Merry Breakfast Cassrole!

It's Christmas morning and it is a crystal clear, wintry Idaho day! There is mirth and merriment here as we prepare for our adventure.

My life has always revolved around potatoes, which, as we all know, are not low-carb friendly. This breakfast casserole curbs my potato cravings by using cauliflower instead. I will share the recipe in my next post.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

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Christmas Road Trip!

We moved from Southern California almost 6 years ago. Although we adore Idaho, we miss the family we left behind. This included our daughter, Briana, her husband, Brian, and our 4 grand-kids. Thankfully, a pastoral position opened up for Brian, so they relocated to Oregon in November. They are now just 5 hours and 18 minutes away! This can mean only one thing. ROAD TRIP!

Our winter journey is even more special because it is a gift from my Uncle Sam. Sadly, he passed away this year. He was a professional cameraman in the film industry and a fascinating individual. His unique legacy has richly blessed the family he dearly loved. We were fortunate to have spent many Christmases with Uncle Sam. He will be traveling with us in spirit. 

Thank-you for your support and friendship here at Everlovin' Low-Carb! Take a moment to leave a comment. I would love to know how you plan to spend your own Christmas.

Stay safe and warm,

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What's on my mind?

Merry Christmas!

CURE FOR INDECISION

Christmas is 9 days away. We are leaving for La Pine, Oregon on Christmas Day, so I am unsure of how much decorating I want to do. I needed inspiration. So, I poured a large mug of French press coffee, added some raw cream, a few drops of Cinnamon Vanilla stevia, and VOILA!

FRESH BATCH OF BONE BROTH

I just finished a slow cooker batch of beef bone broth. First, I poured the finished broth through a mesh strainer to remove bones and seasoning. The broth was then refrigerated in order to easily remove the top layer of fat. Soon the broth will be stored in mason jars and the fat will be used in my cooking. My weight loss is so much more successful when bone broth is included.

LIBERATED LUNCH

Whether you eat lunch at home or pack it for work, I have a resource that offers 50 ideas that will make your midday more exciting. Check it out at LOWCARB LAB.

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YakTrax Walk

Slipping on ice is not my idea of recreation. While living in Idaho City, I used shoe-chains or ice traction devices. I never fell. When I moved to Idaho's Treasure Valley, most people were not wearing them, so neither did I. Silly me. I have fallen several times, often on icy playgrounds, and usually on a knee and hip. With too many of my friends having replacement surgeries, I wised up. 

This brand, YakTrax Walk, is far better than my previous shoe-chains. They are also easier to attach. Thankfully, I am back to staying on my feet. 

Standing and stable,

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Garden of Eden | Relax & Restore

Relax & Restore
Whole Food
Magnesium

My low-carb lifestyle is currently in an adjustment phase. My weight loss has slowed down and...uh...elimination has been a bit irregular or constipated. Truthfully, I had been experimenting with just how many carbs I can introduce without interfering with ketosis. I soon recognized that some hidden sugar had snuck in and that even small amounts of potatoes were culprits. I gave myself permission to experiment again later. For now, it is back to bone broth, low carb veggies, moderate meat, and luscious fats.

It is well known that most Americans are not getting enough magnesium. Dr. David Perlmutter, M.D., a brain health specialist, nutritionist, neurologist, and expert in the human microbiome, recommends this powdered supplement for anti-stress, calm, and regularity. Here is what Amazon has to say...

About the Product

• Supports relaxation and restores optimal magnesium levels while providing a better night's sleep
• Fizzy drink before bedtime-great-tasting orange dreamsicle flavor (Note: Check out their other flavors)
• Whole food magnesium made using usa-grown organic peas—well tolerated-no gastric side effects
• Non-gmo project verified, vegan certified, nsf gluten free certified, dairy free, soy free, sugar free, kosher
• 50 Servings per container

Product Description 

Dr. Formulated whole food magnesium Relax & Restore powder is a delicious, fizzy drink to help calm and relax you so you can get a better night’s sleep, while restoring your body’s optimal magnesium levels.

If you are like most Americans, your dietary consumption of magnesium is less than ideal. Recent statistics reveal that close to 75% of Americans are consuming less than the recommended daily allowance of magnesium. Magnesium ranks among the most important trace elements in the human diet as it plays a central role in facilitating the function of over 300 critical enzymes. These are enzymes that have important tasks in facilitating our day-to-day metabolic functions as well as manufacturing DNA and proteins and even managing how our cells are able to power themselves from the food sources we provide. 

So it’s no wonder that low magnesium levels are correlated with so many health-related issues. Signs of magnesium deficiency involve all the body’s major systems and include: Irritability, Anxiety, Lethargy, Fatigue, Memory problems, Anorexia, Loss of Appetite, Seizures, Muscle Weakness, Muscle cramps, Tremors, Vertigo, Difficulty swallowing, Irregular or rapid heartbeat. 

So if you’re feeling tired, having problems sleeping or dealing with stress in your life, it’s time to Relax & Restore!

I am getting better sleep and I am smiling.

You can obtain this product at your local health food store or you can order it from Amazon.

Movin' and groovin',

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Better Stevia

Beter Stevia Liquid Sweetener

    

I divorced sugar when I went low-carb. An accidental bite of sugar is now overpowering. Yet, I still crave an occasional treat that is sweet-but-not-sugary. This sounds like a kooky contradiction, but it really isn't.

My memories are bookmarked with delectable desserts. No social gathering was complete without a table where desserts were as decorative as bouquets and crepe paper streamers. There was great anticipation and guests were humming approval. Sweets were a reward, a crescendo!

Well, I am not willing to give up the pomp and indulgence of a sweet treat. It just takes some tweaking. While it is true that no sugar substitute will ever taste exactly like white table sugar, there are some great alternatives.

Better Stevia has become one of my favorite real-food sweeteners. Their website states that "BetterStevia® is the zero-calorie, organic stevia sweetener that's simply better than sugar and other alternative sweeteners." I agree. Although many substitute sweeteners have a bitter or minty aftertaste, I think this natural sweetener mimics sugar the best.

I am currently experimenting with the 3 selections above. Other flavors include: Liquid Coconut, English Toffee, French Vanilla, Lemon Twist, Pomegranate Blueberry, Tropical Fruit, Organic, Original, and Gycerite (alcohol free). These can be purchased directly from Now Foods or on Amazon. Many health stores carry a limited line. A little sugar substitute goes a long way.

Counting my blessings,

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The Christmas Tree Napkin Fold Backstory

Romantic Homes Magazine

Catherine left a comment on my eye-dyllic 2007 blog post, An Original Christmas Tree Napkin Fold. She said... 

"We were doing this fold in 1999 at an Army Mess in Australia. Don't think it's your invention."

Catherine's words were a little off-putting. She seemed more intent on challenging me than connecting. Nevertheless, I did state that this was an "original" fold. No one had ever disputed it.

I conducted creative retail workshops in Southern California. I concentrated on developing new ideas, refreshing old ones, and incorporating store merchandise. Tablescapes were a central theme and napkin folding was a favorite activity with my guests.

I "dreamed up" this whimsical Christmas tree—in the mid 1980s—while playing with a traditional fold. I had no help. Nor had I found it within the numerous napkin folding books on the market.

It was in 2007 that I first published An Original Christmas Tree Napkin Fold on eye-dyllic. I still had not observed the fold anywhere and that included periodicals, the web, and TV. That original post attracted a large amount of visitors. In fact, it was after 2007 that I began to see this napkin fold show up in surprising places.

Ecclesiastes 1:9 states, "...and there is nothing new under the sun." The likelihood of someone else dreaming up a similar idea is not improbable. Catherine said she was using the fold in 1999 and I believe her. Then again, I was teaching the fold in the 1980s. The internet can be a form of surrender once something is made public. Regardless of where it came from, this little Christmas tree remains one of my favorite Christmas accessories.

Romantic Homes magazine, recently showcased this charming example of the Christmas Tree Napkin Fold. (I have embellished it with stars, bows, even a keepsake pin.) A Norwex ad used this idea to make rustic, standing Christmas trees made out of folded green washcloths. I have also watched an impressive video tutorial. 

You can find it HERE on "Everlovin' Low-Carb".

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