Time for a Change

2010-10-20T08:46:00.000-07:00

When the issues of someone else's life have you tied in knots, it usually means it's time to start focusing on your own life.

Doesn't that feel better?

To Britty...

2010-10-08T20:53:00.000-07:00

A glimpse into our future. Thank you for dreaming it. Because of you, it is now within reach:

We will SWIM!

We will play...

We will silently watch...

We will hike...

We will feel our freedom...

We will talk lots...

We will bike...

We will laugh at the cardboard cut-out of a mountain!

We will protect and love our friends...

And we will laugh our asses off that we pulled this off!!!!!!!!

The Sedona Method - Hale Dwoskin

2010-09-08T19:00:00.000-07:00

Please watch my video so I can win a 7-Day Retreat with Hale and The Sedona Method!! I will send you a *great* postcard from Sedona if I win. ;)

The Sedona Method

I'm happy with the opportunities that have come my way since listening to these CDs. :) I look forward to even more!

The Cove

2010-09-03T22:45:00.000-07:00

My friends deserve to be free.

Perhaps I find the movie "The Cove" even more horrifying than people who eat fish and support the overfishing by their dollar votes, but this is surreal to me. How can we justify killing cetaceans and fish for food and also for entertainment? I love when a disgustingly cruel and unhealthy hidden truth is exposed. It's one thing to be ignorant. Once you know what is happening, however, how can you contribute? This idea has sparked nearly one and a half million people to protest against one unacceptable "tradition" that needs to evolve... the Taiji, Japan dolphin slaughter.

The movie, The Cove, creatively captured secret footage of the reality hidden to the public, even hidden to the public in Japan. I commend the "activists" who devote their time and talents to exposing the truth so we can find out more and more about what we will and will not support. I hesitate to label these people activists because the word may be laced with thoughts of controversy or 'over the top' behavior. I consider the people in this film to be human; to be connected.

"The Cove exposes the slaughter of more than 20,000 dolphins and porpoises off the coast of Japan every year, and how their meat, containing toxic levels of mercury, is sold as food in Japan and other parts of Asia, often labeled as whale meat. The majority of the world is not aware this is happening."

"Critical praise and audience awards worldwide have focused international attention on Taiji and the annual dolphin drives off the coast of Japan. On September 1, the six-month dolphin hunting season opened again, and fishermen in Taiji plan to take to the cove despite international pressure. Experts say education, awareness and persistence are needed to eventually turn the tide."

www.takepart.com/thecove

The movie trailer:

Change can occur by our own personal evolution. Change in the outside world will occur whether we are ready for it or not. We can deplete the oceans. We can pretend we are a higher species than the others. We can pretend to have all the answers and all the control in the world. The fundamental truths still remain and they do not cater to our egos and stories of hierarchy.

Our friends deserve to be free. Help find a better way than violence and speciesism. Please watch The Cove and support the efforts of others who risked their lives and freedom to show the world that awareness is the biggest step we can take in moving forward.

Good News!

2010-09-01T20:45:00.000-07:00

In a previous post, I mentioned that a business mentor and person I admire very much had been diagnosed with cancer. Brian Tracy has been combating cancer all these months and I had been watching his website and listening out for updates. I was so pleased to read that he was doing well, but I still worried!

Last night I received an update from Brian's top coach, Jim Masters. Jim works side by side with Brian in his coaching programs, business seminars and in many teleconferences and webinars. I have been fortunate enough to be part of these events and to get to know Jim more and more. On a call the other night, Jim gave an update as to Brian's health. I was happy the news was from Jim directly and not posted on a blog somewhere! I felt better to hear it from Jim and he did say that Brian is doing well. !!!! He confirmed Brian's blog post about his recovery and how the cancer cells have been removed and how he has hardly missed a beat during his treatment. (Why am I not surprised?) I told you he is a survivor! :) :)

I'm so happy that he is doing well and is still working with us live on our business program. He is even hosting another live two and a half day workshop this month and I know he will be amazing.

ASPCA

2010-08-17T17:57:00.000-07:00

You know that great feeling you get when you see the furry friends of your family well taken care of and extremely happy? Maybe you can feel the same knowing you helped some other babies who need it too!

I was happy to renew my membership to the ASPCA today and give some food to those homeless babies who are waiting to claim their new owners. :) Boots approved of this and wanted me to blog the link so you could consider donating too. Check out their website for information and some freebies like a Pet Safety Pack to protect your loyal family members! You can also obtain information on pet care or learn about how to fight animal cruelty in areas such as Equine Cruelty, Animals in Entertainment and the Exotic Pet Trade. There's lots to learn and we cannot do better until we know better!

Help end animal cruelty by clicking the banner below. Boots says so!

To become a member and/or donate, click here:

I am the oracle of knowledge in helping animals in need!

Gotta stuff those private jokes in there... always. :) Ok, now go save 'em, you oracle of knowledge!!!

Trust the Process

2010-07-13T22:21:00.000-07:00

You know that feeling gratitude is good. You know that you perpetuate that which you are feeling and resonating. So why can it be so difficult sometimes?! ;)

I was lucky enough to speak with author John Assaraf this week regarding this question I had. I know what it's like to feel pure desire and total excitement for things. I also know how the discrepancy from where you are at and where you want to be can be so drastic when you dream BIG... so how do you stay in the mode of passion, excitement and energy during the transition? John said that this is a common place to be and recognizing this as a transition is huge. He mentioned taking the baby steps and kept saying this phrase to me: "Trust the process." Those words have been ringing through my mind all day long.

I used to believe you needed a crystal clear picture of the desired outcome to get to where you want to be. If you have that, it can be a wonderful tool! Without it, I felt a bit lost. I do not know clearly which way I want to choose in one area of my life and it has made me feel that I am running in circles! I am, however, taking steps to get to a better place each day... so there is progression that is measurable and positive. Rather than worry about the 5 year plan that is not totally clear yet, how about trusting the process? Hmmm. Great advice for me at this time and place where I am at!

Another idea that removes pressure from me and may help others is along the same lines as trusting the process: you may not be able to figure out all the details of where you want to be, what you want to do, where you want to work, etc... so instead, focus on the feelings you want to have. The details will all fall into place once you do that. So if you are not sure how much money you want to make specifically this year, how about focus on the feelings you want to have as a result of money. If it's a feeling of success you want, then find out what will make you feel successful (or more successful?) Success is never about the dollar amount anyhow. What is success to you? Define it alone because it is a very personalize idea and no one can tell you what it means to you. So define it in a way where you *feel* success.

Another example of this is in envisioning a new home. I have a dream of owning a custom log home. I kept focusing on the home itself and took a step back to see why I wanted it. What will that "give" me? The answer was: a feeling of safety, stability and the feeling of a welcoming and comfy place! Log homes, to me, have that warm glow about them inside and are natural and "down to Earth" so to speak. I never really had sat down to figure out why that was important to me. Safety. Stability. Welcoming. Comfortable. Real. Livable. Breathable. Everyone is welcome there and likes the feeling of it. I associate them with a happy home full of laughing and support. None of this has to do with an actual log home though, really. So if I focus on those feelings instead of the "end result" of the home, I do believe the log home comes faster. No resistance. No dwelling on "lack" of log home! Just perpetuating that which I want more of. Then more of it comes in.

Lastly on goals: Clearly defined goals are energizing and can be a very fast way to get what you want! Sometimes, however, they are not established or revealed yet. I'm learning that this is ok. In fact, in learning to trust the process and dig down beneath the specific goals you can discover what you really are after and WHY. Once you tap into the "why..." you can sit back and watch it all unfold.

Thank you to John for your time today It was an honor to speak with you again! **major gratitude**

Her Healing Powers Scare Me

2010-07-01T22:59:00.000-07:00

It's nearly time to have Britty's braces removed!!!! Not only will she love her teeth, but I'll be loving one less monthly payment! WOO! The braces experience was not as painful as we've heard, according to Britty. With the brackets she had, we had no breakages, no major pain and everything went according to schedule. (She also did not eat popcorn, gum, or gummy candies, so that has lots to do with it!) So one last big procedure before the braces are removed... wisdom teeth extraction. Uh-oh.

I love how you can see the brackets on each tooth in the X-ray:

Preparing for surgery and watching the heart monitor. Why did they have me stay in the room for the first part? I was more nervous than she was. Drugging up your baby is such a horrible thing to witness. I had to pace around the waiting room. We do not like taking any medication, so this seemed severe to us!!

My baby is done and just beginning to come around after being brought into the recovery room. This was how I first saw her. :( With an insane amount of cotton wads in her mouth, she had no idea where she was and how she got there. :( She was shaking and out of it, and I felt so bad for her and began to feel very sorry for people who are addicted to drugs or take them to "feel better." :( It's incredibly scary and I am so glad that Britty is healthy to begin with. Still...

Back at home after a wheel chair ride. (Hey... Britty was in a wheelchair before I was!) Ice packs to reduce swelling. Towel wrapped pillow for blood catching:

This photo was taken the SAME NIGHT as the surgery. ??? How does she heal so fast?? This was without the pain killers too. HARD CORE, Britty!

Here are some tips for faster healing as I've seen with Britty:

* DO use the ice packs. I know it feels horrible. This will reduce the swelling though and will be so worth it. 20 minutes on/20 minutes off. I know it's easy to skip, but do your best.

* If you cannot drink, try filling a little squirt bottle with water or juice. Britty had a tiny one near her so she could squirt it in her mouth without it pouring all out! (numbness makes for lots of drooling!) Plus, with wisdom teeth removal, they say not to use straws so a squirt bottle was a great help to us!

* Before surgery, don't listen to other people's horror stories. ;) Not everyone has the same pain and recovery.

* Prepare beforehand: Stock up on the foods your doctors says are ok. Make some pudding or tapioca! Get juices, waters, ginger ale, or have a variety ready. We had a ton of water here, but Britty could not drink it because she said it tasted like blood! eeew. So we went for the juice and a ginger ale and watered that down. Having a variety with help!

Good luck to you if you are having your wisdoms removed! Neither of us had trouble with ours. Just stay healthy going into any surgery and your body will do its best to kick into gear to heal quickly for you!

No Fighting in our House!

2010-06-28T22:07:00.000-07:00

So we had to take it on the road....

Britty's editing of this made me laugh so much that my stomach hurts. The last "swipe" gave me a bruise on my ear with her lion's paw unleashing. I *thought* you said we were play-wrestling?!

Just you wait until next time, my friend... Now I see how you play. **RRROOAAARRR!!!!**

As our karate teacher used to say, "Families that kick together stick together." One of them may end up deaf from it though. :)

Very funny video, Britty! The rug burns and bruises were totally worth it!!

Do You Journal?

2010-06-28T20:43:00.000-07:00

I recently seemed to step back in time with an old ritual I used to feel incomplete without: journaling. Once upon a time, my journals consisted of regular college-ruled notebooks with nothing fancy about them. I preferred these to the tiny decorative ones from bookstores because with the amount that I wrote, I didn't want to be flipping pages constantly and filling up the journal overnight! Within the pages of the plain notebooks, I'd work out everything I needed to. I weighed out the pros and cons of situations. I was free to even sketch out my option of selling everything and moving to New York City in 1992. I wrote down the crazy thoughts, the fun ones, the dreams, and the day to day things that could have otherwise been mundane or ignored. I did not want to have a day without my 100% honest journal.

After a number of occasions where my journal was read and used against me, I noticed that when I picked it up to write, I held back. I censored more than usual and wondered things like, "What if (so and so) reads this?" I wrote as if it were to be read by someone else, and that was when the magic had died.

As the years went on, I found some places online to journal. Password protected. Safe. There was something less powerful in typing though than in writing by hand. I could not put in my little doodles, hearts, smiles or make the swear words large and dark with lighting bolts around them. Black text on the white background. Not as much fun and I barely went back to ever read them again.

With my recent time posting lots of info on my personal life on YouTube, CCOR, and Facebook, I began to see that I really had a lot more to say. In some ways, censoring did happen there as well for me when I told a bit of my story for that day. What about all the rest of the day? What about my real story?

I began to become aware of posting things to the Internet. I see the benefit in that sometimes and have enjoyed the experiences I've had with that in the past. What I did though was replace my whole story for the brief Internet version. In doing this, I've missed so much of my story. I've missed journaling and being exactly as I am without censoring or trying to be "better."

I recently read about making a vision board (yeah - another one!) This made me think of journaling because the lady talking about the vision board said, "Take it down when you have company. Even if they are friends, you do not want others' energies in your vision." O_O When you post your truth on the Internet for all to share, it can be great... but isn't it true that you will then get responses and ideas and others' energies? If you are looking for advice, this may be great. If you are looking to discover your own voice and desires, this is an inner job. I tend to get distracted with others' energies because I am not too strong at blocking that out just yet!

I have since opted to sit out a few of my online "meeting" places for awhile for the pleasure of doing some inner discovering. My journal is a brand new college-ruled notebook. I purchased a pretty pen that I use exclusively for this journal. It is a ritual once again and it is fearless and uncensored. It is not for debate. Not for advice. Not for uncovering what I "need to work on." It is my story 100% and is for my own peace and confidence... lightning bolts, hearts and all.

Soul Mate

2010-06-22T19:44:00.000-07:00

A soul mate is someone to whom we feel profoundly connected, as though the communication and communing that take place between us were not the product of intentional efforts, but rather a divine grace. This kind of relationship is so important to the soul that many have said there is nothing more precious in life.

- Thomas Moore

You Matter Very Much

2010-06-18T18:50:00.000-07:00

Quoted from the blog of Jamie Tworkowski, founder of To Write Love on Her Arms - a nonprofit organization to help suffers of depression, addiction, self-injury and suicidal thoughts/attempts.

"I hope you know you're not the only one who feels the way you feel. You are not the only one who struggles.

You are not the only one with questions. You are not crazy. You deserve to be heard, to be known. You deserve love.

You deserve love.

You deserve a place that feels like home. You deserve some hands to hold. Hands to pull you past the broken moments, hands to catch you when you fall. Eyes to see you. To say you're there, that you exist, that you change a room, that your presence is significant. Ears to hear you - hear your stories, hear you laugh. Ears to hear your questions and to say they matter.

You are not alone today. You matter very much.

Peace to you.

jamie"

http://www.twloha.com/

OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK AUDITION VIDEO

2010-06-14T21:54:00.000-07:00

Please vote for my friend, Lilou. The Oprah Winfrey Network is holding auditions for a "Host Your Own TV Show." Lilou Mace is the perfect one for the job! She is a known author, founder of the CoCreating Your Realities Network (a group of about 6,000 people from all over the world dedicated to improving themselves and the world, one person at a time!) Lilou is an inspirational speaker and holds interviews with the top leaders in the field of spirituality and self improvement such as Deepak Chopra and Debbie Ford. She is a force in this industry and her dedication and love for what she does is infectious. We love her and HOPE she wins this TV show opportunity. Please vote for Lilou and help her win a tv show that will do more than entertain... it will change your life for the better.

-------->>>>>> Click here to VOTE!!!! http://bit.ly/9dFRzF

Lots of luck to you Lilou... not that you need it. ;)

The Power of Acceptance - Debbie Ford

2010-06-10T20:30:00.000-07:00

I was reading The 21-Day Consiousness Cleanse by Debbie Ford tonight and wanted to share this part with you and say: stay healthy, stay happy, and accept what you cannot change:

"You must accept all that you are, all that you've been, and all that you will be in the future.

You have to accept that life is full of ambiguities, contrasts, and paradoxes, and that there will always be challenges for you to overcome. You have to accept that every challenge is really an opportunity that is meant to help you grow, to evolve, to open up, and to reclaim wisdom."

Just a reminder to you to accept the things you cannot change.

Loving this Prince!

2010-06-07T21:17:00.000-07:00

"The purity of a person's heart can be quickly measured by how they regard animals"

~ Anonymous

Focus On Health - The Beginning!

2010-06-03T14:48:00.000-07:00

I have exciting news! Jamie and I just launched our new blog called "Focus On Health" and I wanted to share it here and ask you to come check it out! This will be a nutrition/fitness/weight loss blog with tips on how to live a physically healthier lifestyle. I love having my blog here, Time for a Change, as a more spiritual one, but most people ask Jamie and I how we've lost weight and kept it off, what we eat, what we do, how our skin is so soft, etc... so we wanted to collaborate and share tips and resources and ideas. We are not doctors, nutritionists, or experts but we do know that we've done something right! We want to learn even more through our research and through YOU. :)

Here is the link and our first blog post:

Focus on Health Blog

Please come join us and follow us here or on Facebook's networked blogs! Thank you!

2 minute intro video for Focus on Health:

In the Raw!

2010-05-23T18:05:00.000-07:00

How is your 101 Things in 1001 Days list going? :) Check my previous blog post to give yourself something to think about that is fun and challenging! I am getting lots done on my list and one of them is to eat more raw foods! It has been nice to focus on this more and have more energy through some very long work days.

I recently received a package in the mail of supplies for this raw food adventure. This included 3 recipe books and a mandoline slicer. The slicer is perfect for preparing foods the right width for a dehydrator. (Boot's tail is in the photo!) :)

This is the first time I have worked with a dehydrator, and so far I am impressed! Using my recipe books, mandoline and dehydrator, I prepped some food including the best zucchini!! The zucchini was marinated and then dehydrated. This made them kind of like little potato chips (but no grease!) and the spices included cumin and cayenne... mmm. These were great to take with me while I was away this weekend, but tonight I used them in my dinner. Excuse the camera phone photo, but this dinner took me about 5 minutes to make and even less to clean up from! I whipped up a cheeze sauce in the Vitamix using cashews, a yellow pepper and many herbs from the garden (oregano, parsley, basil...) I wasn't sure what to put this sauce on, so I sliced up a tomato and placed the zucchini slices around it. Adding the sauce and some raw sesame seeds were the final steps:

lots of people don't like raw tomatoes, so I suppose you could use any veggie with a cheese sauce like this. (it was really garlicy and so good!) I am happy to have the new books since the only difficult thing for me with raw foods is that I just don't know what to make sometimes. The next recipe I will make is ravioli... I cannot wait to try it!

Thanks for reading. If you have a favorite raw food recipe, I'd love to hear it! Post it here on on Facebook please! :)

1001 Day Project

2010-05-16T20:40:00.000-07:00

101 Things to Do in 1001 Days! (Thank you to Mimi for the inspiration!)

Inspires you to set and achieve your personal goals in life.

The Challenge:
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

I think I love numbers and lists too much! When I read about the 101 things to do in 1001 days, I squealed. I HAD to do it too! Lol! :) I love this stuff and knowing me, I will do them all and more... so this is good for me to write out!

If you want to do it too - start now! It's very fun and I'd love some company with some of my goals.

Here are mine!

make meditation a daily habit
eat more raw vegan foods
exercise regularly (no half-assed stuff!)
hire a business coach
keep vlogging daily on vegancandi every day no matter how shitty I look or feel!
implement my database and CRM at work
get a new tattoo (hopefully with a friend!)
write in my gratitude journal every day
keep in contact with my true friends regularly
play a game every night with Britty (CLAMS!)
finish reading ALL the books in my room!
make lunch for a friend
travel out of the country again!
make the NYC trip happen and make it awesome!
get a pedicure
donate ALL the old clothes in the basement!
rock climb on the kiddie wall (come on, it's damn scary to me!)
proudly wear my red animal print bikini on the beach!
use my new dehydrator for LOTS of vegan raw foods
keep writing letters to my future husband to give on my wedding night! <3
visit more professionals in my industry for my work blog
focus on GREAT couples that I see
drink more tea
help strangers more - take time to notice them and offer help
get to bed by midnight and wake up by 8 am every day
take my multi-vitamin and calcium every day!
keep an eye on inspirational people
play my violin again
take one day off per week and DO NOT WORK!
pull my favorite recipes together to make one book of the "greats!"
dance more!
watch Moulin Rouge again! (always brings me great luck!)
keep growing my container garden! (omg, I love it!)
see the lawyer about the business plan
take a walk in the rain at night
do my strip aerobics workout! (without falling!) ;)
eat more oils for soft skin! (mmm, coconut oil!)
buy those sandals I've been staring at online
invest in a few great, classic pieces of clothing to build the wardrobe
wear more dresses and skirts again!
burn more incense sticks
floss my teeth every day (ugh!)
skip the coffee and drink more water
pack my own food for work even on weekends
fill the bird feeders and stop teasing the cute birds out there
finish translating a song in sign language and do a vlog of it!
have a picnic with Britty
finish planning my 40th birthday party and make it happen!
get married to my perfect man that Britty loves too!
go skinny dipping
buy a hot tub
own a log home
make a space in my new yard for a memorial for Minnie and BJ
look for the good in everyone
limit how much complaining I hear from others
have a romantic candle lit dinner
live my life out loud 100%
get a facial
be spoiled by my man
visit my grandma and grandpa and auntie at the cemetery
go to the Farm Sanctuary
help mom clean her house more
watch LOST Season 5 and 6
watch last season of Xena with Britty! Yi Yi Yi!!
host a dinner party for friends or for my man and his family
make a sexy video for or *with* someone
blog here regularly
stop playing Jewels on the Droid for one week
add weight lifting to exercise routine
do Tibetan Rites every day again!
convert old VHS movies of us to DVD
go to VegFests in Boston and where ever I can!
make a new female friend
see a nutritionist
have a New Year's kiss that is with someone I love
buy new funky glasses
learn to give a great massage!! (take a class!)
find BJ's breeder and thank her for such a beautiful, healthy boy she gave us
go to a sporting event
take a train ride
buy a lotto ticket
do my yoga pose and photograph it
buy another new car (Britty needs one too!)
have my Tiffany ring set without going broke!
be debt free!
be pampered at a beach resort
meet Brian Tracy again
create a time capsule with Britty
clean out my fridge completely! 100% Empty it out!!
Get more shelves up in my storage room and organize it
have a slumber party in Britty's room :)
Have a double date with Britty and her BF and mine. (Awkward? LOL!)
Build a snowman but never just ONE anymore!
go snorkeling
become an Aunt. (jk Debbie! lol!!) How about to your new dog?
have a girls' night out
take lots of bubble baths with candles all around
stay in hotels more and jump on the beds
look into Peace Corps again
revise this list to make it even more challenging as I check off these things!
laugh lots

I am mostly scared of the rock climbing on the kiddie wall! hee hee! I have to do it though since I wrote it! :)

For more info on 101 things to accomplish in 1001 days, here is the link below and good luck! You can do it if you can imagine it!

http://dayzeroproject.com/

A Pair of Boots

2010-05-12T19:41:00.000-07:00

Meet Boots!

Boots was abandoned by his previous owner and we discovered him at the Sterling Animal Shelter. Britty totally surprised me by taking me to shelters for Mother's Day! When we saw Boots, we knew he was the one and here is why:

A few years ago, we met a beautiful stray kitty named Boots! We wanted to adopt him, but the property owners decided they wanted to "keep" him after we fell in love. When we relocated, we missed Boots a lot and wished we had stolen him! Sadly, Boots was kept outside despite living on a busy street and was hit by a car and killed. We miss him terribly and wish we had stolen him, looking back. We regret leaving him to careless owners and have always felt bad about his unfortunate lack of proper care. He was a wonderful boy and we will always miss him.

On Mother's Day, Britty pooled her money with some friends and took me to animal shelters to find a new kitty. I had said I wanted one, but was going to wait until my future family members all approved of having another pet! I guess Britty didn't want to wait knowing that a new kitty would make me very happy! So off we went to shelter hop!

The shelters were full of beautiful homeless cats and dogs (oh, and birds too!) It was very sad to see these babies in cages waiting (and hoping) to be chosen and loved. To know that lots of them would be put to sleep if not chosen was particularly tough. For the cats, I did find a beautiful girl that I nearly took home. She reminded me of our Minnie kitty. I felt so bad for her! I wished more people knew of her and all the animals here that were found homeless or dumped off at the shelters. Some were respectfully released by their owners for good reason, so don't get me wrong, I am not purposefully being judgmental. I do wonder though how anyone could get rid of their pet? I would never. Ever. EVER.

We went onto the our final stop, the Sterling Animal Shelter. I immediately saw a cat that grabbed my attention and made me stare is disbelief. It was a cat who looked just like our BOOTS!! I really got scared as I walked up to his cage and saw the tag on it and it read: Name: Boots. Seriously. Seriously?!?!?!? He looked like him, acted like him, and it was a little spooky!! It took me about a second to look at Britty and say, "Yep." She knew too. Boots was back in our lives!

Original Boots on left. Our New Boots on right.

Our baby on his first day home:

His flinging around the room for mice on a rope is the best!!!

To my original Boots, I am so sorry that I did not fight for you or steal you. You'd be alive today and loved by us had I caused trouble back then. I wish I had. All I can do is give this new little boy a great home and take care of him as we would have taken care of you. We miss you, baby Boots. Thank you for coming back into our lives somehow and giving us a chance to love you again in the only way we can now.

You can save a life!

If considering a new pet, PLEASE adopt from a shelter. These animals need a home and they are beautiful and loving and deserve YOU! Take the time to look around, educate yourself and find the right one for you. They are out there waiting for you right now.

Happy Mother's Day!!

2010-05-09T09:48:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to all of the wonderful moms out there! Even if your babies are furry friends, I hope you celebrate being the best mom you can be!

No matter their age, remember to always see the best in your children and be excited by them! You have lots to learn from them!

Britty and Candi 1995

To bring up a child in the way he should go, travel that way yourself.
~ Josh Billings

Always be nice to your children because they are the ones who will choose your rest home.
~ Phyllis Diller

Your children will see what you're all about by what you live rather than what you say.
~ Dr. Wayne Dyer

Setting an example is not the main means of influencing another, it is the only means.
~ Albert Einstein

The best training any parent can give a child is to train the child to train himself.
~ A. P. Gouthey

Thank you to Britty for showing me how to give, be loyal, be open, and to trust. I thought parenting was all about telling kids what to do and showing them, guiding them, and protecting them. I had no idea until I met you, Britty!! I am very proud of you, just like I was then in that photo above. :)

Happy Mother's Day!

Already a Survivor

2010-05-06T15:26:00.000-07:00

At first, I was very sad to hear that this incredible man in the photo above was diagnosed with cancer. From Brian Tracy's blog he says, "The doctors have discovered that I have a cancerous tumor in my throat that is fairly well along in development." As he described chemotherapy and altering his schedule to accommodate "survival," I noticed that even Brian's "bad" news is stated in a way to be helpful and inspirational to others.

He says on his blog, "Cancer can be a metaphor for any unexpected setback or reversal in life, especially in the areas of money, business, career and marriage. In each case, when your situation abruptly changes for the worse, you go through a process of shock and denial, followed by depression and self-pity, which is then followed by acceptance and resurgence.

Perhaps the most important four words in the English language, words that are always true for all people at all times are, “This too shall pass."

I was surprised to find myself smiling at anything within these blog posts of his, yet his words below summarize Brian for me and make me look up to him in business and in his personal life as well:

"I choose to see this as a “learning experience.” Maybe I’ll develop a speech or seminar to share what I’ve learned, and the parallels with the ups and down of normal life. " :)

He has the mind set of survival and he has already won, no matter what the future holds for him.

Wishing you a quick recovery, Brian. I look forward to meeting you again as soon as possible

Love Is...

2010-04-20T10:14:00.000-07:00

Finally!!!!

2010-04-07T16:30:00.000-07:00

My test drive... I just knew. :)

This is near the beginning of my Season 2 of my 100 Day Challenge. My Season 1 set a foundation of asking, believing and then receiving. One of my "wants" was to have a very specific car. I had no idea of how that could possibly happen. I'm happy to say that I just picked up my new baby today. This is the exact car I cut photos out of and pasted in my Vision Book and Mind Movies. Who knew? I guess a better question would be, why don't we always just know?

So today, I am feeling overwhelmingly grateful. As I looked through my vision book from Season 1, not only did I see that I have the perfect car for me now, but also many of the other items and feelings I put in that book are now no longer fantasies... they are my life. I am happy to share this with people who are either experiencing the same OR are figuring out how to fine tune their lives by investigating things like Universal Laws and beliefs, etc... We are all in such a good, good place! :)

My gratitude list is longer than usual today, but I am so happy for all that has happened, for all I have done, and for just **knowing.** This is not about my current dream car. This is about knowing that we are far more powerful than we know. Even in times of perceived crisis, we are taken care of.

Today I am grateful for this and more:

The ability to purchase what I want when I want it.

The freedom to be selective and NEVER settle for less.

The feeling that I deserve all of these good things and MORE.

The awareness that I am creating this life.

The knowingness of when to let go.

The rewards I receive for being true to myself.

My f*ing cool new car!!!!!!!!!!

Off to create more now. Thank you to my friends and "teachers" and those who appear to be trouble, but end up being the ones I learn most from. We are in the perfect place to realize how powerful and perfect we are. (and always have been.) Let's enjoy the ride together!!!

Happy 15th Birthday, Britty!!!

2010-03-22T23:13:00.000-07:00

Each year I enjoy Britty's birthday even more. To watch her change in so many ways is a privilege and I am so happy for her strong and positive outlook on life. This photo kind of sums her up for me and I LOVE it:

We were lucky enough to go to the Boston Opera House for the Lion King!! Playing on her birthday! (just for her!)

The show was great and the songs and sets were everything we heard they were and more. Here we are exploring the Opera House before the show:

Hanging out in the hotel was fun too, and here's a photo of Britty waking early at about 1 pm. (just kidding Britty!)

<3 you! Happy Birthday Baby!!

A Commitment to Improve

2010-03-12T18:29:00.000-08:00

With my recent desire to change up my business, I discovered a seminar that had the potential to spark excitement in me again and also set the direction for a new business venture! After watching a Brian Tracy webinar, I heard of his "One Year Total Business Makeover" seminar in California and jumped at the chance to go. Winning a VIP pass (no such thing as luck!) allowed me to spend even more time with Brian himself and other self-made million and billionaires. I loved observing and enjoyed meeting people such as John Assaraf who I knew from the movie, The Secret. Aside from Brian Tracy, John's information and personality really struck a chord with me and I have since been working hard on business and personal growth and enjoying every second of it.

I was happy that my video testimonial of the seminar was used on Brian's blog. :) I was asked to do this quick clip with coaxing from Brian Traichel, who was amazingly helpful!

Click here to read about this awesome business seminar and to see my video testimonial of this great experience in California!

Brian Tracy San Diego Business Seminar - March 2010

Never stop learning.

My Baby

2010-02-28T23:54:00.000-08:00

Dedicated to all of our babies... please see the ending too. xxx

Love... 100%

2010-02-26T15:46:00.000-08:00

B.J.
November 28, 1996 - February 26, 2010

We miss you. We love you always.

I hope you know how important you are to us and always will be.

Thank you for making us the luckiest.

About Me

2010-02-18T16:38:00.000-08:00

Do you really want to know? I think I say it all in my blog, but this page with more info will be coming soon.

Thank you for stopping by here!!! I love my visitors! <3

The Wisdom of a Broken Heart

2010-02-10T17:10:00.000-08:00

This may seem like a strange post for near Valentine's Day, but it's for those who seem to dislike the "holiday" because of not having the love you want in your life or because of feeling broken-hearted and lonely. I recently read a line similar to this from Abraham-Hicks:

I do not want to be loved, I just want to love.

You may see people desperately searching to get love and validation and they search any and everywhere for that feeling. If they just turned that inward, a peace comes and then they may experience the ability to now give. Here is where I believe the healing begins. The feeling of a broken heart can be one of the worst and inescapable feelings that can be hard to heal from when you do not look at it face on and just allow it. I loved the idea of the book, Wisdom of a Broken Heart by the wonderful Susan Piver. Her Buddhist beliefs provide a healing undertone for the book and will be invaluable to those experiencing the pain of "lost" love.

Here, Susan talk about the book:

Coincidentally, I received this email today from the Universe. (yeah, we are best friends...)

All endings, Candi, are happy endings.

If you even believe in endings.

Whah!!
The Universe

If you need time to heal from something, take the time you need and make sure to appreciate the journey. All of it. No matter your love life details and desires, as Valentine's Day approaches, just remember that no one can ever take away your ability to love. Keep on giving and giving and giving.

Lots of love to you. <3 <3 <3 <3

Will Smith

2010-02-02T12:20:00.000-08:00

I LOVE this compilation of interviews and found myself laughing at what Will says about "being realistic!" It's the fastest road to mediocrity... so why aim to be realistic? Also, why have a plan B? It only distracts from plan A and puts in your mind that your first plan "may" fail. Why have failure in your mind at all?

Check out the video below! :)

Day 50 of 100 Day Challenge

2010-01-20T19:34:00.000-08:00

WOW! I can't believe this challenge is only half way through and I have gained SO much already! I'm feeling great and I can't wait for the next 50 days!!

Within the 50 days, I have already accomplished a lot of what I was looking for. I was looking to eat better and have done so with an ease and with forgiveness, which makes the journey fun! I am already at my goal weight and see how I can maintain it now. (not through muscle loss or water loss!) It's releasing the extra weight that I do not need! This path includes LOTS of raw foods and I love them all. A green drink each day (at LEAST one) is now a must or else I feel incomplete! I make a lot of fresh juices, smoothies, salads, eat fruits, nuts, seeds, oils, supplements like chia seeds, acai berries, maca powder... and if I do eat cooked foods, they are steamed veggies, quinoa, hummus, and some other proteins that are not wheat/flour based. (Steering clear of breads and things like that!) It is SO good and I feel a million times better eating this way! If I do have "junk", I just quickly get back on track and it's no problem at all. (Still have to have my Buddha Hut "chicken!")

Exercise is now a regular part of my day. I feel awesome spending at least 30 minutes per day on planned exercise. Whether it's a fast walk on the treadmill or a DVD such as Turbo-Jam or Tammi Lee's abs, it's a great feeling when finished! Combined with group yoga class, I am just beginning a well-rounded fitness plan that I enjoy!

I was looking to also bring in more love in my life at the beginning of this 100 day challenge. I wanted this through great friends, more time with Britty and the pets, and also well - you know! I'm happy to say that I have experienced all I wanted to and MORE. Now, I can begin to create more and fine-tune what I am looking for even more so! :) How fun!

So with the 100 day challenge, I've had sad days, "stuck" days, and also some of the greatest days I have ever had. :) On the whole, I just cannot believe how life changes when you choose to be 100% responsible for EVERY aspect of it! I've also learned to shed the old ways of thinking that no longer serve me. I am not worried about what other people think. I am not worried about pleasing everyone, because I cannot. I am not worried about the labels people called me in the past - that is over-with! It is not part of my present and certainly not part of my future! As my good friend Chris sang to me, "I can see clearly now the rain is gone..." That about sums up the 100 Day Challenge for me. :) 50 more days to go.

Forever a Friend

2010-01-11T22:12:00.000-08:00

This is for you, Karen. <3 This is my favorite photo of you and Mattie and the moment I saw it on your blog in 2006, I saved it to my computer to look at it often. I completely understand the friendship you had with her. She made so many of us happy with all the adorable photos you shared with us and the trips to the beach, cafes, and parks. You made one another very, very happy and I am glad you had 15 years together. Wonderful memories. Thank you for including us in your friendship with her! She will never be forgotten.

Lots of love to you. {{hugs}}

Happy New Year!

2010-01-03T16:43:00.001-08:00

Thanks to my 100 Day Challenge friends for joining me in a New Year's message!!

Happy 2010 everyone!! It will be the best year yet!!

Christmas 2009

2010-01-01T00:09:00.001-08:00

I cannot stop watching our Christmas Day video! John cracks me up every time. Glad we could all be together this year!!

Happy New Year to everyone!

Psychic Vampires

2009-12-18T19:39:00.000-08:00

Today, someone gave me some great advice and told me about "psychic vampires." I found the phrase funny, but looked it up. I found it extremely helpful and wonder if you are unknowingly being bitten.

"When a psychic attack takes place, the psychic vampire receives an energy surge while the victim experiences fatigue.

People who "suck" the energy of others are called "psychic vampires." This "sucking" takes place when one's energy is depleted and needs to be replenished so he or she "sucks" the energy of another person. It is not unusual for a person who is ill or feeling inadequate emotionally to draw upon or deplete energized individuals of their life force. These "suckers" are not bad people, most of them are not aware on a conscious level that they are doing what they are doing. Still, their unknowing actions can play havoc with anyone who leaves an energetic opening for this type of thievery. It is important for us to be aware that we may be susceptible to having our energies stolen from us and learn ways to protect ourselves. The harm in a psychic attack is that there is no fair exchange of energy and therefore one feels depleted while the other becomes energized.

Traits of a Psychic Vampire

experiences feelings of abandonment or rejection
needs constant reassurance
never feels satisfied
seeks nurturing
low energy - fatigued"

There are ways to protect yourself from being drained by others. Firstly, recognize this is happening! Be aware of how you feel after spending time with others. Try to distance yourself or "detach" from the people who drain the life out of you! Cutting ties may be necessary for both of you. The vampires may learn to stop requiring the life force of others, or may just move on to someone else. Either way, you are not doing anyone any good by allowing the dependency to continue. Save your energy and protect yourself. This may ultimately be the only way to save or teach the psychic vampire as well.

Article Source: http://healing.about.com/cs/energyhealing/a/aa_vampires.htm
Image Source: Click

Happy Holidays!!

2009-12-17T21:54:00.001-08:00

Happy Holidays!! I made this at work and thought it was fun. Just wanted to share our company's virtual holiday card.

Enjoy the remainder of 2009 and let's get a jump start on those New Year's Resolutions!!

Our Deepest Fear

2009-12-13T21:29:00.000-08:00

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?"

by Marianne Williamson from A Return To Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles

Photo source = click

Gratitude

2009-12-11T20:29:00.000-08:00

Today was sidetracked by the pain in my arm from shoveling! The pain is constant and is taking my focus away from good things. It brought me down today and I noticed my thoughts starting to revert back to bad things. (Like feeling LOST in a crowd.) Physical pain can really wear me down, so I like to stay healthy! I don't take pain killers, so tomorrow I will rest and take supplements and try my best to help my arm heal.

Something positive to be grateful for... *YOU.* Also, finding this teeny old photo and me and Britty from 1998. Was that really 11 years ago? We're still having fun. I'm grateful for that and wish it could never end.

Lucky Me!

2009-12-09T22:08:00.000-08:00

I am a little surprised by a recent opportunity to see Deepak Chopra in person. I am officially going to see him speak and am excited yet learning not to be surprised by these "coincidences!" When you align yourself with what you most desire, it all starts coming in!

Another coincidence was finding a book in my storage room by Deepak Chopra! I didn't remember buying it years ago and its date is 1994. Wow! I remember being interested in spiritual ideas and loved reading more and more! Funny that I find the book all these years later and read it again with a new perspective. It's not just a bunch of cool words anymore!

This book I uncovered is called, "The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success." It's fairly simple at first glance. I re-read it now and realize something that someone said to me yesterday is very true: "You've come a long way." Yes! This book is another way of saying things that I hold as unshakable truths.

Here is a bit from the book that I live by and wanted to share:

"Responsibility means not blaming anyone or anything for your situation, including yourself.... Once you do this, every so-called upsetting situation will become an opportunity for the creation of something new and beautiful, and every so-called tormentor or tyrant will become our teacher. Reality is an interpretation."

He goes on to talk about defenselessness and how you lose the need to convince or persuade others about your point of view. It's very freeing.

Deepak's books and videos and seminars can get pretty deep, so I am curious about this upcoming discussion. I'm ready for it.

Lastly, I wanted to share the perfect man I built today with Britty! With a carrot nose, sun-dried tomato eyes and a cranberry smile, we're loving him!!

Raw Food Package

2009-12-08T11:38:00.000-08:00

A gift I got in the mail! (a gift from ME!!) Raw items shown here and more like body lotion, dry brush, MSM Powder, and the rest I think is shown here:

Shop!
http://www.therawfoodworld.com/

View!
http://www.youtube.com/user/TheRawFoodWorld

Green Drink and Raw Stuffs!

2009-12-04T16:18:00.000-08:00

**This never posted yesterday! Now it's Day 4 of the challenge, but I wanted to post this even though it's late...**

Day 3 of the 100 day challenge, and that challenge includes eating healthier! My typical vegan diet is being shaken up a bit with the help of a variety of raw foods. I have a goal of a minimum of one meal per day as raw, which has not been difficult at all so far. Today, that meal turned into two:

Raw Pasta and Cheeze Sauce:

Spiralized Zucchini (so good!) tossed with raw Cheeze Sauce made up of a red pepper, macadamia nuts, Celtic sea salt and cayenne pepper. (recipe from the RawFoodWorld TV show linked to the right on my blog!)

Green Drink:

2 cups green leaf lettuce
1 cup turnip greens
2 celery sticks
1 apple
1 pomegranate
water from the pomegranate (when I soaked it to get the seeds out easily)

Whizzed around in the Vitamix for a moment, and this was a surprisingly good drink! I sealed 2 more portions of it in glass containers and will be having those tomorrow!

Nothing else eventful happened much with Day 3. It was a bit discouraging. No surprises, no good news, and it was a lonely day, pretty much! I did keep busy clearing out old photos and journal entries in my storage room. (I think this has the answer to why today was not so great!)

One last note - I did discover journal entries from about 15 years ago. I had forgotten some of the things I had been through. I was a little angry when I read it and remembered the circumstances. I have forgiven people and moved on, and apparently had forgotten the details. This was a downer today, definitely. What was a bit spooky about it all was how many times I was writing what I wished could happen. I wished it page after page after page. (not specific things, but general things that would free me of the situation I was in.) The spooky part was - ALL of the things I said I wanted eventually happened. Every single one. Even the seemingly unreasonable ones. It all happened within a year or two of my writing what I did. I didn't know about intentions or manifesting or attracting, but I did it. Knowing this, can you image what we can do when we are aware of how things work and also being more specific with our goals?

I had asked for many, many things in those journals. I got every single one of them. I just forgot to be specific. Perhaps I did free myself of that situation years and years ago, but only to get tossed into another of the same! Perhaps I did find a guy that seemed more interested in Britty... but I forgot to ask that he be honest and healthy and happy! So I should be fine tuning those goals and wishes, because they DO happen. They did 15 years ago, and they can only be healthier and better today.

Oh, and one more thing... pomegranates are one of my new favorite fruits!!!!! I love them!!!

Green Drink photo source: click!

Pomegranate delicious photo source: click!

2009-12-01T19:34:00.000-08:00

"Most people are extras in their own movie." ~ Bob Proctor

Day 1 of the 100 Day Challenge is nearly over! It's very fun to be part of such a big group of people to inspire and be inspired by!

My day 1 included lots of my intentions like: Green drinks, raw foods, focusing on work and even finishing early to have more time to do things at home. I donated 5 more bags of my old clothing (wooo, it feels good to give that stuff away!) and pre-ordered my Vegan Body Building book!!!! I seemed to have more time than ever and wasn't quite sure what to do with it all! Usually, I'd work late and go into work late... come home late and work more. We like the new schedule a lot and it leaves me more than enough time for working out, making dinner and fixing up the house... especially that storage room! grrrrr... never ending project! Plus, it gives me time to go on Facebook and CCOR and YouTube to watch my favorite channels! (Raw Food World, Brian Tracy, Lilou!) It's nice to take care of yourself for once, isn't it? I'm hearing that a lot from the other people in the challenge too.

My BIGGEST challenge is to stop the negative/limiting thoughts about myself like: "I can't do that." or thinking I am lazy. I have to be careful of living by excuses too such as, "I'm too old for that" or "It's *his* fault" haha. It happens a lot and it's nice to see others aware of it in themselves and working on it too! It's quite a journey.

99 more days to go!!!!!!

Day 1

2009-11-30T23:11:00.000-08:00

Woo! Day One of the 100 Day Reality Challenge begins December 1st!! Since one of my intentions was a fitness based one, I became part of the 100 Day Fitness Challenge too! I guess I didn't want to spend all day *thinking* about things, I also wanted to get off of my butt and do something! I'm excited to begin because it's the right time and I am finally ready for this.

I am up late because I happened to get my DVD in the mail: The Shadow Effect by Debbie Ford. OMG. I wasn't sure if I'd find it useful but it still interested me enough to buy it. I am not even sure what to say about it. I don't really know where to begin because there is SO much in it and it's very important. The idea of it is to embrace your dark and light sides and not to be ashamed or suppress your "shadow" part of yourself. (The part you are not happy with...not able to share with everyone...you hide it...you are ashamed of it...you are held back by it if repressed.) We all have it.

Maybe you are ashamed of something specific from your past. An event. A trauma. Were you abused physically? Emotionally? Did someone betray you? Can you not forgive them? Can you not forgive yourself?

All that we were told about ourselves that is bad and all that WE say about others that is judgmental and bad leads to feelings and beliefs that shape our lives. We must be allowed to expressed ourselves - dark and light - in order to grow and be our best self.

I cannot even say how much I learned from this movie because it's too long and too personal and involves other people's lives too that I won't share out of respect to them. I did do one of the exercises at the end and literally had my mouth open in shock at the end of it. (at myself.)

I did learn to appreciate all those who have been in my life so far. (even the ones who most people think are "evil.") I appreciate where it got me and how it makes me work and try and identify with people. It has also helped me be able to see beyond other people's insecurities and hurt and see what they are capable of if they are courageous. I appreciate the lesson I learned from them very, very much from childhood until now. I've met some amazing people! (most of them never even knew what they were capable of.)

You should see this movie. If you feel stuck. If you feel angry. If you are tired of not being able to express yourself in the "right" way according to everyone else around you... check out www.TheShadowEffect.com and know that you are perfect and you always were.

Animoto.com

2009-11-28T14:35:00.001-08:00

Preparing for a New Challenge

2009-11-27T22:11:00.000-08:00

"Life is to be lived. If you have to support yourself, you had bloody well better find some way that is going to be interesting. And you don`t do that by sitting around wondering about yourself."
~ Katherine Hepburn

Just in time!! I happened to find the latest 100 Day Challenge on Lilou Mace's Facebook status! I quickly went to her website and joined. December 1st is the starting date and my job until then is to choose what I wish to achieve during the "Reality Challenge." I'm new to all of this, so I am just sorting out the profile and linking up a new YouTube channel for my vlogs. This is WAY beyond my typical comfort zone! (so I figured I'd give it a go!?) I figured that posting video logs of myself talking about my progress may be too much for me to take! I thought of You Tube and I was afraid that I'd crumble with the first criticism! I went ahead and did it anyway because I'm tired of being afraid to do things. With lots of support from others in the Challenge, I think I'm nearly ready for day one!

"Really great people make you feel that you, too, can become great." ~ Mark Twain

I seem to have put the goals for the challenge in the back of my mind and am doing other things for now hoping the goals will become obvious to me. I have thought of a few so far.. well, more than just a few! I need to be clear on them before December first though to make sure I can make it all happen. Also, I want to make sure the goals are healthy and in my best interest, if that makes any sense.

While keeping all of this in the back of my mind, I am making room for this challenge. I am doing so in many ways and one way is by making room in my home. I'm clearing out boxes that have been in storage for up to seven years! (What was I thinking??) I have moved a lot and carried these "important" things with me all these years! They are taking up an entire large room in my home and also the basement. Setting aside a week to do this, I've cleared out the basement already and am half way through the storage room. The most interesting part is that I remember why I held on to these things. I was afraid that someday I may need them. I always had the "what if" thing going on. What if I were snowed in and needed blankets? What if I wanted these decorations but didn't have the money for them when I wanted them? So many what ifs. These "important" things were a safety net in just knowing that I had them. They reminded me of many good times in my life. (What if those were the best times I'd ever have? I'd have to hang onto them!) Well, I cannot make room for new things that matter if I have these old boxed up obsolete items keeping me static.

It has been fun looking through photos and old journals I wrote in. I was afraid it would be sad to see any of it, but so far it has not been. The only sad moment was seeing photos of Minnie, my kitty, and also BJ as a healthy, shiny perfect Lab. The journals are not sad, but interesting...

One journal entry was talking about how stuck I felt in the home I was living in. I had a dream to leave and start all over again. I seemed to write that many times over those years, actually. I had made a list in the journal of the things I wished could happen. I had to laugh because every single one of those things on my wish list DID happen since writing it. I made them all happen. Moving out. Home schooling Britty. Being healthier. Owning a company. Being able to work from home. Financially supporting myself and not being controlled in that regard. All of it happened and I did quite a bit of work to make it happen. None of it was luck. It never really is.

Seeing this makes this 100 Day Reality Challenge even more exciting. I do know I can make things happen if I work at it and know clearly what I am aiming for. Moving the 7 year old memories out is not as hard as I thought it would have been. Closing the door on an unhealthy ten year relationship was a process, but one that I finally feel completely free of. This sparked the "making room" mentality... internally and externally. Storage room first. Then looking inward to guilt and anything left from other life events. Clear it out. Make the room. December 1st is when new things happen. I will have made them happen. It will not be luck.

Thank you Lilou! I was so ready for this and I "stumbled" across it. I will be sharing my journey on CCOR and also here, possibly, and cannot wait to see what happens next.

Lastly: a storage room find - tucked into a book of her life was a photo of Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy. Their story is a great one and *may* become part of my goals for the 100 Day Challenge!! This is my favorite photo of them together:

"I don't think that work ever really destroyed anybody. I think that lack of work destroys them a hell of a lot more." ~ Katherine Hepburn

------

Image 1 source

Image 2 source

Happy Thanksgiving 2009!

2009-11-25T17:18:00.000-08:00

I wanted to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving and thank you for all the messages you wrote on Facebook and on your blogs! I know it can be hard for some of us to see a dead bird on the table if we are going to relatives' homes, but I hope you can find a way to enjoy the holiday and the company, even if that means creating a new tradition for yourself.

For us, we will be having a vegan Thanksgiving (of course!) with veggies and Tofurky. (and a coconut macadamia carrot cake!) In the spirit of celebrating a harvest, we will also think about our 2010 project to grow more of our own food. Our initial "Square Foot Garden" is a go for the spring. Producing our own organic veggies and herbs will be fun, economical and much healthier! I'm excited for that! Aside from food, we will also acknowledge another tradition in this country at Thanksgiving time:

The National Day of Mourning honors Native ancestors and the struggles of Native peoples to survive today.

I have always found the Native American culture interesting with their deep spirituality and traditions. The first Thanksgiving that we celebrate traditionally does give thanks to the food and the cooperation of two very different groups of people. How honored the Pilgrims must have been to have collaborated with such a profoundly different group of people who could help them in many ways.

I found some great images on the web for Thanksgiving. I'm happy to be having a compassionate Thanksgiving because it seems to be all about the turkey these days! (Tofurky's aren't quite as cute...)

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

Babies!!

Roosting not roasting. I love them:

How beautiful is this photo:

Your Shadows.

2009-11-23T21:34:00.000-08:00

T H E S H A D O W E F F E C T

A Journey from your darkest thought to your greatest dream.

"In this age of public humiliation and media meltdowns, the work of New York Times best selling author, Debbie Ford, continues to make headway as she exposes the opposing forces of both light and dark that compete for attention within every human being. In her film debut, The Shadow Effect, Ford presents the hidden power of “the Shadow” alongside some of today’s most provocative thinkers including Deepak Chopra, Marianne Williamson, Mark Victor Hansen, James Van Praagh and others.

In this life-altering journey, individuals who have transcended child abuse, racism, the Holocaust, war, and wounded upbringings, share their remarkable stories. Meet those who have learned to face their terror, heal their wounds, and embrace their higher, heroic selves to overcome the shadow effect."

I ordered my copy of the DVD today. Click on the banner to go to The Shadow Effect website and to view the trailer:

Just a Good Ole Boy

2009-11-16T00:05:00.000-08:00

...never meanin' no harm!

Karen just shared this link with a bunch of us animal loving girls. It's John Schneider and a video clip of his experience with an awakening. I loved this clip because not only do I love animals, but it reminded me of when it first hit me that I'd never eat animals again! (or wear them or use them...) I just knew it was right for me to choose to avoid that kind of pain. Looks like John just realized a few things that he needed to know to help out his path. Check it out! (Thanks Karen!)

I'm glad he can change things that no longer work for him. It was nice to see it and hear it in his own words. :)

To Show You My Love

2009-11-12T20:38:00.000-08:00

I just made a wedding slide show with this song and it's stuck in my mind. Sad to me, but very beautiful. I thought I'd give a bit of exposure to this great artist.

As this plays, I will copy a bit from an email I received today from The DailyOm. It was a bad day and made me question why I do what I do. Interestingly enough, I came home to this:

"Some of our goals and dreams come to fruition so easily that it is as if an unseen hand has done much of the work for us. When this happens, we say it must have been meant to be. On the other hand, when dreams and goals require a tremendous amount of effort, we may interpret this to mean that our dream is not meant to be. However, difficulty is not necessarily a sign that our hopes and plans are ill-fated. On the contrary, difficulties and challenges along the path can be important parts of the project’s overall meaning.

When we find ourselves facing difficulties with a particular plan or project, the chances are we know already whether we are meant to continue on or let it go. We simply need to look within ourselves for the answer. When an idea is meant to be, it comes back to us time and time again. Then we know we can go forward, no matter what challenges arise, knowing that it is meant to be."

I hope that helps you if you begin to question yourself too. Just keep on doing your best. It is enough and always has been.

Your Thanksgiving Turkey!

2009-11-11T14:09:00.000-08:00

Sponsor a Turkey

Since 1986, Farm Sanctuary’s Adopt-A-Turkey Project has encouraged people to save a turkey at Thanksgiving through sponsorships that help us rescue animals and provide care for them at our sanctuaries, as well as educate and advocate for turkeys, and other farm animals, everywhere. Now is your chance to join us in saving even more lives this year.

For a one-time donation gift of just $25, anyone can sponsor a turkey who lives at either our New York or California Shelter. As a Adoption Certificateturkey sponsor, you will receive a special Adopt-A-Turkey certificate with color photo of and fun details about your new friend.

Turkey sponsorships also make perfect gifts, so make an even greater impact this holiday season by sharing the love with others. For a gift of $150, you can sponsor the whole flock and have adoption certificates sent to family and friends!

We are pleased to present here photos of beloved turkeys at F. S. who not only need your sponsorship support this Thanksgiving but also your help showing others just how deserving of life farm animals really are. We are privileged to have these beautiful birds in our care, and we know you’ll love making a difference for them too!

source: Farm Sanctuary

Donny and Marie Show

2009-11-10T20:44:00.000-08:00

Do you remember this show? I cannot believe I was actually laughing so much at Donny's Soul Man performance near the end. The music, the OUTFITS, and the dancing are sure to bring you back to how awesome TV was then!!

"I'm a little bit country...I'm a little bit Rock + Roll!!" I miss my Donny and Marie dolls!

What the BLEEP Do We Know!?

2009-11-08T21:47:00.000-08:00

What the BLEEP Do We Know!?

The Original 108 minute film - released in theaters in February 2004. Starring Marlee Matlin and 14 Scientists and Mystics. Exploring the worlds of Quantum Physics, Neurology, and Molecular Biology in relation to the spheres of Spirituality and Metaphysics. Part documentary, part drama, part animation:

Part 4 of 6 of a series, "Down the Rabbit Hole:"

Watch all 6 YouTube clips if interested. It mentions aging, emotions, reactions, habits, changing yourself and recreating your life!!

This Is It

2009-11-04T20:46:00.000-08:00

Awesome movie. The songs are great and seeing MJ behind the scenes and hard at work is inspiring. His dedication and over-achievement are a rarity in most and we were lucky to be ale to catch a glimpse of that from rehearsal footage. Makes me wonder what those shows would have been like if *this* footage was just prepping.

Thank you Michael for giving 100% in your life and sharing with us, even if only by rehearsal footage. The audience was clapping and cheering you on in a small theatre and missing you as the credits roled. Nothing was wasted. We saw your effort and energy and dedication. It was nice to be there with you for that when you did not know we would be watching, caring and inspired by it.

Smooth Criminal:

Boston VegFest 09

2009-11-01T12:47:00.000-08:00

It was nice to make time off for Boston's annual VegFest! I was sad to go alone but was happy to find friends there from real life and Facebook! It was nice to meet people from Vegnews and even Maple Farm Animal Sanctuary as well.

The Vegnews stand offered a free copy of their magazine. I get the online version, but I do miss flipping through the pages of this awesome magazine! I grabbed a copy for me and for you, Karen! :)

Vegan Treats is the company name and their booth was not only the most popular, but it was so pretty! Check out all the cute cakes they made and I will show you a closer up photo of them too... yum!

I was psyched to see Sequel there and giving samples of their Vega products! Their new sport drink is really good and soon to be available at places like Whole Foods. It was nice to meet my Facebook friend and vegan body builder Robert Cheeke there are well. (makes me want to work out now...)

One note on the Vega powder... I usually make mine with Hemp milk. Some make theirs with water. The nice lady in the pink sweater there said that half milk and half water is what she does. She shook one up for me and it is even better mixed like that! Not too thick and not too watery!

Below is the Sproutman! I've ordered from them online, but it was nice to pick up some organic seeds for sprouting.

I was happy to see my friends at Buddha Hut cooking up a storm at VegFest! The owners were there (husband and wife) and it was nice to say hi. I had to RUN since I'm on the 30 day raw food challenge and did not want to sample anything, but I already know they are great! Worcester based and really nice! (All vegan!)

The crowd...

A close up of those cakes! All vegan. Why are they not raw? :P

Such a pretty day out today. I liked the view from VegFest. (See the sign for it?)

Some views from my walk back to the car:

At home, showing Britty what I got for her!! MMM! Vegan Treats cakes! I picked out cookies and cream, carrot cake, coconut cream, and brownie cheesecake:

As for my treats, I got the spouting seeds. (I know, not as exciting as the cupcakes, but I do need to eat better and feel better!)

A new stainless steel water bottle:

Acai power powder for my shakes.smoothies:

"Twister" power powder for shakes, smoothies or even for sprinkling on salads. This has chia seed, flax seed and brown rice. I also got raw cocoa nibs from this company. The rep told me that all of their products are raw.

I also picked up a t-shirt from Maple Farm Animal Sanctuary and heard they need weekday volunteers. (Hmmm! This is worth taking a day off for!) I picked up some samples for myself and friends and tried not to buy everything in sight. I sampled coconut water, which I actually liked for the first time. (I guess different brands are better than others.) Looking at my own cupcake photos, I'm getting hungry so I am off to find something raw to whip up!

Thanks to VegFest and all its sponsors and exhibitors!

Monthly Raw Challenge

2009-10-29T10:34:00.000-07:00

Each month, Raw Food chef and author, Alissa Cohen, has a 30 day raw food challenge on her forums. I'm going to participate in the November one and wonder if you want to join?! (say yes!)

The forums give lots of ideas and support so it's a great place to "detox" for the month and join in with others doing the 30 day challenge. The website has recipes and tips and links to books and other resources for helping you feel your best.

Just register on the forums and prepare for a great November! I hope to see you there. Email me if you join so I can find you!

http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/index.html

Boston VegFest 2009

2009-10-27T17:27:00.000-07:00

Will you be there? :)

Just when I thought I was down...

2009-10-15T21:08:00.000-07:00

I saw this video on Lilou's facebook page and had to share it. The 100th fall is just another to get right back up from:

http://www.lifewithoutlimbs.org/

<3

2009-10-14T20:51:00.000-07:00

Love Never Ends

Photo Source: http://www.unitedinlove.com.au/images/photos/commitment-ceremony.jpg

Your Vision

2009-10-13T19:39:00.000-07:00

We become what we think about most. Believing this, I find it very important to take notice of what you are thinking a lot of the time! (You may be surprised!) It can be difficult to stay focused on the positive parts of who and what we'd like to become, so a project I'm excited for is creating a 'Vision Board.'

A vision board is a collage of images, pictures and affirmations of your dreams and desires. It can also be called a dream board, treasure map or vision map. It helps keep your mind focused on positive goals and dreams and helps block out the excessive negativity we are surrounded by. It's easy to step away from your goals if you do not make an effort to keep them in the forefront of your thoughts. It's important to replace the bad thoughts with good and healthy ones often!

Here is a sample board I found online:

I've already created a collage of images on a travel cup a few months ago and feel I need bigger goals now! You can attain the goals quickly once you set your mind to them and make a commitment to yourself and these goals. I used to feel this was selfish, but now realize that this gives me to best chance to help take care of those who need me if I am giving myself permission to do and be my best!

Give it a try! Dream BIG!!!

Sample Vision Board Photo Source = http://christinekane.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/vb1b.jpg

The New Year Can Begin in October

2009-10-08T21:36:00.000-07:00

"The possibility in making this your best year ever exists in every moment. Having the best year of your life depends not on some outside accomplishment, but on allowing the greatest expression of yourself to be unveiled."

~ Debbie Ford from The Best Year of Your Life.

Image Source: http://www.reiki-light.com/reiki.htm

Get Your Greens

2009-10-05T07:27:00.000-07:00

Here's an easy way to get your dark leafy greens in: tuck them in your morning smoothie! (or afternoon and evening) I read that it's good to vary up the greens a lot with choices like romaine, red leaf lettuce, spinach, arugula, carrot greens, beet greens, butter lettuce (yum!), spring greens, etc... You won't taste them much in a smoothie with fruit and it's a great way to get those medicinal properties of the greens in!

Here is what I am making this morning:

Berries and Greens Smoothie:

1 cup strawberries
1 cup blueberries
1 banana
1/2 bunch romaine lettuce
2 cups water

This should make about 1 quart. You can keep it in the fridge and have it all day long!

"Let your food be your medicine, and your medicine be your food."
Hippocrates

Veggies photo source

Catalyst

2009-09-19T21:34:00.000-07:00

Debbie Ford is a NY Times Best-Selling Author and internationally recognized expert in the field of personal transformation and human potential. I have benefited immensely from reading her books and will soon be seeing her movie, "The Shadow Effect." In my research, I found this video clip online where Debbie speaks about her book, Spiritual Divorce. I listened to it even though divorce is not part of my life. I watched this video clip and thought of "divorce" as something coming to and end. (not necessarily a marriage.) This could pertain to a job, a friendship, a bad habit or anything that people tend to hang on to a bit longer than they should.

We may have all seen people forgo opportunities because of fear. We can be so afraid of closing the door on something in our lives, that we spend more time being upset about that one closed door than about the thousands of doors in front of us that we could choose to open.

Aside from being afraid of change, sometimes people can be bitter because of it and can blame the world for their troubles. Not accepting responsibility is one way to stay upset and to not give yourself permission to live a better life. I feel bad for the "victims" of the world who created the label and hold tightly to it as if it will somehow ever change on its own. Spiritual Divorce sounds like a great book for those who cannot let go of the past or the bitterness or who have not yet given themselves permission to be happy.

Here is Debbie Ford speaking of the ideas in her book. Even without reading the book, this video clip is helpful and gives you lots to think about!

Lisa & John - Crane Beach

2009-09-17T21:51:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to my friends Lisa and John on their wedding on Crane beach! It was great to be part of your day and what a great beach day we had. (Lucky you!)

Don't happy couples make you happy?

Britty got this shot of me crawling in the sand for a photo. It looks like my head is missing...

...but it's worth it to get these shots of Lisa and John.

This is the first wedding I've photographed barefoot. ;)

Britty is at it again with her sneaky photos:

While I show off the newlyweds' new rings:

Congratulations Lisa and John! :) You will be seeing all of the images soon. Thank you for letting us be part of this perfect day on the beach! Thank you SO much for our gift basket too, that was SO thoughtful!

We feel very lucky to have spent our day with you and your family. Watching a marriage between two awesome people take place was great to see and I wanted to share it here. Maybe it will inspire another couple to renew their vows! (on a beach!)

Mistakes of the Past

2009-09-16T07:47:00.000-07:00

"The mistakes you have made in the past, you have already paid for. You don't have to pay twice.

Start right now and redefine what it is you want and take the steps to get there..."

~ Paul Martinelli

Image: "Let Go"
source: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/126/322266123_c777cfbbca.jpg

Daily Reminders

2009-09-14T20:34:00.000-07:00

New Blog!

Hi! Did you notice a change here? This blog is now geared toward what I have been focusing on for some time now and feel it may help lots of people. Optimum Health! To me, this means successfully managing our own life. This encompasses our inner and outer world. Jobs, goals, dreams, emotions, energy, purpose, relationships, self-healing, etc... many areas are ones to tackle individually. I have been finding that addressing the fundamentals such as - what do you truly believe? - are ones that are life changing. I've enjoyed the books, videos, food, ideas, and people I have encountered now that I have pointed my life in this direction. This blog will be some things I have discovered along the way and will be a place for me and you to come back to often, if it should help us.

My old blog was a vegan blog. After four years, I am still vegan and believe I always will be. I do not like the label of "vegan" because I've seen it put people in groups or feel separate. The label is not needed for me, but I do believe in being compassionate in every possible way because it is right for me. This includes eating. I love animals too much to ever participate in hurting any of them. I choose to live a life that involves the least amount of suffering, and I am non-judgmentally happy with my decision. I was only not happy with the label. My old vegan blog is still available, and some of the posts are here in this one too!

Onto my Daily Reminders, which is the title of this blog post: My friend and health/nutrition coach, Jen of Pure Energy LLC, sent me a link recently to a site that I now visit daily. This site is full of wonderful information, courses on personal growth and healing, and even offers daily horoscopes. :) The link is:

http://www.dailyom.com/

...and it's free!

Sign up for their free email newsletter. Their online courses are great too, and some are fee based or donation based. Pay what you can! To give you an idea of their work, today's daily reminder included this:

Nothing happens without a purpose. Whether we attract success or repel it depends on our willingness to stay open to a wide range of possibilities and to embrace concepts like synchronicity.

The photo is also from this artcle, which is called Cosmic Support.

Check it out if you would like to see their library of articles and to even receive one each day in your inbox! What a nice way to wake up!

Juice for Dinner!

2009-08-24T15:33:00.000-07:00

I haven't felt like cooking much due to the heat and a busy schedule, but also because I have those days where I just don't want to eat! We found a temporary solution until my new juicer arrives...

Jumpin' Juice and Java was a place I never went to because of the name. lol. It's a coffee shop and a smoothie shop and any of their smoothies can be made non-dairy. The menu is pretty good and it's attached here:

jumpin juice and java

We chose the Caribbean Cooler and a Berry Berry Good non-dairy smoothie as our dinners. I'll definitely be going back for another one! It's nice to not have to cook and also to have something for dinner despite low appetites. My Vita-Mix would be great for this, but when I don't have the ingredients or am on the road, this works out well!

House Sparrow

2009-08-21T09:26:00.000-07:00

Britty just made a video of the sparrow that got trapped in our home. A female house sparrow somehow got in and was flying into the walls before we could get her! We put her in a safe area until it looked like she was healthy enough to release. The video is so cute.

Here is the link to the blog post and please scroll to the bottom to see the video. :)

http://homeschooling-hatch.blogspot.com/2009/08/house-sparrow.html

Cooking Show

2009-08-18T18:32:00.000-07:00

My friend Cindy just informed me of a new cooking show beginning this Sunday on the Food Network. I'm really excited! It's not a vegan show, sadly, but I hope this chef uses lots of veggies and has recipes that I can easily make vegan!

The reason I love this show is because of the host... Brian Boitano! An unlikely candidate for a new food show, so I thought, Brian was my 80's hero as winner of the gold medal in the 1988 Olymipcs. Since 1988, I traveled all over New England to see him! I met him several times and he even commissioned my friend and I to paint shirts for him for his new (at the time) program called Canvas of Ice. How totally fun! We loved watching him skate. (still do!) Now, I hope to love watching him cook! I will pretend the chicken is tofu, I guess. I will also write to him, since we are good friends now (according to me anyhow!) and ask that he include more veggie meals.

20 years ago. I am stalking the skater's bus in Philadelphia before the ice show. Yes, that is his face painted on my shirt! Lol!

Meeting him for the first time and nearly dying of embarrassment for being such a geeky fan:

Getting comfortable with my stalker-ness... check out my GRIP on him!

I'm so excited to see what he can cook! Thanks to the Food Network for wondering, "What Would Brian Boitano Make?" This Sunday! 1 pm! (Eastern time.)

My babies!

2009-08-11T16:44:00.001-07:00

I had to post this photo of a Papillion puppy because I LOVE it and it reminds me of my Max when he was little. :) He's 9 years old now (Happy Birthday Max!) but he's still fetching and causing trouble, so we're happy he's active and healthy!

BJ, our 12.5 year old Labrador is not so active. The poor guy has trouble getting around and it's getting more difficult by the day. We're helping him get up stairs and providing beds and supplements for him, but he's 80 pounds and...well...getting old. He went to a holistic vet recently to discuss acupuncture and other options for his inability to use his back legs. He is taking supplements, like vitamin c and e and we're debating if acupunture would help him at this point. (maybe!!)

I used to look at BJ and see this shiny, healthy, (over)active, invincible black Labrador. He is now tired and inactive and does not turn heads anymore, but we remember everything about his past and think he's still the best looking Lab around! I took him on many trips but never the traditional hunting and fetching ducks like one may imagine for a Labrador. I often wondered if he would have been luckier to have a more "outdoorsy" owner who, perhaps, liked to game bird hunt. Well, seeing BJ now and all that we are happily doing for him, I know for a fact that he'd not want to be anywhere else. He may never have retrieved a dead pheasant, but he was there with us while we rescued two pheasant chicks. BJ seemed to have no interest in them other than as his new temporary roommates! He has been an amazing companion for us for 12.5 years and we're hoping that somehow, despite his downslide, we will have lots more time with him still. No regrets.

So Happy 9th Birthday to Max, and we will soon be celebrating BJ's 13th birthday too! :) Lucky us!

Shoes!

2009-08-10T18:59:00.000-07:00

Doesn't shoe shopping fix everything? I love how DSW has so many options, since I choose not to purchase leather, suede, or fur. (Furry shoes?) So with DSW online, I can check to see what the shoes are made of before falling in love with them. Be careful though, sometimes their online information is not accurate. Always check the inside of the shoe also! ;)

So I recently found shoes... shoes... shoes.. and a pair of boots. I love them all. Here are the boots that are VERY comfy:
The shoes I found are awesome leopard flats and also a crazy high pair of heels (Chinese Laundry) that I cannot figure out where to wear! 4.5" tall. Lol! I *will* wear them though! I just need to find a place to go where I won't fall down!

So for non-animal materials, check out DSW for shoes and handbags! You can ALWAYS use more shoes, right?

Raw Foods - Avocado Dill Salad

2009-07-16T19:56:00.000-07:00

Avocado Dill Salad posing in front of Britty's new canvas painting:

(Farm Town friends will appreciate that painting!!)

I have enjoyed adding lots of raw foods into my diet and will keep sampling new raw foods and making a shift when I feel I need to. The day started with fresh blueberries, and lunch was a (macadamia nut) egg salad over romaine. For dinner, I gathered ideas at www.goneraw.com and enjoyed seeing the recipes and forums too! (Check it out!) I found this recipe for avocado-dill salad and knew I'd love it:

Ingredients:

1/2 or 1 whole avocado, sliced into bite size pieces
1 green onion, sliced
1/4 large English cucumber, cut into bite size pieces
juice from half a lemon ( this may be too much for some people so start with less and add more if you think it needs it)
1/4 tsp hemp oil
1 small bunch of dill, pulled off the stem and cut into smaller pieces
a pinch of sea salt

Preparation:

Chuck all bits into a bowl, mix around, and let sit in the fridge for about an hour before serving. The avocado will get a little softer and absorb some of the flavor from the bottom of the bowl. Give it a good mix around before serving and enjoy!*

Recipe from www.goneraw.com

I omitted the lemon juice so that Britty would eat it too. :) Easy, cool, and very good!

Black Bean Salsa

2009-07-09T23:02:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to eat more raw food and LOVE the recipes I've found in books like Brendan Brazier's Thrive and Wendy Rudell's The Raw Transformation. The photo above is from Thrive and is Black Bean Salsa.

I used soaked sun-dried tomatoes since I was out of fresh ones. The lime in this made it addictive to me! A nice way to eliminate some of the breads I've been eating was to substitute the crackers, chips or any grain for the half an avocado. Very good!! Even better after it has been in the fridge for awhile so the flavors infuse more.

Oh, and those little seeds on top are hemp seeds. Yum!!

New Plan

2009-06-05T20:51:00.000-07:00

It has been wonderful to work with a health & lifestyle coach and I'm enjoying so many aspects of this! With a new eating plan, I'm reducing my soy intake and lowering the carb-craziness I tend to fall into. Zone exercises, more sleep, and lots of water have been so beneficial that I am able to tackle the old problems of working too much, stressing, and worrying about everyone else! With new information on health, nutrition, and uncovering the not-so-obvious culprits to bad health, I'm so excited to keep on this track and learn more.

I'm making lots of foods myself now, like this 17 bean mix which is now simmering in my slow cooker and becoming soup!

Lots of fresh greens in my salads and homemade salad dressing are becoming addicting. Skipping the processed foods has been a good move too and is helping me cook more and sprout more! (Brocolli sprouts are currently on deck!)

The day before my health "attack plan" came into play, I did make a dessert though that I had to share! It's low-fat and awesome and is from one of my favorite blogs ever: Fat-Free Vegan Kitchen by Susan. (Follow the link for the recipe!)

Strawberry Short Cake (with added bananas:)

No more strawberry cake for me for now though... my new leopard bikini is waiting!

Loving Vega!

2009-06-03T21:47:00.001-07:00

I love Vega's vegan products! I am so happy with the Vega Whole Food Health Optimizer that I had to share. If you are looking for an awesome meal replacement how about this for a choice:

Probiotics (Dairy-free)

Digestive Enzymes

26g of Broad Spectrum Protein

6g of Essential Fatty Acids

Easily digested, alkaline and containing no animal products, corn, dairy, egg, fillers, gluten, soy, sugar, wheat or yeast.

Absolutely no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives or sweeteners and GMO and pesticide-free.

Oh, and it tastes good too! :P Highly recommended! Here is the Website, and you may recognize our good friend Brendan while you are there:

http://sequelnaturals.com/en/vega

Coconut Oil

2009-05-25T18:04:00.000-07:00

I read on Gail Davis' twitter page about coconut oil. My nutritionist also mentioned it. I kept reading about it in health books, but was confused because I thought that all oil was unhealthy. Well, after lots of reading and a taste test, I've come to believe that this particular oil is a healthy fat and I love the taste of it. Have you tried coconut oil yet?

I've cooked with it (love it!) and even tried a bit plain. I read to try it in smoothies. mmm! I am going to try it on my hair tonight too for the shine/smoothness! Will it make my hair greasy?? I hope not!! I read it's a good massage oil and also a good make up remover. Wow. Here are some listed healing properties of coconut oil: (article source included)

The healing properties of coconut oil:

* Coconut oil is antiviral, antifungal (kills yeast too) and antibacterial. It attacks and kills viruses that have a lipid (fatty) coating, such as herpes, HIV, hepatitis C, the flu, and mononucleosis. It kills the bacteria that cause pneumonia, sore throats, dental cavities, urinary tract infections, meningitis, gonorrhea, food poisoning, pneumonia, and many, many more bacterial infections. It kills the fungus/yeast infections that cause candida, ringworm, athletes foot, thrush, jock itch, diaper rash and more.

* Coconut oil is called the "low fat" fat. It actually acts like a carbohydrate in that it is quickly broken down in the liver and used as quick energy. It is NOT stored like other fats. It boosts one’s energy and endurance. Many athletes use it blended into their drinks. It also supports thyroid function and increases your metabolism (great if you want to lose weight).

* Coconut oil improves digestion and absorption of fat soluble vitamins, minerals (especially calcium and magnesium), and amino acids. It improves the body’s use of blood glucose and improves insulin secretion and absorption (great for type II diabetes). In fact, many diabetics (type I and type II) use it to reduce their symptoms. One’s risk of diabetes decreases with regular use of coconuts and coconut oil. And as we already mentioned, cooking with coconut oil does not create any harmful byproducts.

* Coconut oil helps the body heal and repair faster. It aids and supports immune function, protecting us from a variety of cancers.

* Coconut oil, contrary to much hubbub, is good for your heart. It keeps our blood platelets from sticking together (and causing dangerous clots). Regular users of coconut oils have a much lower chance of atherosclerosis (clogging of the arteries), arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), and strokes. Coconut oil can lower your blood pressure.

* Coconut oil is a natural antioxidant. It protects the body from free radical damage and prevents premature aging and degenerative diseases.

* Finally, coconut oil is the best massage oil on the planet. What it does to your skin, you simply have to witness. It forms a barrier against infections, softens and moisturizes your skin, and prevents wrinkling, sagging, and age spots. It promotes healthy hair and complexion, protects from any damaging UV rays.

source = http://www.mnwelldir.org/docs/nutrition/coconut.htm

Carb Day!

2009-05-17T22:27:00.000-07:00

Well, it wasn't exactly carb day, but it was all I photographed!

I've mentioned on Facebook that I've hired a health/lifestyle coach! How fun is that?! I love the process, and we are looking into food, sleep, exercise, stress levels, etc just to see how to have the most energy and fun! I am happy that this is a "whole health" approach and not just food related or exercise related. It's very interesting and my habits will soon be changing as we progress into a plan of action!

In the meantime, I am trying to eat for my metabolic type and making an effort to sleep and exercise every day. I also am relying less on pre-made foods and am back to making things myself. :)

I made some whole wheat bread today and it was very much worth taking out the bread machine for! I added some agave nectar (no honey!) and it came out great. I ran out of vital wheat gluten, but added in some soy milk to perhaps lighten it up, and it worked out great! It was not too dense at all, like I feared. Doesn't it look good?

Upon Britty's request, a pasta salad came later in the day! We added Adzuki beans, onions, corn, dill, veganaise, and salt. It doesn't take much veganaise to make this and you can cut it down with a splash of soy/rice milk (unsweetened for us!) to make it lower in fat: (and add more/different veggies for a more healthy version!)

I did not photograph our Moroccan Chickpea Patties (Dreena Burton recipe.) which were very good! We had those with a baked potato and garlic-sauteed red chard. mmm

Hope you are all doing well!! Thank you for the Facebook birthday wishes! Wow, that was a surprise to get so many!! Thank you. :) :)

Happy Earth Day!

2009-04-22T20:13:00.000-07:00

"Only when the last tree has died and the last river been poisoned and the last fish been caught will we realize we cannot eat money."

~Cree Indian Proverb

Be ready for Julie Andrews

2009-04-13T19:42:00.000-07:00

My dad just emailed this video clip to me and it makes me wonder why these fun things do not happen in my travels!! :) I'd LOVE to see this and I'd make a fool of myself joining in!

Coconut Lemon Bundt Cake

2009-04-08T21:22:00.000-07:00

This was from Veganomnicon... a very excellent cookbook from Isa Chandra Moskowitz and Terry Hope Romero. I was worried about it being too lemony, but I could have added even more lemon juice to this and would have loved it! (next time, I will add more!)

I ran out of powdered sugar for the top, but this was good just as is!

Victoria's Secret Body Care Line

2009-04-04T21:24:00.000-07:00

I love Victoria's Secret and am SO happy that they have come out with a vegan body care line! it's called Pink Body and includes sugar scrubs, lotions, body washes and more!
I ordered a few myself and are waiting on their arrival! I have heard many good things about these products and cannot wait to test mine out. I knew that the Engergizing Body Wash was a MUST HAVE for me when I read this description:

"Not a morning person? No problem. We made our energizing body wash specifically for those slow and sluggish days. It invigorates as it cleanses. Packed with U.S.-sourced Citrus and Organic Mint to naturally exfoliate and refresh, plus a boost of caffeine from Organic Coffee Beans to energize. Lather up and rinse off to reveal clean, radiant-looking skin from tip to toes."

Sounds perfect!

Another nice note is that the products are surprisingly reasonably priced. (compared to their other products!) I was happy to pick up a few different ones to try and to support their new natural, organic, and 100% vegan line!

Six Dogs Dead in 2009 Iditarod

2009-03-27T00:39:00.000-07:00

Six Dogs Dead in 2009 Iditarod

First there was Victor, a 6-year-old dog on musher Jeff Holt's team, who died suddenly on March 10. A gross necropsy (the canine version of an autopsy) was completed, however, "no cause of death could be determined by the board certified veterinary pathologist."

Then, on March 16, a search pilot discovered that two dogs (whose names, Dizzy and Grasshopper, were not even included in the Iditarod advisory) on rookie musher Lou Packer's team had apparently frozen to death.

Next, on March 19, Maynard, a 5-year-old male on Warren Palrey's team, died on the trail late at night. His necropsy showed "pulmonary edema [fluid in the lungs] was present, which likely developed as the result of a cardiac abnormality." Maynard had been "working hard" on the trail for 11 days leading up to his death.

One day later, Omen, an 8-year-old male on Rick Larson's team, died on the trail between the checkpoints at Elim and White Mountain. As with Maynard, Omen's necropsy indicated that he died from a pulmonary edema.

The sixth dog, a 2-year-old female named Cirque, died during a post-race flight. Cirque, who was on musher Alan Peck's team, was discovered dead when after the plane was forced to land due to significant turbulence.

Please visit the Sled Dog Action Coalition's site to find out what you can do to end this deadly race once and for all.

http://www.helpsleddogs.org/sponsors.htm

Source of photo and information obtained from Care2.com.

Save Our Seals & LUSH Cosmetics

2009-03-18T20:07:00.000-07:00

"To the dismay of animal lovers around the world, the annual Canadian seal slaughter is set to resume later this week. Therefore, with the goal of bringing the world's attention to this atrocity, Sea Shepherd is proud to announce a new partnership with LUSH Cosmetics to oppose the commercial hunt, which kills over 250,000 baby harp seals each spring." ~ Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, Friday Harbor, WA

What an adorable way to take action:

From Lush's Website:

Vegan

100% of the proceeds from sales of this limited edition bubble bar will be donated to Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. This limited edition bubble bar has the same refreshing fragrance as our Sea Vegetable soap, plus it has a reusable seal face sticker on the top of the bubble bar. It smells of lime, lavender with just a hint of seaweed to remind you of the ocean and is rolled in coconut shavings to resemble the fur of a seal pup. The name “first swim” comes from the baby seals that are killed so young they are haven't even had their first meal or first swim yet. We thought it would be lovely to give this baby seal its first swim.

Lunch at EVO

2009-03-11T18:10:00.000-07:00

It was great to see my friend Mary again for our monthly get together! :) :) We decided to go to EVO Restaurant on Chandler Street in Worcester. This is the new cafe attached to the Living Earth.

Mary was so healthy at got a salad with lemon dressing. I got that as my side dish and ALSO got a falafel-hummus wrap:

And look... they "brand" their wraps and sandwiches with their logo. Hmmmm.. I want to try that at my work! I can brand our brides with our logo!

Evo had some vegan options and can seemingly veganize many of the other items on the menu. They also make custom pizzas, but be aware that their soy cheese is *not* vegan. (totally aggravating!) They do have vegan pizza toppings aside from fruit and veggies, such as vegan sausage, pepperoni, and hamburger-type crumbles. I may create my own pizza next time I go.

So next door is an old favorite, The Living Earth. We had to stop in!

I passed by rows of veggies and went to locate Britty's favorite there: Spinach Pies! Mary and I picked up some other good things at LE like vegan lemon cookies and Primal Strips.

I could not leave without looking at the vegan wines! I picked up a Cabernet, but may use it in cooking since I don't drink much of it! (Unless Jamie wants to join in and share it with some chocolates!)

Thanks to Mary for an awesome lunch, despite the fact that we both were just recovering from the flu! :P

PS - The jasmine tea at EVO works well for flu-type aches!

Note: Vegan Wine/Beer/Liquor info at barnivore.com

One - Slide Show

2009-02-26T05:00:00.000-08:00

Some people could not open the large version of the slide show that I posted not long ago, so I shrunk it and hosted it here on Blogger. Not all of the text is readable in this size, but you get the idea anyhow.

Watch through to the end, since it's a happy ending! :)

Song credit = "One" by Simple Plan
Most Images by Peta

Nutritional Therapy

2009-02-22T22:26:00.000-08:00

"You do not need to count calories if you make every calorie count."
~ John Robbins

I'm a huge fan of Eat to Live and I am frequently eating as if I am on ETL's 6-week plan. I have already done the entire 6-week plan and reached my goal weight, but as Dr. Furhman says, most people are still carrying extra pounds around even if they believe they are the correct weight. That may sound harsh, but if you think about what an extra 5 pounds adds to your heart, lungs, and all organs, why not try to remove the "excess" fat around them? Those 5 pounds may not be noticeable to you or friends, but your body is noticing and is working a little harder because of it. (Note that Dr. Furhman does not promote zero body fat!) So I remain on an ETL plan and focus on nutrient dense foods.

While blog hopping, I discovered another Nutrient-Dense Foods promoter, Dr. McDougall. His philosophy is similar to Dr. Furhman's, but he believes in a 100% vegan diet and also believes in a more carb-based diet. (Dr. Furhman's non-6-week plans do include minimal meat and dairy, so I skip all of that!) I like some of the recipes on the McDougall site, although I do not think I could eat as many carbs as he lists! Check out his philoposhy and his 12 weeks of recipes!

Dr. MsDougall's Free Program Info

or, just take a peek at all the recipes for his 12 week program for ideas:

Dr. McDougall 12 week recipe plan

Like I said, I could not eat that many carbs per day, but I do like the recipes. They are all vegan and use no oils! I like how he does not believe in using oil!

One last site I came across which I will post more on as I find out more, is:

Vegan Done Light by Erin Dame. He was mentioned on PCRM (see my "Veggie Links to the right for more info" and has an ebook of recipes that follow Eat to Live! I already subscribed to his free monthly newsletter. :) His blog is called ZenPawn and shows the current video clip of the Food For Life program which features his recipe: Cherry Hummus. yum!! Check it out! I'm happy I found the site!!

With all of these resources for eating well and focusing on Nutritional Therapy and nutritionally dense foods... low fat eating...eating to live... well, there's no excuse for feeling tired and fat again!

One Project

2009-02-21T07:00:00.000-08:00

Please click on the image or link below for a slide show we made. It is not too gruesome, but it does show a bit of reality. If you watch until the end, you will also be shown hope:

Turn on your speakers, and please watch until the end. :) Thank you!

VeganCandi - One Project.wmv

Buddha Hut Vegan Restaurant

2009-02-19T22:52:00.000-08:00

It was another late night at work, so Britty and I decided to pick up something good for dinner and eat it at the studio. We knew exactly where we'd go!

Buddha Hut Vegan Restaurant
415 Chandler Street
Worcester, MA
(508) 459-0367

We usually like to eat there, but since it was a work night, we didn't get to drink the tea and talk to the adorable husband and wife team who run the place. We did, however, choose some excellent dishes!

I started with soup and a salad:

The soup is a veggie (of course!) steamed wonton soup. The salad is a "chicken" salad with raw cabbage, carrots and fried onions.

Below, there is our favorite dish ever... "Chicken" and Cucumbers. (on the left side.) The restaurant calls it Heavenly Chicken, but we call it by our own name! It's my favorite, and also Britty and Jamie's favorite... so you know it's good!

On the right side is an order of steamed dumplings with a soy/ginger dipping sauce.

With my own green tea on the side, it was nearly as good as eating it at Buddha Hut. I do recommend going there and checking out their daily specials too! They even have desserts: vegan cake!

A Rescued Rio

2009-02-17T17:58:00.000-08:00

I never knew how many horses were sent to auction/slaughter because they were no longer useful. Volunteering at a rescue opened our eyes to the ways that people use, abuse and neglect these beautiful animals. From carnival ponies to horse and carriage rides, these horses are not allowed to be free, in most cases. Other rescued horses were saved from neglect - standing in dirty stalls leading to permanent leg damage, or poor nutrition leading to blindness. We've seen some very sad stories of horses that could not be saved from past abuse.

One happy story, however, is Rio! Rio is a gorgeous paint horse who is only about 3 years old. He could not be ridden, possibly due to an injury by his previous owner. Our friend and Rio's hero has taken him in and we were lucky enough to visit.

After giving Rio a bath, his favorite thing to do is roll in the dirt. :)

He is one of the lucky ones! Just remember to look into areas where these animals could be abused. Carriage horses and amusement park "rides" should be avoided and researched. Horses (and all animals!) should not have to be 'saved.'

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-13T18:14:00.001-08:00

I shifted my blog over to this new address and wonder if anyone will find me!

I wanted to wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day and share some very fun vegan Valentine's gifts that I got!

I was so excited to see so many vegan items that included t-shirts, chocolates, and even some "lotions & potions!" Jamie knows what I like and picked out all of these things for me! :) One of my favorite things was this bowl:

!!!! I have been watching these pottery bowls on Etsy and other vegan sites and wished I had one. It's a great serving dish, and in this case... it's serving a Valentine's box of chocolate covered raisin clusters! Mmmm

Here is one of the shirts Jamie picked out for me. I love this one with the words, the design and the softness! Factory Farms *are* mean and nasty, so I will happily wear this!

CandiCane lip balm! Plum and Peppermint... I have not heard of this scent before and it's quickly becoming addicting! Great name too. ;)

Tofu Scrambler! Yay! Breakfast in bed! Also in this photo is some gummy "cola" flavored filling-ripper-outers. So worth it! The tiny green book is very funny; it's called "How I Get My Protein" and can be used when you get asked that same old question and you just get tired of answering! Take a peek through the book and it lists chickpeas, broccoli, soy milk, cashews, and many other foods to put people at ease that we will not become sickly from lack of protein! (Well, as long as you actually *eat* those foods and don't live on raisin clusters and cola gummies!)

This adorable shirt will be worn very soon! I love the vegan banner on it!

These heart-shaped chocolates have a hint of lavender in them! Pretty *and* good! All vegan... so hard to believe!

Hello my newest friend... the vegan raisin cluster. Although we have just met, I feel like we could spend the rest of our lives together. Or at least on holidays when Jamie spoils me.

Jamie knows I love my lotions and potions, so he picked out some awesome ones: a lavender hand & body cream, an oatmeal & aloe facial mask, and some BWC hairspray! I also have vegan body shimmer... hmmmmmm

One last look at this bowl! It's really great to see it in person after eyeing it online for about two years now! I may have to start a collection!

Happy Valentine's Day and thanks for stopping by!
Thank you JSB <3

Full Nest

2009-02-11T02:05:00.000-08:00

I had to share this photo I came across of a momma bird feeding her babies! I was about to photograph a bride on her wedding day, when I spotted this nest in the patio. I got a few shots because I could not resist!

Poke!

2009-02-10T08:06:00.000-08:00

Hi! Thanks for stopping by!

Thanks to Britty for her photographic skills in creating this image for the blog! With the word "Vegan" written backwards on my monitor and while holding very still... the artist and her macro lens got a pretty cool shot!

Election '08

2008-11-05T14:07:00.000-08:00

I'm still on my "blogging hiatus," but will return and update this site when I have the time! I do miss blogging! I have been looking at your blogs though and peeking in!

I did have to post regarding the election though and say YAY!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm very happy to be part of such a huge change for our country. I can't say enough about how exciting this is. :) A united Unites States? It is possible, and a change this big gives proof and further hope. One point stands out to me regarding this election:

Personal Responsibility

PS - Congrats to us in MA for protecting the grey hounds!!!! :)

Marine Parks

2008-07-22T02:08:00.000-07:00

When I was little, I thought my dream job would be to work at SeaWorld. I thought it would be fun to be around dolphins, seals, and whales and train them. I even began college studying Marine Affairs to pursue this "goal." As I found out more and researched more, it was not so easy to see the good side of aquariums.

My dream to work at SeaWorld has died over the years as I researched how the animals were obtained and how the industry promotes cruelty and dominance over animals that should be free. I suppose I always knew, I just wanted to believe the shows were doing some good. I wanted to believe in what we were told; it is all for education. What a bunch of shit that is.

Orcas have become my favorite animal of all, and I have my collection of stuffed orcas and posters from the Whale Museum on the San Juan Island in Washington state, and various other places I've visited that help whales and educate in a healthy way. When I recently saw the movie, "Lolita, Slave to Entertainment," I knew I had to buy it and blog about it.

Lolita was captured in 1970 when 10 of her family members were taken from the Puget Sound in Washington State. Some of the captured adults and young whales drowned trying to swim through the holding nets to reunite with their family. As par for the course in the industry, the dead bodies were hidden from the public by sinking them. The dead whales were sliced down the middle and filled with rocks, and their tails wrapped with rope and anchored. (The public would not know of this, had they not washed up on shore.) The survivors of the capture were sold all over the world in the name of entertainment. Some went to Japan, Texas, the UK, Australia, etc... While her other captured family members have since died in captivity, Lolita went to Florida and remains there today in a tank as the sole remaining whale from that Puget Sound Round-Up.

"Our task must be to free ourselves by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty." ~ Albert Einstein

I've been to the birthplace of Lolita many times. I have even seen her pod swimming free in the Puget Sound. The photo above was taken where Lolita should be living right now. Her mother is still alive there, and her family pod is together. Lolita's return to the wild would be an important step in changing how we educate people, and would be a possible feat for Lolita and her pod.

Please look into this movie if you still support Aquariums like SeaWorld or Seaquarium. The industry just as ridiculously full of lies as is the dairy industry promoting cow's milk for our health. Our new way of educating could be much more advanced, fair, and respectful if we used computer generated scenes and exhibits, Imax shows, and wildlife cameras of actual footage. Seeing a whale in a tank is not studying whales at all. It's teaching the audience that dominance over others is acceptable and makes money. What a horrible message to send out.

If you would like to read more about Lolita or join the campaign to rescue her, visit one of the websites below:

www.SlavetoEntertainment.com

www.miamiseaprison.com

www.rattlethecage.org

The biggest way to beat this industry so they will stop capturing and killing animals, is simply to not support them. Do not give them your money. Do not buy a ticket. Stop the demand for the capturing and killing.

Here is a link to other ways to help:

How to Help

Eat to Live!

2008-06-23T11:09:00.000-07:00

On Week 4 of Eat to Live, and it's going very well. We've been eating so many veggies and fruits, lots of raw ones too, and getting our Omega's from raw nuts instead of the oils that I previously over-used in cooking! I love all the fruits, nuts, beans, grains, and veggies we've been having. Right now, I am simmering a pot of 17 bean and barley *no-salt* soup. (Trader Joe's! Bagged beans, and a no-salt vegan bouillon from Whole Foods.)

Anyhow, here's a glimpse into my kitchen on E2L...

Double steamer with red cabbage in one tray, and sweet potato in the other. My fruit and veggie bowls on the side are usually always refilled with fresh stuff now and it doesn't go bad like in the days before E2L! ;)

I have to be careful not to eat more than 1 ounce of raw nuts and seeds per day because of the fats, but I do like to get at least half an ounce. I measure it now, and here is a mixture of raw pumpkin seeds and raw sunflower seeds at exactly 1 ounce. (no salted ones on E2L!)

Lastly, my favorite breakfast "cereals." It's so simple since we just grab some oats, barley, spelt, or rye flakes. Sometimes we will do a mixture of them all. It doesn't take a lot to fill up on these, and it's great with unsweetened soy milk!

Anyhow, it has been going very well, and I am noticing how badly I had previously been eating. Being vegan does not mean you naturally eat well and will be in perfect shape. Oh no... you can certainly make horrible food choices being vegan too. It's easy to be over-weight and be vegan, and I'm seeing how much I still have to learn to find a way of eating that works best for me and makes me feel the best I can. I think we're getting there though!

Hope you are all having a great summer!

Eat to Live Again

2008-06-13T19:10:00.000-07:00

Most of you have already heard of the book Eat to Live by Dr. Fhurman. I've owned the book for some time now, and even gave Jamie a copy because I thought the information was so important. He and I have recently revisited this book, but with a new motivation. We had previously been drinking coffee (me!) and soda (Jamie!) and eating out lots. It just wasn't working out, and we realized that we needed to be more serious about our health. No more French Fries/Chips!

ETL is a book that needs to be read completely for the information, as it is not a "diet." Jamie and I are reading it and are in our second week of "detox" on the six week plan. We are very happy with the results so far!

So, with no added salt, sugar, empty calories, oils (aside from whole nuts)... we've been creating dishes that are full of vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts, seeds, and all the foods that we actually like, but forgot we liked!

It's not hard to follow this style of eating, you just have to re-learn what to eat. (Just like when I went vegan.) It's easier with a partner though, and Jamie and I are lucky that neither of us is still eating chips and soda.

Tonight's dinner was a mixture of adzuki beans, mushrooms and onions cooked in a bit of water, nutritional yeast, and lemon juice. (no salt or oil!) On top was some quinoa cooked in low-salt veggie broth and water. All served on a bed of arugula.

Using FitDay as a guide, I see this dinner had a low fat/calorie ratio, but also had 40 grams of protein!

I'm happy with all the fruits and veggies we are eating, and also all the raw meals we've had. The way our bodies are responding to this way of eating is letting us know that it's right for us! Congrats to Jamie on a super successful week 1, and also for initiating the six week detox!

Bad New Addiction

2008-04-13T21:11:00.000-07:00

Hi! I'm back from a few trips, the biggest one was a two week U.K. trip with Jamie. :) My blog has suffered because I'm never home now, but just in case anyone ever reads it still, I'll post my latest food addiction.

I had been making pancakes for Jamie lots, and I'm now becoming addicted to them myself! I was never one to eat a big breakfast of heavy pancakes... but I've (sadly) changes my ways! I love editing the recipe for the plain pancakes in Vegan with a Vengeance. I add different extracts or fruit or different flours. My latest pancake craze had me waking up the next day wanting more: Pigs in Blankets!

I never liked non-vegan pigs in blankets, but these are great! I used Tofurky breakfast sausages shown below in the orange box:

With the VwaV pancake recipe and lots of 100% pure maple syrup... I'm addicted to this sugary, sodium-filled, heavy, and really yummy breakfast!

Vegan Cat Food

2008-02-21T14:12:00.000-08:00

Help!

Does anyone out there feed their cat a vegan diet? If so, which cat food do you buy? I'd love to switch my 2 cats over so the entire family will then be vegan, but I've only seen unaffordable vegan cat food on the Web, then you have to also pay for shipping. I'm also wondering if your cat(s) are still healthy on the vegan food? I've not heard any successful stories of converting cats to a vegan diet, so I'm looking for more information. I'd love to be a vegan family, all the way down to the kitties!!

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!!!! Tia and Mittens thank you too! :)

2008 Begins!

2008-02-03T19:13:00.000-08:00

Yes, I'm a month behind on the "New Year" thing, but I'm trying! I have just begun the resolutions, but this is better than last year when I never quite got around to any of them. I hope you are all sticking to yours, if you made them! It's a great idea to write down your goals and read them daily, then you know where you want to go and you will get there faster with them in your mind!

One of my goals was to add more raw food into my diet. I say this all the time, but with help of a new "cookbook," it's easier than ever.

This new raw "cookbook" is more than just a recipe book. Ani talks about a way living healthy and discusses water, vitamins, sunlight, recycling, etc... which makes the book more interesting. We probably know all these facts already, but it's nice to be reminded! Here is the book cover and link to Amazon where you can peek inside the book or order it:

There's lots and lots and lots of photos of Ani in this book, but once you get over that fact, it's a nice addition to any vegan cookbook collection!

My first recipe from this book was a raw "egg" salad. Made with different types of nuts, I thought this was easy to make and very good! (Just be careful you are not eating too much fat other than this since this is packed with nuts/fat!) I added a scoopful onto some napa cabbage. The salad dressing was just an apple cider vinegar, oil, and some spices.

I have lots more to blog about, but I'm running out of "Internet" time! Work calls! (oh, and the treadmill.) :( Some of my next post will talk about the great package I recently got in the mail from my order from the infamous vegan online boutique called Viva Granola! Oh my goodness. Have you tried Sheese yet? You *must!* Viva Granola carries many flavors of it, and I'd like them all!

Lastly, guess what I started up again?! Wheatgrass!!!! If you read my blog awhile back, I used to grow and juice it. Small apartment life killed that fun, and it was all put on hold. I had been using the frozen cubes of it, but it was not the same. Finally, I began growing it again and had my first batch this week!!!! I can't say enough about it, and while I admit it's time consuming...it's so worth it to me. Here are some links to my previous posts about my fascination with wheatgrass, including how to grow it and (of course) photos:

Wheatgrass Posts

Off to work I go, but I hope you are all having a great 2008! I have been gone all of January and wonder if I've lost my readers? :( I will try to get you all back!! :P

Thanks for stopping by!! Happy February!

Happy Holidays!

2007-12-25T18:14:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays everyone!

Cranberry Almond Biscotti

2007-12-22T23:49:00.000-08:00

A food I never imagined myself making was biscotti. I know my mom likes it a lot, so I decided to attempt baking her a batch for Christmas. With the help of V-Con, it wasn't nearly the ordeal I expected it to be!

Sadly, I did not have the ingredients for the almond-anise ones, so I made cranberry-almond ones. :P Only two of them broke, so I sampled those broken ones. Wow! A definite hit, and these will be beautiful wrapped and placed inside a pretty Christmas box.

My only tip: make sure you have a very sharp (non-serrated) knife. The heavier, the better. Then they won't crumble or crack in half!