Articles archived for May 2010

Hey, y’all!

Gosh, I can’t believe I haven’t posted since Monday – the Meatless Monday post. Wow.

What have y’all been up to all week? Me? I’ve been doing outside chores, gardening, and have been super-duper busy. Phew! What a week, I tell ya!

So I thought I’d share some photos of my (organic) gardening efforts. A lot of things are coming along really well (like the featured plants in this post) but other stuff – not so much. The yellow squash, cucumbers, green beans, and some other veggie plants either got washed away from the ridiculous amount of rain we had, the seeds didn’t germinate because it was too cold, or they molded from all the rain.

That really is aggravating because the seeds were heirloom, organic quality and plus, there was that tidbit of actually planting them. But what’s a gardener to do in this crazy weather?!

Yes, a greenhouse would be fantabulous, and we’re actually planning to convert one of the outer buildings in to one – but that time is not here yet.

Needless to say, I’m ready for Mother Earth to stop crying buckets and put on her sunny smile already and keep it on! LOL

Is it sunny and beautiful in your neck of the woods? I’ve finally been getting some sunshine recently and I’m tickled pink… All that rain was really, really getting old.

On the bright side, the stuff that is growing is growing pretty well ‘cause of all that rain I’m complaining about!  

Asian Lilies

Lilac Bush

Peonies

Petunia

Purple Clematis

Roses

Snapdragons

And it’s been super-duper difficult to maintain the garden with all the chilly, rainy weather we’ve had. Ack!

Radishes

And after the earth dried up a little…

May or may not do a little – or a LOT – of nibbling as I garden!

And they taste JUST like the ones from my grandma’s garden when I was a little girl!!!! Woo hoo!!!

Potato Bloom & Plant

And remember when I first showed you those grapes on the fence?

Here’s a mid-way progress update…

And they’re even fuller now!!

With growing grapes!

Strawberries

Blackberries

Blueberries (my all-time favorite)!!!!

And zucchini…

…for that spiralized pasta!!!

Of course, there’s more: sweet taters, different tomato varieties, bushes, trees, flowers, etc.,  but this post is already long enough – have to save some for another day!

Burning questions I have for you – talk to me people! hehe

1. What’s your favorite fruit or veggie? My favorite fruit is blueberries – especially frozen! – and my favorite veggie? It’s hard to decide! I’d say I’m torn between spinach, chard, kale, brussel sprouts – well, greens! LOL

2. Do you have a garden? Do you grow naturally/organically – or do you not mind killing weeds and grass with chemicals?

3. Do you spend a lot of time outside during pretty weather? Are you an indoor or outdoor person?

4. What’s your favorite outdoor activity? I guess mine is actually riding my bike – which I never do anymore!

5. Have you entered my Aurorae Yoga-sponsored giveaway? Why not? Winner receives a high-quality yoga mat (your choice of color!), a Yoga Sport Sweat Towel, and a Slip-Free Rosin Bag! Go, get yourselves entered!

Happy Monday, fantabulous foodies!!!

Hope your weekend was RAWsome! Here we are – another Meatless Monday.

Just for the record, I didn’t start participating in Meatless Monday because I eat meat six days a week. I eat a high-raw (mostly) vegan/vegetarian diet – except for occasional honey, Greek yogurt, eggs, or a teeny bit of fish.

I thought it would be nice to show those of you who DO eat quite a bit of meat – especially if you eat it daily – that you can absolutely dedicate one day each week to being meatless. And that it doesn’t have to be tasteless or boring or all about just lettuce.

And I hope those of you who eat like me already enjoy the posts and maybe even pick up some new ideas along the way.

Anyway…

It really blesses my soul that you’re loving my recipe creations!

Here’s some of the most recent ones, in case you’ve missed ‘em:

• Rainbow Grass
• Black Smoothie
• Raw Rainbow Wraps

Here’s a sneak peek of what today’s post is about….

But before I get in to that, let’s talk about my last post.

Wow. Y’all really loved my Spiralized Apple Pasta with Nutty Sauce. Thanks for all your lovely comments, and for letting me know whether or not you have a spiralizer, if you want one, and what you’ve spiralized. I enjoyed the conversation!

I made Ani Phyo’s Sun Burgers a while back. This was before I got her book. I found the recipe on her blog (here <—was going to link to it but now I can’t find it???) but if you decide to buy the book, it’s on pages 194 –195. And it’s become one of my favorite raw recipe books: Ani’s Raw Food Kitchen: Easy, Delectable Living Foods Recipes.

And since I found it on the web, I printed it out and clipped it up on the chain that goes to the light above the kitchen table, with clothes pins (hehe). Guess that’s the country in me.

Sunflower Seeds

Chopped Celery

Bell Pepper

Flax (I sell high-quality flax in my Raw Shop!)

Scored to make 4 patties (like Rachael Ray does it!)

I actually tasted the mixture before putting it in to the dehydrator and thought it needed to be kicked up a notch. So, I added some organic Mexican Seasoning I had on hand and that did the trick for me!

In the Dehydrator (Also in my Raw Shop!) 

After this, I decided to pop ‘em back in the dehydrator for a bit to get it a little more browned, ‘cause that’s how I like my veggie burgers. And I ate it without bread, with sliced tomato, ‘cause I’m like that.

And what’s the eco-friendly twist?

You can whip up some raw veggie burgers for yourself and use the super-cool Easy Lunch Box System for fun, easy – and green! – transporting. Take it to work, school, a picnic, or on a trip. I really love mine!

You can read my (in-depth) review HERE.

Have you ever made homemade veggie burgers? Did you dehydrate ‘em, fry ‘em, or bake ‘em? Do you have a dehydrator? What’s your favorite veggie(s) to add to veggie burgers? Do you stick with store-bought ones? Which do you prefer: store-bought  or homemade veggie burgers? Me: homemade all the way!

And…

Have you entered my Aurorae Yoga-sponsored giveaway?

Hi, y’all!

How are you? Fantabulous, I hope!

I’m so excited that you’re lovin’ my most recent recipes:

• Rainbow Grass
• Black Smoothie
• Raw Rainbow Wraps

And if you’re a regular reader, you might remember a while back when I posted my Spiralized Veggie S’ghetti Recipe.

In that post, I mentioned I had spiralized my dessert as well: an apple, which I topped with a yummy sauce I threw together at the last minute.

You may have never thought of spiralizing your dessert but there’s a first time for everything, right?!

On to the juicy details…

Spiralized Apple Pasta with Nutty Sauce

This was a very fun dessert. It’s delicious, nutritious, fun to eat – and very easy to whip up!

Recipe follows, but as for the process….

I’ll let the photos speak for themselves…

And now for the (apple) sauce…

Hungry yet?

Spiralized Apple Pasta with Nutty Sauce Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 apple, washed
• peanut butter (or your nut butter of choice) – I’m a crunchy kind of gal.
• drizzle of honey (or other sweetener)
• splash of almond milk (or your milk of choice)
• cinnamon (and/or any other spice of your choice)

Directions:

1. Spiralize your apple.
2. Combine nut butter, sweetener, milk, and cinnamon (you choose the amounts, depending on your taste preferences).
3. Stir until mixed well.
4. You can heat your mixture or serve as-is.
5. Plop it on top of your spiralized apple – and enjoy!

Note:

I tend to like things on the thicker side (oatmeal, smoothies, etc.) so I made my “apple sauce” thick. But I can totally see a runny version of this nutty sauce being yumilious, too!

Your Turn

1. Do you love nut butter smeared on apples or other fruit?

2. Have you ever spiralized an apple? Or anything at all?

3. Would you like to own a spiral vegetable slicer? If so, be watching for my review – plus a giveaway!

Did you catch my Spiralized Veggie S’ghetti Recipe?

Have you entered my Aurorae Yoga-sponsored giveaway?

Disclaimer: The generous folks at the Aurorae Yoga company were kind enough to send me a beautiful, luxurious yoga mat from their collection to review. They also sent their Sport Sweat Towel and their Yoga Slip Free Rosin Bag. However, I was not paid to write this review – or even asked to write one.

Thank you, Aurorae!

And to all my readers:

If you’re just getting a chance to stop by, please feel free to catch up on my reviews of Aurorae Yoga.

1. Aurorae Yoga Mat Review

2. Aurorae Yoga Sport Sweat Towel Review

3. Aurorae Yoga Slip-Free Rosin Bag Review

Caught up yet? Good!

And I’m sure you’re anticipating…

What You’ll Win

Aurorae Yoga will be awarding one winner with a 3-piece yoga set!

Yoga Mat (of your choice) + Sport Sweat Towel + Rosin Bag

To enter this contest, there’s only…

ONE Required Entry!!

Click HERE to sign up for Aurorae Yoga’s Newsletter – AND come back and leave a comment letting me know that you did. That’s it – easy peasy! 

AND… If you want to put in a little extra effort….

(and receive a LOT of extra entries – aka chances to win) keep reading…

Numerous ways to get extra entries!

OVER 20 ways total to enter this contest!!

2. For FIVE EXTRA ENTRIES, share this contest on your blog, linking back to this post. Leave FIVE SEPARATE COMMENTS to let me know you did. (Yep, you’ll really leave FIVE different comments for this so you’ll be able to get five extra entries. )

3. “Like” Aurorae Yoga on Facebook. Then, come back here and leave a comment to let me know you did that – or that you already are.

4. “Like” Raw Juice Girl on Facebook. Leave a comment on this post saying you did -or that you already are.

5. Follow Healing with (Raw) Juices on Facebook’s Networked Blogs. Leave a comment on this post saying that you did – or do.

6. Do you use Twitter? Follow @RawJuiceGirl on Twitter. Comment on this post, saying you did – or do.

7. Follow @AuroraeYoga on Twitter. Leave a comment on this post that you did that.

8. Tweet about this contest and then leave a comment with your Twitter name. You can use this tweet (or your own, just be sure to include via @RawJuiceGirl @AuroraeYoga) – Then, leave a comment that you did – with your Twitter name or status link.

Win a 3-piece #yoga set! Enter now!! ( http://tinyurl.com/26duylv ) @AuroraeYoga @RawJuiceGirl

FOR EVEN MORE ENTRIES: For tweets, Facebook shares, or Plurk you may share the contest up to 5 times a day, but each tweet/share must be 1-2 hours or so after the previous one. (Thanks so much for understanding my position of keeping things fair and square, y’all!)

9. Comment on my Aurorae Yoga Mat Review, letting me know your thoughts, questions, and/or which color mat you’d choose – and why. Come back here and leave a comment so I know you did. If you’ve already commented on that post, just comment here letting me know you already have a comment there.

10. Comment on my Aurorae Yoga Sport Towel Review.  Come back here and leave a comment letting me know you did that. If you’ve already commented on that post, just comment here letting me know you already have a comment there.

11.Comment on my Aurorae Yoga Slip-Free Rosin Bag Review and let me know if you’ve ever tried a rosin bag, or if you’d like to. Then come back here and let me know you did that. If you’ve already commented on that post, just comment here letting me know you already have a comment there.

12. Subscribe to Healing with (Raw) Juices via e-mail (sign up here) – be sure to verify your subscription or this entry won’t count. Then comment and let me know you did – or that you already are.

13  Subscribe to Healing with (Raw) Juices via RSS (sign up here). Then leave a comment telling me you did – or that you are.

14. Subscribe to my brand-new newsletter (sign up here). Then comment here and let me know you did - or that you area.

15. Do you Plurk? Plurk about this contest and leave a comment with your Plurk URL.

16. Add me as a friend on Wellsphere . Leave a comment saying that you did- or do.

17. Add me as a friend on RawFu. Leave a comment saying that you did- or that you area.

18. Add me as a friend on Give it to Me Raw. Leave a comment saying that you did- or that you are.

19. Subscribe to Raw Juice Girl’s YouTube channel. Leave a comment saying that you did- or that you are.

20. Are you a Stumbler? Stumble and review any post you want to–just leave the link to your SU review in (its own) comment.

21. Do you have a Digg account? Digg this post. Come back and leave a comment on this post with a link to your Digg post.

NOTE: Please leave a comment for each entry (tweet, plurk, etc.) because each comment will be counted as a number when I enter the total number of comments at Random.org once the contest ends.

Contest Deadline

Contest ends Wednesday, June 2. I’ll accept comments until midnight. (Central Time). Random.org will be used to select the winner, who will be posted the next day.

That gives you TWO WEEKS to get your entries in. Hurry and spread the word. The more entries you have, the higher your chances of winning this 3-piece Aurorae Yoga Set!! Go tell all your friends and have FUN!!!!

Let the contest begin!!!

Disclaimer: The generous folks at the Aurorae Yoga company were kind enough to send me a beautiful, luxurious yoga mat from their collection to review. They also sent their Sport Sweat Towel and their Yoga Slip Free Rosin Bag. However, I was not paid to write this review – or even asked to write one.

Thank you, Aurorae!

And…. Hello, fantabulous friends!

How’s your week going so far? Did you have an awesome day yesterday? What about today? Have you had a smoothie? Were you brave enough to try my black smoothie?

And I’m tickled pink (hehe) that y’all are so excited about my garden-inspired Meatless Monday recipe: Raw Rainbow Wraps. Those are definitely friendly for a yogi lifestyle, don’t ya think?

Speaking of yogi lifestyle, do you use a slip-free rosin bag as a part of your yoga practice? If so, have you tried Aurorae’s? And if not, would you?

I was pretty excited when I received mine. Of course, I’ve found quite a few yogis seem to think that “extras” aren’t always necessary (like blocks, etc.) but hey, if they enhance your practice and/or motivate you to get yoga-ing, why not use ‘em?!

In this photo, you can see Aurorae’s Slip-Free Rosin Bag fits in the palm of your hand. It isn’t huge and doesn’t take much space. It’s the perfect size to toss in the pocket of your yoga bag – or even your purse! Well, for that matter, I suppose you could even put it in your pocket if you were in a rush or just prefer that method.

Before I get busy telling you all the juicy details about this magical little bag, let me refresh your memory…

Remember my in-depth review of the beautiful, inspiring, pink (my favorite color EVER!!!) yoga mat?

You can read it HERE, if you missed it.

And did you see my thoughts on Aurorae’s Yoga Sport Sweat Towel?

Read all about that HERE.

Now, on to my thoughts regarding the Slip-Free Rosin Bag….

About Aurorae’s Slip-Free Rosin Bag

If you’re a natural sweater and find yourself slipping on your yoga mat – whether or not you’re in a hot yoga class – you might be in need of Aurorae’s Slip-Free Rosin Bag.

Why?

Well, this little creation can indeed be the answer to no more slipping and sliding on your yoga mat. Who wants to be interrupted when you’re in that still, calm yoga moment?! Yoga poses are meant to be enjoyed, savored – not cut short by sweaty palms or feet!

And Aurorae knows just that:

Product Description (from the site):

Aurorae Yoga Rosin Bag has been developed to aid in the prevention of slipping on your Yoga mat. Similar to gymnasts, tennis players and baseball pitchers, perspiration creates slipping problems when a firm grip is necessary to maximize their performance. Our Aurorae Yoga Rosin Bag increases your gripping power and absorbs perspiration with the slight touch of the bag. The Rosin should be applied to both your hands and feet before your practice and added as needed during your practice. Please make sure to store your Yoga Rosin Bag in the Zip lock bag it comes with to increase its life. We at Aurorae are always looking for simple and cost effective ways to help you improve, as well as enjoy your practice. Remember "It’s Your Yoga". Relax, Enjoy and Namaste.

Ah….

I can relax and enjoy, can’t you?

Pros

As I mentioned above, this rosin bag helps create a dry, enjoyable experience for you and your yoga mat (well, your hands, feet, and mat anyway!)

Here’s a little more information…

Product Features (from the site):

• Innovative new technology to prevent slipping
• Increases Gripping Power
• Product exclusive to Aurorae
• Absorbs Perspiration
• No Odor, Non Sticky
• Made in the U.S.A.

Did you read that? You don’t have to be bothered with any type of smell – this rosin bag doesn’t have any type of odor.

And for just $6.95, what do you have to lose?

I had to squish it and smear it on my hands to get a feel for it…

Can you see it?

And it works! How cool is that?!

Cons

I genuinely try really hard to find something that some of you may consider a con – but I simply can’t think of anything here. I always try to consider low budgets when I write reviews (I’m a VERY frugal gal myself!) – but this bag merely costs a few dollars.

Verdict/Grade

Aurorae Yoga’s Slip-Free Rosin Bag gets an A+ from Raw Juice Girl!

Great job, Aurorae!

Have you ever tried a slip-free rosin bag? What did you think? Do you love it? Enjoy it? Look forward to using it?

And… the Surprise?!

How would you like to own an Aurorae Yoga set? That’s right! Look for the next post, because I’m launching an Aurorae Yoga Giveaway! Winner will get to choose whichever mat they want PLUS you’ll receive the same Aurorae Yoga Sport Sweat Towel and Slip-Free Rosin Bag that I’ve reviewed.

Ready?

Off to get that giveaway post ready. Woo hoo!!

Happy Monday, y’all!

Hope you had a fantabulous and blessed weekend!

I’m thrilled you’re so excited about my Black Grass Smoothie Concoction. Can’t wait to find out how you like it!

And now for the Meatless Monday theme…

Why Meatless Monday?

I’ve been mostly meatless for the past several years (everything from 100% raw and not eating meat at all, to high-raw and having a little salmon, tuna, or small amount of local bison), but I’ve never joined in on the “Meatless Monday” movement. No time like the present, eh?!

Besides, I’ve been really enjoying Recycle Your Day’s Meatless Monday posts for a while now. I’m going to do my best to participate each Monday!

At first, I thought I’d have to skip my first Monday because everything I thought of was either a) boring or b) something I’ve already posted about – such as:

• Tuna Fish-Less Salad
• Chicken-Less Salad
• Spiralized Veggie S’ghetti

I know a lot of you have heard read me singing the praises of my latest favorite drink (Rainbow Grass) a LOT lately, right? If not, you can check out my post about it (and nab the free recipe here).

Check out the benefits of chard!

“If vegetables got grades for traditional nutrients alone, Swiss chard would be one of the vegetable valedictorians. The vitamin and mineral profile of this leafy green vegetable contains enough "excellents" to ensure its place at the head of the vegetable Dean’s List. Our rating system awards Swiss chard with excellent marks for its concentrations of vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C, magnesium, manganese, potassium, iron, vitamin E, and dietary fiber. Swiss chard also emerges as a very good or good source of copper, calcium, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, protein, phosphorus, vitamin B1, zinc, folate, biotin, niacin and pantothenic acid.” – WH Foods

So, I’ve been drinking the Rainbow Chard – but I haven’t been eating it. Of course, I’ve eaten it before (a lot) but I’ve been consuming it via jar – and my fave, eco-friendly, glass straws – so far this year. Best thing? It’s growing in my garden! Fresh, raw, heirloom, organic rainbow chard. YUM!

And as I pondered how I’d wow y’all with a fantabulous Meatless Monday recipe, it happened: I was struck with the inspiration for…

Raw Rainbow Wraps

Tuna Fish-Less Salad plopped in to a chard leaf

Rolled Up & Ready to Eat!

Wanna bite?

Raw Rainbow Wraps Recipe

Ingredients:

• Rainbow Chard leaves (freshly washed)
• Tuna Fish-Less Salad

Directions:

1. Fill rainbow chard leaves with Tuna Fish-Less Salad.
2. Wrap and roll like a tortilla.
3. Enjoy!

Note:

I added a tad bit more water to this batch of Tuna Fish-Less Salad than I did when I posted about it before. It would have been easy to fix that (just add a little more ground flax and/or sunflower seeds) but I decided I liked this consistency a lot and it was great for oozing in to the crevices of the chard leaves. Yum!

You could also fill these beauties with any of the following yumilicious creations…

Jalapeno Hummus

(Click HERE for free recipe.)

Sun-Dried Tomato Hummus

(Click HERE for free recipe.)

Chicken-Less Salad

(Click HERE for free recipe.)

Meatless Monday Questions:

1. For those of you who aren’t vegan or vegetarian: Do you like to sometimes have meatless meals – or even entire days?

2. And for those of you who ARE vegan or vegetarian: What’s your favorite meat(less) inspired meal?

3. Do you participate in Meatless Monday? Do you allow yourself to eat a little meat (if it’s clean/local/organic, etc.) or do you just eat meat like you always have and don’t really think about it?

4. Would you try any of these recipes? And what do you think about the Rainbow Chard Wraps? These are yummy, quick and easy to make, and fun to eat! Are you inspired to try them? Have you ever tasted rainbow chard? What do you think about the benefits of chard, listed above?

5. Have you ever eaten raw rainbow chard? Did you like it or hate it?

Chime in… I just love your juicy comments!

References:

WH Foods: Swiss Chard

Hi, y’all!

Sorry to make ya wait so long today for this recipe. I tweeted about drinking a black smoothie this morning and a lot of you were really intrigued. Thanks for the interest! I hope it lives up to your expectations.

I’m a HUGE fan of blackstrap molasses (did you guess that as one of the “black” ingredients??)! Not everyone likes blackstrap molasses – or has even tried it – but if you love black licorice, I just know you’ll love blackstrap molasses! It reminds me of black licorice for some reason. I especially notice a distinct black licorice flavor when I add two tablespoons to water – or to my smoothies.

Believe it or not, I’m actually NOT a fan of blackberries (the other black ingredient). I always choose a different berry (blueberries are my all-time favorite!) but this recipe (title and all) popped in to my head – and I just had to try it!

The main reason I don’t care for blackberries (not even cobbler!) is because of the little seeds that get in my teeth. It’s annoying, I think.

I should’ve blended a few more minutes because I did have some seed action happening in my smoothie – that’ was my fault, though.

Lovin’ my Simple Elegance GlassDharma straw!

And I’m really sad that my photos don’t do my black smoothie justice. For one, it was a dark, rainy day and two, I don’t have a fancy shmancy camera – or photography skills! LOL So please forgive me and I hope you can tell just how dark the smoothie is….

Remember my Blueberry Blackstrap Bomb? I thought some of y’all might guess blackstrap molasses as one of the ingredients for this one – but you didn’t!

It. Was. Delish!

But it wasn’t today’s Black Smoothie!

I still plan on writing an in-depth post on blackstrap molasses, it’s health benefits, and why I drink it all the time. But here’s a snippet of information for you:

“Blackstrap molasses is an excellent source of manganese and copper. It is a very good source of iron, calcium, potassium and magnesium. In addition, blackstrap molasses is a good source of vitamin B6 and selenium.” – WH Foods

And this tidbit of information might give you the boost you need to gobble up some blackberries….

“Blackberries are notable for their high nutritional contents of dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, folic acid – a B vitamin, and the essential mineral, manganese.

Blackberries rank highly among fruits for antioxidant strength, particularly due to their dense contents of polyphenolic compounds, such as ellagic acid, tannins, ellagitannins, quercetin, gallic acid, anthocyanins and cyanidins.

Blackberries have an ORAC value (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) of 5347 per 100 grams, including them among the top-ranked ORAC fruits. Another report using a different assay for assessing antioxidant strength placed blackberry at the top of more than 1000 antioxidant foods consumed in the United States.” – Wikipedia

Black Grass Smoothie Recipe

(Serves one)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 4 ice cubes
• 1 scoop Amazing Grass wheat grass
• 2 Tablespoons blackstrap molasses
• 1 cup frozen blackberries

Directions:

Toss above ingredients in to your blender and blend ‘em up until you have a rich, smooth consistency. Enjoy!

 

Note:

If you love black licorice, this is the smoothie for you!

Hated it!

I LOVE the Simple Elegance (aka Shorty) glass straw for my smoothies in these short glass jars – perfect combo! And they’re available in package deals in my Raw Shop!

Oh. My. Gosh. My black smoothie was SO good and I’m SO glad I followed my crazy brainstorm and made it! It was rich and creamy and smooth and delicious – AND it was also energizing and very fun to drink!

What about you: Do you love blackstrap molasses? Hate it? Ever tried it? Does it remind you of black licorice? What about blackberries? Do you love ‘em or hate ‘em? And do you try new smoothie (or other) recipes? Or do you stick to your old, tried-and-true concoctions? Do you like black licorice? Did you eat it as a kid? I did – and have always loved it!

Did you miss my review of Aurorae’s Yoga Sport Sweat Towel? You can read it HERE.

References:

Wikipedia: Blackberry

WH Foods: Blackstrap Molasses

Disclaimer: The generous folks at the Aurorae Yoga company were kind enough to send me a beautiful, luxurious yoga mat from their collection to review. They also sent their Sport Sweat Towel and their Yoga Slip Free Rosin Bag. However, I was not paid to write this review – or even asked to write one.

Thank you, Aurorae!

Hi, y’all! Gosh, gardening has been keeping me busy—that’s why I haven’t been blogging. (Read about it here and here.) Yikes! And things are really moving along. I have to post updated photos of how much everything is growing and how the garden has changed!

Oh, and I’m totally addicted to Rainbow Grass. Yum-O!!!

Also, I hope you had a special and very Happy Mother’s Day!

Okay, okay, on to the review….

Remember when I shared with you that Aurorae sent me this amazing yoga package?

And in pink—my favorite color!!!!!

If you haven’t yet, please CLICK HERE to read my Aurorae Yoga Mat Review and learn about the company—and the very inspiring man behind the company.

About the Sport Sweat Towel

I was pleasantly surprised at how soft this towel is—it’s really nice! And I mean, it’s super soft and comfy.

Here’s what Aurorae has to say about their latest product:

“This is the latest product from Aurorae to help our customers enjoy and maximize their yoga practice. Our new Yoga Sport Sweat Towel, with embroidery, will keep you dry and help prevent you from slipping on your mat. It is 100% Natural Cotton Terry, the best natural fiber to absorb perspiration and keep you dry during your practice. It is just the right dimensions -16"x23" – to keep you dry while practical enough to easily fold into your yoga bag. This towel works incredibly well with our Aurorae Slip Free Rosin Bag. Sold separately. Machine washable and hemmed on all sides for long lasting quality you expect from Aurorae.”

I had a friend take this photo…

in the same fashion as the one on Aurorae’s site—pretty neat, huh?!

Pros

Living on an Amish farm doesn’t allow for much luxury, so this soft towel is more than a piece of cloth to wipe sweat when I’m practicing yoga – it’s a special, luxurious treat! Yoga in itself is a treat – but it’s even better to practice with such inspiring, high-quality yoga equipment.

Product Features (from the site):

• Absorbs perspiration while you sweat and keeps you dry
• 100% Natural Cotton Soft Terry, machine washable
• Dimensions are 16”x23” and light-weight, easily folds into your yoga bag
• Works incredibly well with our Yoga Slip Free Rosin Bag to keep you from slipping on your mat
• Aurorae embroidery – Our symbol of great quality and service

And at just $8.95, the Aurorae Yoga Sweat towel is easy on your bank account, too! Woo hoo!

Cons

The honest-to-goodness ONLY con I can consider is that you haven’t bought one of these already – seriously!!

Verdict/Grade?

A+ all the way! I’m impressed with the company, the man behind it, the attention to detail and quality, and can absolutely feel confident in using – and recommending! – this fantabulous product. Plus, if you sweat – like we sometimes do during an hour of yoga! – you’ll love being able to reach for this soft and handy sweat towel. And it’s much better than wiping your face on your sleeve!

Do you use a yoga sport towel? Is it Aurorae? Have you considered using a sweat towel during your yoga sessions? And did you click through to read my Aurorae Yoga Mat Review? What did you think? What did you think about Dennis Ingui, the man who owns Aurorae? Pretty amazing, huh?! I’m in Yoga Heaven—I’m serious, y’all!!!!

Coming Soon

In no particular order…

• Review of the Paderno World Cuisine Plastic Spiral Vegetable Slicer
• Review of Aurorae Sport Sweat Towel
• Review of Aurorae Slip Free Rosin Bag
• Health Benefits of Blackstrap Molasses – And Why I Drink It
• Tart Cherry Concentrate Health Benefits – And Why I Drink It
• More recipes
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Happy Mother’s Day, y’all!

The following little story was sitting in a file collecting dust. So I thought today was the perfect day to share it with the world. It’s reflections of my mom’s character. I’m so blessed to have her!

Caretaker of Many

"Could you please help me get my arm in this sleeve?"  her mother asked.

"Yes, momma," the little girl hurried to lend a helping hand, knowing that her mother would never get her arm through that sleeve without her assistance.

From the time she was nine years old, my Mom has taken care of others, starting with her mother (my grandmother).  For a while, grandma couldn’t dress herself because she wasn’t able to use one of her arms–it was crippled with arthritis.

So, at the age of nine, my mom had the chore of getting up early in the morning, getting her mother dressed and making sure she was taken care of, seeing to breakfast, then dressing herself and walking to school.  That’s a lot of responsibility for a little girl. Mom was responsible – even back then, in her tiny body.

When I’ve asked mom how she did all those things as a young girl, she simply shrugs her shoulders and replies, "Mom needed me and I just did what had to be done."

That’s the way mom lives her life, always doing what needs to be done.

It was inevitable that mom would become a nurse. It seemed to be what she did best.  She was all smiles when she passed her tests and became a C.N.A. (certified nurses aid).  Her dream was to follow her heart and be an R.N., but that dream would never come true.  Not technically anyways.  She actually never stopped being a nurse, she just didn’t advance like other nurses – with raises in pay and seniority in the workplace.

Instead, mom continued to tend those closest to her heart.  Grandma repeatedly needed help throughout mom’s youth, and adult life.  Everything from paying the bills and understanding important paperwork because my grandma couldn’t read or write that well–she only had a second grade education–to rides to the grocery store or doctor (grandma never drove).

Of course, mom ran several businesses with my dad and dabbled in real estate for awhile, revamping old houses and renting them out.  But mom has always spent her time on others, never begrudging the fact that she couldn’t just steal away and find solace in a day to herself.  She’d never think of being “selfish” in that way.

As my grandma grew older, her health steadily declined until she eventually needed around-the-clock care.  Mom stepped up and called a family meeting.  "We’re moving grandma in with us," she told everyone.  Of course, everyone was in agreement.

I was living a few hours away, so mom ended up spending countless sleepless nights making sure grandma was ok.  She loved to dote on the precious lady who brought her into this world. 

She never complained that the load was too heavy, never grumbled she’d rather be doing something else.  Always with a shining smile on her face, mom did what she did best: take care of others.

As mom continued giving grandma 24/7 care, yet another situation arose.  I had to move back home after barely surviving domestic violence.  I was so badly beaten and had such neurological damage, that at times I wasn’t able to walk, much less care for myself.  Still smiling, mom was right there loving and nurturing me all the way. 

"You’ll get better, you’ll see!"  Mom would encourage me. 

I admire the positive attitude and strength she has….

Already caring for the two of us, mom was astounded when a phone call came the same night that a tornado had swept across our property (thank heavens it left us unscathed!).
Pale faced, mom slowly placed the phone back on the receiver.  Gulping, she said, "Dad’s been in a horrific semi accident.  He’s alive, but the paramedics took him to the hospital." 

Lightening flashed outside illuminating the room where we all sat silently pondering the outcome.  We knew dad would have to be tended as well.

For many, this news would have been the "straw that broke the camel’s back" as the old saying goes. But not for mom.  With her backbone of steel (as I like to say), she stood beneath the weight of this tragedy and began to nurse dad as well.

The journey was so long and dark.  Looking back, I just don’t know how we made it.  I mean, with three people needing so much attention…. Doctor appointments had to be kept, surgeries were needed, food to be prepared, laundry still had to be done, dishes that never ceased…. the bills were astronomical… And through it all, mom never stopped home-schooling my little brother or taking him for the weekly piano lessons he wanted. 

Just one petite lady accomplished so very much!

So many times, my faith wavered. It’s sad, but I admit it.  Mom, on the other hand, never stopped believing everything would be alright.  She always knew we would come out of all the tragedy and trials as victorious winners.  Mom’s faith is rock solid.

Mom always believed dad would live.  She always knew I would make it too.  "You will live and not die!" she often quoted one of her favorite bible passages.  I’m so thankful mom never gave up.

With grandma’s age and ill health, it was just a known fact she wouldn’t live forever.  Grandma left this life in 2000, but she’s never left our hearts.

Mom was right.  Dad lived, although his quality of life will never be the same.  He’s breathing and has come through numerous surgeries and heart attacks.  Mom successfully home schooled my brother all the way through high school.  He graduated an honor roll student!

And as my brother loves to say: It’s always darkest, just before dawn.

As for me, I’ve lost over 100 pounds and am doing quite well in my new life as the writer I always wanted to be.  Dreams do come true, sometimes just in a different way than you had imagined. 

Mom will always be a nurse, whether she’s tending a sick or injured loved one, or counseling someone’s hurting soul.  She is more than a caretaker of many, though, she is a huge inspiration to countless people.

And she’s still taking care of people. Some call her momma, others call her Herb Lady.

I call her a true hero; she is breathtakingly amazing!

Happy Mother’s Day, Mom! I love you!!!

(I was about two years old in this family photo.)

I hope you have a wonderful mother to celebrate Mother’s Day with. If you do, you are truly blessed – so please let her know it! And if you don’t have a wonderful mother to honor today, I pray that you at least have cherished memories to reflect on and share with your family!! Much love to you all!!

Happy Saturday, y’all! Hope your weekend is fantabulous so far. And Happy Mother’s Day to YOU!!! I’m very blessed to have an AWESOME mom, and I’m very thankful!!

Okay, you want to know who WON, right? And not my chattiness. I understand!

Up for grabs was the super neat Easy Lunch Boxes set, which is an eco-friendly way to transport your meals and/or snacks to school, work, during travel, or even just for a picnic on a beautiful day. You can read my in-depth review HERE, if you missed it. I urge you to check it out!

Click HERE to see if you won!!!

Hi, y’all!

Wow. The days are just flyin’ by, aren’t they?! Gosh, they are for me!

I’ve been super busy outside, gardening and doing other outside chores. Things are really coming along in the garden. I’ll have to update on the progress soon.

But today, I just had to share my grass-inspired juice/smoothie concoction with you. I have been really tired lately (organic gardening is exhausting!) and I woke up yesterday with a sore throat. Definitely not good when there’s SO much to do!

So, yesterday I hit myself with some Vitamin B and C and drank plenty of liquids and paced myself. Today I felt like wheat grass would provide just the extra oomph I needed. And while I was watering the garden this morning, I spied the rainbow chard. It called my name, I’m positive!

I plucked a few leaves and ran back in the house, excited for the raw creation that was being born in my head!

It didn’t take long to throw the ingredients in the blender and whip up a glass of….

“Rainbow Grass”

That’s right: Rainbow Grass!

Note the glass straw lookin’ so elegant and eco-friendly? Those beautiful babies are now available in my Raw Shop! Go ahead, check ‘em out. I’ll wait.

Of course, I chose the (fun!) title of this drink based on the (rainbow) chard and the wheat grass.

Freshly Picked (Rainbow) Chard

Size of my (small) hand…

And the runt…

Amazing (Wheat) Grass!

(Check out my wheat grass post HERE.)

In My Oster Blender

(Also in my Raw Shop!)

See the herbal tea in the bottom of the blender?

Ready to Consume = Yum!

Playing Photographer!

Rainbow Grass Juice-Smoothie Concoction Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 (frozen) banana
• 1 scoop Amazing Grass Wheat Grass powder
• 1 cup herbal tea
• 5 1/2 Rainbow Chard leaves (5 the size of my hand, 1 half that size) Freshly picked from my garden right before going in to this recipe!
• 4 ice cubes

 

Directions:

Toss above ingredients in to your blender and give it a few whirls until everything is blended nicely. Serves one big appetite or two smaller ones.

 

Note:

This drink is actually more like a juice consistency, but still has a (runny) smoothie volume to it. If you like your smoothies super thick, cut back on the herbal tea (or liquid of your choice). I personally prefer my smoothies on the thicker side, but this was so super delicious and energizing, I’ll definitely recreate it again – and soon!

Grassy Goodness

About the Recipe

I urge you to try my Rainbow Grass recipe – even if you are terribly afraid of green juices/smoothies! What is so RAWsome about this drink, I discovered, is that I tasted the fresh deliciousness of the rainbow chard, the “greenness” of the wheat grass (definitely NOT overpowering, though!) and the sweetness – and creaminess – of the frozen banana. The herbal tea allows you to get in some antioxidants and herbal tea benefits, which is great for those who aren’t really “tea” people. I could go on and on about this drink, but I’ll have to trust y’all to try it for yourselves – or just take my word for it!

Hated it!

Burning Questions I have for you:

1. Have you ever tried wheat grass? Do you love Amazing Grass as much as I do? I even added wheat grass and other Amazing Grass products on my last 30-day juice fast. I’ve done a LOT of juice fasting and several 30-day ones (plus a 52-day juice fast) and I could really, really tell the difference in how I felt by adding the Amazing Grass powders. I love ‘em!

2. What about those glass straws – aren’t they something?! I really do love the Beautiful Bends most. It’s just like drinking from a bendable straw when I was a kid – only now it’s an eco-friendly habit and no plastic is wasted or harming the environment! And I’m SO excited that I can offer them to you in my Raw Shop!

3. Will you try this juice-smoothie concoction of mine or is it too “green” for you? Are you someone who is willing to try new things or do you cringe at the thought of something crossing your lips that you’re not accustomed to?

4. And how is May going for you? Can you believe Mother’s Day is this weekend? I have a wonderful mother to celebrate with. I hope you do, too! And if you don’t, I’d share mine if I could!!!

Fill me in! I miss chatting with you all!!!

Last day to enter my giveaway!!!

This is another eco-friendly giveaway with a super cool, fun, green prize! Winner will be announced tomorrow.

Click HERE to enter!!

Yay! Another giveaway has come and gone and there’s a super lucky winner to be announced! I’m so thankful to A Sense of Place Photography for allowing us this opportunity. I’m still loving my water bottle and Katie was right: Every time I look at the flowers on the bottle, I feel cheerful and happy! (I adore flowers!)

I’ve enjoyed water, juice, and smoothies in my bottle. Well, go check out my review HERE if you missed it (there’s a free recipe, too!).

Okay, you’re waiting to find out who won. I know, I know. I’ll shut up now! LOL

Click HERE to see if you won!!!!

And a special thank you to A Sense of Place Photography for their beautiful work, generosity, and desire to spread the word about eco-friendly living!

Don’t forget about my Easy Lunch Boxes Giveaway!!!!

This is another eco-friendly giveaway with a super cool, fun, green prize!

Click HERE to enter!!

Hi, y’all! I hope your weekend was fantabulous, and very blessed!

I’m VERY excited to share some news with you…

Remember my in-depth review of Glass Dharma straws? And how they’re not only eco-friendly and make sense for anyone who is aware of their carbon footprint, but they are so beautiful and elegant?!

Living green is NOT always pretty (take it from someone who lives on an Amish farm! ) but it certainly is pretty with Glass Dharma! I honestly cannot say enough wonderful things about these gorgeous straws!

And…

I have RAWsome news:

Glass Dharma straws are now available in my Raw Shop!!! Yes, that’s right!

I’m still a kid at heart (maybe that’s why I’m always being told I look so young?!) and so I’m absolutely ecstatic that I get to enjoy bent straws again. Beautiful Bends are my absolute favorite glass straw. They’re thick, strong, beautiful, elegant, and remind me of drinking out of those bendable straws from my youth.

Start making a difference today. Be green… Get your Glass Dharma straws HERE.

And remember that fantabulous, super delicious, out-of-this-world energizing smoothie from that review: Blueberry Blackstrap Bomb?

Free recipe can be found HERE

Don’t forget to enter my eco-friendly giveaway for several chances to win a beautiful (custom) water bottle – YOU choose the design! Details for entering can be found HERE. Contest ends tonight (Tuesday, May 4th, 2010) at midnight. Winner will be announced the following day.

Have you ever tried glass straws? Do you consider yourself to be someone who cares about the environment and how your choices affect it? Can you see yourself using glass straws at all? Maybe even carrying one around with you (in a bamboo or hemp case) so you won’t have to use plastic? Perhaps you could take one to work with you each day, or leave it at the office? What do you think? Do you say yes? Or is a glass straw just too extreme for you – even if you do try to do your part to live green? Let’s talk green! And don’t forget to check out those RAWsome glass straws in my Raw Shop – click HERE to see ‘em!