MAPLE WALNUT ICE CREAM

I needed a change.

I woke up one morning thinking I wanted to really find what I'm passionate about.

I've put all my love and attention into raising Kyri, but as she grows more independent I'm finding I am able to get my freedom back (a little bit).

I had a breast milk scare last week that turned my life upside down. I must admit I was a bit dramatic, but who wouldn't be when you pump both boobs and you only have 20 drops of milk.

I started doubting my health and my freedom. Tod told me to pump and get out of this house. "Go shopping with your mom. Go for tea with a friend. Go to Vancouver and see a concert with your sister. Just pump and go!"

It's not that easy to just get out. Sure a couple hours is fine, but I am still breastfeeding Kyri as the base to all of her meals. Breask milk first, then food. We both love doing it so why not keep going for as long as we both want. I read in 'The Kind Mama' by Alicia Silverstone (my new favourite mommy/baby book) that babies will wean when they are ready and they get so many health benefits from letting it all happen naturally. And since I don't have any reason to quit,zs I want to keep going for as long as possible (hopefully around the 2 year mark).

This is what got me pumping. Then only to find that I pumped 20 drops of milk from both breasts is such a major let down (no pun intended). My awesome friend Ricci even let me borrow her hospital grade pump and I only pumped 1 oz from both breasts.

I had to figure out what was going on.

I decided that it was my intake of water. I thought twice about it and realised that I have only been drinking 2-3 glasses of water a day, plus going in the sauna every night. So I started drinking water like a crazy mother....

And added oatmeal to my lunch, plus buckwheat, everyday.

Three days later I decided to pump again and I've been getting 3 oz. from my boobs, combined, which is better then nothing. I find the best time to pump is first thing in the morning or two hours after Kyri has gone to bed.

So now that my freedom is becoming a reality again, I am getting closer to a day out with the girls. Maybe even an over-nighter!

And about my passions in life? I am finding that I am still loving about taking pictures of nature, the kids playing, food, ....life! It's what I love to do, during Kyri's nap time and when I spot a fun moment I just NEED to capture.

No soul searching for this chickie. I have everything I need and want, right here in this Dugas house. I was in a rut searching for meaning but all I had to do was open my eyes. What would life be life without all of this? I could cy. I don't want to even try to imagine it.

Listen to Adam Levine - Lost Stars

Now, time for a treat....

MAPLE WALNUT ICE CREAM
Serves 4

Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Vegan, Refined Sugar-Free

Prepare ahead - Soak 1 cup cashews, covered in filtered water, for 4 hours
                         - Make caramel sauce (optional) ingredients listed on this page

• 1 cup raw cashews, soaked for 3 hours
• 1 cup organic coconut milk beverage, I used the So Delicious brand
• 1 cup raw coconut meat, bought frozen and thawed
• 3/4 cup pure maple syrup, #2
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup raw walnuts

1. Blend the soaked cashews and 3/4 of the coconut milk beverage until smooth. Pour into a freezer safe bowl.

2. Blend the rest of the coconut milk beverage with the coconut meat, maple syrup, vanilla and 1/2 cup of the walnuts until smooth. Pour into the same freezer safe bowl and stir well. Stir in the last 1/2 cup of the walnuts.

3.  Place bowl into the freezer and freeze 4 hours. Take out of the freezer 10 minutes to thaw before serving. Place ice cream scoop in a cup of hot water for easier scooping. 

4. Drizzle caramel sauce on top if you desire. The caramel sauce is the same as the caramel layer in my Four Layered Square.