My family has been on this homemade pizza kick. I was really enjoying the endless possibilities until I got sick---and lets just say homemade pizza isn't as great in reverse. But that won't stop me for long because 1) I can totally sneak veggies in for my kids, 2) everyone gets what they want, and 3) it fulfills my slow-but-steady turn over to vegetarianism.
I am doing this post for a good friend Poison Ivy. And Melissa could use it too--since she has a new stove now! I have found that when you can create your own food, it tastes much better. My husband goes wild with his pizza. I don't know how he stomachs some of his creations, but he does. I created a really good one for those of you who like "white" pizzas. It included asparagus, mushrooms, spinach, Alfredo sauce, Italian mix shredded cheese, and a bit of garlic and Parmesan cheese. MMMMMM! I created a Mexican style one too. I tell you, making your own pizza is fun and cheap. And you control what goes in it! So it's healthier too. I'll start you off with my kids' pizza: a basic cheese with a few secret ingredients.
Basic Homemade Pizza
Ingredients
1 premade pizza crust from grocery store or box pizza kit (if you want you can go all out and make your own from scratch)
1 jar of spaghetti sauce or pizza sauce (again you can make your own here)
1 8oz package of shredded cheese, Pizza mix
1 small can of mixed veggies, peas and carrots, etc.. (the secret)
Directions
1. Make crust according to directions. The directions for the whole pizza usually come with the crust or box kit.
2. Puree or mash veggies very well. Spread onto pizza crust
3. Spread sauce over veggies; Mix well.
4. Cover liberally with cheese.
5. Bake it according to directions.
6. Enjoy
Tip: If your family likes hamburger meat on their pizza, now is a good time to try out the Veggie "meat" on them.
Tip: Make your own lovely pizza creations!
Lady J Family Pizzas to date:
1. White Spinach Pizza
2. Mexi-Pizza
3. Island Pizza (ham and pineapple)
4. Hubby's Everything but the Kitchen Sink Pizza
5. Pepperoni-Green Olive Pizza
6. Supreme Style Pizza
As you can see, the options are endless here. Go ahead and give it a whirl. Plus, it is quick and easy. Add a salad and you have a complete meal. Just get the movies!
P.S. If you want a recipe to any of my family pizzas--just comment a request!
Pizza Crust Ideas
Jay's Signature
Baking Like Betty--a fellow Blogger --also a good spot to start checking out that once-a-month cooking craze. look to the lower right hand side of the page
Honey & Jam --another fellow Blogger
Yeast Free Crust
Showing posts with label Natural. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Natural. Show all posts
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Standard Days Method
If one is going to use this method, then they need to follow the rules exactly. Better yet, just use protection. That's right, folks, Lady J is pregnant! We're excited. Not at first, but we are now. Oh, well. I put SD Method to the taste. I can't say it doesn't work, but it didn't work for me. Verdict: Tricky Business.
Monday, May 25, 2009
More Sneaky Veggies
I just made Stuffed Shells. Mmmm...
I added spinach and cauliflower! How? I bought some frozen cauliflower and pureed it. That enabled me to skip the whole steaming/boiling process. And I bought a can of spinach. Also, skipping a few steps. I mixed them both right into the cheese mixture. My oldest (the picky one) tasted the cheese mixture and....... she loved it. I make my sauce homemade, so it's healthier anyways. Plus, its sooooo easy. Just make your own once and I'll bet you'll never go back to the jar stuff.
Now, it would've been easy for me to throw in some peas and carrots into the sauce. This time I did use red and yellow bell peppers--out of convenience and the need to use them before they spoiled. The red peppers blended right in. I like to use diced tomatoes in my sauce for texture. This sauce can be used for homemade pizza too! And we all know how kids love that. Don't be scared to puree or mash some veggies that are steamed, boiled, or even canned and blend them right in. Then the sauce can be used for dipping mozzarella sticks or bread sticks. The options are endless.
Here are a few sites to get you started. And BTW, I do not use meat in my sauce--its not my family's tradition.
Sweet Savory Southern site
All Recipes
Wikihow--includes video!
Kids cooking About.com
Low Cal from Fitness and freebies
Johnna Knows Good Food: Yum Yum Gimme Some
One using carrots to avoid sugar!
From a Fellow Blogspot Blogger--jar turned gourmet?
I added spinach and cauliflower! How? I bought some frozen cauliflower and pureed it. That enabled me to skip the whole steaming/boiling process. And I bought a can of spinach. Also, skipping a few steps. I mixed them both right into the cheese mixture. My oldest (the picky one) tasted the cheese mixture and....... she loved it. I make my sauce homemade, so it's healthier anyways. Plus, its sooooo easy. Just make your own once and I'll bet you'll never go back to the jar stuff.
Now, it would've been easy for me to throw in some peas and carrots into the sauce. This time I did use red and yellow bell peppers--out of convenience and the need to use them before they spoiled. The red peppers blended right in. I like to use diced tomatoes in my sauce for texture. This sauce can be used for homemade pizza too! And we all know how kids love that. Don't be scared to puree or mash some veggies that are steamed, boiled, or even canned and blend them right in. Then the sauce can be used for dipping mozzarella sticks or bread sticks. The options are endless.
Here are a few sites to get you started. And BTW, I do not use meat in my sauce--its not my family's tradition.
Sweet Savory Southern site
All Recipes
Wikihow--includes video!
Kids cooking About.com
Low Cal from Fitness and freebies
Johnna Knows Good Food: Yum Yum Gimme Some
One using carrots to avoid sugar!
From a Fellow Blogspot Blogger--jar turned gourmet?
Period 2 Down
Woo-hoo! I'm not pregnant again, folks. Yes! I had a scare though because 1) I started late--day 30, and 2) I did not follow the rules, per say.
Naturally, I start between days 30 and 32. I am off BC, so my body is probably regulating itself. Not following the rules is fun, but it always catches up with you.
So, how do I feel? Great. Now off to fertility friend...
Naturally, I start between days 30 and 32. I am off BC, so my body is probably regulating itself. Not following the rules is fun, but it always catches up with you.
So, how do I feel? Great. Now off to fertility friend...
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Period 1 Down
OK, great news! I'm not pregnant! The first month of natural pregnancy prevention worked for us. I have been trying to get the hang of Fertility Friend. Which, by the way, is for getting pregnant. I'm using it to not get pregnant. I do not think this site would like that. But, if they would only think of the potential income pregnancy prevention could bring them....
I have to start taking my temperature. I have to be more vigilant in checking my vaginal conditions. And I need to visit the site everyday to list my emotions, symptoms, aches and pains,and whatever else is going on with my mind and body. I'm so happy. Well, ta ta for now.
I have to start taking my temperature. I have to be more vigilant in checking my vaginal conditions. And I need to visit the site everyday to list my emotions, symptoms, aches and pains,and whatever else is going on with my mind and body. I'm so happy. Well, ta ta for now.
Monday, March 30, 2009
The Rhythm is Going to Get You
Now, you know this site is for putting things in life to the "taste," meaning I want to learn about something, try out stuff, etc., etc. But today I believe I'm putting myself in danger by putting something to the "taste." Well, dangerous is relative, but it is very bold and risky, to say the least. "What is is it?", you ask. A form of birth control....a calendar-based method . Which one I'm going to use is still undecided yet. First, let me go into why I want to do this tasting.
1. The Contraceptive Pill: I have taken the pill on and off since I was 16 years old. I never took a good look at the side effects, but there are plenty. I do know it's not a good idea to smoke after 35 if you are on the pill. I read a book on Candida. According to this following, the pill helps make the body more suitable for yeast overgrowth. This may explain why some women experience increased amount of yeast infections while taking the pill. I know this was true for me during my youth, but at the time I just thought something was wrong with me! I recently returned to the pill after a bout with an IUD. The first type I took made me have terrible headaches. I was having them on a daily basis. And during my period I would have a headache that began a few days before and last until a few days after--nonstop. So, the doctor switched me to another type. This helped, but the headaches were still present. I went to the doctor in February about my headaches. Now, mind you, I was diagnosed with cluster headaches in '99, but this was getting ridiculous. I read a pamphlet about migraines. Guess who was a culprit in some cases. You bet---the pill. So last month I stopped. I just wanted to quit. I didn't like the side effects--proven or not--that could happen to me. And guess what, folks. No more headaches. I had a tiny one on the first day of my period. I've read that headaches are a PMS symptom for a lot of women. I can accept that, as long as it is not everyday! A side bonus was clear skin. I had been suffering from some red little bumps on my face. Gone! People have actually asked me if I am wearing foundation or been tanning. Nope--just the way my skin is supposed to look. So, I tasted pills. Verdict: No Thank You.
2. IUD: Oh, the IUD, how lovely it seemed at first. I got the thing put in when my second child was 3 months old. The IUD keeps you from getting pregnant by making the uterus inhabitable for conception. I had the copper IUD. So no hormone control there. There is a plastic one out alos--I believe this one uses some hormone control. Research it yourself if you are curious ;). After about a year, I started experiencing pain after my period. It felt like I was going to start again. And I also had some after bleeding too--spotting, whatever you want to call it. I finally went to the doc about it. Last January he decided to put me on the pill while I still had the IUD. He's not crazy--there was some logic behind this madness. He wanted to see if it was my body trying to regulate itself--I had not had a period in a while from breast feeding--or if the IUD was the problem. I had my period for 5 weeks! I went to the doctor and said, "No more IUD, no more pill!" He listened because well, I was a bit bitchy after 5 weeks of bleeding and a raw cooch. Plus, when he took it out I thought, "If my uterus is as small as they say it is, then that thing is stretching it out." But now, in hindsight, I think I was experiencing these problems because of my Keeper (the innovative feminine hygiene product). After taking the IUD out, I read the Keeper package and it said NOT to use the Keeper if you have an IUD. Oh well, lesson learned: read labels first. Which sucks, because the IUD worked for me. I'm too scared to retry it because of 5 weeks, ya know? One of my best friends used it and she got pregnant. She had a miscarriage and bled for several weeks before she found out. I tasted the IUD. Verdict: No Thank You.
3. Condoms: I know you're thinking that this is a no brainer. Not if you are allergic to latex. But I just found out that the Keeper is latex! Which explains a few things. A little irritation. And here I thought I was being too rough with myself. No wonder it was on sale! LOL. But, no fear, I can get the Moon cup or the Diva cup instead. I have only known of my allergy for a little while. Which is the reason I went back onto the pill. Coincidentally, I have not used the Keeper in a while because I could not find it! If you knew me, this would not be a big surprise. There are several kinds of condoms on the market, besides latex. I'll have to look into them. This option is not deterring me from a calendar-based method. I may use condoms in conjunction with the method. Verdict: Maybe for me and a definite yes for others who want to use condoms. I'm posting a site about condoms. I want to note that my doctor said not to use lambskin condoms to prevent pregnancy. Condom Site.
Now to the calendar-based methods
1. The Rhythm Method (Knaus-Ogino Method): Subtract 19 from a woman's shortest cycle and 10 from her longest. OK, this seems to be a lengthy process of figuring out when my fertile and infertile days exist. And confusing. Perfect-use failure rate of 9%. My oldest uncle is a rhythm baby. Not looking good.
2. Standard Days Method: First of all, this method may only be used by women whose cycle is between 26 and 32 days in length. Before, I had a 32 day cycle. Also, women in their late 30's and early 40's tend to have shorter cycles, so this method would not be effective. The SD method says that days 1-7 are infertile, days 8-19 are fertile, and days 20 on are infertile again. A product called Cycle Beads is commonly used with SD method.
The only thing about calendar methods is their high failure rate compared to other birth control methods. I plan on using a calendar method along with "pull-out." I know this may seem a bit personal to discuss, but I'm willing to put myself out there. My blog is about life. And life is not pure and perfect. SO, if this is offensive, your best bet is to read another blog.
I'm not saying this is going to work. I MAY GET PREGNANT. But, I am tired of the unnatural ways I am expected to treat my body--as a woman. Birth control, hormone replacement, Norplant (that puts up a mucus lining to keep the sperm out and your period in), spermicide, diets, skinny jeans, breast implants, liposuction, lip enhancement, stilettos, hair dye, make-up, skin creams,.....do you get the point? I'm rebelling. I've had enough of head aches, bad skin, and yeast problems. I want to be me. So, hate me.
You can check out these sites:
Signs of Ovulation
www.fertilityfriend.com
GladRags--a great site to see all alternatives for feminine hygiene
1. The Contraceptive Pill: I have taken the pill on and off since I was 16 years old. I never took a good look at the side effects, but there are plenty. I do know it's not a good idea to smoke after 35 if you are on the pill. I read a book on Candida. According to this following, the pill helps make the body more suitable for yeast overgrowth. This may explain why some women experience increased amount of yeast infections while taking the pill. I know this was true for me during my youth, but at the time I just thought something was wrong with me! I recently returned to the pill after a bout with an IUD. The first type I took made me have terrible headaches. I was having them on a daily basis. And during my period I would have a headache that began a few days before and last until a few days after--nonstop. So, the doctor switched me to another type. This helped, but the headaches were still present. I went to the doctor in February about my headaches. Now, mind you, I was diagnosed with cluster headaches in '99, but this was getting ridiculous. I read a pamphlet about migraines. Guess who was a culprit in some cases. You bet---the pill. So last month I stopped. I just wanted to quit. I didn't like the side effects--proven or not--that could happen to me. And guess what, folks. No more headaches. I had a tiny one on the first day of my period. I've read that headaches are a PMS symptom for a lot of women. I can accept that, as long as it is not everyday! A side bonus was clear skin. I had been suffering from some red little bumps on my face. Gone! People have actually asked me if I am wearing foundation or been tanning. Nope--just the way my skin is supposed to look. So, I tasted pills. Verdict: No Thank You.
2. IUD: Oh, the IUD, how lovely it seemed at first. I got the thing put in when my second child was 3 months old. The IUD keeps you from getting pregnant by making the uterus inhabitable for conception. I had the copper IUD. So no hormone control there. There is a plastic one out alos--I believe this one uses some hormone control. Research it yourself if you are curious ;). After about a year, I started experiencing pain after my period. It felt like I was going to start again. And I also had some after bleeding too--spotting, whatever you want to call it. I finally went to the doc about it. Last January he decided to put me on the pill while I still had the IUD. He's not crazy--there was some logic behind this madness. He wanted to see if it was my body trying to regulate itself--I had not had a period in a while from breast feeding--or if the IUD was the problem. I had my period for 5 weeks! I went to the doctor and said, "No more IUD, no more pill!" He listened because well, I was a bit bitchy after 5 weeks of bleeding and a raw cooch. Plus, when he took it out I thought, "If my uterus is as small as they say it is, then that thing is stretching it out." But now, in hindsight, I think I was experiencing these problems because of my Keeper (the innovative feminine hygiene product). After taking the IUD out, I read the Keeper package and it said NOT to use the Keeper if you have an IUD. Oh well, lesson learned: read labels first. Which sucks, because the IUD worked for me. I'm too scared to retry it because of 5 weeks, ya know? One of my best friends used it and she got pregnant. She had a miscarriage and bled for several weeks before she found out. I tasted the IUD. Verdict: No Thank You.
3. Condoms: I know you're thinking that this is a no brainer. Not if you are allergic to latex. But I just found out that the Keeper is latex! Which explains a few things. A little irritation. And here I thought I was being too rough with myself. No wonder it was on sale! LOL. But, no fear, I can get the Moon cup or the Diva cup instead. I have only known of my allergy for a little while. Which is the reason I went back onto the pill. Coincidentally, I have not used the Keeper in a while because I could not find it! If you knew me, this would not be a big surprise. There are several kinds of condoms on the market, besides latex. I'll have to look into them. This option is not deterring me from a calendar-based method. I may use condoms in conjunction with the method. Verdict: Maybe for me and a definite yes for others who want to use condoms. I'm posting a site about condoms. I want to note that my doctor said not to use lambskin condoms to prevent pregnancy. Condom Site.
Now to the calendar-based methods
1. The Rhythm Method (Knaus-Ogino Method): Subtract 19 from a woman's shortest cycle and 10 from her longest. OK, this seems to be a lengthy process of figuring out when my fertile and infertile days exist. And confusing. Perfect-use failure rate of 9%. My oldest uncle is a rhythm baby. Not looking good.
2. Standard Days Method: First of all, this method may only be used by women whose cycle is between 26 and 32 days in length. Before, I had a 32 day cycle. Also, women in their late 30's and early 40's tend to have shorter cycles, so this method would not be effective. The SD method says that days 1-7 are infertile, days 8-19 are fertile, and days 20 on are infertile again. A product called Cycle Beads is commonly used with SD method.
The only thing about calendar methods is their high failure rate compared to other birth control methods. I plan on using a calendar method along with "pull-out." I know this may seem a bit personal to discuss, but I'm willing to put myself out there. My blog is about life. And life is not pure and perfect. SO, if this is offensive, your best bet is to read another blog.
I'm not saying this is going to work. I MAY GET PREGNANT. But, I am tired of the unnatural ways I am expected to treat my body--as a woman. Birth control, hormone replacement, Norplant (that puts up a mucus lining to keep the sperm out and your period in), spermicide, diets, skinny jeans, breast implants, liposuction, lip enhancement, stilettos, hair dye, make-up, skin creams,.....do you get the point? I'm rebelling. I've had enough of head aches, bad skin, and yeast problems. I want to be me. So, hate me.
You can check out these sites:
Signs of Ovulation
www.fertilityfriend.com
GladRags--a great site to see all alternatives for feminine hygiene
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