Planet Raw

My Week: Road Trip!

awesome to be rawsome — 2012-05-20

It isn’t often that I venture out of the area. You can ask my kids or my sisters and they’ll agree. However, when I don’t have to do the driving and I can go see an old friend, I jump at the chance. That’s exactly what happened but not until Monday.

Sunday was the usual Sunday—even more so since I didn’t have to go to a nominating committee meeting. DD and I had our weekly conversation and it was filled with exciting developments like new furniture and getting settled. I played in the dirt some and ate strawberries.

Monday, I got up BEFORE bright and early and started getting ready. I’d hunted up an old bra of Mother’s that had been ‘way too big for her and was a size or two too big for me. At least it was wirefree so I wouldn’t set off the alarm like I did the last time. Yes, I was going with the pastor and his wife (why don’t we ever say the wife and her pastor?) to see our friend in Federal Prison.

The day started out overcast. I’d taken an old umbrella with me that wouldn’t break my heart if I lost it. We met at Bi-Lo at 9 EDT (8 Tommie Time). We were on our way.

The trip there was uneventful. I couldn’t see much but there seemed to be something of interest to the driver and he had the radio tuned to the road conditions. Seemed there was some trouble somewhere but it didn’t have an effect on us. I didn’t pay much attention.

Instead of parking across the road from the entrance to eat our lunch, we drove onto the grounds and into the parking lot. We sat in the car to have our “picnic”. While they ate their sandwiches I had my two mangos I’d peeled and cut up and two bananas. I also had a few carob covered raisins (which I shared) and a Super Duper Gut Bomb. I was ready.

While we were waiting for it to get to be time to start through the process of getting inside to visit, I got my camera and walked a little way from the car and took some pictures of the prison. I was sort of aware of some agitation from the car as I was walking back. It was the pastor’s wife. “You aren’t supposed to take pictures of federal buildings!” Well, I didn’t know that. “I guess you could plead ignorance in court.” Okay. I said, well, I suppose I can’t post one of those pictures Saturday night.

True to my inquisitive nature, tonight I had to Google the policy on taking pictures of Federal buildings. Seems it isn’t a crime, after all so…

It’s an old, old building and the brownish parts of the windows seem to be plywood. I’m not sure of that but it’s pretty shabby. DS2 wanted to know if it was nice and I had to tell him no. The inmate’s quarters aren’t air conditioned. I’m not sure of the heating situation in the winter. It’s definitely a pretty depressing place to visit and it’s got to be much worse to actually live there. From the pictures I found online, it’s much larger than it appears to be from the front.

When the time came, we started lining up with the others. It was the same wait and walk, wait and walk as before. There was some conversation with the other visitors and remarks that the crowd was small that day. From what I could gather, the weekends are the busiest.

The paperwork was filled out and we waited. And waited. And waited. Up on the hill, it seems the wind always blows. It was a nice day, temperature-wise, so that wasn’t unpleasant.

Finally getting inside, I filled out the visitor roster and prepared to go through the metal detector. I’d left everything in the car except for my driver license (I thought). When I walked through, I set it off. Walking back through, I set it off again. No underwire. What could it be this time? Turns out it was my scalar resonator. I took it off and passed.

THEN, when we were lined up to go to the next station, I heard my name being called. The large female guard said, “You are unlucky number 8! You have to have a pat-down.” Then she explained I could refuse but had I refused, I wouldn’t have been allowed to go any farther so I submitted. I had to stand with my feet apart and my arms held out from my sides. She donned gloves and parts of me were touched that hadn’t been touched by another person for a long, long time. It was very impersonal and professionally done and not particularly embarrassing. At least it wasn’t a strip search like the pastor’s wife had to do once.

A couple more bits of red tape and we were shown into the visiting area. When the prisoners came in, I had no trouble recognizing our friend. He hadn’t changed appreciably even though he’d had a birthday the day before.

We had a good visit and he was treated to a huge chicken sandwich, cheese snacks, banana bread, a candy bar and a soda. I don’t know how he held it all but he did. At 5:30, we had to leave. It was a long way back.

It was to prove to be even longer than we thought. The sun had come out and it was turning into a good day for traveling.

We’d seen signs warning of a detour for miles and miles. Stopping at the rest area at the Tennessee state line we found out why. While I was waiting for the others, I looked at the brochures on the desk when something caught my eye. It was a picture of a slide just about two miles down the road. That’s what all the alerts on the radio were about. Later, I found the article and pictures online. There were handwritten and photocopied directions for the detour we’d have to take later.

The directions assured us the detour was only five miles farther than it normally would be on the Interstate. What it didn’t say was the top speed would be around 40 mph.

Then it took us through a little town

and we were on our way again. We ate our supper in the car and didn’t bother to stop.

It got later and later

and it was well after 10 EDT (9 Tommie Time) when I got home. It was quite an adventure.

Tuesday, I all but finished up my life story. From that point on, you’d have to go back to the first post in my blog and follow it through from there. I also promised one more chapter that sort of tells the rest of the story—but not quite because it isn’t over yet.

Wednesday, I had to head back to town to do some shopping. My gas consumption isn’t what it used to be but it’s more than when I filled the tank once in a couple of months.

My hummingbirds are back! I haven’t seen many but maybe the word will get around that I have the best sugar water in the neighborhood! When I go out to sun on the deck, I can hear their wings whirring.

I have a container of eggplant on the deck and I’ve found, so far, four tiny fruit. The Black Prince (heirloom variety) tomato has some little toms on it. This time of year can be so exciting!!

My niece asked me to write a “two or three paragraph bio” of my sister. There’s no way her life could be compressed into that little space. I emailed what I came up with to her yesterday and haven’t heard anything back.

When I got to the church this morning, I was the first one there who had a key. I went in and performed the deacon duties of turning on lights. The church service was very interesting. The principal of our now closed school had the service and he told how things fell into place for him and his wife to move on to another position in Texas.

This week has been taken up with calling nominees and asking them to fill roles in the church. I’ve gotten mostly yeses, thankfully. There’s another meeting tomorrow and then, hopefully, it will be done.

And now, the hour grows late. There’s lots more I could write about but I won’t. And aren’t you glad??!

What to Do When You Hit the Invisible Ceiling

Karen Knowler — 2012-05-18

Have you ever reached a place either in your diet, body or life where you felt as if you were blocked or couldn't go any further or higher? I know I have, frequently, and it really doesn't feel good - does it? Many moons ago I didn't understand what this feeling was all about. In fact, I didn't actually give the feeling a name, I just knew it felt yucky and usually I would revert to an old pattern or behaviour which gave me room to breathe, knowing that I could up my game again if and when I wanted...

Freelee’s story on recovering from anorexia. Sickly anorexic twig to sports model babe

DURIANRIDER — 2012-05-17

Freelee’s story on recovering from anorexia. Sickly anorexic twig to sports model babe

Raw Vegan Food Journal. Living Fuel. Motherhood. Running.

Kristen Suzanne — 2012-05-16

Hi everyone!

Kamea is taking a nap and I’m feeling energized so I thought I’d share a quick blog post of my food for today. It was a Raw Vegan Day – high energy, nutrient dense, and EASY PEASY for this busy mama.

Before that though, I have FOUR things I want to cover:

1) How many of you have tried Living Fuel products? I’m intrigued. I realize some have vitamin D3, not vegan, but other than that… has anyone tried? Thoughts? I found these two reviews on them. Natural News and Evolving Wellness (she also did a 12-day challenge with it and blogged about it, be sure to check that out too. Lots of good details).

Living Fuel's product line

2) Motherhood. What do I want to cover in just a few words here? Well, I want to say that it’s the toughest and greatest job in the world, and I plan on blogging more about it, how I navigate it, and putting it all out there (including this ridiculous picture of me below). So, there’s that to come. ;)

Motherhood. Entertaining Kamea while drinking a protein shake, wearing paper mache peppers on my head w/ ponytail and about zero makeup on. Gotta love Greg... I sent him the pic and he said I'm his sexy Mayan princess. He's a smoooooth talker.

3) I am starting to run. Well, let’s be honest, I’m working on a gentle jog, as I call it, and I’m using this Couch to 5K app via my iPhone to train me. I’ll write more on the whole running thing later… Let’s just say though. I’ve NEVER been a runner. Can’t believe I’m even attempting it, but I was inspired by my friend Julie and this blog post she shared with me. I’m on day three tonight.

Vibrams. One reason I never wanted to run was b/c of long term damage to joints. Supposedly, barefoot running (or w/ Vibrams) will help prevent that. Plus, they're groovy looking. I feel like spider man.

4) THANK YOU SO MUCH to all of you who are supporting me and Pre-Ordered your copy of my upcoming book, Raw Awakening. It means so much to me getting your support. Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!! (By the way, if you pre-ordered you know you get a free copy of my ebook Raw Vegan Transitions… if for any reason you didn’t get it yet, please email me again!)

Raw Vegan Food journal (May 16)

Chomp! Biting into an organic orange bell pepper like it's an apple. Low calorie, lots of phytonutrients and vitamin c. Yeah baby!

Organic fair trade decaf coffee (if you’re a coffee lover, Green Star coffee is amazing. We tried it for the first time in Santa Barbara. We don’t drink coffee a ton, but when we do it’s usually decaf – always organic and fair trade).
Core Defender cashew cacao bar (I have a review post coming soon where I write about these)
Water with Greener Grasses and organic stevia from Navitas Naturals
Braggs Limeade while shopping at Whole Foods, carrying Kamea in one arm, and pushing a shopping cart with the other. Yeah. I multi-task lol. And. I took my child to the store wearing her shirt, diaper, and shoes… because, well, she didn’t want to wear pants or shorts. Who am I to tell her otherwise?
Iced Tea to support reproductive health
Mini watermelon
1/3 cup Jalapeño kraut with one avocado smashed together
Raw vegan protein shake (Sun Warrior, cacao nibs, ice water, 1.5 bananas, hemp protein)
2 Bell peppers eaten like they’re apples(!), protein shake like above but added spinach

I also bought a truck load of organic mini portabella mushrooms to make raw marinated/dehydrated mushrooms. Soooo yummy and addictive. Will be making these today and dehydrating over night.Similar Posts:

TAHINI DRESSING

Karen Knowler — 2012-05-16

A tahini dressing is one of the most delicious and versatile dressings of all. As tahini is made from sesame seeds, it is lighter than a nut-based dressing and is high in protein and calcium, making it a nutritional superstar. A great dressing for when you want something thick and creamy. Smotheringly good! EQUIPMENT Blender INGREDIENTS 2 Tablespoons raw sesame tahini 1 Tablespoon pure water 1 Medjool date Juice of 1/4 lemon OR ¼ orange DIRECTIONS Simply blend all ingredients until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste test before using. Add more of whatever you need according to your...

The Raw Vegan, Part CXLXI: Waffling No More

awesome to be rawsome — 2012-05-16

To be sure, waffles were one of my all-time favorite things to eat. I’d put away my share (and someone else’s) of Eggos, but the best ones were homemade. I had a crackerjack waffle iron that was well-seasoned and I never had any trouble with sticking. A stack of waffles with butter and syrup and I was transported! Or, in the summertime, whip some cream (none of that frozen stuff in plastic tubs for me) and add some fresh strawberries or peaches and man oh man!!

I spent my days at work being distracted by my thoughts. In the evening, I’d get online (dratted dialup!) and start searching. Years before after DD was born, I went on a mostly vegan diet (I say “went on” because I also “went off”) that was low fat. I had quite a few lubs to lose and that was the only way I managed to do it. My energy levels went up along with the weight loss and I was a happy camper. DS1 had always been on the chubby size and he, too, dropped several sizes. With his chiseled good looks, he was a knockout. We were all feeling better but, obviously, it didn’t last. We’d fudge a little here and a little there until we were right back to our old ways. And the lubs, lonesome for us, returned.

It wasn’t a complete waste, though. I remembered the basic principles of that way of eating. No “free” fats and no refined foods. For its day and time, it was considered extreme.

When I started searching, I found a site maintained by Roger Haeske of Savory Veggie Stews fame. I was reading through all the malarkey about “You can eat anything you want as long as it’s raw” and thinking, “Yeah yeah yeah.” Then I came to a statement that brought me up short. “I don’t eat that way any more.” Then he started explaining that he hadn’t done well on the “anything you want” program. He started eating 80% carbs, 10% fat and 10% protein (the last two being maximum amounts). That matched the percentages of the low fat vegan diet I’d been on so many years before.

He had a forum (I don’t think it’s active any more) and I joined. In my discussions with him, I learned about a book, “The Raw Secrets” by Frederic Patenaude. It explained the way to go about putting raw vegan 80/10/10 into practice. I sat down and ordered it.

I still wasn’t completely sure I wanted to do this. What I knew was, I was sick and tired of being sick and tired. AND obese. My BMI was around 33 and anything over 30 is considered obese. When I was in my teens, I was lucky if it got up to 18. Quite a change.

DD and merm were going to do a 30 day challenge. As I remember, they started on June 16, 2005. Four days later, I’d come to terms with the idea and figured I could do anything for 30 days. I was in. June 20, 2005. I was going to change my way of eating.

True to his techie ways, merm set up a blog to track their progress, complete with the grim-looking “before” pictures—front facing and side view. Ever the copycat, I did the same but the pictures didn’t come along right away. I could include a link to their blog but I won’t rat them out. I did learn that I needed to take my own mugshots wearing the same clothes every time. I’m baffled by why I didn’t take pictures as soon as or even before I started the challenge. The ones here were over a month later, July 30, 2005. I had already lost quite a bit of fat.

What started out to be a four-parter surely ended up a lot longer. And there’s one more chapter to cover in the story of my life up to now but that will have to wait.

Crazy Sexy Life & One Green Planet Articles I Wrote

Kristen Suzanne — 2012-05-14

I’m a regular contributor to a couple of fabulous health and wellness hubs, Crazy Sexy Life and One Green Planet. Here are my latest contributions to them that I think you’ll find useful.

Crazy Sexy Life – Supplements: Part of the Cure for Modernity

One Green Planet – Flexibility and the Power of the Raw Food Spectrum

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May 13, 2012

RAW ON $10 A DAY — 2012-05-14

Breakfast
Chia Porridge
serves 1 ~ $1.75 per serving

4 tablespoons chia ($.80)
1/2 cup water
1/2 apple, chopped ($.30)
2 tablespoons walnuts, chopped ($.25)
2 tablespoons raisins ($.20)
1 tablespoon agave ($.20)
pinch cinnamon

This is super quick and super easy, and it tastes pretty good, too.

In a bowl, stir together the ground chia seeds and water. Let stand for a few minutes so it can gel. Add the chopped apple, chopped walnut, and raisins. Top with the agave and add a pinch of cinnamon, if desired.

calories: 341
fat: 18 gr
carbs: 57 gr
protein: 7 gr

Lunch

Chard Pockets

serves 2 ~ $2.62 per serving

6 chard leaves ($.90)

1 cucumber, sliced into small wedges ($.70)

1 cup mung bean sprouts ($.50)

1 carrot, shaved ($.15)

1 cup snow peas ($.80)

1 ripe avocado ($1.99)

3/4 cup water

1 tablespoon agave ($.20)

1 teaspoon dill

1/2 teaspoon salt

I wanted to make collard wraps, but the local store was fresh out of collards. Chard worked just as well. To make the "pocket" fold together smoothly, cut out the thickest part of the stem.

Stack the cucumber, mung beans, shaved carrots, and snow peas on the chard leaf. Add a dollop of avocado dressing and fold over.

To make the avocado dressing, using a bullet type blender and puree one avocado, water, agave, dill, and salt until very smooth. This will take a few minutes.

calories: 243
fat: 13 gr
carbs: 31 gr
protein: 6 gr

Dinner

Barbeque

serves 2 ~ $3.69 per serving

12 oz mushrooms, sliced ($1.58)

1/2 pineapple, cut into chunks ($2.50)

1 medium onion, sliced into rings ($.10)

3 zucchini, cut into noodles ($1.79)

barbeque sauce

1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes($.50)

5 dates, pitted ($.50)

1 tablespoons agave ($.20)

1 tablespoon olive oil ($.10)

2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar ($.10)

1 cup pineapple juice or water

1 clove garlic

tablespoon chopped onion

1 teaspoon brown spicy mustard

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/4 teaspoon cayenne

This is just as thick and hearty as any barbeque ... although I wasn't sure what to call it!

First, soak the sun dried tomatoes and dates in the pineapple juice or water for about 20 minutes to soften. Juice the core of the pineapple for juice, or just use water. Then, in a bullet type blender, puree all the sauce ingredients until very smooth.

Toss the barbeque sauce with the mushrooms, pineapple, and sliced onion then pour onto a lined dehydrator tray. Dehydrate at under 118 degrees for about an hour.

Cut the zucchini into noodles. (It's optional, but you can marinate and slightly dehydrate the noodles before using.) Spoon the barbeque mixture over the top.

calories: 446

fat: 8 gr

carbs: 95 gr

protein: 10 gr

Dessert

Froodles and Meatballs

serves 2 ~ $1.80

1/2 cup walnuts ($.50)

1/2 cup raisins ($.40)

1 cup strawberries ($.50)

2 tablespoons agave ($.40)

1 mango, sliced into noodles ($1.49)

1/2 cup coconut flakes ($.30)

I thought this was fun. I was going to try to make ice cream into noodles, but this seemed a lot easier!

It's probably easiest to make the meatballs first. In a food processor fitted with an "S" blade, process the walnuts and raisins until the mix begins to stick together. Form into balls just slightly smaller than a tablespoon each and set aside.

In a small or bullet type blender, puree the strawberries and agave until very smooth. Slice and mango into noodles and mound on plates. Add some coconut flakes. Place the meatballs on top and pour the strawberry sauce over.

calories: 566

fat: 31 gr

carbs: 67 gr

protein: 6 gr

Total cost for the day: $9.86

total calories: 1,659

total fat: 71 gr

total carb: 251 gr
total protein: 30 gr

My Week: Strawberries ‘n’ Cream

awesome to be rawsome — 2012-05-14

To be sure, this is a week and a day. Yesterday was so long and so busy, I had not the least inkling of a desire to do this post last night. But that can wait its turn…

I was all excited last week and couldn’t tell why. Now I can. Our church is going to do a “God in Shoes” June 29. It’s a program for less fortunate women in the area and lots of freebies will be offered including, but not limited to, a pair of shoes. New shoes are preferred but gently used will be accepted, too.

Well, you know me (or maybe you don’t). I like to shop on eBay. I’d been watching something on Tuesday that I’d planned to bid on. When the time came, the top bid was ‘way out of the reach of my budget so I didn’t win the auction. I’d gotten up from the computer and was going to do something else when something told me to go back and look for shoes.

I put in all the parameters I needed for the search–women’s running shoes, no size specified, new in box, etc., etc. Up popped a long list. I spied pair after pair after pair that were identical. The starting bid on each of 10 pairs of shoes from the same seller was $4.95. Shipping per pair was $9.95. I figured if I bid on eight pairs, I’d end up with at least a couple. My bids in, I got up again and decided I’d go to bed. I was already taking my shoes off when I felt I should go back and bid on the other two. That taken care of, I lay down and went to sleep.

Every time I woke up that night, I’d pray that I’d get some of the shoes for the program. I don’t know how long they had been posted but my bids were the only ones. I made up my mind that I wouldn’t outbid anyone. If someone came along and bid against me, they could have them. My limit was $4.95.

Next morning, there were two emails. I’d been outbid on two of the pairs of shoes. Okay. That still left eight. I had to go to town so I wasn’t sitting and breathlessly watching the minutes tick away. When I got home, there were eight emails. I’d won the rest of the auctions! Eight pairs of nice shoes for the program!

By the way, while I was in town, I went by Goodwill and bought four nice pairs of “gently used” shoes for less than $12. One pair sells for no less than $150 new.

Before I paid for the ones on eBay, I asked the seller if he would combine shipping. No problem. I told him what they were for and he was glad they were going to a good cause. Not only did he cut the shipping just about in half, he upgraded it from standard to expedited so they got here in two days.

We’ve been canvassing businesses and individuals for donations—either shoes or monetary. I set up a PayPal account and scanned the letter and donation form to a pdf so it can be emailed or downloaded. Tax deductible donations can be PayPal’ed to God in Shoes. Our church is quite small so any help we can get will be appreciated.

I emailed the letter to some of my relatives. A few days later, one of my sisters sent me a couple of pictures she’d found she thought I’d want—and a check for God in Shoes!

Here are the pictures. The first is when I was a junior in high school. The next is my sister who recently passed away and her son and yours truly holding DS1.

Sunday, DD and I had our usual visit. The prospect of her job turning into something more creative has fallen through. It’s too bad because she is very talented (and that’s not just Mom’s opinion). When we talked today, she said she’s getting busier and busier because the person she works with will be going on maternity leave soon. She and merm are in the process of buying furniture for the house they moved into almost a month ago.

Now, to the title of this post. There aren’t many things I miss, eating only vegan food. However, now and then I have had a longing for some whipped cream to go on some fruit. I know it isn’t a good combination and too much can make me fat but “moderation in all things”. I’d mentioned it to DD and, last week, I buckled down to do it. There are lots of recipes online for coconut “whipped cream”. I hunted one up and went through all the steps to make it. I had to start it the day before I planned to eat it because it had to chill overnight.

The next afternoon, I took it out of the fridge and carefully skimmed the “cream” off the top. My egg beater had given out years ago so I’d bought a strange-looking one with the best reviews on Amazon. It’s built to last and the others all had strikes against them.

I put the cream into my smallest mixing bowl and whipped it up. Like cream from a cow, there’s the “sweet spot” where it’s just right and the next second, it’s butter. That happened to me is how I know. I blended in a little more of the liquid and that helped. I mixed in a few drops of the vanilla DD made for me and some Coconut Crystals. Here’s the result and I must say, it was tasty.

By Wednesday, I’d about finished my berries but it was the neighbors to the rescue! I called the produce place and reserved a flat and my neighbor went down to pick it up. I’ve been feasting ever since. I’ll hate to see them go but peaches can’t be far behind.

Thursday, I called the credit union the hospital uses and closed my account. There wasn’t much in there but it was enough to go to my bank on Friday and open a savings account. I think the interest rate at the CU was .24%. At the bank, it’s .45%. The lady who helped me smiled and said, “You always look so pretty!” I could have asked her when she last had her eyes checked but I appreciated the compliment. Then she talked about how my hairstyle suited me. After the business was taken care of and I got up to leave, she came around the desk and hugged me. Now, when have you gotten that kind of treatment at YOUR bank?

Yesterday was a LONG DAY. Sabbath School, church, fellowship meal, Women’s Ministry meeting, a visit with Genese and then on to my cousin’s house for a family get-together. When I got home late yesterday afternoon, I put the food away and dropped. When it came time to do this post, I rebelled. It could wait.

The nominating committee meeting for today was canceled, I’m glad to say. It’s rained all day long. I’d thought I’d go to town and get some things I need but I decided against it. I’ll live.

All three of my children have wished me a Happy Mother’s Day by phone and merm did on Facebook. I haven’t gotten much done but DS2 said that was okay. I’ll trust he’s right.

Scrawny weakling to bodybuilder tutorial.

DURIANRIDER — 2012-05-13

Scrawny weakling to bodybuilder tutorial.

3 Common Raw Food Myths Busted!

Karen Knowler — 2012-05-11

When I first got into raw food back in 1993 there weren't a lot of raw food myths floating around as there weren't many raw foodists or raw food philosophies floating around either! Since then my, how things have changed! There's more books, resources, foods, theories, promoters, restaurants - you name it, there's more of it! And yes, ultimately this is a great thing... the only thing that frustrates me just a little are the myths that are created out of thin air and then get passed around like Chinese whispers and are taken as gospel! So because I'm keen...

Interview on Chic Vegan

Kristen Suzanne — 2012-05-09

I was recently interviewed by the very cool Chic Vegan and I thought y’all would like to check it out. I’ve done a number of interviews over the years, but I enjoyed this one particularly so because of the questions. It was fun. :)

PS Don’t forget!!! My new book, Raw Awakening, is going to be released on June 6 and if you pre-order before June 6 I’m giving away a free copy of my ebook Easy Raw Vegan Transitions!

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The Secret to Easy, Permanent, Healthy Weight Loss Lecture – NYC

Philip McCluskey — 2012-05-09

On June 21, 2012 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at New York, NY Have you been struggling to lose BIG weight, or maybe even just the last few pounds? Or maybe your weight is fine, but the emotional eating has gotten out of control, and you can’t seem to keep the weight off long term. WHAT: If any of these apply to you then you are in for a treat with [...]

Visit PhilipMcCluskey.com today for free information, videos, and support.

STRAWBERRY ICE-DREAM SMOOTHIE

Karen Knowler — 2012-05-09

As a child I loved strawberry ice-creams and fast-food thick-shakes. Little did I know then what the ingredients were and what they were doing to my body! With the aim to recreate the same taste in a healthier form, I came up with this very simple but even more delicious “strawberry ice-dream” recipe. I know that you're going to love this recipe for its taste, simplicity and speed. Great for kids too of course! (Luke adores this). EQUIPMENT Vita-Mix or Blender INGREDIENTS 1 cup water 2 frozen bananas (peel before freezing and freeze until hard) A small handful of fresh...

The Raw Vegan, Part CXLX: Wishy-Washy

awesome to be rawsome — 2012-05-09

I was becoming more and more conflicted about eating cooked food. My sisters and I had met at the cemetery to visit Mother’s grave and I, unwisely, mentioned that DD and merm were thinking about eating only raw food. My oldest sister frowned and said, “That’s not good.” She then proceeded to give me reason after reason why she believed she was right. Funny thing was, they were a lot of my own initial objections. Then she started talking about walnuts and Omega 3s and the conversation slowly but surely was steered away from raw food.

I didn’t say much about it at work. I was enough of an oddball as it was. My vegetarian fare was scrutinized by my co-workers much more than the lunches brought by the carnivores. Once, I’d made a Peanut Butter Loaf by my mother-in-law’s recipe. When asked what it was, I made the mistake of calling it by its proper name. Even just before I retired from the hospital, people would talk about my “Peanut Butter Meatloaf”. It didn’t matter than I tried, valiantly, to correct them. There wasn’t any meat anywhere close to it. It was, laughingly, “meatloaf”.

DD and merm were still on their cruise. Nine days can be a long time when you really really want contact. Internet access on the ship was anywhere from sketchy to non-existent and it was extremely expensive to even try to get online. I waited. And waited. And waited.

Seemingly months later instead of days, they were back. A few days later, merm sent out an email. They were going to try eating just raw food. The parents were planning to do the same. I still wasn’t completely sure. I did like my grits and eggs in the mornings and my fried potatoes when I got home from work.

I had to do a little more thinking and searching. I wasn’t quite ready to take the plunge.

Upcoming Health Lectures & Events

Philip McCluskey — 2012-05-08

Catch me on my East Coast tour as I share about Weight Loss, Juicing, & Transforming Your Life! Events in CT, PA, NYC, Long Island, and more. Sign up today.

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Upcoming Lectures & Events

Philip McCluskey — 2012-05-08

Upcoming Lectures, Workshops, and Health Events UPCOMING LECTURES 5/14 Get Juicy 10-Day Cleanse, Online RSVP HERE 6/2 Health, Hot, & Energized, PA RSVP HERE 6/4 Get Juicy 10-Day Cleanse Workshop, CT RSVP HERE 6/10 The Secret to Easy, Permanent Weight Loss Lecture, CT RSVP HERE 6/21 The Secret to Easy, Permanent Weight Loss Lecture, NYC RSVP HERE 6/23 Get Juicy 10-Day Cleanse [...]

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Healthy, Hot, & Energized Workshop – PA

Philip McCluskey — 2012-05-08

On June 2, 2012 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at Pipersville, PA WHEN: 6/2/12 10:00am - 4:00pm WHERE: The Chip Factory, 7034 Easton Rd, Pipersville, PA

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durianrider and the white tail spiders.

DURIANRIDER — 2012-05-08

Some of the worlds most dangerous spiders live near my bed. What do I do about it? I make a youtube video for you’s and go back to sleep. I love creepy crawlees.

watch?v=YnaZtMaiWW0

California Road Trip (with photos) – Part 1

Kristen Suzanne — 2012-05-07

We recently went on a great road trip to California. It was so much fun. You see, Kamea has never been a fan of the car so we waited until we thought she’d handle it better at almost two years old – she’s 21 months during this trip. How did she do? Well, let me just give a round of applause to LeapFrog DVDs in the car – lol (and would you believe that she knew some of her letters after just one viewing?! We were looking at books after she watched it the first time – which was a couple of months ago – and she pointed to and said the sounds for “O” and “R” and it wasn’t long before she knew them all!). Anyway… they kept her happy in the car for the drive. But, to make the trip enjoyable, we only drove in small chunks and stopped quite a bit. Our goal was Santa Barbara because it’d been on my Bucket List for a long time. However, just north of Santa Barbara we have friends with an organic olive farm so we visited them, too.

So, without further ado, here is part one of our trip in photos.

OK, so this photo wasn't from the road trip, but I love it so I wanted to share it. :)

We left from my mom's house in Sun City West. Mom makes Kamea organic rose petal tea which she loves. Here she is drinking it and watching Leap Frog.

First stop... Palm Springs. This is about 4.5 hours from Mom's house which is a decent length of travel for us. This is Kamea checking out the stuffed bears in a children's shop. We stayed at Hotel Zoso and enjoyed it very much.

Back on the road and this was my first ocean view for the trip. We were on our way to Santa Barbara.

Santa Barbara hotel, Eagle Inn. I questioned Facebook fans about places to stay in Santa Barbara and this one came up a few times. Grateful because it was great! We opted for a larger room and this is part of it.

The outside of Eagle Inn. Charming inside and out. Great service and true Santa Barbara style.

We immediately took to the streets and beach for a stroll. Here we are outside the marina. Many new experiences for Kamea, which was so good for her development. Hence, the quizzical look on her face - haha

Wonderful little health food store, Lazy Acres. This (mostly organic) produce section was gorgeous, clean, and heavenly. Although we didn't stay all (or even mostly!) raw, we made sure to have a good portion of raw foods on this trip, while still enjoying lots of great cooked vegan restaurants.

Well, that’s it for part one of our trip. Next up, I’ll share with you our adventure into Avila, CA, as well as the happiest place in America, San Louis Obispo. And, of course, our return trip home which included another couple nights in Santa Barbara, a night in Long Beach where we made a side trip so I could meet up with my brilliant, lovely, Soul Sista, Robyn (from Girl on Raw), and back one more night in Palm Springs before making it home.

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