Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Trying to keep warm + Microwavable Paleo "oatmeal"


After a brief thaw on Sunday (26*! I walked around with my jacket unzipped!), it's back to being chilly here. I've been focusing on some projects to help keep me warm, including my go-to winter morning breakfast! Recipe for that is at the bottom of this post :)

But, seriously, first things first - we are so happy about Ohio State winning the first ever college football playoff! J and I have been quite excited about the playoff game and were just hoping the Buckeyes would prove that they deserved to be there (they were the fourth out of four teams included and many didn't think they deserved that spot). But we are thrilled that they won, and quite decisively, too!  J made Ohio State jello shots in preparation for the big game, which we watched with some friends at a local bar.  It's always more fun to watch these big events in large groups and boy was the crowd riled up last night.
Documenting the moments after the big win :)
(Headband made by me before the first round of the playoff - it brought us luck then, so I wore it again last night)


In crafting news, I made these cute microwavable hand warmers this past weekend. They're made of flannel so they're nice and soft to hold and are filled with rice. Just pop them in the microwave for 30 seconds and they're warm for about 15-20 minutes (bigger ones would stay warm a little longer). These aren't going to get you through a long outdoor event, but they're perfect for daily walks with the dog.  (And an important note for anyone wanting to make their own - be sure to use 100% cotton materials! That means both the fabric AND the thread :) )


 I also made a knockoff version of Lululemon's Vinyasa Scarf. The vinyasa scarf is a very wide scarf with snaps that you can use to wear it in all sorts of different ways. Seriously. Google "how to wear a vinyasa scarf" and you'll find all sorts of ideas! There are even several video tutorials. Pictured here are two ways of wearing it that I could photograph easily ;)

 My version is a nice soft knit from my favorite place to buy knits: Girl Charlee! (note: if you sign up and purchase through my link, you get 10% off your first order and I get referral credits to buy more fabric :D )  I'm thinking about making another one, but making it reversible instead of the same fabric on both sides. If I do - I'll post a tutorial for how to make it! :) I may also make one that's uses a nylon/spandex blend, which is closer to the original Lululemon scarf material. But those are projects for another day and I have enough else on my to do list to keep me busy...




Speaking of being busy, here is a quick and easy recipe for you all!

Microwavable Paleo "oatmeal"


While I don't eat exclusively Paleo by any stretch of the imagination (see exhibit A, jello shots, above) - I do find that incorporating more Paleo-style eating into my diet tends to help with some of my stomach issues, so I often use Paleo recipes. One thing I like to eat, especially on this cold winter mornings, is this protein-rich, savory "oatmeal".  I've seen a lot of Paleo oatmeal recipes that require you to cook it on the stove, but I'll be honest - I don't have time for that in the morning! This version is quick and easy.  Exact measurements are not required and everything can be adjusted to taste.

1 tsp coconut oil
1/2 to 1 tsp cinnamon (adjust to your taste - can always add more after it's cooked)
1 egg or equivalent in egg whites (You can use pasteurized egg whites if you're concerned about salmonella)
1/4 cup of your favorite milk or milk substitute (I use almond milk)
2 TB ground flax seed
1 TB almond butter

Combine all ingredients into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for one minute and stir everything up really well. That's it!

Note: If you like a less runny oatmeal - you can reduce the amount of milk and/or increase the time you microwave it. I recommend removing after 1 minute and stirring, then using 30 second intervals after that.

What's your favorite breakfast on a cold winter morning?

2 comments:

  1. Even as I read that, I thought...those jello shots are NOT good for your stomach. And then you 'fessed up. Good girl.

    I totally ordered one of those scarves, the real thing. Why? I don't have time to make a knock off and nobody is lining up to make one for me. But YOURS is DARLING. I love the cream color. SO pretty. And you did a great job!

    I DO have time for hand warmers and they are so going on my list. Thanks!

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  2. Ha! Yup. I didn't even have very many of them and my stomach was less than pleased.

    You'll have to let me know how you like the real thing! I want to hear about the ways you find to wear yours. :)

    And with the hand warmers - remember: cotton EVERYTHING. Fabric AND thread :)

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