4-6 Tbsp

Natural, Sugar Free Vanilla Yogurt - 4-6 Tbsp

Honey - 1-2 Tbsp

Mix all ingredients together.  Section hair into four sections (six if you have thick hair).  Smooth into hair from root to tip as evenly as possible.  I used a wide tooth comb for help.  Let sit for 15 to 30 minutes.  The longer you let it sit, the darker your hair will be.  

My hair is just at my collar bones, so I used 4 Tbsp of cacao and yogurt plus 1 Tbsp honey.  You may need to make more for longer hair.  I let mine sit for 20 minutes.  I have medium brown hair with a blonde tone (not dyed).  It darkened it slightly, but wasn't very noticeable.  I love how it made my hair feel and smell though!

Happy Chocolate Day!

Experimenting Update: Chia Seeds

So I've been trying to incorporate the chia seeds every day (sometimes twice a day) into my diet.  My fav way of using them so far is in my water at work.  I work in retail, talk to people ALL day so I drink a ton of water.  I've been adding about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of seeds to 16 oz of water.  The seeds soak up the water super fast, and get bloaty like tapioca pearls.  If you use too many (which I've totally done...) then it's a tad weird to drink... all gooey and gelatinous... blech!

Anywayysss... I really like these!  They make me feel full-er without eating so I can go longer between meals if needed (do not recommend, but helpful if you're mega busy).  They help my stomach feel better if it's a little off that day AND add extra fiber to my diet...which is always good.

Try them! :)

I have added them to food too - salad, pizza, cheese and egg sandwich, ice cream... - barely even noticed they were there because they are SO tiny!  Happy Chia Day!