Dips, Diddies, Coins, & Vision Boards

Silly me!  I didn't write these recipes down!  Oops!  But you will get to see some of what I have been eating as of late. 

First up is this little diddy.  It's Brown Rice, Chickpeas, Tomatoes, and Seasonings that I made last week.  It was tasty.  I literally just threw it together!

It's been a week or a few weeks of craziness and I just jotting down my recipes totally slipped my mind!

Yup!  There were various dips, too!  Like this one!  I can't recall everything I put in it but I'm sure it was Cashews, Red Bell Pepper, Smoked Paprika, and probably Lemon Juice at the very least.

I really thought I was going to make at least a couple of soups because it has been so cold this week but I didn't have time.  As I type this it's -2F actual and wind chills in the area made it feel like -25 to -30F.  YIKES!

Here's another dip I make last weekend.  I used the last little bit of vegan mayo I had in the frig, garlic, smoked paprika, lemon juice, a handful of cashews - were probably involved - and most likely some black sea salt - but just a pinch.

What dips have you been trying lately?

I told you I was going to start doing monthly Vision Boards.  Here is my first one and it's a mish mash of things but then again I think that what Vision Boards are mostly.  Things you want to do - things to inspire you - things you want to remember - and things you want to work towards!

This month...Start Each Day With A Grateful Heart was the re-used calendar visual I grabbed from my old 2017 calendar in my office.  Instead of throwing old calendars away I re-use them as other art in some way, shape, or form.  I added a lot of peace, love, laughter type things, too!  Also time to play, do yoga, smile, socialize, etc.

While cleaning last weekend this was one of the many  past projects I found so I thought I would rehang it on the wall. 

As you may have noticed I reuse clothes hangers to hang artwork.

I have also been experimenting with my old alcohol inks again.  I hope to post some of those projects down the road, too!

I was able to reach a mini goal of setting aside a space for my yoga again but I have yet to actually do it.  Perhaps this coming week I will be able to check that off my list, finally.

Things seem to be coming along with my mini-goals.

Another mini-goal for next week is to get to the post office and mail more coin swaps!

I'm having fun with the site I found and have already doubled my collection in 2 weeks.  There is a local shop I have found a lot of them for cheap and I got my firs swap in today, actually! 

I currently have coins from 61 countries!  YAY!

Dill Pickle Cashews, Chloe's Vegan Italian Kitchen, & FotoJet

Lengthy Post Alert!  LOTS to cover today!  First...a new snack I have been enjoying...Dill Pickle Cashews!  This isn't the exact bag I am eating from but you'll get the visual idea!  Many of you know I LOVE cashews and I can't get enough of Dill these days so it was the perfect duo.

I found them on Jet.com at a good price while doing some Christmas Shopping last week and HAD to grab them.  I also bought a pound of raw cashews, too!  Again, the price was right!  Cheaper than I could find them locally, that is.  I also found a few other little things for snacks and lunches I will share with you down the road!

Another book DH bought me this past weekend was Chloe's Vegan Italian Kitchen.  This is the first of Chloe's books I have added to my collection so far.  I have a feeling I will be adding others to my wishlist for down the road!  Sure there are your stereotypical vegan pasta recipes in there but she puts her own twist on them but she doesn't stop there!  Recipes that I wouldn't have considered to be Vegan Italian were throughout the book as well.  I was going to list a few of the recipes I was interested in but the list ended up being too long so once I jump in I will let you know which ones I do end up doing! 

Next up and LONG OVERDUE is my chattering about a free online graphic design site called FotoJet.com.  There are elements of it that are similar to other sites but it seems to offer much more in the terms of fonts and templates!  When I saw this first one I knew I had to make something with it because I've always adored the LOVE BUS!

In most browsers, you can click on these photos to enlarge them from my site.  This one says MyBlissfulJourney - Family - Food - Fiats - Friends - More!  I haven't quite figured out a way to resize EASILY for the header but I knew I loved the look especially because of the teacup on the upper left.  Plus it looked like a neat workstation and place to think.

I could see me using this a lot for blogging graphics!  I see it as a place for inspiration but also for organizing things on my blog at some point.  I have a lot of Projects in the Works so I thought a simple graphic like this would come in handy.

And speaking of inspiration...check this Daily Yoga Graphic out!  Something I surely need to get my rear in gear and do more daily yoga!  I've always thought of this blog as not only an archive but a way to be accountable and I really need to get back into Yoga!  This might help!  With FotoJet you can edit photos, make collages, and much more!

Just to mess around with the site I used some of the photos I have taken in the past and went with the Comic Book feature and made this!  Some of the other things you can do with FotoJet is make Magazine Covers, Posters, Invitations, Cards, Facebook Covers, YouTube Channel Art, Facebook & Instagram Posts, Google+ Covers, Twitter, Tumbler, & Email Headers, Thumbnails, Pinterest Graphics, and more! 

It's a great Marketing Tool, too!  You can create Logos, Flyers, Business Cards, Leaderboards, and Facebook Ads...just to name a few!

Gosh!  I still have so much to share from the weekend!  I will really try and post another blog entry later tonight!  In the meantime...which features do you like from FotoJet.com?  Let me know!

My Blissful Journey ~ Sleep & Meditation

I've been blogging here and there about my experiments with music and sleep.  It seems to be working.  In a round about way I had been pairing that with my own form of meditation.  I, for one, believe there is not a right or a wrong way to meditate.  I think it can be any form of prayer, it can be deep breathing, it can be yoga, it can be reading something positive and bright, it can be a walk in the woods or on the beach, it can be listening to music, or just that zone you get in before you fall asleep.

It took me a while to accept that.  I thought for years that I wasn't meditating correctly.  But that is like saying that someone isn't 'christian enough' or 'female enough' or 'pretty enough'.  Who are the meditation police?  We can't let anyone tell us we are doing something wrong if its improving our lives, right?

As for me - and what I have been doing LATELY - based on the first chart in this post is - for my ENVIRONMENT is my living room.  I actually sleep on my sofa.  I have for years.  I know it's not the best for my Sciatica, sleep, or back, but the dogs will not have it any other way.  That AND - DH goes to work at 4am. I rather get what sleep I can that be up and down and up and down every hour.  BUT ANYWAYS...my environment is my living room with low light and meditative beats on my iPad from YouTube.  I usually have Riley sleeping by my feet, Cricket sleeping on my lap or in the boat of my legs, and Paco sleeping above my head.  I know...it doesn't sound real comfortable but I finally have a system and so do they! LOL - Then for the 'set the intention' part - my intention is to get to sleep, stay asleep, and feel refreshed when I sleep.  I try and focus on healing any aches and pains I have, too.  For posture - I lay flat on my back - most of the time with my arms to the side and slightly above my head.  Sometimes under the blanket because I like to be warm at all times - or tucked under my pillow.  And as for Posture - I think a photo will explain it better but I've been sleeping in the Reclining Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana).

So before when I was saying that Cricket usually sleeps on my lap or in the 'boat' by 'boat' I mean inside my leg area.  These sleeping choices could not be further from what I have been doing my ENTIRE LIFE.  Prior to this experiment I was sleeping in a ball - was a side sleeper - and had to have blankets over my ears - no matter how warm the weather was - and my arms hugging something - usually a pillow.

I have noticed that this has been helping my Sciatica on many days.  I have gotten used to sleeping this way - the thing that seemed to seal the deal was pairing all of this with Binaural Beats and Meditative Music!

Obstacles & Progress

Just a quick update today...

So it looks like this is my set intake on superfoods and supplements over the last going on 2 weeks...

1 B-Complex Tab, 1 or 2 squirts of B-12, 1 or 2 squirts of D3, 2 tabs of Chlorella (M-F) and on weekends 2 tabs of Spirulina.  I've cut way back on caffeine intake.  Instead of 8 or more cups worth a day I'm down to 1 cup.  Others are low or no caff or herbal or rooibos or honeybush based.  I have been trying to add Turmeric to my foods at least once a day.

I'm going to try and incorporate the dreaded bananas once again.  REALLY trying to force myself this time.I'm trying to walk more and force myself to do more stairs in daily life.

Undergarments are still a challenge.  1 out of 3 seem to be ok.  The other two are better than what I had - I suppose.

I need to bump up my mini goals and be smarter and stick to meditation and yoga more.  I need to work on my anxiety and fears still.  I guess that's an on going process for any or many of us.

Sleeping situation is still questionable.  I've been able to adjust the way I sleep, however, which I think has been helping so far.  Actually I think most of what I am doing is helping.  I just have to kick it up a notch and continue, I think!

Progress in other areas...

I tackled my kitchen yesterday...that took a while but it's coming along.  I battled the recycling that was ready-to-go but out of hand.  I wish they collected every week instead of every other week.

I was able to relax a bit.  We took a trip down memory lane and watch movies like Titanic and E.T. the last few days!

What have you been up to?

Life Updates, Vegan Snacks, Outdoorsy Weekend Recap

Over the past couple of months I have been attending various meetings and events involving my local branch of The League of Women Voters.  I have decided to become a member.  There are many topics that I am interested in learning more about.  Since I have decided to keep this blog mostly political-free and believe me when I tell you that is a REAL challenge - I will continue to NOT preach my politics here on this blog - but I do have other places to vent - thankfully.  I just wanted to update you on a few things I have been involved in over the past couple of months.

I have also been very involved with a newly formed group called Impacting Poverty.  We have a few things in the works including a poverty simulation in the fall which I will be participating in.

2016 marks DH's 7th year on the county fair board.  One of his major committees is the Entertainment Committee and I have helped out as much as I have been able since he started.  We are working on many things for this years fair which is in August.  This year the entertainment acts include: Colin Raye, Home Free, and Little Texas.  I will be posting more about Home Free VERY soon because the more I watch and listen to them the more I REALLY love them!

My parents recently attended a CANDY SHOW in Chicago and brought back some VEGAN TREATS for me!  I will say so far one of my FAVORITE new-to-me companies is Bobo's Oat Bars!  Here is the first one I tried and I really liked it!

I also nibbled on this flavor a day or two afterwards!  What I liked about this flavor is that the chocolate wasn't overpowering yet still part of the overall flavor!  I have a few more flavors I will be sharing with you down the road so be on the lookout!  I appreciate the fact that the company is active on Instagram and have liked and commented on my posts!

I thought this was certainly worth a mention, too!  A White Cheddar Flavor Skinny Pop Popcorn that is VEGAN!  I enjoyed it very much!  It was gently flavored and memorable!

This past weekend my parents and I attended a Women In The Outdoors Event at Chapman State Park and it was a wonderful day!  This is the 3rd year we have attended as a vendor with our Wildtree Products!  This is one of the MANY pics I took from one of the classes that took place!  Faerie Houses!

They had Essential Oil classes, too!  There were some classes that I had no interest in whatsoever that were not veg-friendly, per say, but in the area I live in I am used to it and skip over them.

They had outdoor Yoga, too!

And right next to us was a guy who was doing classes on Recycling For The Birds.  He would take plastic coffee tubs or other plastic bottles and make bird feeders out of them!  VERY COOL!  I think he did at least 4 classes and all of them were well attended!

IT'S MIDWEEK MUNCHIES TIME!!!
But I don't have an official linky this week so if you participate just let me know in comments!
To see an example of a past MWM (Midweek Munchies) take a look at my top sidebar!

Focusing On Pain

Make it stop!

I really did a number on myself!

So if you have followed my blog for more than a year you may remember that I have struggled with Sciatica.  I'm thankful that I have never needed surgery or even taken medication for it.  But it's back.  I'm not sure if it was something that I did or if it's just the time of the year and it getting colder, etc.  But I have been really feeling it again since Thanksgiving Day.  I'm hoping I can do things myself and at home so I don't have to visit the Chiropractor.

2nd issue I have been having the last few months is a sore thumb.  I know that sounds petty.  The last week or so it has looked crooked by the knuckle by the nail.  I don't know if I broke it or if it's arthritis but either way I'm not happy.  I've always been double jointed and very much so in that thumb.  My mom and her mom have and had horrible arthritis so I'm nervous about this.  

And the third strike came today while at work when I whacked my knee on my desk.  This isn't unusual.  I tend to do this every other week it seems BUT this was hardcore.  So much so that it brought me to my knees and tears to my eyes.

I need to do something about this so here is my plan...

YOGA.

I know that I am back and forth on YOGA but I have to be more consistent with it.  Even if I have to bring my mat to work and do it in the bathroom I am going to do it more.

Green Smoothies.

Again something I struggle with being consistent at.  I mean, REALLY, how hard is it?  It's NOT...it's just me making excuses for NOT waking up earlier enough and not having enough fresh produce...which is similar to my 'thing' with Juicing.  I seriously NEED to focus on this.

Herbs & Essential Oils

These are something I have been digging deeper and deeper into as of late and I need to step it up a notch NOW!  When it comes to pain the following are things I am going to do to combat it whether it's herbs and/or essential oils...Aloe Vera, Boswellia, Cat's Claw, Eucalyptus, Ginger, Green Tea, Thunder God Vine, Turmeric, and Willow Bark.  Of those I have already done a few of them often.  I will be bumping that up more tho.  One of those that I am not familiar with is the Thunder God Vine and will be doing more research on it very soon.

Speaking of my own personal research and development...I have been looking into many other things that I will be sharing with you very soon!

What do you do for pain management at home?

Yoga Vibes

YEARS ago when I first stared this blog I had to go with a name because the one I wanted was already taken.  When that happened I wanted to use this blog to be more accountable to myself with my yoga practice.  I have never nor will I ever claim to be a yoga expert.  I just do it to do it.  I do it for me.  I need to get back into it.  I've said that often over the past couple of years.  Perhaps this will make me more accountable but as you can see my blog has grown and is much more than yoga.  Yoga has very little to do with this blog any more and I would like to change that.  I will start incorporating more yoga related posts but will certainly keep my vegan based recipes as the core.

Having said that I recently came across Yoga Vibes and their FREE Video Section on their website.  I'm exciting to start in with some of these.  I know it sounds weird but I will also start doing more yoga during the work day.  I found THIS was a good place to start again.  But I'm considering bringing my mat in, too.  Time will tell if I actually do that.  Question of the day: What are some of your favorite FREE Yoga Sites and Videos?

Past Weekend Adventures, Yogivore, Thrown Together Meals

Slowly but surely I am trying to catch up on blogging!  This post will be a mish-mash of a post but there are two other posts if you scroll down that I wrote earlier today that DO have a method to their madness!

A few weeks ago my husband's brother and his girlfriend, Dale, and I went on a ride.  He recently bought a used Mini Cooper so we drove around a bit in our Abarth.  We ended up in Bradford, PA, one weekend and the next weekend we ended up near Bemus Point, NY.  Neither are too far away from where we live but still a nice day trip!

The first photo is of Dale and myself in front of the Kinzua Dam near where we live.  Believe it or not this was just a few short weeks ago!  There were hardly any leaves on the trees and now the trees are FULL and green and gorgeous!  Mother Nature is funny sometimes!

With how crazy work has been paired with family and extended family health issues I have been throwing a lot of meals together based on when is on hand.  This photo is actually taken at my mother's house.  She doesn't usually stock her pantry very well since it's just the two of them and neither one of my parents are vegetarian.  Plus they haven't been doing much cooking at home lately.  I was able to find some white rice I 'doctored up' with some Wildtree sauce and did some potato/fries on stove top instead of in the oven with a bit of grapeseed oil.  They turned out good and filled my tummy that day!

I don't usually do that - create a plate lacking veggies - but that day it was what was available.  Since then I have been doing much better and I hope to post more of the meals I have been making soon, too!

One thing I will be starting today is my Yogivore Adventures!  For more information on that swing by The Happy Herbivore Blog!

I'm mostly doing this to challenge myself but also break up the day a little bit.  I've been getting into this routine of waking up - going to work - eating - writing - and going to sleep - and I need to switch it up a bit!

Focusing on My Lymphatic System

For the next 3 days - minimum - I will be doing a detox of sorts - while focusing on my Lymphatic System.  

There are a few things that I want to heal with my body and I feel the Lymphatic System is the perfect place to start.  I have 2 confessions to make up front.  ONE - I've never done this before so it's a learning process - so it's rather fitting that I am posting it here on my blog - My Blissful Journey.  And TWO - as much as I try and do things to improve my life and situation - it doesn't mean I don't have bad habits.  To get a little personal here - the older I get the less comfortable I feel about going undergarment-free (if you know what I mean) and I know that is BAD...I really have to change that.  It's suggested that women go at least 12 hours every day without that kind of support.  Because I have felt physically uncomfortable doing so I haven't for quite some time...so one of the things I will be forcing myself to do during this time is wear a camisole when I get home at the end of the day.  This might sound like a 'small thing' but it's going to be a challenge for me.  

Having said that...some of the other things I will be focusing on over the next 3 days (which will probably turn into all of this week) will be hot and cold compresses on problem areas, hot and cold showers, deep breathing, yoga, walking, and natural deodorants.  Some of these things I do on a daily basis such as wear a natural (non-aluminum) deodorant.  I rarely (close to if ever) wear make-up and I don't even use lotion, etc.  If need be I will be using Grapeseed Oil and/or Coconut Oil.  Another thing I will be doing more of this week is Oil Pulling and I tend to do that with Coconut Oil.

Now...on to what I HOPE to consume...of course this is all based on whether or not I can find these items in my area which has been a complete challenge as of late.

Plantains - altho - not RAW - I do have some in my freezer that I intend to bake.

Leafy Greens - you will see me doing a LOT of salads this week - so that means - I will most likely be posting those with my home-made dressings!

Cranberries - I really doubt I can find fresh ones right now but I do have a stash of dried that I have from my shipments from The Raw Food World.

Raw/Soaked Nuts & Seeds

Coconut, Avocado - Again, our fresh coconut situation here is grim so I'm unsure how this will come into play but I have been rather Avocado-Happy, lately!

Echinacea - as well as other herbal tonics and tisanes

Garlic/Ginger/Turmeric - I eat these in some form almost every day but during this time I hope to incorporate them into other ways, too!

Seaweeds, Spirulina, Chorella

Citrus - whole, juice, in dressings - you name it!

Consume more fruit on empty stomach - such as more fruit based mono meals

Cantaloupe - if possible I would like to make some Cantaloupe Juice and/or Milk

Apple Cider Vinegar (mixed with water and possibly garlic, Agave)

LOTS of Water and Water with Lemon!

I will probably be doing some juicing and smoothies this week, too!  At least that is my goal.  One I would like to try was from an old Dan McDonald Video - 2 Apples, handful of Grapes, 1 Lemon, and a chunk of Ginger.

These are just some of this things I would like to work toward this week.  I'm challenging myself with many of them to try and stay consistent but also try and do some healing.  Please drop by with encouragement this week!  I would appreciate it!

Goals, Pili Nut Butter Sauce & Rice, and Blueberry Vanilla Smoothie

Last week I was able to hit up all of my goals but I only did Yoga once.  This week I want to shoot for at least 2 days of Yoga.  Other goals this week include...Dehydrator Creations...at least 2 of them, at least 2 to 3 product reviews on my blogs/sites that I write for, take some fall photos before it's too late, and start something new.  WHAT?  Well, that's yet to be determined...at the very minimum it's at least starting SOMETHING new...ANYTHING! 

I think tonight I need some stress relief.  Perhaps tonight is the night I push myself for some yoga!  I really need to get caught up on some cleaning, too, but maybe I can get a few things going and do Yoga in between!

Dinner last night was flavorful and fun and I hope to do it again soon!  Or some variation of this.  I decided to do some white rice with a creative sauce.  It was a Pili Nut Butter Sauce.  Here is the recipe I threw together...

1/4 C Coconut Aminos
1/4 C Pili Nut Butter
2 T Coconut Vinegar
1 T Hemp Oil
1 T Hot Sauce

This morning I had a simple smoothie...


1 C Almond Milk
1 Scoop GoL's Vanilla Protein
1/2 C Frozen Blueberries
1 T GoL's Flax & Fruit Antioxidant Blend


I loved the color but must say I wasn't very organized with my mason jars so I had to use a leftover glass pickle jar to transport my morning smoothie to work! LOL

Goal Book ~ Page 2

Last week I started a Goal Book using Mixed Media and I reached all 5 of my goals.  This is what this weeks Goals are...but before I elaborate on this weeks goals...here's a short recap on last week...1 was to write at least 5 articles - I at least doubled that!  Another goal was to make at least 1 'World Foods' dish - I did 3 or 4 of them.  Then I wrote 'Start A Vision Board' - I started one but it's in the very beginning stages still.  I wanted to breathe more...more deep breaths...I was able to do that.  Then, finally, I wanted to laugh/smile more...I also did that.  Hubby and I started watching Brooklyn 99 on Hulu+ and it's sooooo funny!  Nice way to unwind at the end of the day.

So on to this week!  #1 on my list is to get back into Yoga.  Any kind of yoga!  I mostly do Kripalu Yoga but am open to others.  I also enjoy Yoga Trance Dance that was made popular by Shiva Rea.  #2 on my list this week is to visit my parents.  This isn't unusual for me - I try and get over to their place once a week or every other week - but - it's still a goal.  #3 is to send at least 3 "Thank You" Emails to people and places that I think are doing 'good things'.  It's so often we hear the complaints and not the GOOD feedback and I want to change that.  #4 is to text at least 3 friends that I haven't chatted with in a while.  I have two in mind as I type this.  Finally - #5 is to concentrate on LARGE salads for dinners most of this week!

Not only did I reach all of my goals last week - I have a good start on the ones for this week - AND - I found myself accomplishing a lot of OTHER things around the house and at work that I didn't include in my Goal Book!  I'm VERY pleased so far with this project!

New Positive Project - The Raw Food World NEWS Site

At the end of last week I mentioned 3 wonderful blog related things that happened to me but wasn't able to talk about the 3rd one until YESTERDAY'S debut of The Raw Food World NEWS Site.  As many of you know I try and keep this blog positive and uplifting so when Matt Monarch was looking for contributors on this new project I crossed my fingers that he would choose me to be among them!  AND HE DID!  I am so excited!  Not only am I blogging for them - I'm an Uplifter.  I've been locating and passing along uplifting videos to be used on the site.  If you know of any positive/uplifting/inspiring stories that might be fitting let me know the link and I will check out!  PLUS...one of my blog posts was featured TODAY 'above the fold' if you will...My Yoga For Sciatica post.

You will find this excerpt from the ABOUT US Section that sums up WHY when asked THIS NEWS SITE...

'Turn on the television or scan the top trending headlines on the Internet and it seems to me that we’re bombarded with a slew of negative information. Scare tactics, sensationalism and belittling comments are often the name of the game for the majority of mainstream and alternative media outlets.
Sure, their ratings may be soaring, but so too are our stress levels. The feeling that goodness in humanity is unraveling at warp speed is commonplace. In the end, all we want is more peace, laughter and encouragement. We want to turn to a source that assures us that everything will be ok.' 

I'm looking forward to this adventure for so many reasons and in so many ways!  I hope you will subscribe to get the daily SMILE in your inbox, too!  Thanks so much for reading and staying positive!

My Very Own RAW WEEK!

I mentioned in a post earlier today that I declared this week RAW WEEK for myself. 

I'm going to try my darnest to do all RAW all WEEK this week! 

Since I woke up between 4 and 4:30am - and woke up pretty well - at that - I decided to start using a new shampoo/conditioner combo - one of the few things I actually add to my body.  (I don't wear make up or much else for that matter - but I do put Shampoo - usually every other day - and conditioner maybe once a week). 

Naturally Speaking...Tomorrow I will start Oil Pulling again.  I use either Coconut Oil OR Grapeseed Oil.  About once a month - if I remember - I will use a 'scrub' that was made by a friend of me - locally - that contains - Coffee, Olive Oil, and Sugar.

As far as food intake is concerned here is what today looks like for me...day 1 of all raw...

2 Large Glasses of Water
1 Large Mason Jar of Green Smoothie (2 C Mango, 1/2 C Papaya, 2 Large Handfuls of Spinach, Water)
2 Apples
2 Mandarins
1 Grapefruit
1 Peach
1/4 of a Large Watermelon
Various teas and herbal tonics
1 Super LARGE Salad - yet to be determined - with homemade Raw Dressing.

All of the fruits you see listed above were eaten individually throughout the day.

I will try and log more attempts at what kind of activities I will be doing, too. 

At least 5 times a week I walk for about 30 to 40 minutes each day!  I hope to increase this most days.  My plan is to walk from home to work and back 5 times a week in addition to 15 to 20 minutes each day.  By walking from home it's a mile one way...so I will probably walk at the very minimum 2 miles, 5 times a week.  I hope to do a minimum of 15 to 20 mins of yoga 5 times a week up to an hour a day at the most.  In addition - I hope to do Step Aerobics at least once a week.

I'm not really doing this to lose weight - but if it happens, it happens.  I'm doing this more for well-being, mostly.

I do better when I am accountable so my points here at my blog will certainly help with the accountability part.  More on this - throughout the week!

What I Ate Wednesday - On Tuesday!

I thought it might be fun to post a "What I Ate Wednesday" today only because I took photos of everything already pretty much!  I started out with this Smoothie this morning.  It's made up of nearly a whole small watermelon - about 3 cups worth - chopped, 1 cup of Raspberries, and some ice.  Yup!  It's THAT easy, folks!  Basically...much of what you will see in today's post is things that I needed to do something with before they started to turn.  Years ago I participated in a weekly meme that had to do with "From Your Pantry" - where you would eat from things you had on hand and/or base your recipes for meals off of the things you already had in your pantry.  I really like this idea and might do this again.  I guess in a way I already do - do that - and just buy fresh produce when needed until I get so low I go on a shopping spree.  Anyhow...

Sorry about the mini-blab-fest there for a moment...back to today's menu and eats, eh!?  This next photo is another dish using an ingredient I NEEDED to use in a HURRY before it went bad...the main ingredient is Butternut Squash Cubes that I got at Whole Foods on sale.  I started with about a pound of that and cooked it in a frying pan then added about `/2 cup of chickpeas plus 2 tablespoons of sun-dried tomatoes and garlic in oil that I found and LOVED a while back.  I drained most of the oil from it, however, and was trying to focus on the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic flavors more-so.  At this point I thought it needed a little more color and threw a few handfuls of spinach in there that I chopped.  It worked great.  Oh yes...and 1 onion!  It turned out super yummy!

Vegan Woman posted a recipe on her blog about the Tempeh Sloppy Joe's she did and I knew I had just about everything it called for so I decided to do it last night for dinner.  I followed the recipe except for I didn't have any Green Peppers so I just omitted that ingredient from my attempt.  The flavor was wonderful and it's something I would totally do again!  I ended up NOT eating it on a bun but in addition to a nice sized salad last night for dinner.  With the left overs I put them in my Bento Box for today's lunch along with some of the Butternut, Chickpea, Spinach Mash recipe you see above.  In the middle of the two in the Bento Box you will see 3 small Tomatoes as well.

As for the continuation to the Dehydrator Challenge that Opal set this past weekend I decided to keep it simple with these Balsamic Onions.  I literally sliced an onion, separated the rings, set them in Balsamic Vinegar for about 10 minutes, and put them in the dehydrator at 115 for about 12 hours.  They turned out very crispy but I didn't have time to try them yet...I will be adding a few to my salad for dinner tonight, tho!  I really like the concept of these!  Super easy!  Only 2 ingredients!  And you know I LOVE Balsamic!

Yup!  Last night was a busy night!  With all the food prep I did I had my hands full but I also spent time with the furkids, cleaned my craft room up a bit, did some dishes, and even did a short Yoga Session.

Last night I choose this Yoga Show...Yoga With A View with Colleen Seidman.  I viewed it thru my AppleTV via Hulu Plus.  It was about 22 minutes and focused on Twists and Twisting.  It REALLY helped some of my tightness!  I would like to start doing Yoga at home again about 5 times a week.  Nothing major - just slow paced - relaxation - and stretching, mostly.

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

Blissful Journey ~ Personal Wellness & Enrichment & iTunes Tuesday!

I was a little lazy last night with the food situation as I still have to get to the stores and produce stands this week (I hope to do that tonight, actually!)  I had a Veggie Sub from a local 'mom and pop shop' that usually has awesome subs - but last night - I thought it was just 'ok'.  So no real foodie type post today but there are a few other things I would like to touch on including some Mini-Goals, Health/Wellness Updates, Personal Enrichment, and iTunes/PodCasts I have been 'into' lately.

 

First up...a wellness update...if you will!  I have been doing VERY well with my Sciatica and visits to my Chiropractor.  So much so that I think I might have to only go every OTHER month (or quarter) to maintain everything as a precaution.  Now...I don't mind going.  I remember being SUPER Nervous about it at first, tho!  Speaking of being nervous...I still have one more dentist appointment but it's not for another few weeks and I'm NOT looking forward to that either.  Grrr!  But I am really trying NOT to worry about that until I HAVE to - like the day of the appointment!  My digestion is still doing REALLY well and I have no plans on turning back to those old habits (ie the dairy habit!  Blah!)  This past month I was 'off' on my 'monthly' but think I am back on track and totally FINE, now!  I think it was between stress at work, still losing some weight, next to no-sleep for about a week and a half, and schedule changes that messed me up.  Once 'everything was back on track' I rejoiced and was very thankful for everything! 

 

To continue with these positive feelings I want to get back on track with my exercises - most specifically - my Yoga.  I have been using Hulu+ as well as iTunes Pod Casts lately for that.  In my queue is Yogamazing with Chaz Rough.  I really like his laid-back delivery and encouragement without it making you feel like it's a competition or that you won't be able to 'get' a stretch or pose.  He's wonderful at telling you 'go as far as you can go' and 'do what you can do'.  I access my Hulu+, Netflix, iTunes, and PodCasts thru our Apple TV which I might do a more lengthier review on down the road.  I really like AppleTV and you may have read about one of my previous mentions about it.  Another Yoga Program I follow on there is the one that Yoga Journal puts out.  I also subscribe to their magazine.  I'm pretty fond of Tara Stiles, as well as others, as far as the Pod Casts go!

I'm REALLY happy to be back writing FULL TIME over at Sororitea Sisters.  For those of you who don't know it's a Tea Review Site that Anne and I co-founded a few years ago.  Anne has been a wonderful Sororitea Sister and friend by letting me catch-up on several things and issues time and time again.  If you are a Fan of TEA please swing by!  We have nearly 3,000 reviews on that site with TONS more on tap!  We update EVERY DAY at least once!

My mind is going a 'mile a minute' because there are so many things I would like to get started on but know there are other things that need attention, too!  Last night I worked on Paco's Pen and Play Area a bit and tonight I am going to work on the Cat Rooms.  Even tho they have the run of the house most of the time they have their 'areas' they feel more comfortable in time and time again.  

I have been crafting in spurts again - mostly Mixed Media and Art Journaling.  I hope to post more projects soon!  I have been thinking about re-doing my craft room.  First I was thinking of making a pantry.  But I am thinking about tweaking it to keep my Crafting Room THAT and pair it with a small space for Yoga.  I have so many art and crafting supplies it's really hard to do much else with that room.

I guess this was more of an UPDATE Post and a venting/blabbing post.  BUT...venting in a GOOD way!  I'm just feeling so thankful things are looking up and I'm feeling better thru and thru!  I don't want it to end, ya know!?  More tomorrow, friends!

The Food Revolution Summit

I thought about including this in another post but there is just SO MUCH about it that I thought it was better to do a separate post about it instead!  What am I talking about?  The Food Revolution Summit!  I will be participating online this year!  You can still sign up - just visit that link above!  Everything starts this Saturday and goes thru May 5th.  There is even a welcome message from Joaquin Phoenix.  The hosts are John Robbins and Ocean Robbins!

Check out all of the people who are contributing content to this summit!  Dean Ornish, MD - I have read a few of his books and followed him for a while now!  Kris Carr - I get her eNewsletter and LOVE her website as well as having seen her on a few Documentaries and YouTube Channels lately!    I have to admit I am not as familiar with Mark Hyman, MD, Mayor Cory Booker, or Robyn O'Brien but I will be researching them over the next few days!  Joel Fuhrman, MD, I have read a lot about but I am not familiar with Dolores Huerta but am interested in her topic of "Loving The Hands That Feed Us!"  Rip Esselstyn I have been a fan of for the last couple of years!  I have seen articles and videos as well as books and documentaries of his efforts and expertise!  Jeffrey Smith will be talking about Protecting Your Family From GMO's - a bigger and BIGGER topic these days!  3 others I will have educate myself about PRIOR are Brenda Davis, RD, Vandana Shiva PhD, and Mark Bittman.  I was very happy to see Russell Simmons on the list, too!  He's done amazing things getting the word out about vegetarian/veganism and yoga and health!  As well as Kathy Freeston - I follow her site and her Instagram!  Ken Cook will be talking about "Sustainable Food For Us All"

One of my favorites on this list is Neal Barnard, MD...probably the person I have known about the longest (aside from Russell Simmons, that is).  Zoe Weil, Michael Klaper, MD, Michael Bernard Beckwith, Thom Hartmann, and Andrew Kimbrell I will need to brush up on before listening in - as well!  Towards the end of the line-up I see Seane Corn - One of the many Yoga People I have tried to follow for a while.  Then there is Mike Adams speaking on Keys to Health Freedom and Will Potter with "Ag-Gag Bills VS Your Right To Know" 2 very timely topics that we are hearing more and more about these days!  And finally, the hosts, John and Ocean with "Igniting a Food Revolution".  I can totally understand why this event is nearly a week!  SO MUCH info!  Of course I cannot hear all of them but I do hope to hear several!

Have you signed up yet?  Who do you know of on this list?  Anyone you have learned anything from yet?  If so what?  Do tell!

Calf and Ankle Strength

A long while ago I had a post about Building Knee Strength for a friend.  The past month or so I have been having problems with my (left) ankle and calf muscles.  It's driving me nuts but I don't want to go to a doctor - for several reasons I don't care to get into at the moment - and really want to try and fix the problem myself.

So I have been doing a lot of research - and if you know of any other sources let me know - Knowledge IS Power - after all - and I saw THIS SITE that gained my interest.  It gave me more ideas that 'your average stretches' that I have already been doing and will continue to do.  I also found their entry on building arch support interesting.

I have been exercising - gently - and will continue to do so.  I feel better when I am moving, walking, stretching, etc., but because 'my living' is made sitting in front of a computer I must do what I must do, right!?

BUT...I can make that little steps, building muscle and knowledge when and where I can.

I also like what THIS PAGE has to say and am adding a few exercises to my daily stretches.

There are more, too, like the runners stretch - eventho I am FAR from a runner, various Yoga stretches, and wall-assisted ones I am doing on a daily basis.

I just have an annoying ache and there is no real rhyme or reason to it.  This COLD WEATHER cannot be helping, either, and DH keeps saying it's because I'm getting older but I will not accept that.  I want it to get better and I want to improve.  Not only the way it functions and feels but my circulation in my legs BECAUSE I sit at a desk a lot, you know?

Busy! Busy! Balance? And Books!

I subscribe to YogaJournal.  Both the magazine and the site.  They send me daily updates via email.  Sometimes their emails really hit-home.  Like this one for example...

We live in a society that promotes busyness: Work to get to the top of your field! Cook gourmet meals from scratch! Stay fit! Volunteer! It's often a struggle to find just a moment of downtime. And as we become busier and busier, even the activities that bring us joy can feel like just one more thing to do.

So, how do we bring balance into our hectic lives? Often, we look for some external solution that can make us better, stronger, more spiritual, or happier. But the search itself can leave us feeling busier, more stressed, and ultimately, less fulfilled. The real key to finding balance is to focus internally and listen to what's inside.
Read the Full Article HERE.

 My friend OPAL and I have chatted about this often!  She's very busy, too!  She's been blogging about a busier schedule lately, as well!  So this was timely!

Actually one of the things I have been slacking on lately is my yoga practice.  I really must get back into it!  For me, specifically, it helps with my stress, my digestion, and my circulation!  Lately...my stress levels have been a little wonky due to work issues and my circulation in my legs seem to be questionable lately.  I'm not sure if it's stress, from sitting at a desk at work, or if it's because of the weather change...perhaps a combo of the 3 - not sure!  Regardless I really have to get back to my YOGA!

Another thing that I am behind on - which I mentioned in the post below - is my pile of books I have been receiving thru my InterLibrary Loan Program - which I am very grateful!

Special thanks to Erie Public Library for sending me this book!

I already see TONS of recipes I can't wait to try!  Especially several soups!

I'd also like to thank Reading College for sending me this one...

I have to admit I tend to skip-over recipes that have TONS of ingredients in them so this book is PERFECT!  I can't wait to JUMP RIGHT IN!

And...FINALLY...at least for THIS POST anyways...Special Thanks to Carnegie Library for this book...

Bryant Terry is also the author of Vegan Soul Kitchen - and I hope to locate that one SOON, too!  So far I am totally DIGGIN' lots of his flavor combo's and can't wait to see how they are!

I have 4 other books I will be blogging about soon and I will be making some recipes out of them sometime after Sunday!  It's going to be a BUSY weekend!  We have a Surprise Party planned tomorrow for my mother's 60th Birthday Party (among other things) and we have family coming in!  I hope to blog about that more next week and add Party Pics to my Facebook as well!