Articles in the holidays Category
Holiday shopping can be super stressful. So why not do something special for your health – and the health of those you love?
That’s why I’ve gathered up some of my all-time favorite health products and included them in this post. There are currently some awesome holiday deals running. With each product I list below, I share links to the reviews I wrote about them so you’ll be able to see WHY I am recommending them. Some of these products are currently on sale – others are a deal, regardless.
Ready, set, go!
First up is…
E3Live
I reviewed their Klamath Lake Blue-Green Algae (check it out by clicking HERE). I even hosted a giveaway for an awesome package deal of E3Live, BrainOn, and their cool shaker cup (see that HERE).
Their products are RAWmazing – and that’s why I’m so excited to share the following discount with you!
A word from the folks at E3Live:
“We are offering an end-of-the-year Thank You of 20% off (using coupon code: HOLIDAY) which can be used on any of our products except the soaps and Patented Stem Cell product. This is a great time to purchase frozen items for yourself or others – it’s a great savings and our way to say Thanks to all of you.”
Offer valid until Friday, December 31st
• 20% discount does not apply to soaps or Patented Stem Cell Enhancer
• 20% discount does not apply to Earth’s Essential Cream and E3Light Polish, as they are already 30% off
• offer valid until Dec. 31st, midnight PST
• to get the 20% off, please enter coupon code: HOLIDAY during online checkout
Don’t forget to enter HOLIDAY to get your 20% off!
Next up…
Amazing Grass
Y’all might remember that I introduced Amazing Grass during my 30-day juice fast. You may remember me raving about wheat grass during that time. (Get your Organic Wheat Grass Powder Here!) I love this stuff! It does have an earthy/green taste, I’ll be honest but I love it so much – and how it makes me feel – I don’t mind at all. Besides, if you DO mind, that taste is easily disguised in a fruity smoothie! 
Or you could go for one of their other mixes that contains wheat grass but has a bunch of other flavors (like fruit or chocolate).
Look for the red sale tags, folks. Amazing Grass products are worth every penny – so give the gift of health to those you love!
Order your Amazing Grass products here!
Gotta have some entertainment, right? Why not make it healthy…
Simply Raw
If you or someone you love is battling diabetes, their weight, or even other health issues, I urge you to watch this series of films. You’ll learn about raw foods, how they can heal, and so much more!
Here’s a snippet of my thoughts on the powerful message Simply Raw provides:
Simply Raw gives you a peek into the journey of six Americans who are battling diabetes. Some of them are also battling obesity. While staying at The Tree of Life in Arizona, under the supervision of Dr. Gabriel Cousens, the six individuals (with various diabetes levels and insulin problems) were carefully monitored and cared for.Looking into the lives of these people and watching their struggles, their honest attempts, and then more struggles as they tried to make it through the 30-day program just broke my heart. I’ve been obese morbidly obese. I know the pain. I know how discouraging it can be to wake up every morning with a heavy person weighing your life down and feeling like life is hopeless and like you can never, ever achieve the healthier, slimmer body you so desire.
I also used to be on diabetic medication because my blood sugar was atrocious. I related so much to the stories these people shared in this DVD. It was almost as if I were living my own morbid obesity and blood sugar problems all over again!
So, I absolutely believe in the power of raw foods and know from personal experience and my own journey that blood sugar can stabilize. I’ve lost over 100 pounds and am now eating 100% raw food–no more diabetic medication for me!
You can read more about my thoughts on reversing diabetes with raw food by clicking HERE and/or HERE.
Time to get physical…
Exercise
I really love yoga. I’m still amazed at how much yoga grounds me, calms me. But it does. For years, I stayed away from it, was afraid to try it, and boy was I missing out! I’m still no super yogi by anyone’s standards. But yoga is a practice I plan to carry with me throughout life. I’ve been away from the mat for the past few months (although I’ve been getting plenty of exercise on this pink beauty) but yoga is still dear to my heart. And Aurorae Yoga
See my review of their products at the following links:
Aurorae Yoga Mat Review – Don’t have time to read? Hop on over and buy yourself – or your loved one! – Get an Aurorae Yoga Mat
Aurorae Yoga Sport Sweat Towel Review – Too busy to click? Rush to get your Aurorae Yoga 100% Cotton Sport Sweat Towel
Aurorae Yoga Slip-Free Rosin Bag Review – OR snatch up this awesome Aurorae Slip Free Rosin 5-Pack
And check out this awesome discount Aurorae is offering!
As a token of our appreciation, we would like to offer you a Friends & Family Discount of 15% off any of our products on Amazon.com between now and December 31, 2010. In order to redeem this discount, make sure to add Aurorae9 in the promotional code when checking out.
My favorite yoga DVDs
I alternate between the following yoga DVDs. I love them both, each for different reasons. I feel I get something different from both of them. I can’t choose a favorite so that’s why I just switch up.
Yoga Body Lean & Defined Total Body Workout DVD – Stacy McCarthy (Grab your copy HERE.
Yoga Mind & Body – Ali MacGraw ( Grab your copy HERE.
And we can’t forget about our skin, can we?! Introducing…
ShimmerOrganics
I chose this product because I love that it’s eco-friendly and works so well. And because you’ll use such a small amount each time, the price is totally reasonable.
Check out my review of the raw, organic ShimmerOrganics Mandarin and Honey Revitalizing Mask.
Remember when I put my face out there during that review??!! 
You can also read my interview with the awesome lady who created and runs ShimmerOrganics, by clicking HERE. And see what a fantabulous job she does with her heartfelt, cheerful packaging!
Get your ShimmerOrganics products at Lisa’s Online Shop!
And… don’t forget to check out THESE FREE SAMPLES AND DISCOUNTS!
Here’s to Happy Holidays and Healthy Shopping!
Watch for another holiday post with my favorite eco-friendly products – including Bite Bags, which I recently reviewed! What are your favorite healthy products? Do you give them as gifts? Isn’t it a joy when you can buy gifts for people who are health conscious? Chime in, fantabulous people!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, but the products I’ve chosen to share are recommended from my heart. I was not approached by any of the companies I mentioned to include them on this list. I was not paid to write this post.
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!!
Do y’all remember my in-depth review of Klamath Lake Blue-Green Algae and BrainOn from E3Live?
Well, I just had to share with you that the kind folks over at www.E3Live.com are having a fantabulous Valentine’s Day sales. See for yourself…
His & Hers Valentine’s Day Gift Sets!!
You can get mini or deluxe sets (his or hers!) at a discount!
From the site:
Valentine’s Day — HIS & HER packages direct from E3Live® Klamath Lake
- vitality
- happiness
- beauty
- focus
- health
all 4 Valentine packages include FREE GROUND SHIPPING and a $30 gift certificate — good towards your next frozen purchase — choose E3Live®, our signature product, or any other frozen item.
Deluxe for HER
Nature’s first Organic Cosmeceuticals —a deluxe package for your sweetheart this Valentine’s
Deluxe for HER — Treat your sweetheart (or yourself!) with E3Live’s® best for beauty inside and out.
- E3 Light Creme (full-size)
- E3 Light Polish (full-size)
- E3 AFA capsules (90 count)
- E3 Enzymes Supreme (90 count)
- Renew Me! capsules (90 count) and a
- $30 Gift Certificate for next purchase of fresh frozen E3Live®
She can exfoliate her skin with E3 Light Polish™, gentle enough for everyday use. She can rejuvenate & nourish her skin with E3 Light Crème™, which is excellent for all skin types. E3 AFA™ will provide superior nutrition (64 essential vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, essential fatty acids and more), E3 Enzymes Supreme will keep her digestive system healthy and Renew Me! Total Body Blend™ is great for overall health, as well as stronger nails, healthier hair and skin. Plus she will get $30 towards her next frozen purchase!
This set arrives in a clear gift bag with Valentine accents — ready for gift-giving.
$79.95 per set (retail value $151.85).
Mini for HER
Nature’s first Organic Cosmeceuticals —a small package with big benefits for your loved one
Mini for HER — Happiness and beauty all in one pretty package!
- E3 Light Creme (full-size)
- E3 Light Polish (full-size)
- E3 AFA capsules (90 count) and a
- $30 Gift Certificate for next purchase of fresh frozen E3Live®
This set for your Valentine includes our E3 Light Polish™ for gentle cleansing and removal of dead skin cells — revealing radiant skin with that healthy glow. Follow with E3 Light Crème™ to nourish and pamper her skin, all in one revolutionary anti-aging blend . We also include our amazing superfood, E3 AFA™, which gives superior nutrition so her body can be healthy inside and out. Plus she will get $30 towards her next frozen purchase!
This set arrives in a clear gift bag with Valentine accents — ready for gift-giving.
$49.95 per set (retail value $119.95).
Deluxe for HIM
Nature’s first Organic Cosmeceuticals —a deluxe package for your sweetheart this Valentine’s
Deluxe for HIM — Treat the man in your life to a set of E3Live’s® top picks that will invigorate and revitalize!
- E3 AFA capsules (90 count)
- Renew Me! capsules (90 count)
- E3 Enzymes Supreme (90 count)
- Hemp Maca E3Live Protein Powder
- Quick Shake Cooler Cup and a
- $30 Gift Certificate for next purchase of fresh frozen E3Live®
E3 AFA™ will provide 64 essential vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, essential fatty acids and more. Renew Me! Total Body Blend™ promotes focus and concentration while also giving a boost to the immune system and helping the body to eliminate toxins. E3 Enzymes Supreme™ are a must for anyone who eats cooked food — they promote better digestion, and the Hemp Maca E3Live® Protein Powder™ is great for building muscle, increasing stamina and vitality. This set includes a handy E3 Quick Shake Cooler Cup for easily preparing a protein smoothie or shake. Plus he will get $30 towards his next frozen purchase!
This set arrives in a clear gift bag with Valentine accents — ready for gift-giving.
$59.95 per set (retail value $116.86).
Mini for HIM
Nature’s first Organic Cosmeceuticals —a small package with big benefits for your loved one
Mini for HIM — Take care of your man with some of our favorites for superior nutrition, endurance, vitality and clarity!
- E3 AFA capsules (90 count)
- Renew Me! capsules (90 count)
- E3 Enzymes Supreme (90 count) and a
- $30 Gift Certificate for next purchase of fresh frozen E3Live®
E3AFA™ will provide 64 essential vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, essential fatty acids and more. Renew Me! Total Body Blend™ promotes vitality, strength, clarity and gives the immune system a boost. E3 Enzymes Supreme™ are a 3-in-1 formula of premium, full-spectrum digestive enzymes that help his body operate at optimal levels. Plus he will get $30 towards his next frozen purchase!
This set arrives in a clear gift bag with Valentine accents — ready for gift-giving.
$39.95 per set (retail value $86.85).
Healthy Valentine’s Day
Now that’s quite a bit of savings on this His & Hers Valentine’s Day gift sets, eh? What better way to show someone you love ‘em, than by showering them with (healthy) gifts – from the heart?!
Want to surprise your Valentine with the taste of health?
Click Here to order now!
Do you give Valentine’s Day gifts? Do you skip right past the holiday? Do you think these His & Hers (healthy) Valentine’s Day gift sets are fantabulous – or will you just stick with chocolate, a fancy restaurant, etc.? Chime in, sweet readers!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase anything once you click on the links, I will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!
Hi, y’all! I know my posts have been scarce. For that, I apologize. But once you discover what I’ve been up to, I think you’ll be very forgiving – including the sponsoring companies awaiting my reviews of their fantabulous products!
I started this post Tuesday evening (December 22, 2009) but couldn’t finish it. My eyes were filled with tears, my head was pounding with questions and thoughts, and my heart was simply broken into a gazillion pieces.
It’s taken a couple of days to pull my thoughts together on this. What better day to post, though, than on Christmas Eve?
Here’s the draft I started (I’ll add today’s thoughts later):
Today I walked among the homeless. No, I didn’t pass them on the street or gaze at them through the window while driving by. I mean I literally walked into a building where they were. I looked into the eyes of men and women – many of them who have served our country through various military services – and saw far more than people without homes.
My grandmother always told me that “eyes are the windows to a person’s soul.”
When I peered into the souls I crossed paths with today, I saw real people. I saw moms, dads, brothers, sisters, grandparents – many of them have served our country. I saw people who deserve dignity, respect, kindness, smiles, hugs, handshakes – no matter the condition of their soiled, tattered clothes, hair, or skin.
No, maybe they aren’t perfect. Their hair isn’t all styled from that fancy new place everyone’s raving about, and their teeth aren’t pearly white anymore. No, they don’t have the most expensive cologne or your favorite luxurious cold cream for their dried-out, weathered skin. But they’re real people, and they have feelings. They have a heart and soul. They have likes and dislikes. They have talents. Some of them even still have dreams.
With an empathetic heart, and a little time spent with them, you can look past not only the physical layers of clothing, but the invisible layers (walls, really) they’ve cocooned themselves inside. If you take a few moments to stop and talk to them, look them in the eye, smile, and just treat them like they’re your friend – or even a relative, because they could be – you’ll find that their eyes light up. Relief washes over them. Joy bubbles in their hearts. They’ll begin to tell you that they have a passion for cooking, or that they used to work every day and even lift weights at the gym. Any one of them could be you – or me. Any one of them could be someone we know. Someone who woke up one day and learned they didn’t have a job. Someone who lost their family in a horrific car accident – and couldn’t cope. Someone who’s come home from serving our country, with nowhere to go. Someone who still can’t figure out how they lost their way, or how to find it again.
Sure, there are the negatives. Many people choose to focus only on those who are drug addicts, alcoholics, or are destructive. I’m guilty myself. But each time I’ve been in the presence of a homeless person, I haven’t felt threatened. I feel their respect. I feel their gratitude. I feel their joy and appreciation that I’m in their presence as a fellow human. Nothing more, nothing less.
Life can be so simple. Why do we have to make it so hard?
I’m not there to judge them. I’m there to be of service, any way I can. I’m there to blow on that flicker of hope any of them might have – or rekindle the hope in those who’ve let theirs die down.
I’m there to let them know, that yes, people do still care. That some of us hurt for them. That some of us realize they’re a real person. That some of us yearn to do more, but can’t figure out how to go about it on a large scale.
My head aches tonight. I feel sick to my stomach. My heart feels like it’s going to explode from all the pain it’s having to process.
But I can still smile through the tears. Why? Because when we walked into that building on a cold, dark, winter day, I watched a huge room filled with people change right before my eyes. Yes, that’s right. I saw people slumped on couches, and sitting hunched over at tables, and walking around aimlessly with their shoulders drooping, stand up or sit up straight. I saw worry and stress wash away from their tired faces as they realized we were walking in carrying Christmas goody bags, Christmas cards, and giant candy canes – just for them.
I watched everyone’s heart skip a beat. I watched the true meaning of Christmas unfold right before my eyes. That, my friends, is what it’s all about…
Christmas Eve
Even as I read the above draft I had written after leaving the homeless Tuesday, I can barely see the computer screen through my tears.
I had so many questions:
Why are Veterans homeless?
Why are Veterans forgotten?
Why is anyone homeless?
Why is anyone forgotten?
Why don’t more people do more – even the smallest amount of help is something?
How can I help more?
What if I were in their situation?
Where’s the compassion?
Many of you don’t know that my family has been in the ministry for over 20 years. Even when I was a little girl – before my parents committed their lives to God’s work – I saw them take their own bill money and give it to a young couple whose baby was near death at a hospital a few hours away. The mom was staying with the baby. The dad was working as much as anyone would let him. He wanted to get to his family. His wife didn’t even have any cash with her at all, as she sat alone in that hospital with her baby. I’ve also seen my parents do many other things over the years. We’ve taken food out of our cabinets, clothes out of our closets. If we’re able in any way, we try to help anyone we can. I’m so glad my parents have taught me to go the extra mile. My grandparents taught me as well.
You can read about the Christmas bags we took the homeless on our ministry site: Highways & Byways Ministries.
Our ministry is very, very different than most anything else out there. Why? Because we work with those who are basically considered “outcasts” – we strive to walk where Jesus walked….
Mom & Me
I wish you the best, most blessed Holiday Season EVER – and I urge you to do something – anything – for others.
Won’t you help the homeless?
Updated to Add
My family has decided to step up and take action to help cure homelessness in our area (read more here). We’re working to secure funds for our first building, which will allow the homeless who come to us to have their own living quarters – a place to call home – where they can shower, rest, plan their future, and pull themselves together and try to work toward restoring their lives.
We are MORE than people who feel empathy for them – we are their family. Our first building for our Momma’s Houses dream will house numerous people and get them off the street. They won’t be asked to get out in a few days, weeks, or months. They need adequate time to reenter society. They will have it. And, no matter what – we’ll always be their family, their support system, their friend.
If you aren’t comfortable donating electronically, feel free to send your donation to:
Highways and Byways Ministries
P.O. Box 115
Diggins, MO 65636
Yes, $80,000 is a LOT of money to raise in 30 days – but not if a lot of people give a little.
Bonus Christmas Blessing
Just stopping by? Have you tried my coconut peanut butter honey overnight oats yet? Or maybe you’d like to try your hand at my chocolate-covered raisin hemp balls or raw tuna fish-less salad. And you simply HAVE to try my latest, simple creation: Coconut Peanut Butter Cream. YUM!
Hope you had a fantabulous holiday! I sure did.
I know a lot of you are curious about what I ate for Thanksgiving. A part of me feels proud of my choices because I didn’t eat meat and I didn’t eat dressing (aka stuffing).
No animals were harmed for my dinner.
But…
A part of me is disappointed with myself (make sense?) because my Thanksgiving dinner wasn’t 100% raw AND vegan. 
Night Before Turkey Day
On Thanksgiving Eve, my mom had leftover batter from the pineapple upside down cake (she makes hers in a cast iron skillet) and so she made cupcakes.
I wasn’t going to eat one, then I just did – it was the smallest one, though!
That was the first time I’d had any (real) cake since my birthday (in mid-August).
Choices, Choices
Aren’t we are own worst critics? Are you hard on yourself, too? Sometimes I think I’m too hard on myself. Most ALL of the time, other people think I’m too hard on myself.
I’ve been really torn about the direction my eating habits have been going and in an upcoming post, I’m going to share my feelings and plans for 2010. Since I lost my cousins (at such young ages) this year, I’ve really battled emotional eating. I’m going to address emotional eating and my food choices soon…
My Thanksgiving Dinner
I filled my plate with mostly salad: baby spinach leaves, kale, broccoli, carrots, avocado, pink sea salt, drizzle of olive oil, pecans.
Then I decided to have a couple spoonfuls of my mom’s sweet potato casserole, real mashed potatoes, baked pasta, and green bean casserole. And the cranberry sauce isn’t raw either – it’s fresh from the can.
Sounds like a lot – but it really wasn’t that much. I suppose some would say I went overboard; others would say I didn’t eat enough. I am proud that my plate is filled with mostly raw veggies. I ended up not have a vegan Thanksgiving because there’s butter in the mashed potatoes and cheese (+ butter) in the pasta. I don’t think I did that badly, though: I didn’t eat turkey, dressing, or the other stuff available.
Iced tea with stevia
Most importantly on Thanksgiving, though, I enjoyed the company. Good family and friends are hard to come by!
How did your Thanksgiving turn out? Did you get to see family and friends and have a good time? Did you eat all raw or high raw vegetarian/vegan? Did you worry about it? Did you splurge and have cooked foods and maybe even turkey? Did you go all out and work hard on mock raw or vegan options? Tell me all about it!
Just stopping by? Have you tried my coconut peanut butter honey overnight oats yet? Or maybe you’d like to try your hand at my chocolate-covered raisin hemp balls or raw tuna fish-less salad. And you simply HAVE to try my latest, simple creation: Coconut Peanut Butter Cream. YUM!
Hello! How’s your day going? Mine is fantabulous so far. Mr. Sunshine is visiting today. How very kind of him – yay! 
Anyway, a while back, Danica from www.DanicasDaily.com hosted The Great Pumpkin Giveaway. I entered. There were THREE winners – and I was one of ‘em!
My Package from Danica
I love that she sent her (nicely typed) recipe and a beautiful, kind letter. Thank you, Danica! I love my prize – and all the thought you put into it!
The pumpkin butter was put to good use right away. The family had it smeared on pancakes. I’m trying to avoid those, so I swiped a spoonful straight from the jar. *giggles*
I have to say this, though: Trader Joe’s has nothing on my mom’s homemade pumpkin butter! (But, I could be a tad bit bias.)
Turkey Day
A lot of you are wondering if I’ll eat turkey on Thanksgiving. I’ve received emails and messages and questions on social media sites.
The answer is no.
There have been times over the past few years that I’ve allowed a little fish or turkey into my diet. I’ve been at minimum 75% raw and the majority of the time, I’m 90-100% raw most every day.
But after studying meat and fish for articles I’ve written (and for personal curiosity) and coming across such heartfelt, informative articles (such as Gena’s Reconsidering Veganism at ThanksLIVING at Choosing Raw) I’ve found it very easy to reevaluate my level of Raw Foodism and have really thrown myself into focusing on raw food, my health, and am working very, very hard to learn to be at peace with others’ perception of the way I choose to eat. Gena’s article really resonated deeply within my soul and I thank her (from the bottom of my heart) for sharing that beautifully written post – and for all the effort she pours into her entire site. (Thank you, Gena!!)
Here a Turkey, There a Turkey
I thought I’d start by showing you my pet turkeys: Gobbles and Goblet.
How could I eat Gobbles or Goblet? Nope. Not happening!
What Will this Raw Vegan Eat?
Honestly? I don’t know yet! I’ve searched my heart (and raw, Vegan recipes!) and have decided that I’m simply not going to worry about it. The holidays are a time to come together with precious friends and family and laugh, talk, catch up, and just be. It’s a time to reflect on grandparents, parents, siblings, or other relatives and friends who are no longer with us – an opportunity to cherish all those memories that we hold deep in our hearts.
Thanksgiving is about forgetting about material possessions and being thankful for all those things that have nothing to do with food, things that money can’t buy – like hugs, kisses, laughter, joy, and sparkles in the eyes of those you love.
Sure, I’m thinking of making a raw pecan dessert. And maybe a raw coconut cream pie dessert. I’ll probably just have a ginormous salad with a few nuts and other yummy toppings. I might nab a bite of momma’s sweet potato casserole….
But overall, I’m pleased to just be entering this Thanksgiving with a purpose: to enjoy my family and friends and just be in the moment.
I will try to take photos and document what I eat, though – I’ll blog about it later.
If you’re super interested in a true raw, Vegan Thanksgiving menu, check out Gena’s. It RAWks! Averie’s raw, Vegan ideas are RAWkin’ too!
I’m Thankful For
- my faith
- my heritage
- two living parents who’ve been together for close to 40 years*
- a warm, cozy home
- family and friends
- the best brother in the world
- that I’ve maintained a 100+ weight loss for a few years now
- that I survived domestic violence and can be an inspiration to others, that they can too
- for blog readers who are so encouraging, inspiring, sweet, and loyal
- for another Thanksgiving to reflect on memories and cherish the new ones
- and soooooooooooooo much more!!!!
What does Thanksgiving mean to you? Will you be traveling? Or, is family and friends traveling to your house? Will you be preparing a turkey? Even if you aren’t going to eat it? Are you stressing over food, or like me, are you just feeling blessed to have special people to spend the day with?
Happy Thanksgiving!!!!
Stay safe, laugh often, and enjoy the moment!!!!
*I meant to write living, not loving – although they are!
