A Race & International Vegan Pizza Day!

Hello Longevity Seekers!

How are you? It has been over a week since I last posted! Hard to believe it has taken me 4 days to finish this 1 post!

This will be a post full of pictures, happiness and love!

I had mentioned in my last posting HERE I was having a Vegan Event in honor of International Vegan Pizza Day – January 29, 2011!  I think I also mentioned what a fast pace the week had been taking on ~ An energy unto itself so to speak…

So…I will begin with Thursday.

THURSDAY

Since my taste tester and I were hosting the first (of many – fingers crossed) Veg888 Blog Event, we wanted an area which was inviting, calm and most of all relaxing!

We decided we would host the event outside in the patio area of the shop.

We had an entire week to prepare for absolutely EVERYTHING!  In the middle of my crazy week – I received an email from the race I was planning to do in January.  Guess which day?  January 29, 2011! :/

So, once I broke this news to my wonderful taste tester, we knew there was SO MUCH WE NEEDED TO DO! Whew!

I called to have chairs delivered, a porta potty, and a dj were the main elements we wanted to ensure before anything else was done.  The rest-as they say- was UP TO US!

About a year ago we wanted an awning for the back patio area.  We called around.  ALL of the quotes we received were going to cost us $1,300 – $2,500.  At the time we felt that was WAY TOO MUCH to pay. So what does any business person do?  Look for one on CRAIGSLIST!

We found an awning the same measurements we wanted for only $100. Woo Hoo!  Sure it said some random name on it…but that’s okay.  I thought it would add to the charm.  The tables we have acquired are ALL different, so I thought sure – why not?

I had attempted to hire people to hang the awning prior to now, however something always fell through! We were really pressed for time so we put some energy out there and voila!  A customer said he could hang the awning!

We arrived at the store about 10am…the awning was up by 11 am! YES!!! The awning took a large part of the patio away from us being able to move things around, tend plants, etc.  I am really glad we were able to find some help for my taste tester and get that awning up! LOVE PROGRESS!

Wall before the Awning goes up!

Here we are half way through it…

And finally ready for the BIG DAY!

Throughout the day on Thursday we talked about all of the things we needed to have done by Saturday afternoon!  And let me tell you THERE WAS A PLETHORA!

We just kept going over our guest list, plates, glasses, water, salad, chairs, tables, etc.  I figured if we talked about it daily, there would not be any last minute problems!

FRIDAY

By Friday evening we were pretty much set as far as the particulars, but there was still LOTS to do to fix the patio area!  Move a BUNCH of plants, sweep, figure out the configuration, etc…

Here is the patio area prior to any movement…

I still had to tend the store and get ready for race day.  I decided I would make a RAW dinner for us the evening before the race!

I decided on an OLDY but GOODY!  MARINATED KALE  SALAD with mushrooms and tomatoes! YUM!  Besides, my wonderful customers have been giving me lots of lemons and Avocados! Perfect for a PRE RACE MEAL!

Marinated Kale Salad

1 Bunch Lacinto Kale

1/2 cup Crimini Mushrooms, sliced

2 Medium Organic Tomatoes

1/4 Apple Cider Vinegar

1/4 Cup Fresh Lemon Juice

1 clove garlic, minced

3 splashes Sesame Seed Oil

Spike to taste..

Directions: Mix liquid ingredients together in a SMALL bowl and whisk together.  In a LARGE bowl add the entire bunch of chopped kale.  While you are chopping the Kale, add the mushrooms and tomatoes to the “dressing” and allow to sit for 30 minutes, plus.  (Overnight has a nice heightened flavor) Add the dressing, mushrooms and tomatoes on top of the Kale and massage everything with your hands!  Allow to sit for 15 minutes and enjoy!!!

We were in bed by 12 midnight! Which is REALLY early for us!

Saturday

We woke up at 5:00am that morning.  I meditated after I woke up.  I wanted a CALM day, although I knew it was going to be ACTION PACKED until about 2 am – which was about the time I thought people would start leaving the event we were hosting.

The Race

Pepperdine University Coastal 5k/10K Run-Walk – Dockweiler State Beach – Playa Del Ray, California

We arrived at Dockweiler State Beach about 7:45am and checked in.  My taste tester decided he would run the race with me that morning, which again, I would say was an INSPIRATIONAL moment for me!  He amazes me all of the time! Which NOW that I think about it he has amazed me everyday for the last 10 years!

At approximately 8:00 am I checked in, picked up my number and Long Sleeve T-Shirt.

I found the environment to be really calm that day.  Although there were more people attending the Venice Christmas run, I felt people were nicer and calmer at this event.  There were also MANY MORE PICTURES of this event.  Everyone was included in the pictures – not just the beautiful, elite runner, etc!

We headed to the START LINE and waited for our “kick off”.

View from the Start Line!!!

I wondered if I would finish tired?  Would I still be running?  Would I be walking? I went in knowing I hadn’t realistically EVER run 6 miles prior to this race.  Sure I wanted to BUT I never did.

Up until the day of the race, the longest run I had done was 4.25 miles on Thursday prior to the race.   I felt good, so I thought why not do the 10k! And so I did!

Race Time!

I began the race thinking “slow and easy” missy.  I felt good. I had been taking in Rejuvelac and E3 Live ALL WEEK and knew this would help.  I also took in a few other goodies that morning.  Some Goji Berries, Gooseberries, Raw Cacao, a Banana and some dates.

By mile 3 I felt good.  Still running “slow and easy” and I was able to keep my time.  We decided we would use the Essentia water throughout the race.  NOTE TO SELF: Find a better water transport system the next time.  I didn’t like holding the bottle AT ALL!  I switched hands a few times during the race, but all in all it ended up alright.

By mile 4 and 5 I felt good as well!  The only negative part of the race quite honestly was the putrid smell that came from the waste stations we ran by during miles 3 and 4.  The last mile from 5.2 – 6.2 was LONG! Maybe it seemed long since it was at the end of the race, or maybe it was the visual of the pink tape and cones.  By mile 5.98 I was thinking…this is still going on?  Not that further but I can’t see the finish line?  Oh there it is – Oh I’m past it – Where’s my taste tester?  I finished!  OH HIT THE GARMIN and STOP THE TIME!  BEEP – 1hr 20 minutes! What? 10 minutes sooner than you thought? YES!  You did it! You made it!  You started with a goal and made it!!!!

Finishing the 10k in 1 hr 20 min.  actually surprised me!  I thought for sure I would have been at a hour and half or more! So that was pretty good!  My pace was 13:04.  Although 1 min slower than my last pace time at the December Christmas Venice Run I ran a longer distance!

I would like to get to a faster pace, but I know it will take time, perseverance and strength training!

Just then a THOUGHT – Oh hurry! Gotta get to the house and shower!!!

Our snack right after the race consisted of more bananas, more dates, mineral rich crusts, rejuvelac with E3 live and pH10 Essence water.

We got home, showered, and ventured off to the store! The minute we got to the store I opened the store and my taste tester got to work outside.

I decided to close 2 hrs early on Saturday.  I wanted to help my taste tester set up the tables.  We also needed to get our pizzas, set up the plates, and other necessities we would need for the event. Whew!

By 8:30 pm we were done with everything!  The chairs had been delivered at 6pm, the porta pottie came at 4pm and the DJ arrived about 8pm.  Tables were in place, pH water was chilled, and even the Champagne was ready!

Here is the menu for the event…

The back patio has a kiosk.  The kiosk is complete with a fridge, espresso machine, and various other amenities.  You can see the inside here…

Here is an outside look of the kiosk after all of the plants had been moved and before we set up the tables!!!

Here were are later in the evening ready with umbrellas and tables!!!

We had planned for the event to begin at 9:00 pm and end at 2am.  Now, usually when I would be invited to a party I would have arrived about 10 or so.  People were at the shop right at 9pm!  That was exciting.  It told me the environment of health and relaxation IS NEEDED in this area!

As you see on the menu above we had various kinds of Vegan Pizzas!

Armagarden…

Just Vegan Cheese…

Pesto with Spinach & Tomatoes…

Mushroom and Fresh Tomatoes…Somehow I didn’t get a picture of this one???

A HUGE THANKS TO PURGATORY PIZZA FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF THIS EVENT!!!

We also served Champagne, pH Water and/or Coconut Juice!  Here are the glasses we used!

Everyone seemed to enjoy the fact they were glass, rather than plastic!  I thought it was stylish!!!

Here is the DJ rockin it with one of the guests!

All in all is was a very successful day!!! I am pleased people showed up for the occasion.  There was lots of love in the air that night and we were able to relax with many of the guests!

Our next event will be a Vegan Taco Night and I think I will invite more than 20 guests.  It was the first event held in the patio area of the store and I needed to see what it would be like.  How it would flow – but most of all what would it look like with 20 people in the patio??? Crowded? Was 20 to many?  Those types of things!

I will update when that happens!

We went home after a very long day and went right to bed!!!! Interestingly enough we woke up at 10am Sunday!

We went on a drive and came home to rest and relax the rest of day.

I will leave you with this wonderful image of this guy we saw as we drove up to our house!

What a proud guy this was!!! I love the fact that there are peacocks  near our home!!!

Thanks for reading!

Love & Light!

Namaste!

Rejuv*e*LACK there of !

All last week I DID NOT HAVE REJUVELAC!

Talk about feeling like I LACKED! And definitely the Healing Elixr of 2011 on the Veg888 Food Blog!

Luckily, I had buckwheat on hand and was able to sprout it!

Sprouted the buckwheat and made REJUVELAC in the usual three batch method.  LOTS AND LOTS of jars in the FRIDGE! YES!

Did I feel a difference without the REJUVELAC?

YES! YES! YES! ABSOLUTELY!

Although I was quite busy last week, the emotional strain of the week, compounded with no LIFE in my body was horrible! (RE: Rejuvelac – still had live foods of other sorts!-salad, E3 Live, etc)

Last Monday I received a call from my mother telling me about a family member going into the hospital.  Since this is the only forum where I share EVERYTHING, I thought I would tell you what has been happening.

My cousin was admitted into the hospital Sunday evening with a swollen liver and extreme fluid retention.  Within 12 hours the entire family was called and informed he had 3 hours to live.

Now, me being me I knew that this is and was totally NUTRITIONAL! or I suppose LACK THEREOF!  It hurt me.

It hurt me to know what his body was going through.

It hurt me that he isn’t even 50 years old and his liver was that of a severe 70 year old alcoholic.

It hurt me that I don’t speak to him unless I happen to come across him at a family function.  Which in and of itself is a RARE OCCURANCE!

To cut a LONG STORY SHORT…HE IS ALIVE AND WELL!   Not out of the woods so to speak, but coming back!

All last week my taste tester and I sent him healing energy and just kept telling him to fight and live!

I had been telling my taste tester that I felt like something was going to happen.  I didn’t know what and I couldn’t tell to whom…

I never expected it to be him.  Not because of any reason other than his age, I don’t see him.  Etc.

So, I don’t know how I will reach him but I will try.  If nothing else maybe tell him “You are loved and love yourself!  Take your life and nutrition to an entire NEW LEVEL! Love You cousin and I hope you will read this one day!

Now on to the Veg888 Kitchen Update:

The rejuvelac made out of buckwheat is quite sweet smelling, however tastes the same!

I am currently sprouting some wheat berries and will make the next batch from wheat.  I am planning on trying the Quinoa next.  I saw a BLACK quinoa at Whole Foods the other day and may mix the red and black together.

What will I do with the sprouted buckwheat you ask?

MAKE CHIA ENERGY BARS!

I found a great recipe in the Brendan Brazier book “Thrive Fitness”!  I will be making these tonight and hope to update tomorrow.

What about the wheat sprouts I dried?  I will have to update with my pictures tomorrow, however for the time being, I will tell you!

First I placed the DRIED the wheat sprouts (Thanks to my Excalibur), I then placed the dried wheat sprouts into the Food Processor which turned into a FLOUR!  I then made a dough with the wheat flour, olive oil and sage.  From this dough I made 2 bagels, 2 pizza crusts and 1 “french” loaf.  They were in the Dehydrator for 5 hours on Sunday and another 4 hours yesterday.

I will update my pictures of culinary delights tomorrow!

In other news of the Veg888 Kitchen - CHIA!

Now yes I have spoken about Chia before, however I would like to discuss it a little more and discuss what my plans are for the next two weeks as I get ready for the 10k I hope to do on January 29, 2011.

The initial post I did regarding CHIA seed is HERE!

Chia gel causes a slow release of carbohydrates and an equally slow converting of carbohydrates into glucose (blood sugar) for energy. The outer layer of chia seeds is rich in mucilloid-soluble fiber, intended to keep the seeds from drying out in desert air. When chia seeds are mixed with water or stomach juices, a gel forms that creates a physical barrier between the carbohydrates and the digestive enzymes that break them down. The carbohydrates are digested eventually, but at a slow and uniform rate. There is no insulin surge or spike needed to lower the blood sugar level after eating chia.

I am hoping to do at least 12 races this year.  Maybe one a month.  Not all 5k and 10k’s.  There is a 13.1 Half Marathon hosted by Disneyland in Anaheim.  That seems quite interesting to me.  Least a fun filled day! Although known as the happiest place on earth…it will be the most tiring place on earth that day!  I am sure there are many PARENTS who feel that at the end of the day with their KIDS! Am I right?

I’m just really trying to be fit and centered. Whew!  That is always a challenge, however it is one that I am up and ready to do!

I ran on Sunday.  38 minutes for the usual course.  1 minute off of the New Years time and 3 minutes OFF of the desired time.  I will hope to add .25 miles each day until next Wednesday.  The race falls on a Saturday and I am hoping to be up to 4-5 miles by then.  Considering that the race is a 6 mile race, I certainly should be ready! (Fingers Crossed!)

I didn’t run last night since I had to get some paperwork ready for my taste tester.  He needed to be ready and out the door by 8am so we were in bed pretty early! (least early for us!)

I will run this evening and update tomorrow!

Love and Light!

Namaste!

And the Beat Goes On…

Happy Day!

How are you today??? Me? I’m okay.  A little bummed, but nothing to get upset over.  Although I may not like it when a “communication breakdown” occurs – it is after all expected in life!  Rather than getting upset over it or causing any kind of detriment to my day…the beat goes on!

Onto blogging!

Last night was the last and final batch of Rejuvelac from wheat berries.  It is technically my 3rd overall batch and I have decided to try another type of grain.  The next grain I am sprouting will be – Oat Groats.  I will let you know what the difference in taste is – if any!

So far I feel a HUGE DIFFERENCE with the Rejuvelac!

Clarity, Endurance, and a calmer vibration. When E3 Live is added to the mixture it is the most wonderful feeling!  Positive, ALIVE and absolute B-L-I-S-S!

As I was working in the kitchen last night, I came across one (there are 100′s by the way ) of my FAVORITE books – Recipes for Longer Life by Ann Wigmore.

Rejuvelac the “water” of the Institute, puts into your body the enzymes cooked food doesn’t.  Enzymes help freindly bacteria such as lactobacillus bifidus grow.  Lactobacillus  in turn gives off lactic acid, a natural astringent, which helps your large intestine maintain it’s natural, healthy, vitamin-producing environment.  This leads to a clean colon where sludge does not collect on colon walls, and where harmful, disease producing bacteria are unable to survive.

Since the Rejuvelac is pre-digested (fermented) the proteins are broken down into amino acids, and the carbohydrates into simple sugars.  These nutrients are assimilated by the body with little expenditure of energy.  Rejuvelac is rich in eight of the B vitamins, as well as vitamin E and K!

Great information, huh?  We can thank Ann Wigmore for this wonderful Healing Elixr!

Spent Wheat Berries

So my last adventure didn’t turn out to well when it came to the spent wheat berries…or so I thought!  I had initially set out to make ESSENE BREAD but it ended up being batter and/or oatmeal – rather than dough!

I attempted to make the best out of a bad thing and made RAW COOKIES!!!

Here they are!

They are actually good.  I was afraid for a moment, but my wonderful “taste tester” stepped in and made a happy face when he bit into the cookie!

Here is another shot!

Since I have approximately 4+ cups of wheat berries, I decided to place the other wheat berries into the Dehydrator to dry them out before I use them again.

Here they are about to go into the Dehydrator…

I will update what becomes of them tomorrow or the next day!  Hopefully my Essene Bread (RAW BREAD Adventure #2) will be much more successful…fingers crossed!

Sprout Updates

Look at these beauties! Radish Sprouts! When I pulled these out of the jar, I thought how fun it would be to make a dish around them! So that is what I will do tonight! (Do you see the little heart the leaves made? Right at the top of the cluster!) PURE LOVE!

Newest Raw Food Find

I mentioned the Mineral Rich Crusts in my last posting here and wanted to show you what the packaging looked like!  They are pretty tasty and very filling!

And finally…

No Impact Man Highlight of the Day

I think I have mentioned how the earth bestows wonderful produce upon me via customers and people within the community.

One of the most wonderful additions to my day on Monday was this gift!

This gift from the earth came via a very knowledgeable guy in the community.  He climbed his own tree and picked these avocados for me.  He says it’s better to give them to someone who will eat them rather than allowing them to fall and rot on the floor.  He also brings me these wonderful lemons.  He calls the darker ones Mandarin Lemons and the lighter ones the Sour Lemons.

I always use all of the produce he gives me and I am so thankful to both the earth and him for bestowing this gift of life upon me!  The universe always manages to encourage me!

Besides the “No Impact” of this guy using what is growing in the community, he walks everywhere – he NEVER drives, and he brought me a paper bag from his lunch to use as both the bag I would take the produce home in, but also to ripen the Avocados!  How much more “No Impact” could this guy be? Love it!

Here they are in the bag awaiting to be eaten! I placed them here among my DVD’s since I am usually picking movies out to take to the store or watch at home.  I figured if they were right in front of me, I couldn’t forget about them!

Okay, so let’s not pay attention to the fact that the bag says “The Hat” a local burger eatery in Los Angeles – known for their pastrami…life is funny that way..huh?

Thank you for reading!

Love and Light!

Namaste!

:) haPPineS (: —> Come Forth!

Well readers here we are!  Another year!

I wish you THE BEST YEAR you could possibly have!

You are ALL BEAUTIFUL SOULS!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Quite a bit has changed around here at Veg888 headquarters since last year!

I will continue to seek out longevity and healing & will ALWAYS INCLUDE YOU along my journey!

Thursday Night Run…

I headed out for my run about 5 min till 11pm.  It was cold but there wasn’t a wind factor to contend with! Whew!  Since it was so late, I was unable to take more than 1 picture of the run!  I will miss the holidays!  It is the only time the streets are illuminated with lights and creativity.  One of the houses decorated their palm tree with various colored lights!  Hopefully I will be able to take a picture of it before the lights are taken down!

I plan on running into the new year!  I will be out there thinking of the wonderful world we live in and all the beauty it posses!  Not that there aren;t bad things happening around the world, but I will release love into the world tonight!  I hope you will join me!

Raw Cashew Adventure – Part II – Update

When I got home, I went to look at my cashew cheese.  It smelled different than the eve before.

Projected Problems:

- I think I should have placed the cheese on top of the cheesecloth and allowed it to drain, this way I would have ensured a firm cheese.  (This is all theoretical until I can experiment!)

-The blender I have has seen better days.  Actually, it saw better days a year ago!  All the RAW FOOD PREPARATION over the last year has worn out the blades in both my blender and my Food Processor.  I think if I had a better blender it would have ground the cashews better and I would have had a “thicker” firmer cheese. (Again my theory!)

With these factors in mind, I added lemon, onion powder, cayenne, salt, dehydrated leeks, scallions, and shallots.

I mentioned my “antique” molds and I wanted to use them for the cheese…

Here they are before the process…

Next I lined each mold with plastic wrap and filled each mold with cheese.  Filled the molds with the cheese and covered.  I had hoped the cheese would firm up by morning, but 8 hrs later the cheese is still soft!  I have seen on the Raw Forums this problems occurs and I hope this is not like my adventure in making Gnocchi!  In one word… DISASTROUS!  I have NEVER ATTEMPTED it at home AGAIN!

Rejuvelac Front – Update

This is my third batch of Rejuvelac and I am quite PLEASED!!!  Tonight will be the last batch I can make with what is brewing.  I saved the other sprouts and hope to experiment with the next batch ALL TOGETHER!  I am also going to DEHYDRATE the “spent” sprouts and make a bread!

I have noticed some profound differences since I have begun conuming REJUVELAC!  My running times have contined to get BETTER! YES!  Last night I ran the 2.8 miles in 38 minutes!  For the last few weeks, between the REJUVELAC and the E3 I have felt enormous differences.  I have cut my time by 8 minutes!  I’ve got to get to 35 minuted!  Once I do that, I will be able to start with intervals.  Intervals will change my time and strength while I am in a race!  10 k – HERE I COME!!!

Hopefully I will be able to conquer a 4-5 miler this weekend!  I will let you know!

Another positive and maybe negative ALL AT THE SAME TIME – MY SENSE OF SMELL!  I know this seems strange, but I have a keener sense of smell and sharper vision.

My stomach seems to feel really good all of the time and the “Taste Tester” has definitely experienced some changes as well!  Love It!

Love and Light!

Namaste!

Last Years Holiday Wish! Read It and Know I still mean it!

Thursday’s Kitchen Report

Things have been moving along nicely in the Veg888 Kitchen lately.

Last night I jarred the THIRD BATCH/LAST BATCH of Rejuvelac.  This is the last and final batch before it will turn into a “bread”.

The wheat berries have tails that are about 2.5 cm.  They are happy little things!  They have turned a really interesting color.  Much like a cream color? or an eggshell color?  not white, but almost there???  The tails have tiny little fuzzy roots!  They also smell very “green” and VERY FRESH!

I placed the “spent” wheat berries into a glass container and popped them into the refrigerator.  This is supposed to slow down the sprouting process and since I have made ALL THE REJUVELAC I can…I am awaiting to RECYCLE & REUSE!

I will make the “bread” this evening and place it in the dehydrator over night.  I am planning on making RAW BAGELS with this batch.  My favorite non-raw bagel is an EVERYTHING BAGEL so that is what I am going for tonight!  Since my schedule it usually chaotic – I wasn’t able to make my Bagels/Essene bread.  I will update the process and the taste!

On Sunday (Dec 19, 2010) I began soaking more wheat berries and sprouted them over the next 2 days.  This allowed me to begin a new batch of Rejuvelac immediately after the final batch.

I was also able to wash the large container and refill it with “NEW” REJUVELAC within a 10 minute frame.  Of course this was going on at about 1:30 am.

Most of my kitchen experiments go on between the hours of 9:30pm – 3:00 am.  ESPECIALLY since running became part of my schedule in the evening.  When you go to bed at like 3 or even 4 am it is quite difficult to wake up at 6 or even 8 am. I am hoping to change my schedule a bit this next year.  My goal will be to get a good portion of my workouts done in the morning before I open the store.  In order to do this, I will have to have dinner AT THE STORE and get to bed by 11pm – Midnight.  Fingers Crossed I will meet this goal! (Along with all of my other goals on my list for 2011! )

Overall Rejuvelac Review

Although time consuming the rewards I feel from the Rejuvelac seem well worth the wait.  My tummy feels really good, I am very clear in my mind.  I don’t forget things AS MUCH!  I am able to execute tasks on my list for the day.  I am also able to keep a very good energy level sustained throughout the day.  No word on gray hair/dark hair – yet.  But a very good addition to my diet.

If I stay on a good rotation, I think everything will work out fine.  Last night as I began sprouting more Sunflower Seeds and Radish Sprouts, I began to think of what I was REALLY doing.  I knew I also needed to begin sprouting NEW wheat berries Thursday evening, this way I would be ready with proper wheat berry sprouts once the next THIRD batch is ready.

I also want to add more “Sprouted Greens”  to my diet.  While reading the “Thrive” book by Brendan Brazier I came across some helpful information on Sprouted Greens.

“RAW enzyme rich sprouts are plentiful in all three food components: simple carbohydrates, amino acids and fatty acids.  They are predigested so the body does not need to produce it’s own enzymes, plus the nutrients are in a usable form-a considerable net gain of total energy suppled by the food.” Brendan Brazier, Thrive

It also went on to say “The sprout occupies a transitional phase in the plant life cycle.  Having yet to form roots, the sprout, a new growth from the germinating seed.  Once activated by moisture, enzymes begin to utilize nutrients supplied in the seed as a rapid growth fuel.  The plant equivalent to mother’s milk, densely packed nutrients in the seed quickly convert the sprout into a plant with leaves…throughout the sprout’s rapid growth phase, digestive enzyme inhibitors are expelled; proteins are converted to amino acids, and fats to essential fatty acids, making a very efficient food.  Power packed with vitamins, minerals, chlorophyll and enzymes, since sprouting enhances the efficiency and nutrient value of the seed.  Sprouts, because of their HIGH pH level, will also help alkalize the body ” Brendan Brazier, Thrive

I have to kick training up a notch if I am going to finish the 10k which will be January 29, 2011. (Not that far away mind you!) So there will be more recipes to come!

There doesn’t seem to be the usual excitement for Christmas this year.  I don’t even hear people say they are going to buy gifts -or- that they are celebrating Christmas!?  I wonder if it’s the rain or the finances???

No Christmas Tree in my shop or at home.  Just lots of Sprouts!  Life!

The rain seems to have subsided -for now-.  I woke up to the Sun this morning but it seems to have disappeared since!

Love and Light!

Namaste!

Raining, Brewing & Writing

The weekend turned out positive for the most part.  We are having a TOTAL RAIN STORM here in Los Angeles!!!  Which is alright except for ONE SMALL FACT…I WAS UNABLE TO RUN! >:(

The rain continued and continued.  I did however do ALL OF THE LAUNDRY, BREW REJUVELAC, MAKE AN APPLE AND BASIL SANDWICH, ENJOY A MAGNUM EPISODE (He was in an Ultra Iron Man Competition in the episode), started sprouting more wheat berries for MORE REJUVELAC and did some recipe research.

SO – On the Rejuvelac Front – Here we go —–>

Saturday was the last day I would sprout the wheat.  I rinsed it and placed it in a large container (I had forgotten I had…) and it was time to wait for the Rejuvelac.  After the wheat berries sprout for 2 days you place the wheat berries in a container and place 6 cups of water.  The ratio I found online was 1 part berries to 6 parts Spring Water…

Saturday Evening:

This is the sprouted wheat berries after (2) days with fresh Spring Water

This will sit for (2) days and brew…

Sunday Morning

This is the Rejuvelac after 14 hrs.

 

Sunday Evening

Monday Morning

Check out the foam on top after a Day and a half !!!

 

I will get to see how it tastes tonight!  I will also try one of the recipes I found for the wheat berries AFTER you make REJUVELAC!   Recycle-Reuse! LOVE IT!

Sooo…psst…I also read that REJUVELAC is a restorative food for the stomach AND now here is another GREAT fact..IT IS SAID TO STOP GRAY HAIR AND RETURN TO YOUR HAIR TO IT’S NATURAL COLOR!!! I don’t know about you Longevity Seekers but that sounded good to me!!!   No toxins from dye on our scalps, in the drainage system, etc… GREAT.  Of course I’m not gray (yet!), but I figure it is a good start!  I read it takes about 3 months, so I use my “taste tester” as a test subject and see if this is true!  He only has a little gray on his chinny chin chin!   Love him though!  Very supportive man in my life!

Have you read the same??? Do you have experience with REJUVELAC???

Since there was rain ALL WEEKEND I was unable to run.  I remembered this a.m. that my parents have a treadmill and weights at their house, so I might use that to my advantage this week!  Best part is they don’t live very far and I can go over there at anytime!   I love my parents and am so happy they live close to me.  Most days they help me with my usual errands and such.  Love Them!   I am looking forward to sitting with them on Christmas Eve.  I don’t usually go to EXTENDED family functions, but ALWAYS TO IMMEDIATE family functions!   What about you?  Got plans for this Holiday Season?

I am also looking up information about RAIN RUNNING GEAR this week.  I can’t imagine that this will be the end of the rain until Spring.  Those in the Pacific Northwest and other parts of this great world are running in the rain.  Maybe I will too??? We’ll see.  I can handle drizzle, mist and even slight rain.  However the rain we are getting is pretty heavy and intense.  Anyone out there run in the rain. 

This weather makes me want to go into DEEP MEDITATION.  It also makes me want to stay at home and do yoga for 8 hours!  Followed by a LONG ADVENTURE IN THE KITCHEN!!!

Stay Tuned!

Love and Light!

Namaste

Enter the Cilantro!

Well Readers…I finally decided to try KELP NOODLES.  The package says their RAW, but I am a little skeptical about that fact…

Anyway, I decied to make a Cilantro Pumpkin Seed Pesto for the Kelp Noodles.  More than anything I wanted 1) to know what they tasted like and 2) I didn’t want to attach any one countries cuisine to the noodle until I had tasted the noodle.

Initially these noodles are kind of chewy and crunchy in a strange sort of way.  I know that sounds ridiculous, but it’s true.  The more they soak in whatever sauce you use, they begin to be much more like a glass noodle found in Asian Cuisine.

So here is the package of the noodles…

Here are the noodles after I rinsed them…

Since the noodles looked a bit like a Glass Noodle I borrowed the cilantro from Thai food flavors + Borrowed the Pesto / Herb Paste type of sauce from Italian Food + and a bit of Mexican with the Serrano Chili and Pumpkin Seeds = Cilantro Pumpkin Seed Pesto.

Cilantro Pumpkin Seed Pesto

1 Bunch Cilantro

1 Serrano Chili

Juice of 1 Lime

Juice of 1 Lemon

2 Cloves Garlic

8 Cherry Tomatoes, Halved

1/4 cup olive oil

1 splash toasted sesame seed oil

1 Handful of Black Sesame Seeds,

Preparation: Halve Cherry Tomatoes and set aside.  Place all ingredients, (except Black Sesame Seeds) into Food Processor and process until you have a nice fragrant paste.  Mix into noodles and add the Black Sesame Seeds. Serve on two plates and garnish with Tomatoes.

Here is the finished plate!

I added a salad on the side.  I used the sauce you see around the noodles as the dressing.

Notes: I don’t know that I will buy these noodles ever again.  However the next time I make this type of Pesto, I will use a Zucchini Noodle instead.

Sprout Update

Sunflower

The sunflower sprouts have filled the jar.  I needed to give them more space and have moved 3/4 of the jar into a colander, and left the 1/4 of the jar filled with Sunflower sprouts .

Here is the Colander filled with the other sunflower sprouts…

The next morning this is what the Sunflower sprouts looked in the jar…

And the Colander…

Radish

Lot’s more little green leaves!! Yeah! This is so exciting!!! Darker green as well.  The jar is at 3/4 of the way full! Wow!  There are some that are a really pretty red/magenta type of color.  Can you see them?  Those must be the China Rose Radish Seeds.

The next morning this is what the radish sprouts looked like! These are almost ready to eat!!!

Peas

These tails are about 2″ at this point.  The first set of leaves are forming and barely beginning to turn green.

Look at the incredible Green color that emerged in the morning!! The second set of leaves are emerging! This is wild stuff!

I will update the sprout pictures as they grow.  Tonight when I arrive home the Radish will be ready to eat.  I admit I sampled a taste and they were SPIIIICY! YUM! LOVE IT!

Thanks for reading!

Namaste!

Quantum “Cinco” Salsa a la Guaca!

This year all of the usual festivities for Cinco de Mayo were pretty much non-exsistent.  Usually people are making a big deal about the Beers and Taco Special, Margaritas and Chips, Guacamole & Salsa.  Not this year.  Maybe it is the economy, maybe it is the political issues occuring in society in regards to Mexico, who knows.

So, I thought – I will celebrate it in a very “Quantum” fashion…

quan·tum (-t)

1. A quantity or amount.

2. A specified portion.

3. Something that can be counted or measured.

So I came up with the Quantuam “Cinco” Salsa a la Guaca! giggle..giggle!

Before I give you the recipe, I will tell you a little about the genesis of this recipe, besides being silly on Cico de Mayo.

In Los Angeles you can find a Mexican Restaurant, Taco Stand (Taqueria), Taco Truck, and even a Taco Cart all over the city.  Probably in closer proximity to each other than a McDonalds is.  There are loads of different places to have Mexican Food.

There is a place called CIRO’S.  This was the first time I had a chunky guacamole.  It was much more like a heavenly bowl of chunky avocado soup!  Since then, I make a chunky style of my own.  Definitly Natural, Definitly Tasty and Definitly KICK ASS!

QUANTUM “CINCO” SALSA

Servings 2

1 Serrano Chile

1 Yellow Chili

3 Tomatillos

Juice of 1 Lemon

1 cup Cilantro

2 tbs. Mint

8 Cherry Tomatoes, Halved

2 Avocados, cubed

Preparation: Cube the Avocado and Halve the Cherry Tomatoes last.  Add all of the other ingredients to the Food Processor and process until chunky.  Be careful not to make it smooth!! Add the chuncks of Avocado and the cherry tomatoes.

SPROUT UPDATE

Sunflower Sprouts

The first 1/4 of the jar was filled with the soaked sunflower seeds.  At this point the growth of the sprouts has reached 1/2.  They are starting to show a small root structure now!   I also read that you can eat these sprouts at any point of the process.  To wait for the greens stage the sprout must be 4″ tall.

The next morning the Sunflower Sprouts looked like this…

Approx. 1 1/2 inches higher in the jar than the night before!!! This is so exciting.  I find myself thinking about my sprouts when I am at my store.

Radish Sprouts

Green Tops are showing now!   Little leaves.  These seeds are part of a general group called Brassica seeds.  There are many different types.  I will be covering them as time passes.  Initially I put 2 T of seeds in the jar.  The jar is filled about 1/3 of the way.

The next morning this is what the Radish sprouts looked like…

More Leaves!! More Sprouts! More Life!!!

Now these guys are awesome!!! They have tremendously long tails and the jar is filled about 1″ higher than the peas were when this process first started.

And in the morning even Cooler!!! Check out these peas!!!

The jar is almost full of pea sprouts at this point! The jar was filled 3/4 of the way by morning! Love and Life is BEAUTIFUL!!!

Thanks for reading! Join the GIVEAWAY! Learn about being low impact on this wonderful earth!

NEW DVD Giveaway ~ Everfresh Organic Soup!

Since the weather has been heating up here in Los Angeles there are so many signs of life!!

Cactus Blooms…

Even some wonderful birds living in the back lot of my store!! They have a baby bird learning to fly.

Here is one of the parents.  Can you see them on the corner of the lattice?…

And here is the baby.  It’s hidden within the Morning Glory.  Can you see it?…

And of course my wonderful sprouts!!!

Sprout Update – 040410 – First Rinse

Last night I rinsed the sprouts right away!! All of them showed signifigant growth!

The Radish seeds were begining to show their tails!!!

The Peas Sprouts as well!!! Blurry, I know but you can get the idea, right? Can you see the little tail???

And the Sunflower sprouts!! I am so EXCITED about these!!! If I could sing a beautiful chorus, I would!! These make me feel so happy!   All of the white you see are the sprouts busting out of the black seed! L-I-F-E!!

Here is the pack I started with.  The Avocados in the background are in the soup I made below!

Sprout Update – 050510 – Second Rinse – (Morning )

Here are the Radish sprouts in just 12 hours from the first pix! Total of 24 hours at this point!!

Here are the pea sprouts! So exciting! In just 12 hours look how much these have grown!

The same with these wonderful little guys!!! Sunflowers seeds and sprouts!!! LOVE IT!

I was blessed with some DIVINE Avocados!  A customer brought them into the store the other day.  I was so pleased!!! I put them in a paper bag immediately and they were ready a few days later…

Last night I used those avocados to make a creamy soup that would not only be cooling to the body, but refreshing to the mind.

Everfresh Avocado Citrus Soup

2 Ripe Avocados, cubed

1 peeled cucumber, deseeded and cubed

Juice of 1 Lemon

Juice of 2 Limes

Juice of 1 orange

2 tbs. Fresh Mint

1/2 cup Fresh Cilantro, tightly packed

1/2 cup RAW Pumpkin Seeds

1/2 cup water

1 splash Sesame Seed oil

2 tbs Olive Oil

Preparation: Place the avocado, cucumber and RAW pumpkin seeds into the Food Processor and process.  While it is processing, add the lemon juice, lime juice and orange juice. Open the Food processor and scrape the sides down.  Add the cilantro, mint and sesame oil.  Process again.   I added the water a little at a time, just until the soup was smooth.

Tomato Corn Relish

8 Cherry Tomatos, cut in half

Kernals from 1 ear of Corn

1 tbs. Mint, cut into strips (chiffonade style)

1/2 cup Cilantro, chopped

Preparation: Mix all ingredients together and add to the top of the soup as a garnish!

Here is Bowl #1…

Bowl #2

After dinner the soup felt really good in my stomach.  All I was missing was some LIVE crackers.  I would like to make some Kale Crackers I think.  Maybe some sun dried tomato black olive crackers… Hmmmm..

Stay tuned…

And for the next giveway!  A DVD called NO IMPACT MAN

I used this image since it describes a little of what this Documentary is about.  It changed my view of packaging, and various other issues I hadn’t really thought about.  I’m not saying he had the perfect equation,  I think he should’ve gone raw, but I think you should see it!  I am giving this away since loving the earth is one of the main reasons I am a Vegan Vegetarian Raw Yogini.  (Though I admit, I need to work on the Yogini part  LOTS MORE!! – Patience Patience there will time for EVERYTHING!

—————> To Join the Raffle <——————

1) Send me a recipe – (I am still waiting for someone to send me a recipe to try and feature…Come on! Send me a recipe!!!!)

2) Comment on any blog posting after May 1, 2010.  The last day to enter the raffle is May 30, 2010 @ Midnight.

3)Subscribe to this blog!!!

That’s it! Simple!

Thank you for reading!!

I thought I would leave you with a picture of the Master of RELAXATION!

Live in Light and Love!!

Namaste!

RAFFLE WINNER & A Mediative Note

CONGRATULATIONS SEAN

FOR WINNING THE

VEG888 SPROUT KIT!!!

I have been meditating about life and all of it’s angles.  Sprouts growing in my kitchen, little birds learning to fly in my backyard, the life of the veggies I eat during a RAW meal, ETC.

Sprouts Update#1 – 050410

I soaked sunflower, radish, and peas for 8+ hours.  Did their first rinse at about 10 am.  Tonight I will rinse them.  I am excited to see what they have done, if anything…

The Quinoa was a really fast sprout!  From what I read so is the Radish Sprout.  It is a blend of Daikon and China Rose from Sprout People.  Since I would like to sprout the sunflower seed for it’s greens, I have 10+ days to go.  I will definitly need to begin a rotation of growing the sprouts and various types.

I will update with pix tomorrow!!!

Live Soups and Live sprouts with Live crackers sounds delicious!!! Especially since the heat has begun to rise here in Los Angeles.  Seems like the perfect time to make some FIREWATER!!!  (Stay tuned…)

I thought this was a great story to read before meditation.  I hope you all take the time to Meditate or Recharge or Pray or just be still and alone for at least 10 minutes during the day.  Inhale and Exhale. Rethink, Reorganize what is going on throughout your day.  Just take the time to really be grounded in your spirit and in your life.  It can only help us and those around us!

Once upon a time, before the sea existed, there was nobody living here, except Shiva and Shakti. Shakti is the most beautiful of all goddesses, and Shiva is her husband and lover. They love each other so much that even a short moment of separation is terrible for them. They are like wetness that is never separate from water, sweetness that is never separate from sugar, and warmth that is never separate from sunlight.

Once, Shiva went away to Mt. Kailash, to live as a hermit for awhile, and Shakti was not allowed to go with him. She stayed alone, below in the mountains, and felt very sad. Her longing for Shiva was so strong that she didn’t know what to do with herself. Everything around her seemed to be boring and purposeless, and she felt very restless. Shakti is inseparable from Siva – just as heat from fire, light from the sun, night from the sky, or a reflection from the mirror.

So, Shakti went around to all the Gods to ask for advice, but they couldn’t help her. When she was most desperate, she even went to Yama (the God of death); but he refused to see her, as she was not on his list of expected visitors.

Finally, she went to Indra (God of rain) and told him about her difficulties. He listened, and then said: You will meet Shiva again. In the meantime, you must practice Sadhana; this will serve two purposes. First, it will help you to progress spiritually, and will decrease the time you have to live without Shiva. You will also feel a certain inner contact with him, as he is practicing Sadhana, also. Secondly, your restlessness will disappear. The practice is to meditate on Om, the beginning-less sound. This practice will take you very far on the spiritual path. Just sit down for meditation, close your eyes, and repeat Om loudly, every time you exhale.

So, when the evening came, Shakti sat down in Padmasana and started repeating Om loudly. She found so much peace in this simple practice that it was impossible for her to stop. She sat in deep meditation for days, months, and years. Very heavy rains poured down on Shakti, but her meditation was so deep that she didn’t notice it at all. In a short time, the ground around her was covered with water. Soon, the water level had reached her waist. It rained and rained, and still Shakti didn’t notice anything. Finally, her whole body was covered with water, but her meditation was unbroken. She was still repeating, Om, Om, Om…

This is the sound of the sea, even today. At the bottom of the ocean, Shakti is still sitting deep in meditation, repeating her mantra. Every time she breathes in, the waves go back; every time she breathes out, they come forward again. So Om, the mystical eternal sound we hear in the ocean, is the voice of God. And so the ocean will go on roaring Om, Om, Om… until Shiva and Shakti are united again. And the sea is the best storyteller in the world. Just listen. You can learn everything from it, for everything is the sound of Om. This is the word which is powerful in silence.

See you tomorrow!  I will post the next Raffle Giveaway tomorrow as well!!!

Thanks for reading!

Namaste!