And I’m tickled pink that y’all loved my Amish farm/critter post: Amish Country, Sunny Skies + Critters!

If you’re new to Healing With (Raw) Juices, or are behind on your blog reading, be sure to catch up on my latest posts:

• Spiralized Veggie S’ghetti Recipe 
• Aurorae Yoga Mat Review
• Oats in a (Nuttzo!) Jar
• Raw, Green (Vegan) Chicken(less) Salad Recipe
• NuttzOats: An Overnight Oats Recipe
• Agave: Why I Was Hesitant to Use it and Won’t Be Using it Anymore
• Living With Rheumatoid Arthritis + Fibromyalgia 

Caught up yet? Good!

I snatched this Lucuma powder right up when I went on my $50 iHerb shopping spree. I have other plans for it, too, but I thought I’d throw it in the latest craving: Chocolate-Covered (Tart) Cherry Smoothie. It really did enhance the flavor and texture – I love it!

Evan (from Food Makes Fun Fuel) dumps Lucuma on his yogurt! Haven’t tried that yet, have you?

And if you’re a first-time www.iHerb.com shopper, you can save $5 on your first order by using this code: TUN499 <— Take advantage of that RAWsome deal!

Navitas Naturals Lucuma

Frozen Nanner, Almond Milk, Tart Cherry Concentrate

Added the Lucuma

Added the Cocoa Powder

Ice for good measure.

Beautiful transformation!

Yum!

Chocolate-Covered BUBBLES!

Chocolate-Covered (Tart) Cherry Smoothie Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (I used the NOW brand, certified organic.)
• 1 tablespoon Lucuma powder (I used Navitas Naturals, certified organic.)
• 2 tablespoons tart cherry concentrate (I’ll be sharing an in-depth post on this soon – this stuff changed. my. life!)
• 1 frozen banana
• 4 ice cubes
• 1/2 to 1 cup of almond milk (I started with a 1/3 cup and added a little more – but with 1/3 cup, it was more like raw ice cream!)

Directions:

1. Toss ingredients in blender and blend until smooth.
2. Pour into a glass and enjoy this rich, decadent drink!

Note: I’m used to the tart cherry concentrate but it might be a bit strong for you if you aren’t. This smoothie is really, really chocolatey and the tart cherry shines through nicely. It’s not bitter, it’s delish! But if you aren’t a fan of even a slight bit of tartness, you may want to balance out the smoothie with either more sweetener, less tart cherry concentrate – or just use sweet cherries.  

Have you ever made a chocolate-covered smoothie? (I’m sure Katie has!) What is your all-time favorite smoothie? I love green smoothies most – especially when hemp protein and spinach are involved! But some days, Raw Juice Girl just needs a little chocolate in her life.

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
• More reviews and giveaways – lots of surprises!

Contest Alerts

June, from An Apple a Day, is hosting an awesome contest for Bragg!!

Averie, from Love Veggies & Yoga, is giving away an eco-friendly, BPA-free lunchbox and cooler set from EasyLunchBoxes.com!!!

Bitt, from A Bitt of Raw, is giving away a Vivapura raw foods package!

Ashlei, The Vegster, is hosting a $50 shopping spree for Swanson!

And don’t forget about my Tropical Traditions giveaway for organic, raw, wild honey!!

Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose.  Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

Updated to add the winner

I’m excited to announce that we have a winner!! I used Random.org like always, to select a winner. Mr. Random chose comment #158…

Who is the lucky author of comment #158, you ask??? Why, that’d be Amanda!

Amanda said:

 

I stumbled the site. http://bit.ly/bgnP8n

I just need you to email me with your mailing address so Tropical Traditions can get your package out to you right away.

Congrats, Amanda!!!!

Remember the review I recently wrote about Tropical Traditions Certified Organic, Raw, Wild Honey? Well, the very generous folks at Tropical Traditions have decided to allow one of you, my fantabulous readers, to win your very own 17.6 ounce jar! Eeeek!

In case you’re just tuning in, or missed that post, here’s a recap of the recipes I created with this superb honey:

Chocolate Banana Avocado Pudding

(See full recipe with instructions and photos here .)

Happy Hemp Honey Holes

(See full recipe with instructions and photos here.)

Coconut PB Honey Overnight Oats

(See full recipe with instructions and photos here.)

Inside-Out Coconut Peanut Butter Cups

(See full recipe with instructions and photos here .)

And my recipe was also published on the Tropical Traditions website!!! <— I’m really excited about that, and very proud.

Search for tons of awesome recipes by clicking the banner:

Please read the contest rules before entering. Comments are moderated so you won’t see your entries right away. Thanks!

Contest Rules

This contest is open to U.S. and Canada residents only – sorry International readers!

There are only TWO required entries for this contest – but if you REALLY want to win, there are several (fun) extra ways you can enter following these required options:

Required entry #1

Subscribe to the Tropical Traditions email Sales Newsletter here: http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/subscribe_for_special_sales.cfm and come back to this post and leave a comment, letting me know that you did.

Required entry #2

Visit www.tropicaltraditions.com and come back here and leave a comment, letting me know which product (or recipe) is something you’d love to try.

There are 20 ways to enter this contest!!

** You must complete the above two entries before the following ones count.**

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!

Note: The reason I ask you to leave a comment for EACH, SEPARATE entry is because I enter the total number of comments at random.org once the contest has ended – and each comment represents your entry number.

3. 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. )

4. Become a fan of Tropical Traditions on Facebook. Then, come back here and leave a comment to let me know you did that – or that you already are.

5. Become a fan of Raw Juice Girl on Facebook. Leave a comment on this post saying you did -or that you already are.

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

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

8. Follow @TropTraditions on Twitter. Leave a comment on this post that you did that.

9. Tweet about this contest and then leave a comment with your Twitter name. Use this tweet:

@RawJuiceGirl is giving away #raw #wild #honey from @TropTraditions Enter now: http://goo.gl/fb/XpMG

Then, leave a comment that you did – with your Twitter name or status link.

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!)

10. 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.

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

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

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

14. Add me as a friend on Wellsphere . Leave a comment saying that you did- or do. 15. Add me as a friend on RawFu. Leave a comment saying that you did- or that you area.

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

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

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

19. 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.

20. Visit Tropical Traditions blog. Come back here and leave a comment sharing which of their newest products you’d most like to try.

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.

Deadline

Contest ends Wednesday, March 31. I’ll accept comments until midnight. (Central Time). Winner will be posted Thursday, April 1.

That gives you THREE WEEKS to get your entries in. Hurry and spread the word. The more entries you have, the higher your chances of winning a delicious jar of Tropical Traditions Certified Organic, Raw, Wild, Unprocessed Honey!!!

Let the contest begin!!!

Can’t wait?

Check out the Referral Option:

If you’d like to join the Tropical Traditions Healthy Buyer’s Club, visit www.healthybuyersclub.com/orderform.cfm

And enter Raw Juice Girl’s User ID number: 4845073

By following these steps, you will receive a complimentary copy of the book Virgin Coconut Oil: How it has changed people’s lives and how it can change yours! by Brian and Marianita Shilhavy.

Your sponsor (that’d be me! ) will receive a coupon for a complimentary gift to redeem on their next order.

You may view the current complimentary gift being offered here: http://www.tropicaltraditions.com//referral_program.htm

Further instructions can be found here.

Thanks again to www.tropicaltraditions.com!

Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose.  Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

• Food Matters DVD Review + Contest. (Contest ends Thursday, August 27th. There are SIX ways to win!!)
• Detox 4 Women (by Natalia Rose) Review + Contest (Contest ends Friday, August 28th. There are SIX ways to win!)

Let’s Talk Chocolate!

You may remember the other day when I posted my chocolate avocado pudding experiment (it turned out delish!) or yesterday when I posted my Chocolate-Vanilla Hemp Bliss Shake recipe.

Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate!

I’ve always had a great love for chocolate. Growing up, I’d always lean toward the German Chocolate cake, Snickers candy bar, or even an Almond Joy. Now, after losing over 100 pounds and focusing on a high-raw, whole foods diet, I tend to hold those forms of chocolate a distant memory–other than a rare, rare occasion when I go bonkers and splurge (like on my birthday).

But there’s bound to be a way for a girl to enjoy her chocolate in a healthy way, right? A way other than a tiny square of dark chocolate (which I really don’t like all that much, by the way). I’ve always been more of a milk chocolate gal myself. (See my dilemma here?)

Enter: Heather’s Gluten-Free Blog

I’ve been a fan of Heather Strang’s blog for a while now. Although I didn’t really intend on being gluten-free, I suppose I am–other than an occasional splurge. My diet basically consists of a foundation of TONS of raw veggies, a little fruit (mostly berries), nuts, seeds, nut butters, organic Oikos Greek yogurt, and sometimes organic farm fresh eggs (from either my farm, or my neighbor’s).

Back to Heather’s blog…

I’m subscribed to Heather’s blog via email and saw this recipe a while back: Dairy-Free, Refined Sugar-Free RAW Chocolate recipe.

I was really excited when I saw it because it looked delicious, seemed totally simple to whip up, and it was HEALTHY! Things got busy, though, and I either had other stuff to do or didn’t have one or other of the ingredients.

The other day I finally ended up with some free time and realized I had ALL the ingredients Heather used for this recipe. Yay!

Note: I made my recipe a little differently than Heather’s.

Getting Things Ready

Ready to Mix

1/2 cup coconut oil

1/2 cup agave nectar

1/2 cup organic cocoa powder

1 Teaspoon vanilla extract

Heather’s recipe called for a blender or food processor. I don’t have a blender anymore (mine died )so I just whipped it up the old-fashioned way. Hey, it works!

Stirred + Poured

With Chopped Pecans on Top

(I just sprinkled enough to cover the top–I didn’t measure ‘em.)

Heather didn’t add nuts to her chocolate recipe but chocolate isn’t chocolate without nuts, in my opinion.

In the Freezer

(…)

Waiting

(…)

1 1/2 hours later….

Out of the Freezer

Cut in to Pieces

Hands-On Chocolate

We Hated It!

(Like you believe that?!)

Verdict?

Um, I’ll be making this recipe until I’m 100 and can find the ingredients–and hopefully know what they’re for!

Seriously, though, this was delish! It was kind of like fudge, I think. It was soft, but had a firm texture (it doesn’t fall apart!). I can totally see this as something you could make for a Christmas party or some other party or event. In my opinion, it definitely rocks!

And… the reason it left so fast is because I shared it with some folks. I’d say they liked it too, wouldn’t you?

I, of course, tasted the chocolate in its liquid form before it went into the freezer. I’m thinking it would be YUM just like that, drizzled over Gena’s banana soft serve.

Off to freeze me some nanners!

Upcoming Contests Featuring these Fabulous Companies

• Oh Nuts! (raw macadamia nuts and pecans) <— These are seriously delicious nuts–and they’re JUMBO sized!
• E3Live (Green-tasting (which I don’t mind!), but I REALLY notice that it’s making me feel better. It was definitely put to the test through my recent stressful events!)
• 2 books (Coconut Water for Health and Healing and Oil Pulling Therapy: Detoxifying and Healing the Body Through Oral Cleansing by Dr. Bruce Fife
• and MORE!

You’ll definitely want to stay tuned!

So… be sure to subscribe to Healing with Juices’ Feed for free updates. You can get free updates to your email as well (sign up here). You’ll also receive inspiration, juice and smoothie recipes, and juice fasting tips and encouragement to help keep you motivated toward your ultimate health–and more personal posts about stuff that’s going on in my life.

What a great contest!! I absolutely loved reading each and every comment and was so honored by your compliments, touched by your desire to try out Tropical Traditions Virgin Coconut Oil, and felt so much compassion as I read your reasons for wanting to win. I’m so glad that each of you are thinking of your health and are wanting to try new things. I wish I had a giant jar of this coconut oil to send all of you but I can’t do that. There’s only one jar. And that jar goes to….. George (aka Tumblemoose)!!

These are all yours, George!!!

When I went to Random.org, it chose comment #24. This was George’s second comment in the contest (you were allowed four):

24 Tumblemoose { 04.29.09 at 9:08 am }

Hi Michele,

I tweeted this, too (from @tumblemoose)!

Tumblemooses last blog post..Tumblemoose Times – A writer’s newsletter

I thought you’d love to know what George said in his first comment, which was answering the question of why he wanted to win:

7 Tumblemoose { 04.28.09 at 8:34 am }

Michele,

This Alaskan boy dreams of darn near anything tropical at the end of a harsh Alaskan winter. Mmmmm coconut, mmmm.

I’d use it as a soothing after shave balm for me head and face. I also like the idea of salad dressing with a squeeze of lime!

Cheers!

George

Tumblemooses last blog post..Tumblemoose Times – A writer’s newsletter

I love it that George says he’ll use the coconut oil for his face as after shave and for his bald head (Guys, did you hear that? Try it out!). It’s something I didn’t mention in the list of possible uses–very clever, George! And I can’t wait for you to try it on your salad–it’s delish! I’ll be in contact with you to get your mailing address. Congrats–now we can glow together!!!

UPDATED TO ADD:

I forgot to say that those of you who didn’t win should truly invest in Tropical Traditions Virgin Coconut Oil (and the book) as soon as you can fit it into your budget. This is a worthwhile investment, you all!! And if you missed the contest, or if you’re new to Healing with (Raw) Juices, please take a moment to read the review I wrote about Tropical Traditions Virgin Coconut Oil and the book.

In future contests, you’ll be competing for raw nuts, goji berries, raw nut butters, and more–so don’t miss out on upcoming posts!

First, I’d love to take a moment to thank TropicalTraditions.com–and Dawn Campbell, Marketing Manager–for sponsoring this contest and for being so gracious as to send a jumbo size (32 ounces!) jar of Certified Organic Virgin Coconut Oil–and a book all about it! We appreciate it!

Tropical Traditions Virgin Coconut Oil = Heaven on Earth!

I’m serious! Y’all, I am soooooooooo excited to be hosting this contest and have the opportunity to review such an amazing product as Tropical Traditions Certified Organic Virgin Coconut Oil. It’s divine. Not only is the review/contest about the coconut oil itself, but I’ll be reviewing (and the lucky winner of this contest will be getting) a book about it as well! How awesome is that?!

So…. you’ll get to read and learn all about how magnificent coconut oil really is while reaping the benefits (both inside and out)! Fantabulous!!

Take a look at that jar of coconut oil–it’s a whopping 32 ounces!

That’s GINORMOUS!!

[See my face? That isn't make-up. Nope, it's the glow that comes with applying this coconut oil! Eeek!]

Review of Tropical Traditions Certified Organic Virgin Coconut Oil

I honestly cannot think of ONE thing I dislike about this coconut oil. It’s delicious and when I apply it to my skin, it isn’t greasy–just luxurious! That’s right… I use it both internally and externally for all sorts of reasons. I’m eating 98-100% raw right now so I’ll share how I’m using it and then I’ll add a few more ideas for those of you who aren’t a Raw Foodist.

Internally for a Raw Foodist:

• drizzled over salad (or any veggies) with a squeeze of lime juice (from a real lime) as a “dressing”
• stirred in raw oats
• eaten straight from the spoon
• added into raw smoothies
• added to hot tea
• added to raw soup
• smeared on raw crackers/breads
• used in various other raw recipes

Internally for Non-Raw Foodists:

• drizzled over an omelet
• added to soups
• added to breads/biscuits/baking recipes
• smeared on toast
• stirred into oats
• stirred into quinoa
• used in meat recipes
• and more

Externally for all of us:

• on your face (to help prevent wrinkles and moisturize)
• on your arms/hands
• on your feet/legs
• anywhere
• add a dollop to your bath water
• make an oil treatment for your hair
• use to moisten dry lips
• apply to prevent sunburn and protect against harmful UV rays
• apply to sunburn, itches, rashes, etc.

See, the possibilities are endless!!

Worried it isn’t raw (for you Raw Foodists)?

See, I thought of everything–that’s why I checked their site (TropicalTraditions.com) and found the following information!

Excerpt from Tropical Traditions:

Characteristics of Our Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil

This Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil is a truly
unrefined coconut oil. This coconut oil is made on Mt. Banahaw and
surrounding areas from organic coconuts. Coconuts are used fresh
(within 24-48 hours of harvest) from small family farms on Mt. Banahaw
and other rural places in Quezon Province, the coconut capital of the
Philippines. Only the highest quality coconuts are hand-picked from
each harvest. The volcanic soil of Mt. Banahaw makes these organic
coconuts some of the most nutritionally rich coconuts in the world!
Testing done in independent laboratories reveals higher levels of
phenolic antioxidants than other coconut oils. The fresh coconut meat
is shredded (wet milled), and then cold-pressed using the water from
inside the coconuts to make coconut milk. The milk is then allowed to
sit for about half a day, while the oil naturally separates from the
heavier water. The oil is then filtered from the curds (coconut
solids). No chemical or high-heat treatment is used, and this oil
contains no trans fatty acids. We do NOT mass produce this oil. It is
made by families who are coconut farmers using old-fashioned
traditional methods that have been used in the Philippines for
hundreds of years. Our coconut trees and family producers are
certified organic according to strict USDA standards. The families who
produce the oil are also trained according to GMP (Good Manufacturing
Practice) standards and re-certified each year. This high-grade Virgin
Coconut Oil has a long shelf life due to the high antioxidant
properties. The Gold Label standard is our highest standard for Virgin
Coconut Oil. Read more.

Book Review:

As someone who could spend her every waking hour writing and reading, I was elated to receive this book. Not only is it a great gift to receive along with the coconut oil so you can learn fascinating facts about the oil but it has already become one of my go-to reference books. Yes, since I write so often about health, I have been using this very book as a reference in some of my articles!

It is written by Brian (who has a B.A. and M.A.) and Marianita Jader Shilhavy (who is a CND: Certified Nutritionist/Dietitian). Not only will you get to read each of their personal stories, you’ll learn all about coconut oil, how it’s produced, and how it can improve your recipes and your health. You’ll also get to read about population studies, research, and be inspired by testimonials.

Different chapters and pages target numerous illnesses and how coconut oil improves them (such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, digestive disorders, thyroid, cholesterol, candida, and more. This book also shares reasons that coconut oil aids in weight loss efforts, why it’s great for your skin, and even how you can use it in your pet’s health care!

And… there’s a whole section in the back of the book dedicated to coconut recipes! They sound delish! At 236 pages, I just know you’ll love what you find in them. I know I’ll keep my copy forever–it’ll always have a cherished place on my bookshelf!

The Contest!!

You’re allowed FOUR entries for this contest:

1. Leave a comment sharing why you’d benefit from owning a copy of the Virgin Coconut Oil book and the 32 ounce jar of certified organic coconut oil. (DO NOT just say “thanks for the contest” or something like that–I do not publish those type of comments because they seem like spam and aren’t fair to the other contestants who leave a thoughtful, genuine answer.)
2. Do you Twitter? Tweet about this contest and then leave a comment with your Twitter name.
3. Share this contest on your blog, linking back to this post. (The pingback will be counted as your third entry.) If you don’t see your pingback, just email me at healingwithjuices@gmail.com and let me know. It may have gone to spam for some reason.
4. Add Healing with Juices to your favorites on Technoratori. Comment the fourth–and last–time to let me know, with a link to your technoratori profile to show you added us.

NOTE: ANYONE can enter this contest. You DO NOT have to be in the United States. Oh, and I’ll be using Random.org to choose the winner….

Contest ends Monday, May 4th, at 9 p.m. (Central Time) so you have an ENTIRE WEEK to get all your entries in. Have fun trying to win!!

What, can’t wait to see if you win? Visit Tropical Traditions now: they’re having a big sale on their coconut oil. Check it out!

Referral Option

If you’d like to join the Tropical Traditions Healthy Buyer’s Club, visit www.healthybuyersclub.com/orderform.cfm

And enter Raw Juice Girl’s User ID number: 4845073

By following these steps, you will receive a complimentary copy of the book Virgin Coconut Oil: How it has changed people’s lives and how it can change yours! by Brian and Marianita Shilhavy.

Your sponsor (that’d be me! ) will receive a coupon for a complimentary gift to redeem on their next order.

You may view the current complimentary gift being offered here: http://www.tropicaltraditions.com//referral_program.htm

Further instructions can be found here.

Thanks again to www.tropicaltraditions.com!

Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose.  Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

After this contest ends, you’ll be competing for raw nuts, goji berries, raw nut butters, and more–so don’t miss out on upcoming posts!

This contest is closed.

Be sure to subscribe to Healing with Juices’ Feed for free updates. You can get free updates to your email as well (sign up here). You’ll also receive inspiration, juice and smoothie recipes, and juice fasting tips and encouragement to help keep you motivated toward your ultimate health–and more personal posts about stuff that’s going on in my life.

Michele L. Tune

Yes, you read that title right. I’m confessing that I’m living on an Amish farm…. I know you’ve wondered where I have been, why posts haven’t been published as often as they used to, and why the juicing ebooks are still on hold.  So, now you know why: I’m living on an Amish farm–without electricity! Amazing, eh?

Check out the windmill. Isn’t it beautiful?

Photo Copyright 2009 HealingwithJuices.com All Rights Reserved

Freelancing is pretty crazy on an Amish farm. Cherish your office. Seriously. I’ve somehow managed to get my assignments in on time, though.

If you’re thinking this is crazy, imagine how I feel. I still can’t comprehend the fact that I’m actually living in an Amish-built house on an Amish farm–without electricity. Did I mention there’s no electricity? Well, the Amish don’t wire their homes. There’s no plug ends, no light switches, no super duper easy and convenient modern amenities…

So, here’s the million dollar question: why? Why would I give up convenience? That’s what you want to know, right? Well, haven’t you ever wished you could sit on an old-fashioned porch in the country where life is simple, days are quiet, and you can sip iced tea while watching the clothes gently sway this way and that on a clothes line like your grandmother talked about? Have you dreamt of lessening your carbon footprint, doing more to preserve the environment, and living as green as you possibly can?

I realize this life isn’t for everyone. Some days I think it isn’t for me either. But for all the sacrifices, there are so many more rewards. Yes, sometimes I think I’d pay a million dollars for a plug end if I had that much money to spare. Other days I realize how truly blessed I am and wouldn’t trade my life–missing plug ends and all!–for all the money or anything in the world.

Your second question is probably: so, how do you get on the Internet;  how do you charge your laptop? (Okay, that’s TWO questions.) Well, there’s an answer for them, too! For the Internet, I use a USB modem. It is limited, though, so sites like YouTube really gobble up the usage I’m allowed. And I charge my laptop compliments of solar panels and/or wind generators. Yes, the sun and wind are awesome resources and although it still blows my mind that the sun and wind can charge a panel and travel through a wire to then juice my laptop up with energy so I can continue writing and blogging, I’m forever grateful that it’s possible! It’s almost like magic, really.

There you have it. This is my confession. And, let me tell you… Amish living is HARD WORK!! The Amish community is fascinating, though–and yes, horses and buggies are to and fro all the time!

What’s that? You wish you could read even more about life on an Amish farm? Really? You’re in luck! A new blog is in the works. It’ll document day-to-day events on an Amish farm. I’ll be sharing the link here when it’s live. Be sure to subscribe (see the end of this post or the top of the sidebar to your left, for subscription options) so you can be one of the first to visit!

In writing news…

I have a couple of stories in the latest Uncle John’s Bathroom Reader: Uncle John’s Certified Organic Bathroom Reader. One of the stories is about how the Amish lifestyle is eco-friendly! You can check it out–or pre-order by clicking on the previous title, the book below or the link following it.

(Available for pre-order HERE.)

Next time, we’ll get back on topic with raw juices, smoothies, and juice fasting–promise!

Don’t miss out on upcoming posts! Be sure to subscribe to Healing with Juices’ Feed for free updates. You can get  free updates to your email as well (sign up here). You’ll receive inspiration, juice and smoothie recipes, and juice fasting tips and encouragement to help keep you motivated toward your ultimate health–and more personal posts about stuff that’s going on in my life.

Thoughts? What’s going through your mind right now? Spill the beans!