EXTRA – XTRA Read All About It!

Here are some interesting stories I read today!  I love to read about various topics DAILY and I thought I would share!

RAW Vegan/ Vegan News Today

1. Tennis Star Venus Williams has decided to adopt a RAW VEGAN Diet!  Venus is hoping to manage her autoimmune disease issues with this latest change in her lifestyle. This is a phenominal answer to her problem.  Very PROACTIVE!
2. Larry Hagman has decided to embrace an all VEGAN diet to combat Cancer. I am really excited to see an 80 year old man make changes as well.  Change your diet.  Change your life.
3. Fiber rich vegan/vegetarian diet help your micro flora.  This is very much paying attention what goes in must come out!
4. 8 Ways to Detox! You can’t have a headline with the number 8 and me not mention it on this blog!
5. Food Trend Pioneer from cooked to RAW!

News of Vinegar, Oil & Spices

1. Check out the book titled “Extra Virginity” by Tom Mueller.  He talks about the History of Olive Oil and the best types to eat, cook, un-cook, or dip with!
2. In the winter blahs can be highlighted with spice! This is a nice article geared toward the positive side of spices!
3. Experiment to spice up your diet and your health! We know that spices help our health, but this article goes into some options that will lead you to more adventures in the kitchen!
4. Global Warming may be threatening the TRUFFLE industry in FRANCE!A Truly sad day it will be when there are NO MORE TRUFFLES….EVER!

Running Highlights

1. The Olympic Trials will be underway this weekend.  For any information about who will be there and what’s is happening with them head over to THIS website!
2. FOUR AWESOME WOMEN are Olympic hopefuls this weekend in Houston! You can read their stories HERE!
3. Pick up a copy of the latest issue of RUNNERS WORLD and read a wonderful article about MY FAVE – DESIREE DAVILA! Go Desi!(She will be there this weekend and I wish her the very best!)

What are your favorite flavors of life?

Hello Longevity Seekers!

I hope you are all well!

The Vernal/Spring Equinox is upon us!  We are about to enjoy a BEAUTIFUL FULL MOON – March 19/20, 2011!

As for me I am hoping to begin a parasite cleanse a few days prior.  Why? Well a few reasons…

1) It is advisable to begin any type of parasite cleanse a few days prior to the full moon when the parasites are busy mating. YUCK!  You can read more of this information HERE.

2) This FULL MOON will be one of the most powerful full moons!  We haven’t seen the moon this close to the earth in 18 years & there is sure to be some sort of natural reaction to this moon cycle.  I am hoping nothing to disastrous for the rest of the world.  At least no more than what has already occurred around the world.

3) I am hoping this next cleanse will help me soar to a better overall higher level in my life.  I hope it will help my running, my mind and overall well being.

Last weekend (March 5, 2011) I ran the Mardi Gras Madness 5k – Valencia, CA.  Better time!! Whoo Hoo!  I will just keep working and working and working!

Here we are at the FINISH LINE!

Before and after the race THIS TIME I drank 2 date shakes with RAW cacao, raw dates, raw almond butter, bananas, and strawberries!

I also thought about a few various tricks to go keep my mind focused during the run and time went by FAST!!!

There were a few hills and it was a fast course!

I hope to make it to the finish line THIS WEEKEND – Grunion Run 10k  - before 1 hr and 10 minutes.

First –  Let’s start with these wonderful STRAWBERRIES a customer gave me!! The NATURAL gifts just keep on comin! LOVE IT!

Check out how BIG they are!!! YUM!

I had my taste tester put one in each hand so you could tell how wonderful these were!

Deliciousness BELOW!

NEAPOLITAN RAW SMOOTHIE

Servings 2

8 Dates

2 tbs RAW Almond Butter

2 Bananas

4 Strawberries

1/4 cup RAW CACAO POWDER

2  cups – 10 pH water

Directions: Blend until smooth!

Tasted just like Neapolitan Ice Cream that had melted!

Over the weekend (March 13, 2011) I will be running the Grunion Run in Dana Point!  This will be the farthest I have driven for a race.  My taste tester and I will have about a 1hr 20 min drive!  I am sure it will be beautiful!

The race will be at 7am and thus far the earliest a we have ever experienced!

Try the smoothie recipe!  It was yummy!!!!

Thanks for reading!

Namaste!

A Jar Full of Sunshine!

Hello Longevity Seekers!!!

I hope you are well!

Hope you have had a GREAT week and have some fun HEALTHY meals and activities planned for the weekend!!!

As for me I am planning on running another 5k this weekend!  The Mardi Gras 5k!  I am hoping for a better time AND better pace.  All of the money raised for this event is being donated to the SOAR (Students Off and Running) program in Santa Clarita, CA.

Admittedly I haven’t been running/training as much as I should be. Now that I have noted this fact on my blog and in my brain – things should get better!

I am really excited to have 4 races DONE and it is only MARCH! Totally trying to stick to my goal and run 1+ race a month in 2011!!

At some point I am hoping to change from only road races to road races AND trail races!!!

Have you been meditating out there?  If possible at this moment take at least 5 minutes to calm your mind.  It could mean the difference of snapping or not snapping at an individual throughout the course of your day!!!

Here is my jar full of sunshine!

100% RAW SWEET ORANGE JUICE WITH THE PULP!

The universe continues to reward me with the most divine gifts of avocados, lemons, grapefruits, (2) tangerines and LOTS of oranges!! So spectacular!

My taste tester and I have primarily eaten salads and soup this entire week!  The avocados have been so wonderful!!!  It feels nice on my tummy!  LOVE SALAD! FRESH! RAW! POWER!

I have also been enjoying better sleep.  I ‘m not one to have trouble – generally, however with all the emotion I was expending while my cousin was ill and his untimely death – I couldn’t sleep.  Things are ALOT better now!

In other news…

Cafe Gratitude opened it’s doors to Southern California this week!  For those of you in the BAY AREA you have been quite LUCKY for some time to have this restaurant in your area!  It is GREAT to see more and more restaurants opening in Southern California that support RAW &  VEGAN LIFESTYLES!!!  YEAH! A visit and taste test SURE to come!!!

California is “organic land of opportunity” according to an article by Food Navigator-usa.com  You can catch the article by clicking on California!  The article indicates a 10% growth for the demand of organic foods and notes that the demand (at the moment) far exceeds the supply.  This sounds great for the state of California, but I am curious what your thoughts are as readers?

And to end this post in a positive note…this is a GREAT article about a Healing Center in BC.  Not only does this article outline what is being offered at the Center BUT it also add some REALLY GREAT ADVICE!  You can read this article HERE – Eat Raw, Breathe and Sweat!

Thanks for READING THIS BLOG!  I love you even if I don’t know YA!

Love and Light!

Namaste!

THe neW Veg-zO0 REvIEw..

Does anyone remember Gary Gnu???

Hello ! This is Gary Gnu…

Gary Gnu was a puppet.  He appeared on television and gave the “news” via a show called “The Gary Gnu Show”.  It was televised during the VERY EARLY a.m. hours of the day.  I may be aging myself with this one but I thought I would share his picture before I gave my own “Veg-Gnu-Chia-Goo” Review!

“Veg-Gnu-Chia-Goo” Review!

I spent the last week reading a book called “Born to Run”.

This book covered really interesting points in fact and diet.

It is a fast and easy read.

Engaging, while at the same time humerous.  Many of the descriptions of various theories will open a few areas in the mind and stimulate thought in others.

The book is about a place and time within the contemporary human experience.

As humans on this planet we must remember we have the ability to experience absolutely anything we would like to.  Our only barrier is our mind.  Our mind controls so much of our actions.  Some good and some bad.  Figuring out that “Daily Balancing Act” is the best thing we can do for ourselves.  Love others, while continuing to LOVE OURSELVES. Being kind and patient.  Believing in Karma and knowing that what’s done in the dark – must come to light. All the theories we have all experienced by the time we are in our teens.  It just takes some of us longer to be AWARE of our inner conciousness.  Don’t you think?

The book tells the tale of 1 man traveling into the deep Sierra Madre mountains in Mexico.  He runs within the mountain ranges of the mountains and answers questions to the cause of injuries, endurance (mental/physical), strength (mental/physical), and diet thanks to the Native Raramuri / Tarahumara Indians.

I was encouraged by the RAW Food and Vegan Food Movements covered in this book.  Vegan Ultra-runners, Chia Seed, and Pinole were some additions to the Veg888 Kitchen!  Stay tuned!  I was also happy to see many of the statements were fully researched and were not just vague statements of ethereal situations.

Although the Spanish translations are a bit off, you can get the idea of what the energy was in any situation the author shares with you.

The presentation of information was great.  I will look for more articles written by Christopher McDougall – author of this book.

I would also like to mention his thanks and gratitude to those that supported him emotionally and financially.  It is nice to see when someone remembers to say PLEASE and THANK YOU!

If you are a reader and enjoy a good story then I would say this is a definite read!

CHINESE FIRECRACKER

Tomorrow I will be running another 5k.  It is in the Chinatown District of Los Angeles.  The course is an uphill course for both the 5k & the 10k.

The race begins in Chinatown and ascends up the hill to Dodger Stadium. I will review the race this coming week.

Veg888 Kitchen Update

I have continued to take E3 live and I am still brewing REJUVELAC! Maintenance with this elixr seems easier than the Water Kefir.  Although I have no idea why?

I hope you are all doing well!

I send you LOVE and LIGHT!

Namaste!

Health Accounts & Monday Musings!

“Anything in Life is Possible,

if YOU Make it Happen!”

~Jack LaLanne

I couldn’t let today pass without mentioning the incredible work this man dedicated his life to!

Fitness, Health & Life!

What a beautiful concept! Although he is no longer in this dimension ~ He is now eternal.

I respected what this man did.  He spoke of the most important equation in life!

HEALTHY Food + EXERCISE = LONGEVITY

Jack LaLanne spoke of the importance of juice, a vegetarian diet.  So many facets of health were brought forth through this man! Weight lifting, swimming, stretching! Beauty!

Amazing!

Jack LaLanne – YOU WILL BE MISSED!

Veg888 Kitchen Updates!

Here some action shots from the Veg888 Kitchen!

Wonderful Avocados, Oranges, and 2 smoothies with E3 Live and Rejuvelac!!!

This is the newest E3 live product we have been trying in the Veg888 Kitchen!  Love this stuff! definitely felt the difference!

Here is the flour I made from the dried wheat berries!  Next I grinded flax seeds and mixed in a bit of rejuvelac!

The finished product was the following – Here they were in the Dehydrator for approx. 12 hrs…

I also received a really nice gift from a customer!  Check this stuff out!

This stuff was so Completely AWESOME!!! Chia seeds and Wheat Berries!  Thanks to this wonderful customer I was able to make rejuvelac with wheat berries again!  The REJUVELAC flavor isn’t too different between buckwheat and wheat berries! I like them both!  The only difference is the smell!  The buckwheat smells a bit sweeter.

It has been a few days since I last posted, Life has been going at a pretty fast pace.  I am also planning a Vegan Pizza Day Fiesta ~ January 29, 2011.

Although not a RAW FOOD function, I am attempting to bring awareness of Vegan Foods to the community.  A few months ago I posted a sign in my store…

I was able to compile a list of people by posting this sign.  Sadly only 4 of the 15 I invited have RSVP’d.  I hope no one just shows up…:/

I sent postcards out to 6 pizza places in the Los Angeles area.  Only (1) of the places said they would give me 30% off my pizza order.  Which is WAY cool!  The others didn’t respond at all – HOW RUDE!  and the last told me they would only offer a percentage off IF I was attempting to place animals and having a function for animal placement ALONE.

I asked these restaurants to offer a PERCENTAGE OFF -or- DONATE a FREE PIZZA!

I will leave you with this saying by our dear friends Jack LaLanne’s words!

Your Health Account is Your Wealth Account! Long Live  - Living Long! ~ Jack LaLanne

Love and Light!

Namaste!

Wednesday’s Musings…

Vegan – Vegetarian – Raw Food…

Yoga…

Running…

Racing…

This is what defines the Veg888 Blog.

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for reading this blog and opening your mind to a different PATH TO LIFE.

It is important to have your mind and energy channels open to change, love and light!  SMILE when possible, EAT HEALTHY as much as possible and seek knowledge DAILY…

Which brings me to a few interesting stories I have come across in the blogosphere/internet news travels…

1) Lululemon Athletica Inc. reached an all time HIGH yesterday in the financial world! Their stock ended the day at $72.85 per share!  What a business the Yoga world has become.  Although a high priced clothing store – their advertisement strategies and sponsorships will keep them going! I won’t sight any links specifically, but if you do a general NEWS SEARCH you will see what I am talking about.  (MANY MARKET ANALYSTS WERE WRONG ABOUT THE POTENTIAL GROWTH FROM OCTOBER TO THE CURRENT DAY!!!)  Is it safe to guess MANY OF THEM have never been to a Yoga class???

2) Vegetarian Times will be raising their RATE BASE twice in 2011.  It is currently at a 250,000 rate base.  It will jump to 275,000 rate base this month and be at 300,000 rate base by September 2011.  Why the change?  ”Brisk newsstand and subscription sales, says the publisher, triggered the increase..” They also said “ The publisher attributes a strong vegetarian market, with a growing awareness of the diet and lifestyle contributing to a 15 percent ad page increase over the last two years.” Do you order this magazine?  I think it is a positive step that society is opening their eyes to this wonderful way of life! What do you think?

3) According to the Washington Post a Vegan Diet is becoming more MAINSTREAM! Read that article HERE!  YEAH!

Don't represent VegParadise...Liked the Graphic!

4)HERE is a list of FILMS ABOUT THE “FOOD CHAIN” and why we should be more health conscious and turn to a Vegan Diet.  Personally I enjoy films about food and the wonderful results it can have on a sick/diseased body (RAW for 30 Days, Food Matters, SUPERCHARGE ME) but I felt you may find this list interesting.  I haven’t been able to get passed the first 15-20 minutes of “The Cove” or “Earthlings”, but that’s just me.  It hurts my heart.  What about you?  Have you seen these films?  What did you think?

5) Raw Food – On the Raw food news front – Matthew Kinney @ 105 Degrees Restaurant will be adding organic cooked foods to the restaurants menu.  Although they will continue to serve RAW food, the necessary addition of COOKED FOOD does not surprise me. Let’s just hope that DOES NOT INCLUDE MEAT!  - In other news – HERE is an article regarding the treatment of IBS (Irritable Bowl Syndrome) with RAW ORGANIC FRUITS & VEGETABLES!

6) HERE is an article about fuel and recovery with Natural food.  Although not an article on running, it is an article to take note of regarding various insights on nutrition + sport = great time, experience and healing for the body!

And in the Veg888 Kitchen…

The buckwheat had begun to sprout!  Rejuvelac here I come – AGAIN! YES!!! I must admit that I can feel a difference without my beloved REJUVELAC!!!

Thanks for reading!

Love and Light!

Namaste!

The “Green” Burrito & Pantanjali

In a previous post I spoke of Pantanjali’s Yoga Sutras.  The sutras outline various challenges and aspects we face in life and/or the yogic path.

Sustained Effort + Time = STRONG FOUNDATION

The foundation to meeting any goal is effort.  However, it is important to feel positive throughout the process-whatever you are about to undertake.  The more positive we feel about the process; the more we will enjoy the learning process.  No matter how painful and tiring it may be.

Continuing with no interruption refers to the commitment you have made and sticking to it.  Eating Raw, Yoga Practice, an Instrument, anything.  No endeavor which promises or gives instant gratification will last.

1.14 sa tu dirgha-kala-nairantarya-satkara-adara-asevito drdha-bhumih to acheive a strong foundation in our practice over a long time, without interuption, believing in it and looking forward to it, with an attitude of service.

Take it easy on yourself.  Slow and steady!  This is your time to spend the energy on manifestation!

The “Green” Burrito

This wonderful green “burrito” was my dinner last night.  I packed it with spinach, mixed baby green salad, tomatoes, cucumbers, raw sesame seeds, avocado, a splash of olive oil, a splash of bragg and a splash of sesame oil.

The collards last night were so large I just had to use them as a “wrap”!!!

Check out this leaf…

Thank you for reading.

Love and Light!

Namaste!

READERS NOTE: (Haven’t done this in a while!  I love to read and research! I am passing along some information I find throughout the day! )

KOMBUCHA
An interesting story at the NY Times Online about Kombucha – you can check  out the article here!  I am happy to see it getting some coverage.  Good or Bad.  I love KOMBUCHA!!! Anyone else out there like it?  What is your favorite flavor?  Any feed back?

Did the recent KOMBUCHA recall effect you?

This was a funny story… Forget vegan, he’s a “hegan”

THANKS TO THE UNIVERSE & LAST CALL!!

LAST CALL FOR THE FREE DVD/BOOK GIVEAWAY!!!

ALL ENTRIES NEED TO BE BEFORE MIDNIGHT!!!!

I WILL POST THE WINNER!!

CHECK OUT THE ORIGINAL POSTING HERE!

Yesterday (Sunday), was a really beautiful day!! Since Sundays are usually my laundry day, I decided I would keep it low key as far as food was concerned.  I made a smoothie to keep me sustained throughout the day.

Strawberry-Coconut Smoothie ~ 2 servings

1 cup sliced frozon strawberries

2 frozen Bananas

1 tbs. RAW Almond Butter

1 Fuji Apple

1 Handful Arugula

1 tbs. RAW coconut

Preparation: Blend in high speed blender with Fresh Thai Coconut Water until smooth.

*This beautiful glass was made by my friend WILL.  He makes amazing glass blown goblets!!!  All of the Ceramic bowls on this blog are made by my wonderful Ceramic Artist – Joe Botello!! Thanks to both of them for the beautiful artwork they have blessed me with!!!

AND BEFORE I FORGET…

A BIG Thank YOU to the  universe!!!!

For the past 6 weeks I have been enjoying fruit and vegetable gifts from the area.  Customers have been bringing me all kinds of different produce.  I must have gotton about 24 Lemons, a bunch of grapefruits, and some really sweet oranges!!!  I have even experienced some wonderful STRAWBERRIES!!!

Today I was given the biggest avocados I have ever eaten!  I will post a picture of them tomorrow! They were so beautiful!

I took a walk to get some excercise and enjoy the sun for a few moments.

On my walk I was blessed to see this magnificent creature!

Just when I thought there wasn’t anything more stunning at that moment in time, I looked back as saw this…

Isn’t he magnificent?  He was so proud!  I usually hear the peacocks at night as I am pulling into the driveway, while I am laying in bed before I go to sleep and in the morning when they are just waking!

Here is a young male trailing behind..

I would also like to thank YOU!  Thank you for stopping by my blog!  I will continue to post recipes and information regarding vegan, vegetarian and RAW food!!!  Also, NEW stuff coming your way in May!!!  More RAFFLES! More Giveaways!  and Much more information!

LIVE IN LIGHT and LOVE!

Namaste!

READERS NOTE:

Here is a great article with some nice information about ASPARAGUS!!! Great info and in sync with my blog!!!

Strawberry-Arugula Salad ~ REWIND ~

While going about my usual internet search daily, I came across a recipe featured on the SAVEUR magazine website.  I usually get an update from the Magazine each week.  I saw a beautiful picture of this salad.  I looked and the recipe and knew this would be a wonderful addition to the mix!!!  Organic Strawberries have been so beautiful lately!!!

The original recipe had ricotta cheese, sugar and other such ingredients and thought REWIND!!!~ And a new recipe for a  RAW ORGANIC VEGAN version was made!

ARUGULA STRAWBERRY SALAD

Serves 2

3 cups fresh Arugula

1 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, sliced

3/4 cup fresh raspberries

Zest of 1 Lemon

Juice of 3 Lemons

1 1/2 cup cashews, soaked

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp nutmeg

Preparation: Wash and slice strawberries, wash raspberries and set aside to dry.  Place cashews in the Food Processor with the “S” blade.  Process for a bit, add the juice of 2 lemons and half of the zest of the lemon.  Process again.  Add purified water a little at a time unitl smooth.  Once smooth, seperate into (2) bowls.  (I saved the other half to make some cashew nut cheese…more on this tomorrow!):)  Once seperated put the rest of the lemon juice, cinnamon and nutmeg in the bowl you will be using for the dressing. Mix.  Plate salad and put a dollop of the dressing on top.  Enjoy!

Washed Strawberries and Raspberries…

Soaking the cashews…

Cashews in the Food Processor with lemon juice…

Processed and ready to mix in the nutmeg and cinnamon…

The Dressing ready and on top of the salad…

After I washed the berries I picked four of the best strawberries for our dessert!

RAW CHOCOLATE DIPPED STRAWBERRIES

Turn on the Dehydrator to 90 – 100 degrees

Take coconut butter (oil)

Melt Coconut Oil in Dehydrator

Add equal amounts of raw cacao powder to the melted coconut oil

Add 1 /2 tbsp raw agave syrup

Add 1/2 tbsp Maple Syrup

1 tsp vanilla extract

4 washed strawberries ready to dip…

I dipped each of these strawberries into the chocolate mixture

I continued to dip these strawberries 7 more times.  I put them in the fridge and waited 20 mins between each dipping.

And finally … Dipped 8 times!!

Note:  You will need to have a non-stick surface (parchmant paper) between dips.  I myself learned this the hard way.  However, I will more chocolate experiences based on this wonderful treat!

Thanks for visiting!

Namaste!

READERS NOTE:

KOMBUCHA

Yeah! Kombucha in the news again.  You can read that article here. Do you like kombucha?  Comment. Join the raffle and have a choice between the Eating for Beauty Book by David Wolf -or-SUPERCHARGE ME!

HEALING YOURSELF WITH DELICIOUS FOOD

This was a great article I found.  You can read it here. I am inspired daily by all of you out there that are curious to find a healthier, happier way to live.  Beauty comes in so many forms.  In people, in moments, in our cats (pets), in the beauty of the earth – vegetables, fruits, the ocean, the sky!! A healthy change in our lifestyle everyday is the best movement toward your goal!

THE NEW RAW REVIEW

CHANGE TO THE RAFFLE

GIVEAWAY PRIZE!

This posting is dedicated to the past recipes made and Taste Tested! & the NEW GIVEAWAY!!

It is the first review of a DVD I’ve done on this blog.  More to come I’m sure! I love movies – of all genres – documentaries are my favorite !

Below are pictures of my Favorite RAW recipes I have made and featured on this blog!

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Most of these recipes were made during my RAW for 30 day challange/Parasite Cleanse.

Remember the FREE DVD Giveaway??!  Supercharge Me!!! A Raw for 30 Day Documentary – Well I had the opportunity to watch it Friday night.  And….I don’t think it is a very good giveaway. So the winner will have the choice of the Original Giveaway posting -or- the second option which is:

Eating for Beauty

by David Wolfe

PRIZE 1 – SUPERCHARGE ME – This Documentary is a lesson in VANITY.   The initial reasons and quest to go RAW for 30 days was to fit into a costume for Halloween. Not to be healthier per se…but to lose weight only.

The woman goes to the Optimal Health Institute in San Diego.  (Much like the Raw for 30 Days video at the Tree of Life Center) this woman stayed at a facility.  The explanation and discreet presentation of Colonics was a nice introductory of what the process is and does.  (For those of you that are sensitive to vomiting and liquids/solids coming out of the orifices of our body may want to skip or fast forward!!!)

And after everything she ends up a RAW vegan.

However after viewing this DVD, I feel it does not coincide with the spirit this blog is being maintained. That spirit is…

“Let thy food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food!”

So there you go.  You have a choice!!

PRIZE 2 – Eating for Beauty by David Wolfe – In Eating for Beauty, David Wolfe, describes how to cleanse, nourish, and beautify by utilizing the benefits of a fresh-food diet. You can apply the lessons contained within this book to improve your appearance, vitality, and health.

(This seemed much better than the other! But again it is your choice!!!