Everybody Needs A Little Time Away...

I'm on a bit of a "vacation" for the next few weeks.  I am house sitting for a wonderful artist/decorator friend who lives close to me in Historic Olde Towne, Portsmouth, Virginia.  It's a nice respite to recharge my batteries in preparation for my double Total Knee Replacement surgery that is scheduled for the end of this month.

I know it may sound weird, but I am completely excited about getting my new knees.  It's just another step I am taking to regain health and wellness after mistreating my body for so many years with unhealthy eating and life choices.

I do not expect to ever be able to be a marathon runner, but it would be nice to be able to walk more than I currently can.

I will feel victorious if I can walk a mile without constant, ball busting pain.

I will literally jump for joy if I can be training in Cross Fit and MMA Fit by Winter.  It's a major goal of mine.

I know Moscato is NOT Paleo, but I deserved a little treat.  It made for a perfect evening.  It was paired with Sautéed Collard Greens and Beef Brisket.  I do not feel the least bit guilty, either.  I stay on top of Paleo Mountain for the majority of the week (meaning I eat less fruit, more veggies, and meat.  No extra dairy except my grass fed butter in my coffee).  I do allow for two days where I eat more of a Primal Diet which includes more carbs.  To allow for the Moscato "treat", I just adjusted my fruits for the day.

Bada Bing, Bada Boom.

Sitting right here in the morning with the lap top and my Bulletproof Coffee starts my day perfectly.

I am completely in love with the chalk board painted nooks where you can find inspirational messages.

I get asked all the time, "Since you are Paleo and do not eat traditional breakfast foods like Cereal, Bagels, Toast, or Breakfast Bars...what is there left to eat?"  "Don't you get bored?"

Answer A:  There's a plethora of foods available to start your day out.  You know how cool it is to have Breakfast for Dinner?  Well, I tend to have Dinner for Breakfast now.  I usually combine lunch and breakfast together because I am never hungry in the morning.  This Bacon, Onion, Kale Stir Fry was a perfect brunch meal.  Filling and super tasty.

Bacon makes everything better.

Answer B:  Do I get bored with food?  NO!  Not since I went Paleo have I been bored with food.  I have fallen in love with cooking all over again.  My food is fresh and wholesome, the colors are vibrant and eating makes me feel alive!

I tend to "hunt and gather" on a weekly basis and whatever specials I can procure that week, get chopped, diced, shredded, and used to complete my culinary masterpieces.

I also feature a lot of my fresh vegetables that I grow myself.  Grow Food, Not Lawns!!

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"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another without losing enthusiasm" ~ Winston Churchill

After three months of Living In The Paleo's Paradise, I will loudly remark that after experiencing so much failure when it comes to my health and eating a healthy diet....a Paleo Lifestyle has given me so much success.

I love this journey that I am on.  Come join me.

This is Home Girl bidding you a wonderful day.

They're Never Mean at Angry Adam's!

There is a very special star shining in Olde Towne and it can be found glowing brightly over Angry Adam's Wine and Cheese Spot located at 501 High Street in Portsmouth, Virgina. Owned and created by two vibrant and creative souls who ooze enthusiasm for the finer points in life, Angry Adam's offers more than just the usual wine shop. They feed one's soul with the best the world has to offer in the way of "vin and fromage".

"Walking down High Street one evening, Adam and Randy thought it would be nice to head home and enjoy some wine and cheese on the patio. They noticed, however, that there wasn’t a place to pop in to grab a bottle or two of good wine and some delicious cheeses. Until now...In June of 2009, Adam and Randy opened Angry Adam’s Wine and Cheese Spot. Named after Adam’s alter-ego (when he doesn’t have fine wine and great cheese at his disposal), the shop is the perfect place to pick up everything you need to compliment a meal, host a tasting or just enjoy a glass of wine on your porch." (from the Angry Adam's website)

When going to visit Angry Adam's Wine and Cheese Spot for their weekly wine tastings or to pick up perfectly made sandwiches for a walk and picnic through Olde Towne, it always feels like I am visiting good friends. It brings a smile to my face. It makes sunshine on a dreary day. Randy and Adam are true ambassadors of happiness. I believe that is the biggest component of a successful retail venture. I "could" purchase many of these items at other vendors, but what makes me "want" to keep to on coming back runs deep in faithfulness. I honestly feel like I'm cheating on a relationship if I were to stray....and I don't cheat on the loves in my life.

At a recent tasting, Adam was showcasing wines from PKNT (pronounced "picante") hail from the stunning country of Chile. Adam is a knowledgeable wine educator and possesses a deep love and affinity for all things wine. He offers pairings of meal ideas and entices one to step out of a comfort zone to experience new tastes. On this evening, I tried the Carmenere and the Chardonnay. True to my wine steward's opinion, I was not disappointed.

The Carmenere is "a unique Chilean wine that is almost black in color, with hints of exotic spices and a long velvety finish. Ideal with Mexican or spicy food." I was surprised at how much I loved this particular wine. I had never had a Carmenere before and I will definitely be having it again. I imagine a summer evening making Carne Asada on the grill enjoying the warm air and maybe a breeze off the river.

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Typically, I am not a huge fan of Chardonnay. I know....I hear you moaning, but I'm not...never have I been, but this selection..."had me at hello". "Ripe pineapple and tropical fruit flavors mingle in this soft, full-bodied wine. Ideal on it's own or with smoked salmon." Yes, I finally found the perfect glass of loveliness to end an evening where my nerves are shot and I want to relax...like a princess.

Just when my love affair has begun with the wine and beer selection alone, do I spy this jewel at the rear of the shop. What? Do I see cheese? Do we all know how I feel about all things made from milk or cream...i.e. butter? Hello? I love cheese almost as much as I love bacon...well, maybe even more. There are also fresh made sandwiches such as The Angry Adam, The Spawn, The Bovine, amongst others. Sandwich specials are the highlight of my week. These super priced sammies come with fresh fruit and a dessert. This happens to be one of the "inside Olde Towne" secrets amongst the locals. True Life.

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So, if you're able please stop in and say hello to everyone at Angry Adam's. You will never forget the experience. I personally guarantee it. If you aren't local or planning a visit to this magically historic place, where is it that you shop where you feel like you are "home"? For me, it's here.

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This is Living in Olde Towne, where every day is a new adventure.