Chocolate Plum Shocker Smoothie

This is my 3rd post for today so be sure to scroll down for more Vegan MoFo Fun, too!

Check out this vegan smoothie I made for snack last night!  I have decided to name it "Chocolate Plum Shocker".  Here's the recipe...

2 Plums
3/4 of a Banana
1 Scoop of GoL's Chocolate Cacao Raw Protein
2 C Coconut Water
2 T Agave Nectar from Wholesome Sweeteners
3 Drops of Vanilla Stevia from NuNaturals

This was EPIC!  This has to be in my Top 5 Smoothie attempts thus far!  The flavor was WONDERFUL!

A few more reasons I like this product...

It’s not only what RAW Protein contains, it’s also about what it doesn’t contain – there are no fillers, no artificial flavors and no synthetic ingredients and it's gluten-free and dairy-free.

So for those looking for highly nutritious, nutrient-dense, easily digestible, high quality protein nutrition, look no further than RAW Protein from Garden of Life.

Easily Digestible?  YES, Please! 

Raw Vegan Watermelon Candy, Maple Tahini Dressing, & Re-Growing Celery

Today's I'm kicking things off with what I did in my dehydrator yesterday!  This, of course, is part of the challenge Opal had set over the weekend where I'm trying to do at least one thing per day (or night) in my Excalibur!  I wanted to keep it simple again like I did with yesterday's post...but even more so!  What you see here is PLAIN Watermelon!  Nothing else added!  I dried at about 115-120 for about 14 hours or so.  I've tried this before and haven't dried them long enough!  I FINALLY was successful!  YAY!  A little patience is all I need!  These turned out great!  I like to call them "Candy".  The flavor is similar to a Watermelon Flavored Jolly Rancher
(It's been a LONG time since I have had one but it's the first thing I thought of when I munched on one of these little gems!)

Last night I ended up adding a large salad to my dinner!  I had some lettuce I NEEDED to use!  I also had some left over Chickpeas from the dish I made for lunch yesterday so I added some to the salad along with some Nutritional Yeast.  YES!  There is a dressing in there, too!  YES...I added a but more liquid that I wanted...so it was thinner than normal...BUT...the flavor was still LOVELY!  It's a mixture of 2 T Tahini, 4 T Lemon Juice, 2 T Maple Flavored Agave Syrup from Wholesome Sweeteners.

I told you that I was also doing some "Kitchen Gardening" in addition to what we were doing with the Indoor/Container Gardening in preparation for our Rooftop Garden.  Here's a look at the progress of the Celery I'm attempting to re-grow at home!

I change the water 2 to 3 times each day.  So far I have ripped off the outer layer of the old celery because it was getting discolored.  I may have to do this again.  However, I'm pleased with this first attempt of re-growing celery!

Another update...the Cashew Cream that I made last week was featured on the Garden of Life Blog!  I wrote up an additional Guest Blogger spot for them specifically based on the recipe and idea I posted last week.  There are more photos and additional ideas and alternatives to some of the ingredients!  Take a look when you have a chance!

SUBMIT Your Raw Food/Dehydrated Creations on this week's Dehydrator Challenge! 

Fruit Friday - EPIC Breakfast Jar

Last night I made some Cashew Cream and it turned out FAB!  I'm so very excited about this Cashew Cream!  More on that later in the post! 

But first...I might be spoiling the rest of the photo's by posting this one first...but here-goes!  My Epic Breakfast Bowl!  I layered various fruit...starting at the bottom and moving up...Peaches, Strawberries, Mangoes, Raspberries, Blueberries.

On top you will see that I added some Cashew Cream to the top!  YUM!

Before I get to the recipe for the Cashew Cream - I have to say the next time we do fresh. sliced Strawberries - I'm going to do this Cashew Cream for dipping!  Another thing I want to use it for is straight-up "Peaches & Cream"!

Okay...without further "ah-due"...the Cashew Cream I made last night!  Here's a little pic of it.  I wanted it a bit thick but you could add more water if you want it thinner.  Here's what it contains...

1 C Soaked Cashews
1/4 C Water
1 T Wholesome Sweeteners Vanilla Flavored Agave
1/2 tea Natural Vanilla Extract

I think I am going to do a variation of this and submit it to the Garden of Life Blog, too, because I had some extra toppings for additional options and additional protein!  This was amazing and I just might have to try something similar on a weekly basis!

Grateful List, Furkids Updates, and a Snack

Today I am grateful for space heaters!  Yes...it's still SUPER cold here!  I'm so over winter!  I can't wait for Spring and Summer.  Then again...I guess I will be doubly grateful for them when they arrive, eh!?  I'm also thankful for my co-workers!  Things have been going real well at work this past month!  And a random 3rd thing I'm thankful for is music that makes me smile!

Of course - I'm always thankful for my 'furkids' and they have been extra snugly this winter because of the cold as well as them enjoying each others company more and more.  I still think that we are all still trying to adjust to Gabby not being around.  I think about her daily.  I still think about Sammy and he's been gone 6 years or so.  They sure do leave paw prints on our hearts, huh?  Here's a photo of Riley and Suzie sitting by each other on the loveseat.  They can be so goofy!  I'm so thankful they are buddies, tho!  Paco's been real good lately, too!  Charlie has a sore on his tail and I will be taking him to the vet at some point which will be very hard as he's a feral cat and I'm not quite sure how they are going to exam him.  More on that later.

Last night I snacked on this smoothie.  I made it in my Vitamix.  It turned out pretty good!  Here's what I put in it...

1 C Soy Milk
1 Scoop GoL's Cacao Chocolate Raw Meal Powder
2 chunks of Banana
1 T Cinnamon Flavored Agave Syrup from Wholesome Sweeteners

Questions of the day - How are your 'furkids' doing?  What are your grateful for?  And what did you snack on recently?

Cinnamon Cacao Almond Milk

On our way back from Trader Joe's in the Buffalo area on Saturday - we decided to swing my our closest Wegman's Store because I had a gift card that I received for Christmas.  I wanted to buy a few things that I normally wouldn't buy or things that I found at a good price.  It was pretty picked over because of the holidays.  I had a few coupons I had for FREE items, too, but was unable to locate anything on the shelves for those companies.  I will try again later.  One of the things I did purchase with my gift card was a fairly large amount of Organic Cacao Powder for just $7.99.    Last night I put a little bit of that powder to work!  I made this Cinnamon Cacao Almond Milk - a vegan version of Holiday Chocolate Milk - I guess!  It turned out way better than I anticipated!  I was very pleased with this attempt!  I will be making this again for sure!  It's tasty HOT or COLD.  Here's the recipe for this drink:

2 C Almond Milk
1 T Cacao Powder
2 T Cinnamon Flavored Agave Syrup (from Wholesome Sweeteners)
1 tea Yerba Mate Energizer Perfect Food (from Garden of Life)
Sprinkle Organic Cinnamon Powder on top

I used two of my favorite products in this!  - from Garden of Life - as well as Wholesome Sweeteners!  I've blogged about GoL MANY times before and I am sure I will often in the future, too!  This specific product from them is full of energy and goodness!

Perfect Food RAW Energizer is power-packed with naturally occurring chlorophyll, beta carotene, B vitamins, minerals, protein and amino acids from RAW organic USA grown grass juices, dark green juices like spinach, parsley and kale, protein-rich sprouts  and juiced-up super antioxidant fruits like RAW organic blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and Indian Amla Berries.

For the Cinnamon Flavored Agave -  well, it's VERY special, too!  They have 4 flavors and I'm liking each one of them!  As for this Cinnamon flavor, specifically...

 

Ingredients
Organic Raw Blue Agave, Organic Cinnamon Flavor

Directions
Cooking tips: When replacing sugar with Blue Agave in a recipe, use a 75% measure of Agave nectar for every full measure of sugar. Adjust for taste. Reduce other liquids in a recipe by about 1/3. Bake foods “lower and slower”—reduce the oven’s temperature

---

Product Description

Cinnamon’s spicy warmth, with a sweet, mild fragrance blended perfectly with Organic Raw Blue Agave. Excellent in coffee, waffles, toast and gingerbread.

Marinated Cucumber Tomato Hemp Seed Salad, Butternut Squash Lentil Walnut Kale Curry, Today's Lunch!

TGIF!  What am I eating today!?  Well, here's a peak!

From top left - Butternut Squash, Lentil, and Kale Curry (Recipe Below), on the side - Cucumber, Tomato, and Hemp Seed/Hemp Heart Marinated Salad (Recipe Below), at bottom - store brought dried crisp "snapeas"...I found at a random store that aren't too bad but I will be dehydrating some of my own in the near future.

I used a Cucumber and a half and a Large Tomato for this.  After I cut them...I added the following...

3 T Red Wine Vinegar
2 T (or less) of Wholesome Sweeteners' Organic Sugar
1 to 2 T Hemp Seeds/Hemp Hearts (Manitoba Harvest)

I marinated it overnight in the frig.  It's very flavorful and yummy!  Since I haven't gotten cut with the decor in the Bento Boxes I'm hoping the colors of Red & Green will qualify for this week's Christmas Theme?

For the Butternut Squash, Lentil, Walnut, Kale Curry
I did the following...

1-pound of Butternut Squash
1 C Kale
1 Shallot
Splash of Grapeseed Oil (Wildtree Basil Pesto Flavor)
2 tea Curry Powder
1/2 C Walnuts
2 T Cilantro
Lime Juice to Taste

Participating in: Pin Me #64, Bento For Kidlet's Meatless Monday, Freedom Fridays, Bento Blog Network #116, Leftovers On Fridays, 

Mason Jar Make Over - Part 2 - a Look at My Pantry!

Last year (or more) I posted a lengthy post about me totally re-doing my cabinets and cupboards with 90% Mason Jars...well...it's still that way but even more so.  So much so that I think I finally need to get some more Mason Jars!  This past weekend I took quite a bit of time to reorganize them and make them more tidy.  I'm not the most organized person BUT I have TRIED my best when it comes to my Pantry this past year.  This first photo is taking a look at my Spice Cupboard.  It goes about 4 to 5 rows deep and takes up a whole side.  I have a small spice spinner underneath this cupboard as well.  I usually buy in bulk and reuse old containers.  So when you see some of those old McCormick containers and off-brands most likely I have reused those time and time again.  Some of the clear glass containers that you see (with Cumin in it and Ginger Powder, for example) are from the same place I get my bulk spices from.  The local store I buy bulk from gets most of their items from Frontier Co-Op.

Here's another cupboard that I worked on over the weekend.  On the top row you can see some Spaghetti O looking dry pasta noodles, next is my vegan bread crumbs, Barley, then some Farro, and some Quinoa, and then Black Bean Noodles.  On the middle shelf are a lot of my sprouting seeds.  On the bottom one you can see most of my Wildtree Collection, some more sprouting items, some dry soup mixes, and Potato Flakes.

As you can see most everything is in Mason Jars.  When I was getting low I ended up using some old hard plastic ones I had not used in a while like when you see the one marked Quinoa, for example.

Here is a look at the section I have for some of my alternative flours and sweeteners.  These go about 3 deep so you can't really see everything but when you are standing in front of it it's easy to look at everything there.  What you can see on the top row is Bob's Red Mill's Gluten Free All Purpose Flour, Garden of Life Flax Seed with Fruit & Anti-Oxidants, more Flax Seeds, Arrowroot, a Granola from Bob's Red Mills, and what you can't see in the back are various alternative flours such as Soy, Garbanzo Bean, Spelt, etc.  On the bottom row you can see some of my alternative sweeteners - mostly from Wholesome Sweeteners.  Coconut Palm Sugar, Raw Cane Sugar, Sucanat, etc.  Behind that I have others such as Coconut Crystals from Coconut Secret and a few other things.

For this self you will see some of my husband's items that are not vegetarian/vegan but most of it is.  On the top row he has his sugar - regular/standard sugar, there are some raw honey's, Liquid Smoke, Steel Cut Oats, and overstock of flours.  On the middle row you can see Coconut Flour, my NuNaturals Stevia Collection, Bragg's including Nutritional Yeast and Liquid Aminos, followed by Chia Seeds, and Wholesome Sweeteners ZERO.  On the bottom shelf you can see our canned goods.  Most of which are from Aldi.  Yes...you can eye some Tuna which is NOT mine (I don't eat it) that's my husband's!  There are some canned beans and veggies but recently I found some fruit toppings and fillers from a discount store that happen to be vegan so I bought them and might play with those soon!

And FINALLY...the last section...mostly on the top shelf you can see our Coffee and Tea Cups along with some pills for hubby and the pets.  But...underneath that you will see some Pink Sea Salt which will last me a LIFE TIME as I hardly ever use salt but it was on sale a long time again and I bought it.  Next and in the back are various rices...standard, white rice, brown rice, long rice, multi-grain, black rice, purple rice, forbidden rice, Jasmine Rice...you name it!  You may even spot some Millet, Couscous, Polenta, Red lentils, Amaranth, grits, etc.

So that's a look at my updated pantry, cupboards, and cabinets!  I was going to include my Bento Box for today along with a recipe or two but I will put that in a separate post!  Questions of the Day...what do you see that are your favorites?  What haven't you tried!?  I'd love to hear!

Super Sweet Avocado Treat!

I have about 7 things I COULD post today...but...I will only post this one and the one I already post below so keep scrolling!  I am preparing many more posts in the coming days and weeks!  Yes!  I have been BUSY!  But I'm also having a lot of FUN keeping busy!

If you didn't notice the title of this one you were probably wondering what the heck this green blob is, eh!?  Well, it's a Super Sweet Avocado Treat!  This is the stand alone version of this and I will be combining it with other ingredients for an upcoming post for a dessert.

You could probably call this a mousse or a pudding or a custard, I suppose.  Here is what is IN it, tho...

2 Avocados
1/4 C Coconut Oil
2 T Cacao Powder (I grinder it myself in a mini coffee grinder I use as a spice grinder)
2 T Maca Powder (from Foods Alive)
1 T Vanilla Flavored Agave Syrup (from Wholesome Sweeteners)
2 T Coconut Nectar (from Coconut Secret)
1/2 Scoop GoL Raw Perfect Food (Regular Flavor)

All in my Ninja!  It was SO SO SO Sweet and So flavorful.  It's VERY rich.  This will last me a while...I only ate a few tablespoons because it was so sweet.  But it fulfilled my sweet tooth last night that is for sure!

Most likely over the weekend I will be posting a 2nd recipe using this Avocado as the "body" of my dessert!  So stay tuned!

Fruit Seed & Nut Protein Balls

I have 3 posts today so please scroll down!  Some really exciting items and tasty items!  If you continue reading you will see I got my Christmas Gift early yesterday and I jumped right in and made something with it last night!  These little Protein Balls...they are heavy on the nuts and seeds as well as fruit!  This first photo is prior to dehydrating - taking a look-see on the sheets.

And this photo is from early this morning when I took them out of the dehydrator!  I had 3 of them for Breakfast!  They were yummy.

This is what I put in them:

1/2 Banana
1/3 C Sunflower Seeds
1/3 C Pecans
1/3 C Almonds
1/3 C Cranberries
2 Dates
1/3 C Hemp Seeds
6 Strawberries
1/2 Scoop of GoL Raw Perfect Food - Regular Flavor
2 T Strawberry Flavored Agave from Wholesome Sweeteners
1/3 C Flaxseed with Fruit from GoL

I would rally like to try some crackers and bread really soon!  I'm also determined to create a Pesto Sauce using one of the GoL Powders as well...perhaps their Wheatgrass. 

Vegan MoFo ~ Chai & Chia ~ And Letting Go of Toxic Surroundings and People

 TGIF...and I don't mean Toes Go In First!

It was another busy week!  Eventho it was BUSY I felt really good about myself, how things went, the things I got accomplished, my surroundings, and the people I had around me. 

By nature - I'm a worry wart - I'm a nervous person.  I sometimes have a hard time letting emotions go.  Sometimes they get the 'best of me' which as you know means 'the worst'.  I tend to let things pile up and up and up and then eventually let everything go all at the same time - usually in the form of a "stress out situation'. 

Part of what I have been TRYING to do the last several weeks is to distance myself from situations like this.  And people like this.  This has done WONDERS for my overall well-being.  I don't mean to sound bitchy about that but it's TRUE...some people are just toxic.  BUT...if you know me or the purpose of this blog at all you will know that my goal is to keep things positive here at MY Blissful Journey so I will not get into any negative specifics about that because there is no real reason to dwell on the past - just improve your future, you know!?  So...I am happy to say things are certainly moving in that direction and for that I am grateful!

As for these first few photos, here...

The first one is of a Chai Latte I made using Almond Milk earlier this week!  I used some of the Chai I got from Chico Chai and added Almond Milk and on top sprinkled organic Cinnamon Powder.  Altho...this chai is pretty spicy by itself so it wasn't really needed I just thought it was a nice touch and addition for the photo.

In this 2nd picture I decided to try a Chia Pudding.  I used Chia Seeds soaked in Almond Milk and added some of Sun Warrior's Vanilla flavored protein Powder with a little bit of Wholesome Sweeteners Strawberry Flavored Agave Syrup.  It was quite good.  I'm going to tinker with this a bit, tho, as I think I would like the pudding to be thicker.  The sweetness level is pretty strong as it is regardless.

Now that I think of it I hope to do some Chai Latte's with some of the Sun Warrior Protein Powders in them in the near future.  I think they will make a nice addition.  Especially the Vanilla Flavor and the Chocolate Flavor.

The exact recipe for this Chia Strawberry Vanilla Pudding is...

3 T Chia Seeds (Dry)
1 C Almond Milk
2 T Sun Warrior Vanilla Flavored Protein Powder
2 T Wholesome Sweeteners Strawberry Agave Syrup (you can also use Agave and Strawberries instead)

I did all of this in my Ninja Blender.  It turned out really good, very sweet, and tasty!  I could taste both the Vanilla from the powder as well as the Strawberry from the Agave Syrup.

Carrie Underwood Concert, Furkids, Peanut Curry Dressing, Maple Agave Syrup, Brussell Sprouts, Catching Up!

Happy Monday!  I hope you all had a nice Easter!  A Nice Weekend!  I really hope SPRING is coming soon!  In my last post I told you I had some surprises!  Well, I wanted to post them on Thursday or Friday of last week but life got in the way!  So...today I have LOTS and LOTS to share!

First...

I went to the Carrie Underwood Concert in Buffalo, NY last week!  My Mother, Father, and I met up with my mom's brother - My Uncle Bob and the four of us went!  It was REALLY fun!  The main reason I wanted to go was to spend to spend some time with my parents - even if it was just a day!  My Father absolutely LOVES Carrie Underwood!  I can't say I am her biggest fan but I thought she put on an AWESOME show!  The concert was at the First Niagara Center where the Buffalo Sabres play!  Many of you know I LOVE Hockey!  Plus, she's married to a Hockey Player so that is cool!  And even COOLER - she's a vegetarian!  I believe she even made the move to vegan!  I notice the little things like one of her back drops was of a 'burger joint' but it said VEGGIE BURGERS instead of HAMBURGERS.

Hunter Hayes opened for her and he was great, too!

The stage show was awesome!  As you can see in these few photos they did an acoustic set on a mini floating stage!  It traveled about 75% of the Arena's Length or so.

She had about 4 or 5 Wardrobe Changes throughout the concert but there was NO down time!  I was pretty impressed with the ZOOM on my camera!  We were all the way on the other end of the Arena in a box!

Here's a shot from our seats!  I've never seen that many people in this place before!  It was really neat!  There were movable screens that showed video and different animated back drops thru out the show - they also moved side to side and back and forth and in and out as well!

It was especially nifty when they showed the tornado from her latest video - it was like the twister was coming at you!

Then the Tornado 'disappeared' and the re-appeared and came up thru the floor behind Carrie while she was singing!  It was a nice time and very memorable!

In other news...

I have found some more products that I will be sharing with you in the coming weeks!  Here is a photo of one of them!  I haven't tried it yet as I went 'easy' on my teeth and gums last week.  Apparently my wisdom teeth wanted to shift on me and cause a problem.

Knock on wood...I think I have it under control...for now...it TRIED to get infected but I fought it with salt water, lemon juice, garlic, etc...not necessarily in that order or together! HAHA!

Thursday Night I made some Peanut Curry Dressing that turned out pretty good!

I used...

1/3 C Peanut Butter
1/4 C Tahini
1 T Minced Garlic
1/4 of a Sweet Onion
4 T Lemon Juice
3 Dates
1/4 C Almond Milk
2 tea Curry Powder
Water for consistency


I was happy with the amount of Dressing this made!  It made a little more than a small (pint) Mason Jar!

Another thing I tinkered with over the weekend was Wegman's Vegan Gluten Free Waffles!  They were the Blueberry Flavor and they were DANDY!  I also tried for the first time - The Wholesome Sweeteners Maple Agave Syrup - I will be doing a full review on that soon but first impressions on the product were positive that is for sure!


Paco had a 'good weekend'.  He had some great play time but also had some nice relaxing time, too!

One scary thing that happened with the kids over the weekend was with Riley!

You know how when dogs yawn they curl their tongue?  Well, Riley did that last night and I looked over and saw 'grey' under his tongue.  Riley is a BIG baby and scared-E-cat so he doesn't let me really look at his teeth (or trim his nails or give him meds or even let me brush him!)  At first I thought it was a HUGE thing of plaque so I called the vet first thing this morning.  We have an appointment tomorrow morning!  They think that much plaque is in a really weird place and asked me if it was a tumor.  I told them I honestly couldn't tell!  He wouldn't let me see it good enough.  So now I am worried about that - so PLEASE - keep him in your thoughts that it is teeth and I can just get them cleaned and nothing more.

I know I shouldn't follow that story up with FOOD but I am going to!

Last night I wanted some Simple Foods.  So I did just that!  I did Brussel Sprouts in a little bit of Garlic Grapeseed Oil and sprinkled in some Wildtree California Garlic Pepper.  They were AWESOME!  So simple...so easy...so tender...so flavorful!

As you can see I got some new plates!  Woot!  Yes!  I found some really awesome deals this weekend!  I found these plates at the Dollar Tree!  I ended up getting 5 different ones!  I also got 5 bowls that matched the individual plates - mostly for blogging and picture taking purposes so you don't have to look at the same 2 or 3 plates I have been posting!  Another great deal I found was a set of 15 (or 17) Paula Deen Pots/Pans, etc.  AND...I found a $400 Dyson Vacuum Cleaner at Sam's Club for just $149.  YEAH!!!

I have lots more to post but this entry is probably pretty long as it is so I will save some for tomorrow and the next day!  Thanks for stopping by!  Can you relate to anything from this post?  Let me know about it in comments!  Thanks!

Pea Sprouts, Tomato Paste into Sauce, Mexican Rice, Fearless Chocolate GIVEAWAY!

In order to comprehend things - I often have to do them MYSELF.  People can 'tell' me how to do something but if I don't actually do it myself I won't usually comprehend the information.  This goes for most things in life for me but many of which you will see here on my site are food related or "earthy".  I do like sprouting and the more I do it the more I enjoy it!  I just finished up sprouting a small amount of Pea Sprouts!  The last time around I was less than impressed with the outcome.  But THIS TIME I was super excited!  Look at these BABIES!  Aren't they awesome!?  I used the Green Sprouting Kit from Sustainable Santa Cruz once again!  I do LOVE this kit!  As of last night I started soaking a little bit of their Spicy Blend.  The Sprouting seeds were among the smallest I have ever tried sprouting so I am very eager to see how they progress!

Last night I made Mexican Rice for (Vegan) Mexican Foods Week here on MyBlissfulJourney.com and I really thought I had Tomato Sauce but I was mistaking!  So I had to make my own!  Here is what I did:

1 6-ounce can of Tomato Paste
1 and a half cans of water
1 tea of Wholesome Sweeteners Raw Cane Sugar

It turned out wonderful!  I was so happy!

So...with that...I used the following to make my Mexican Rice!

8 ounces of the Tomato Sauce (mentioned above)
2 T Grapeseed Oil
2/3 C White Rice
1/4 of an Onion
2 tea Minced Garlic
1 C Water
2 tea Wildtree Veggie Bouillon
1/2 C Corn with Green Chili's (or any mixed veggies)

This turned out SO YUMMY!  I was VERY pleased with this!  It was quick, easy, flavorful, fun, and I would totally make it again...just next time...I would make more of it!

As far as physical things are concerned I have found I must now wear my sneakers with my insoles at all times.  For about a month - in the evenings - I would switch to Crocs with 'less expensive' inserts but I don't think I can do that anymore.  I think I have to wear my sneakers with my Dr. Scholls Custom Fits at all times.  I was told because of my High Arches and High Pressure to NOT walk around barefoot anymore so I haven't been.  On the upside - my eyes are looking BLUER and I've been told that I look like I have lost more weight even tho I don't think I have.  We are looking at changing cars and I had to hand over my drivers license and noticed how hubby my face was in the photo.  It's nice to know that I can even notice that change.  I did have a quick break-out last week but that is done and over with so that is good.  My digestion is still wonderful and I couldn't be more happy about that (my digestion issues, that is).

To celebrate this wonderful Thursday I want to go another giveaway!  But first I want to tell you about the product!  It's from Fearless Chocolate and it's their 70% Cacao Super Seeds Crunch.

You might remember my last review and giveaway from Fearless Chocolate!

I LOVE that FEARLESS CHOCOLATE bars are shaped with a "bite" representing the portion of our proceeds that they donate to Champion ChangeMakers suggested by their customers!

As for their Super Seeds Crunch option in their product line - I found it to be quite impressive!  It tasted like dark chocolate with a hint of cherry, perhaps!  I absolutely LOVE the 'crackle and crunch' the seeds provide in this!  There is also a "barely-there' salt flavor from the sunflower seeds that I think is neat, too!  The Flax, Chia, and Hemp Combo gives you that powerhouse round house kick to get you thru a busy after noon!  It's a pretty marvelous product!

Do you want to WIN one of these?  Here's what you do to qualify (US Mailing addresses only)

* Follow My Blog
* Leave Me a Comment

* Follow Fearless Chocolate on Twitter: www.twitter.com/BeingFearless

* Like Fearless Chocolate on Facebook  www.facebook.com/FearlessChocolate

* And Follow then on Instagram @FearlessChocolate

 

I will choose 1 lucky winner on MONDAY!!!

 

Rice is Nice, Naturally Sweet, and Never Any Meat!

This week was Irish Foods Week on my blog and I didn't do as many as I usually do...I have been doing about 3 dishes a week!  I do have one for you today, but I might try and do one more LATE this weekend!  I will have several posts today!  It's been a busy week and I have to do some catch-up!  First...I have a recipe or at least an idea starter for you.  I don't have a picture of it tho!  So sorry!

Many of you know I love to mess around with Rice Dishes.  And if I see a type of rice I do NOT have in my pantry I can't help but grab it!  Oddly - I'm running a little low on rices at the moment!  I will have to go find some more and SOON!

As for this Rice Dish, today, I wanted to try and incorporate some Irish Inspired Flavors with it, too!  After doing some research on "Irish Rice" I found something called Irish "Dummy" Rice...Well, I don't think that's very nice!  So, I'm going to put MY spin on it...here we go...

Irish "Nice" Rice

2 T Earth Balance
1 Small Onion
1 C Mushrooms
1 C Cooked Brown Rice
2 T Parsley

Basically I cooked the rice - by itself - and 'browned' the other ingredients in a different pan.  I combined them, added the Parsley, simmered for a while.  You could add water or veggie broth to it while simmering if you wish.You could also use your choice of oil instead of Earth Balance or another way is to add more Onion and water instead of oil - just keep an eye on it a bit closer so it doesn't stick or burn.  Most Onions will give you not only a good flavor but the natural juices to help 'cook' it.

In other news I got a few things in the mail yesterday!  I'm SO excited!  I received my VeganEssentials Order and also got a HUGE box from Wholesome Sweeteners!  I will be doing MANY reviews on these products as well as a Wholesome Sweeteners Giveaway SOON.

Speaking of Giveaways...

I will have a GIVEAWAY for the VeganDelish iPad/iPhone App VERY SOON!  If not today - tomorrow!  I will be doing a review as well as a couple of giveaways!  Courtesy of the creator who is Carrie from CarrieOnVegan.com.  LOVE this App!  LOVE IT!

AND...speaking of reviews...I have one for you right now, too!  This post I would like to chat about Raw Revolution's Golden Cashew Bar!

Product Description on their website:

Organic Cashews, Organic Dates, Organic Sunflower Seed Kernels, Organic Agave Nectar, Organic Almonds, Organic Sprouted Flax Seed. CONTAINS TREE NUTS. PEANUT-FREE
NUTRITION FACTS:Serving Size 1 bar 1.8oz (51g) Amount Per Serving: Calories 230, Calories from fat 130, Total Fat 14g (22%DV), Saturated Fat 2g (10%DV), Trans Fat 0g (0%DV), Cholesterol 0mg (0%DV), Sodium 0mg (0%DV), Total Carbohydrates 23g (8%DV), Dietary Fiber 3g (13%DV), Sugars 15g, Protein 7g, Vitamin A 2%, Vitamin C 6%, Calcium 6%, Iron 15%, DV=% Daily Value.

I think the Golden Cashew Bar from Raw Revolution is absolutely WONDERFUL!  It's sweet and nutty - thanks to the Cashews, Dates, and Almonds - and it projects that terrific flavor right upfront - as soon as you bite into it!  The Nuts and Seeds provide a nice crunch, too!  Of course the Agave and Dates contribute to the overall sweetness, as well!  I really LOVE that this is full of Protein, Calcium, Vitamins A & C, Fiber, and Iron.  It's full of GOODNESS thru and thru!  A glorious delight, indeed!

Check back for many more posts!  Today, Tomorrow, thru the weekend - I'll be around!  Comments ALWAYS welcome!