Things That Make Me Say Yeay + Taking It Down a Notch

Pumpkin butter from Trader Joe's.  I can not stop eating it and putting it on everything.

 A scull scarf that my friend sent to me in the mail.  Such a fun surprise!  Max calls it my "Scaweeewey mean dog scarf." :)

 A bunch of cinnamon scented intense sticks that I got from a little vendor for only a $1.

Perfectly crunchy leaves for Max to jump in.

These two from last weekends pumpkin patch adventure.  I love that I got a pic of my husband in there but he is obviously too cool to stick his head all the way through.  

Have a wonderful weekend!  We are going to be doing some serious pumpkin carving with a little Michael Jackson's "Thriller" playing on repeat in the background (it's tradition)...and seed roasting, which is my favorite part. 
 
On a side note:  Since the holiday season is now in full swing I will be taking it down just a notch on the blog.  My little bambinos are growing up so fast and I want to make sure I do not miss a thing!  So if you notice a little less than normal posts around here that is why.  You can always follow along on Instagram (@Delightedmomma)  if you want to see all the craziness that is my life over there. 

Be Kind Anyway...

Do you have chills?   I did when I first read this.  I recently printed this out and I have started reading it every morning before I start my day.  It is so easy to judge people and not like someone for something they have said or done but it is even harder to be kind anyway... 

Pumpkin Patchin

I love NOT being pregnant.  When I am pregnant I am cranky and going to the pumpkin patch sweating my butt off while feeling like I am going to puke sucks.  It is about as fun as the most un fun thing you can think of.  That was me last year.  So this year I felt like I had some making up to do. This time around the weather was perfect, I was not sweating or having a panic attack from my latte and my two year old was not having a tantrum...yeay!  It was a little drizzly and cold, which made me feel even more festive.  So here are a few pictures from our day...

Oh and I may be turning into an old person, but when did pumpkins get so expensive?!  They are now $10 a pop.  I remember when they used to be like $2.  Yep I am getting old.

The pumpkins behind me were obviously much more exciting than the special family pumpkin patch moment (well sans my hubby) I was trying to capture.  Seriously we took at least 10 pictures like this and they are all a variation of the two above.  Typical.

A pumpkin for Ronin...oh and don't you hate it when a butt (there on the right) photo bombs your picture?  She really needs to butt out of my photo...haha I make myself laugh.

And a pumpkin for Max, which he decided to shot put into the air 5 seconds after this picture.  I am serious, the kid really wanted to ditch that particular pumpkin.  

 A pretty legit creepy corn maze.  I have no desire to enter one of these.  Like ever.  Taylor Swift's song just popped into my head...  If you don't know what I am talking about you are probably thinking I am having a serious case off ADD, which is very likely anywhoo...


On a side note: Delighted Momma is getting a  blog makeover and I am so excited for a little change and a new look coming soon.

Things That Make Me Say Yeay + Keepin It Real

My latest obsession.  Dairy free and organic frozen yogurt from Sprouts Natural Market.  It is made with coconut milk and it tastes amazing...even the chocolate chips are gluten free.  Pretty awesome.  Oh and yes...Max still has a binky.  He needs to go to a binky support group.  Seriously the kid is addicted.

Something that I am very passionate about and will be voting for.

Reactivating our wine club again post pregnancy means getting awesome deals on two of my favorite wines.

A Max approved Paleo muffin.

Handmade heart polymer clay earrings.  So easy to make.  All you do is use a tiny heart cutout stencil (found at a craft store) and super glue earring backs on after they bake.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

On a side note:  I always want to keep it real around here.  Sometimes it may seem like my life is always bubbles, baking, jewelry making (hey I rhymed) and happy babies...but it is not.  I only choose to share the mostly happy tiny tiny snippets of my life here and on Instagram.  I am sure all of you would not love to see pictures of Ronin screaming like a dying dinosaur (it is torture) while I am carrying him around in the Baby Bjorn right?  Or that moments after I took the picture of the frozen yogurt, Max started having a temper tantrum and we had to pack it up and leave.  And the whole time I was hoping all the other Moms in the store were not thinking I was a horrible parent.  Being a full time Mom is hard and I am so thankful that sometimes I am able to fill the tiny free moments in my day with some of the things you see here.  

Flourless Lemon Poppyseed Muffins (Paleo)

I always eat the the batter.  Yep, raw eggs and all.  I know I know I am gross but how can you tell if the batter needs more or less of something if you don't taste it?  Are you supposed to wait until you waste high quality ingredients and taste them when they come out of the oven?  What do all the "professional" muffin makers do?  Maybe they just know.  Well this batter was SO good that only 11 muffins came out and this recipe makes 12.  I am actually a little disturbed with myself as I type this out.  I may have a serious muffin batter eating problem.  There is always that person who takes muffin posts (and me eating the batter) way too seriously, and to that lady or gentleman...it is now a full 6 hours post my raw batter eating party and I am doin just fine (knock on wood).  This recipe is loosely based off this recipe, although I made several changes that made them just a bit sweeter and super moist.

What you will need:

• 1/2 cup + 1 tbs of coconut flour
• 5 eggs
• 1 tbs of vanilla
• 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil
• 2 medium sized lemons juiced
• 1/3 cup of honey
• 1/2 tsp of baking soda
• Zest from 2 lemons
• 2 tbs of poppyseeds (you could also use chia seeds if you can not find poppyseeds)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees
2. In a large bowl mix together the eggs, vanilla, and lemon juice. Melt the coconut oil and honey together and pour into the egg mixture.  Mix everything together.
3. In a separate bowl mix together all the dry ingredients.  Slowly stir them into the wet ingredients.  
4. Fill each muffin tin (or lined muffin pan) with about 1/4 cup of batter
5. Bake for 22 minutes.  

These muffins are by far my favorite Paleo muffins that I have made to date.  They are moist and  lemon-icious. 

Skin Care Tip of the Week *Health and beauty benefits of coconut oil (uncommon uses)*

Coconut oil is awesome...actually it's amazing.  I am sure most of you are thinking, "Blah blahhhh...I have already seen a million articles on the benefits of coconut oil." BUT wait... today I am going to share some other (hopefully new to you) ways that you can use it.

I can not take full credit for this post, since my step mom is the one who recently sent me an e-mail with over 160 ways to use coconut oil!  That is quite a few and I know you don't have all day to read so I am going to pass on the most useful ones.  She is also an esthetician and has her license in holistic and alternative healing so she knows her stuff.

So what's so great about coconut oil?  It is...

• Anti-bacterial
• Anti-carcinogenic (enhances the immune system)
• Anti-fungal
• It is an antioxidant (helps prevent free radical damage, which causes aging)
• Anti-parasitic (can help rid body of lice and other parasites)
• Infection fighting
• Has no harmful or discomforting side effects
• Nontoxic to humans and animals. 

What kind should you buy?
The most beneficial coconut oil is virgin unrefined.  Make sure that is says food grade on the jar.

  Uses for coconut oil:

1. After shave.  It is great for treating and preventing razor burn. 
2. Hair loss.  I am so trying this!  You apply it to your scalp and leave it on over night.  It helps support cell regeneration.   
3. Burns.  Apply to burn site immediately.  Will reduce the chances of permanent scarring. 
4. Diaper rash.  This is all natural and contains no weird chemicals like most diaper rash ointments and creams.
5. Puffy eye reliever.  Apply to your eyelids in the evening and walla! (someone yelled at me one time in the comment section and told me "walla" was not a word)...yes it is so there.
6. Lubricant.  Okay this one gets a little personal...but if you are in need this is all natural and perfectly safe ;)  It is not compatible with latex though.
7. Tattoo healer.  Used on new tatoos it will help speed up the healing process and help prevent infection. 
8. Breastfeeding.  For breastfeeding Moms consume 3 1/2 tablespoons of coconut oil daily.  It will enrich your milk supply.  Moms...this WORKS! I do this. 
9. Energy boost.  It boosts energy endurance making it a great supplement for athletes.  
10. Butter substitute.  Use one cup to one cup ratio when replacing butter in a recipe.
11. Nutritional supplement.  Melt and add to smoothies. 

If you are taking it internally how much should you consume? 
Here is a guide based on your weight:
175+ = 4 tbs daily
150+ = 3 1/2 tbs daily
125+ = 3 tbs daily
100+ = 2 1/2 tbs daily
75+   = 2 tbs daily

Are you currently cooking with or using coconut oil for any health and beauty benefits?  I would love to hear if you are. 

Things That Make Me Say Yeay

My sweet friend teaching me the basics of crochet.  My goal is make my own chunky scarf for the fall and winter. 

A new type of infusion set for my insulin pump.  My old one was causing all sorts of ugly issues.

Octoberfest.  We went last weekend and it was so much fun! 

Ronin all bundled up in Big Bear.  

The cutest little striped crew--completely unplanned by us Moms during an afternoon play date.  It felt picture worthy :)  Oh and woopsie....Ronin's belly is hangin over his pants ha.  Yes, my child is massive I am aware.  Apparently the Paleo diet is also good for breastfeeding.  

Have a wonderful weekend!  We are heading out this weekend to find the perfect pumpkin.  Hopefully the day goes a little smoother than last year ;)

A Thank You Note

Source 

 You know what seems to be a forgotten gem nowadays? Thank you notes.  Like the handwritten kind.  This is something I need to be more consistent with for sure.  I have a friend who always sends them...like she NEVER forgets.  Thank you notes are so special because that person took precious time out of their busy day to say they appreciate you.  It makes you feel good right?

Well I just want to say thank YOU.  Thank you for reading.  Thank you for taking the time out of your day to comment and send e-mails.  I read everything that you send.  I even read those comments and e-mails from those of you who tell me you think I am a moron and you just ate the worst cookies of your life (haha true story).

If it wasn't for you this blog would be lamesauce and I would most likely not have continued writing.

Sometimes when I am feelin funky or I am being vulnerable and talking about ADD or hair loss, your comments, e-mails and support blow me away.


Thank you!  That's all for today :)

Flourless Low Carb Bagels

Training for a half marathon is no joke.  The more I workout the more I eat...and crave naughty things like everything bagels loaded with cream cheese.  Seriously though bagels are bomb diggity.  In fact if bagels made you skinny I would eat them every single morning (loaded with cream cheese of course). 

Anywhoo...the other day I was dreaming about stuffing my face with a real carby bagel and had to do some serious self talk in order to not do it.  For a small moment I thought, "It's worth it...DO it Lindsay...bagels are sooo good."  And then I remembered I was type 1 diabetic and I would feel like crap all day if I ate a bagel.  So I did a little googling and guess what?  Apparently people are not weird and do not attempt to make things that are supposed to remain just the way they were born.  I looked and looked and finally came across this video.  I made a few small modifications and this is what I came up with...

What you will need:

• 1 cup flax seed meal
• 3/4 cup almond meal
• 2 tbs coconut flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 tbs plain Greek yogurt
• 2 eggs 
• 2 tbs olive oil
• 3 tbs of water
• 1 tbs of honey

*For the topping I used poppy seeds and dried garlic flakes.  You could use whatever you want. 

Directions:

1. Mix the dry ingredients together.
2. Mix the wet ingredients together.
3.  Combine the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix well.
4. Take a small amount a dough (however big you want your bagels actually) and roll into a large ball.  Since I do not have a fancy bagel baker, I poked a hole in the middle of the dough with my finger and them formed them into a bagel.  I flattened the top of the bagels out with a spoon to give them a pretty bagel like physique.
5. Sprinkle your topping on.
6. Bake at 350 degrees for 22 minutes. 

I most definitely stuffed my face with two of these the moment they came out of the oven.  I cut mine in half and toasted each side with a little...cream cheese.  I know I am such a cheater.
These are best eaten straight out of the oven while they are nice and toasty.  I saved a few for later and they were not as good.  My suggestion would be to only make as much as you plan on sharing or eating...and save the rest of the dough for another day. 
  
Makes 5 bagels.  Each bagel has only 5 grams of effective carbohydrate! 

Skin Care Tip of the Week *How Often Should I?...*

Source

Many of you write me e-mails asking, "How often should I use this...or how often should I do that?" So let me break it down.  Here is a basic outline of what I would tell my past clients.  Please keep in mind this is a basic guideline and if you have a specific skin condition this may be more or less.

How often should you wash your face?
2 times a day is ideal.  If you over wash you can strip your skin of natural oils.  Always wash for a minimum of 45 seconds to make sure you are actually cleaning all the impurities off of your skin.  See common skin washing mistakes here.

How often should use you a toner?
This is a tricky one since every esthetician has a different opinion but my personal opinion is that a toner is not totally necessary if you are using a PH balanced cleanser.  BUT a toner will help  rejevenate your skin and can help set your makeup...and make you feel fancy ;)
See how to make my FAVORITE toner here.

How often should you use a mask?
2-3 times a week.  More than that and you will not see any greater benefit.
A few of my personal favorite at home masks are the DIY Green Clay Mask, DIY Revitalizing  Seaweed Mask and DIY Vitmain C Mask (only do this one once a week).

How often should you exfoliate?
2-3 times a week.  If you over exfoliate you can actually cause small scratches on your skin which can result in hyperpigmentation (little brown spots).  Try to stay away from scrubs that contain harsh exfoliants such as crushed walnuts, especially if you have sensitive skin.   

How often should you wear sunscreen?
Every day.  Even if you do not plan on going outside you can still get sun damage through car and house windows...I know I sound like a crazy nut job skin care lady but wear this EVERY day.

How often should you clean your makeup brushes?
At least once a month.
See how to clean your makeup brushes here.

And there you have it! Hope you found this helpful :) 

Feelin Funky

Lately I have been feelin funky.  Not awesome put your geometric print pants on funky, like funky in a funk funky.  Right now I actually just feel like typing blahhhhhhhh (there I did it).  These past few weeks I have been struggling to find a balance between Mom life,  managing my diabetes, making time for friends, a little "me" time (hello a solo shower without my two year old would be nice every now and then), answering and returning e-mails (sorry I suck at that) being a good wife and trying to stay sane with a hobby I truly enjoy...blogging.  To say that I have it all figured out some might even laugh.  I surely do not...but that's real life for you.

Some days the kids are so much work I end up staying in my sweaty gym clothes (covered in baby puke...I know I am awesome) ALL day long.  Do you remember that little series I started called "Gettin Your Groove Back?"  No you don't?  Oh me either.  As of this exact moment I feel completely groove less. 

Want to know something really awesome that just about sums up my week so far?  I just looked down and realized I forgot to put my little nursing pads in and I have two giant wet spots soaking through my green shirt.  Yeay.  

The Two Minute Pumpkin Pie (Paleo)

This was a completely accidental (awesome) recipe.  One day last week I was majorly craving something sweet.  I looked through my cupboards and we literally had NOTHING expect a few cans of organic pumpkin puree (yippie...not really) and some baking ingredients.  I followed the basic outlines of my chocolate Paleo mug cake recipe with a few modifications (obviously adding pumpkin) and stuck it in the microwave saying a little prayer that it would not completely suck.

HOLY pumpkin pie... in literally 2 minutes!!  I wish this did suck so I can stop making it.  Seriously.

What you will need:

• 3 tbs of almond meal
• 2 tbs of coconut oil
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup of organic pumpkin puree
• 1 tsp of pumpkin spice
• 1 tbs of honey
• 1 tsp of vanilla extract
•  a dash of salt
• 1/2 tsp of baking powder

*If you are allergic to almond meal you can substitute coconut flour.  The consistency will change a bit though. 

Directions:
Mix everything together really well.  Place in a mug or a small microwave safe dish and microwave for 2 minutes (cavemen used microwaves I know it).  Hurry up and eat it all to yourself.  This is a tough one to share.

I made this for my husband again that same night (he is my official taste tester) and he took one bite and shouted "Dank!"  I actually looked up dank (before I put a word which I have no clue what it means in my blog) and it is an expression used by stoners and hippes, neither of which describes my husband ha...but basically he was trying to get across that this was pretty damn good.  This is going to be a regular treat around here this fall for sure.

On a side note: If you don't know what to do with the leftover pumpkin puree, you can always make a Pumpkin Enzyme Mask :)

Skin Care Tip of the Week *How to get soft and hydrated skin overnight*

Source

Sometimes the changing of seasons can mean changes in your skin.  My skin tends to get super dry and flaky once fall is in full swing.

My favorite little "secret weapon" is the good ole cooling humidifier.  If you run it while you sleep (next to your bed) you will wake up with the softest dewy-like skin!  The extra moisture in the air = extra moisture for your skin.

I have also used the humidifier to help heal my four month old's cradle cap and it worked like magic. 

So if your skin is feeling dry, flaky and in need some major moisture TLC...get out the cooling humidifier!

The humidifier that I personally have and use is the one pictured above :)