Living Rawesome

David Wolfe finally released his Longevity program. I am very excited about it. Here is the link.David Wolfe’s Longevity

Raw Food Gathering 6-25-09

Beautiful People and Beautiful Food.  This month turned out to be comfortable and laid back.  We didn’t have a guest speaker.  I figured it was time for us to get to know eachother more and discuss successes, plans for our future meetings, and some struggles that we do have.  We all talked about what we would like to do at each meeting.  Some wrote ideas down that they could bring to the group.  Jason and Denise offered to do demos for growing/juicing wheatgrass, sprouting, Raw Spaghetti with Alfredo Sauce, Raw Pudding.  Joanne would like to teach the value of  “you’re never too old to change.”  She is killing cancer in her own body and she would like to share what she is doing without chemo.  Marsha offered to share website, review books regarding health and raw food.  She also offered to show some of her videos by raw food chefs and Hallelujah Acres.  She attends many seminars and would love to share all that she is learning.  Marsha is sprouting beautifully, she started raw this year and her wealth of knowledge just blows me away.  I’ve learned so much from her already and am excited to be on this journey with her, as well as all my other friends.  They all teach, and inspire  me so much.  Someone else offered to discuss growing organic vegetables.  There is no doubt that we will be learning so much in the gatherings to come.

The foods were striking this month.  The colors were laid out beautifully.  There were so many vibrant colors.  This is the essence of raw food.  It draws you in.  Every gathering that we have gets more vibrant with the presentation of the meals.  It’s so exciting to see what everyone decides to make each month.  Many are challenged to make a better meal each time.  Each bite that I eat is bursting with love!  I can’t wait for the next one.

June Drum Circle

This month’s drum circle was so much fun again!!  D’Adjoa brought her jimbe drums again.  I played for a little bit.  This month seemed a bit harder to keep up with the other experienced drummers.  Most of them are very good.  D’ and I have been taking belly dancing classes so we decided to do some dancing with the belly dancers.  It was fun to dance with them.  We became friends with teacher who is also named Dea.  Funny thing was she found my website when she was looking up Crystal River drum circle.  I received an email from her that night before I left.  I couldn’t wait to meet her and dance with her.  She let me borrow one of her belts since I was the only one without a scarf for my belly.  Belly dancing is pretty difficult for me.  I really have to concentrate and follow the teacher’s lead.  I wasn’t really able to just feel the music.  I do love dancing, though.  We stayed until it got dark.  I think next time I will go later.  They seemed to really get into the drumming when the sun went down.  The time just flies over on the beach at sunset listening to the drums.

Papaya Facials and Avocado Hair Masks

3 things made me realize that a papaya facial was well in order for me.  I was looking in my bathroom mirror one night and decided that my skin was looking dry and worn out.  I thought I want a facial but there are too many chemicals in the masks at a salon.

The next morning before I went to work, I was looking at my new Ani Phyo book that I received from Amazon.  The very page I opened was talking about papaya and how it is an excellent exfoliater.  I thought, wow if that isn’t synchronicity, what is?  I checked my email before work and I received an email about different fruits that are important to eat and use.  And wouldn’t you know it.. it mentioned a study done on 14 different fruits commonly eaten in Mexico to determine their ability to halt breast cancer cell growth.   Papaya was the only fruit studied that halted breast cancer. I was so excited after seeing this in one day that I knew that I had to do the papaya facial.  That day after work I went to visit my mother and she was watching a talk show The Doctors and at the end of it they were showing papaya facials.  I couldn’t believe it.

I asked Sarah, Erica and Destiny if they wanted to do the papaya facials .  So we planned for it that weekend.  Destiny mentioned how avocado would be great for our hair.  We bought some avocadoes and a papaya, met over Sarah’s house and we got busy before the drum circle.

Here she is opening the beautiful papaya.  She thought it would be neat to take out the seeds and make a dish that looks like escargot.  The seeds will definitely help you if you are having problems with bowel movements.  I passed on trying them.

We all did avocado and papaya and relaxed on the floor.  Erica found some soothing music and we just hung out and chatted.  After 20 minutes I washed my face with Dr. Bronner’s peppermint soap.  HOW REFRESHING!!  I washed my hair and boy the avocado was not good for my hair.  I had to put 3 different products in my hair so I could get a comb through it.  I will definitely do the papaya facial again!  It was so invigorating!  Once a week would be great!!

Juicing and Earcandling

I wouldn’t say that juicing and earcandling always go together but for me it did today.  It all started yesterday, I went for a walk last night with Jason and my dogs.  What a beautiful trip it was.  Not that far into our walk, I mentioned to Jason that I wanted to do a juice fast.  Of course, he is always supportive and he agreed that I should do it.   So I kept it in the back of my mind as we chatted about our future and all our dreams.  When I returned home I checked my text messages and there was one from Destiny.  It said, “Wanna do a juice fast tomorrow?”  So there it was CONFIRMATION.  Just what I needed to make my decision.  We decided to do blended drinks and juices.

We started this morning with  a cucumber and cantaloupe smoothie. We shared a watermelon, lemon and cucumber smoothie.  We both love ice!! We put about 20 ice cubes into the smoothie.  How refreshing it is in the summer months to share seasonal fruit with friends.  We managed to hold out on solid food until dinner.  Which wasn’t bad for us.  It is better to be prepared when doing a juice or blended fast.  We did it on the spur of the moment decision, next time we will buy the veggies and fruits we need to make it the whole day.

I finally got to help with earcandling.  I have never done it before.  I was excited to be a part of my boss’s session:)  Rich was feeling as if he had water in his ear.  Nothing seemed to be helping until he did the earcandle.  It was a beautiful day outside, so we went outside.  I tried to talk him into staying inside to show the customers.  I am sure the customers would have loved to see the demo, but he didn’t feel the same about my idea.    I have always been skeptical about ear candles.  We sell so many of them at the store.  Many customers come several times a month to purchase them.  We used a paper plate instead of a aluminum pie plate like the directions say.  I was very nervous, but it worked.  He didn’t get burned.  It only took about 10 minutes to burn the candle to the bottom.  He did two of them and after he felt much better:)

My advice is to never do it alone, and just like anything else, it’s always better with friends.

When the candles burned down we opened them up to see if anything came out and we noticed only a little bit.  After viewing many sites online, I still question if what came out is actually ear wax or if it is actually the candle.  No matter what though, he did feel better after the ear candling.

Comfort in the RAW

Yesterday I went to Orlando with my family.  We went to Mall at the Millenia to go clothes shopping for Jason.    I woke up very early in the morning and worked on my Powerpoint presentation for Rutabaga’s Raw Food Class on Monday night (big accomplishmet).  I sat at the computer for many hours and clicked away, so by the time he returned from the gym and shopping at Rutabaga’s for my lentils and thai coconuts, I was ready to go.

But before we left,  he made me vanilla chai tea, because I was not particularly hungry.  It was yummy until 10 minutes after, my stomach was burning.   I figured I should eat something to make my belly feel better.  I ate a huge salad with spinach, sprouts, and some shredded carrots all topped with my favorite simple tahini dressing.  After eating this I felt so alive and energized.   I was very full from eating such a big salad but I felt so balanced.  I enjoy starting my day off with greens and sprouts.  It doesn’t set me into a sugar binge, like smoothies do on many occasions.  Ever since I have been doing more Raw and Living Foods, I have become very sensitive to what my body really needs.  I love listening to my body and allowing my inner voice telling to guide me. I am enjoying My RAW life.

Normally I pack food before we go out of town, but I was full and I didn’t pack anything for our trip.  I figured I would grab some fruit from Whole Foods  if I was hungry.  We stopped at Whole Foods first and the boys ate lunch.  I ate some Rainier cherries, which were tasty and I didn’t feel the need to buy anything else.  I did question if I should though.  I thought , “oh no I’m really taking my chances here, I should buy something because they may not have anything at the mall.”  But I didn’t buy anything.

We arrived at the mall and parked near the food court.  We walked through the food court and we were offered  free chicken samples and of course we turned them down.  Whenever we go places I always seek out what healthy food options there are.  As we walked around looking for healthy choices, I started thinking about how much my life has changed and most of the foods offered in a mall food court are not appealing to me at all anymore. The smell of fresh baked pizza, cinnamon buns, fresh pretzels, even looking at Haagen Daaz ice cream used to make me want some.  Now, I know that this so called “comfort food” is not nourishing my body or making me feel comfort.  I used to get mad that there were not enough fresh choices, outside of a health food store or vegetarian restaurant.  I usually have to settle for salad.  Now don’t get me wrong I do love salad, but sometimes you just want something different.  Looking for the healthiest option,  we came upon Fruit’n Smoothie Sensations.  The cafe is beautiful, they have all fresh fruits such as mango, pineapple, kiwi, berries, cantaloupe and strawberries in the case.  I was excited to see they had 4 vitamixes sitting out and they had ice.  I rarely can order anything directly of a menu , so I always like to make friends with the employees.  I spoke to a man and asked if I could just have a smoothie with fresh cantaloupe and fresh strawberries and water with loads of ice.  He was very friendly and said yes.  I was so pleased in knowing I could get something healthy and enjoy my shopping experience.  I told him I would be back to talk to him later.

After shopping for hours, I did go back and we had a refreshing cantaloupe and strawberries smoothie.  I have Sebastian hooked on them too now.  We did add a bit of Stevia to it, thanks to Jason running to the car and grabbing some for us.

I take comfort now in knowing that I can find choices to meet my RAW needs, but I have to seek, and there I find.  It is always nice to find friendly people who are willing to work with you.  And the people at Fruit’n Smoothie Sensations were very kind:)  It is always a great idea to tip them too.  All juice bar employees should be tipped (Hee Hee)

Veggie Magic in Sarasota, FL

I have been wanting to go to Veggie Magic in my home state of Florida ever since I heard of the movie Supercharge Me!  Jenna Norwood had changed her life through raw and living foods.  I still haven’t seen Supercharge Me:(  I did buy it on my special day down at the restaurant but my television is broken.  (Which I do have mixed feelings about.)   I want it to stay that way, but I miss watching all my raw videos.  I do spend more time on the computer and have been sleeping in my own bed at night instead of the couch, which makes me happy.  Anyway, that’s another story.

My family went down to Sarasota on a Saturday.  It was a great day to go.  Florida had been hit by weeks of rain and on this day it was clear all day.  What a blessing.

Here I am at Veggie Magic.  I was surprised that it was in a shopping plaza.  I was pleasantly surprised when I walked in.  I loved the openness of the restaurant.  It was brightly lit and the walls were filled with articles about the lovely, Jenna Norwood.  On my left there were 2 comfy couches, next to a piano.  Tables for 2 and 4 people filled the room.  The openness of the kitchen gives the store a welcoming environment.  I love a clean kitchen.  You can see them prepare all of the food.

You place your order from the menu which is placed on the wall and they also have paper menus.

This is the menu and the baskets are there for the recipients to get their food.  You are given a word instead of taking your name after you order.  What a cute idea!  We ordered Raw Pizza and Double stack burger.  Our word was Shining.  It explained my feeling on this day.

My lovely hubby was shining too:)  As always!

Veggie Magic has many Raw Food books on a book shelf and they also sell many raw items such as flax crackers, Rawmesan (raw vegan parmesan cheese made from walnuts), tamari and other goodies. 

Here I am checking out the books.  I am always looking for new material to read.

We only waited a short time for our food.  We admired that Jenna decided to use  straws made out of corn.  The boys thought it was so awesome that the straws were green.

Here is Sebastian being silly with his straws.  He still has them.  Funny what kids are interested in.  It’s great for them to see that companies use these items.  They are our future of our planet.  They need to know the more environmental friendly products.

We were waiting patiently with smiles:)  Both boys were anxious to taste their meals.

Here are my two look alikes.

Our meals were just as beautiful as expected.

Here is the lovely and delicious All American Double Stack Cheeseburger.  It is made from seeds, fresh veggies and herbs.  Cheese made from pine nuts and homemade ketchup.  The burgers were used as the bun.  Clever.  It was very good.  My favorite was definitely the Pizza.

Beautifully dressed and  yummier than Papa John’s.  As well as healthier than any common pizza.  There is absolute excellence in this pizza.  God, I am sure, is so proud of this fine dish.  A veggie and flax crust loaded with pine nut cheese, sundried tomatoes, a homemade marinara sauce and spinach.  My children loved it so much they were fighting over it.  We did order another one to make them happy.  I would love to make this at home.  I would say this pizza was my children’s fave raw meal yet.  I do make graham crackers out of Matthew Kenney’s book that they love,  but this was their favorite raw meal.

He really couldn’t get enough.

And of course no meal is complete without dessert.  Here is a carrot cake topped with a whipped cream.  Made from carrot pulp, walnuts, ginger, cloves, cinnamon and raisins.   Very tasty.

The visit to the restaurant was great then we were off to our first time on Sarasota Beach.

We had a safe and wonderful day!

Raw Gathering 5-28-09

I had a blast at the last gathering. It was great to see all of you again.  For those of you that were not at previous gatherings, we were blessed by you being a part of this special time together.  We had so many lovely recipes.

It was a different time and day of the week but I think it worked out great.  Thank you to all who attended. I’m so honored to share this journey with all of you:)

Me, Jackie, Kay, Sarah and Erica

Kay making the Beet Raviolis

Mommy making up the gift for Dr. Schramm, he loves pistachio treats from Rutabaga’s Etc.

Erica, and Sarah making Dill Cream Cheese Nori.  One of my faves of the night.

Here if D’Adjoa giving the ingredients for the wonderful Curry Plantain salad.

Kay, Marsha and Gayle giving the recipes for what they brought.  Destiny, Sarah, Emma, Theresa, Sue, Judy, Pam getting their raw meal.  All smiles:)

Emma, Destiny, Johanna, Angela, Sebastian

D and Theresa

Me and my Man:)

White Chocolate on Carob Brownie

Carob Brownie

3 cups soaked and dehydrated walnuts

2 cups raisins

1 t salt

1/4 cup carob

Place walnuts and carob in food processor.  Let it run until it becomes a fine powder.  Add raisins and salt.  When it sticks together place in a plastic lined pie crust.  Then pour in white chocolate filling.

White Chocolate Filling

1 cup cashews

1/2 c agave

1/2 c melted cacao butter

1/3 c water

1 T vanilla

Blend all ingredients together, except melted cacao butter.  When filling is smooth, add cacao butter.

Here there are cacao nibs on it.  You can add berries, dried mulberries, cranberries, goji berries, or golden raisins.

Enjoy:)

Raw Gathering 5-28-09

I had a blast at the last gathering. It was great to see all of you again.  For those of you that were not at previous gatherings, we were blessed by you being a part of this special time together.  We had so many lovely recipes.

It was a different time and day of the week but I think it worked out great.  Thank you to all who attended. I’m so honored to share this journey with all of you:)

Me, Jackie, Kay, Sarah and Erica

Kay making the Beet Raviolis

Mommy making up the gift for Dr. Schramm, he loves pistachio treats from Rutabaga’s Etc.

Erica, and Sarah making Dill Cream Cheese Nori.  One of my faves of the night.

Here if D’Adjoa giving the ingredients for the wonderful Curry Plantain salad.

Kay, Marsha and Gayle giving the recipes for what they brought.  Destiny, Sarah, Emma, Theresa, Sue, Judy, Pam getting their raw meal.  All smiles:)

Emma, Destiny, Johanna, Angela, Sebastian

D and Theresa

Me and my Man:)