It's the end of August and my favorite month just flew right by! I haven't spent much time on the computer this month. Instead of writing about life, I was just so busy living it!
How could I forget how much fun it is to go barefoot in the yard and run under the hose?
Today I was watering my garden and the hose burst! My first thought was, oh geez, I'm getting all wet. Whahhhhh.... :)
But then I threw off my sandals and immediately felt free, like a little kid. My toes in the grass, warm water from the hose soaking my clothes, sun on my face, and I was loving it!
Playing in the backyard!
One of the simple pleasures of summer!
This month I had the honor and delight of sharing my story alongside Dave the Raw Food Trucker at a couple of our local raw/vegan restaurants. I was nervous about speaking, yet it always seems that what's meant to come out of my mouth, does. I get so excited about sharing the healing power of green smoothies that after a few minutes I forgot my fears. It's amazing the confidence it builds for me to step out of my comfort zone, put myself aside and just talk about what I am passionate about!
Even more exciting was speaking on my own recently!
I was invited by a friend to speak with her church group up in Waterbury. It was my first time flying solo and it couldn't have been a more rewarding experience. There was a good crowd, about 30 people. Everyone was lovely and very receptive. There was a terrific raw pot luck before hand, what a nice spread! After I spoke, which was great fun, we had a Q & A session and then a smoothie demo. I can't thank my friend Nan enough for having such faith in me, organizing such a wonderful even and introducing me to the nicest people ever. She gave me the opportunity to spread my wings and see for myself just what I am capable of. It was a great experience and such an amazing night!
The feedback I received from people looking to renew their own healthy happiness was fabulous!
It's a wonderful feeling to know that I may have inspired even one person to incorporate more fruits & veggies into their days and begin their own personal, healthy journeys. I think it's important to stress that "going 100% raw" does not have to be anyone's goal. What's most important is eliminating the processed junk foods and replacing them with fresh fruits & veggies. That's a great place to start and what better way than to add a green smoothie into your day!
Onto my next favorite subject ~ food!
One food that I had been missing lately is yogurt. It was a favorite of mine back when I was still eating dairy and I knew that I had to find a way to get it back into my life!
And that I did!!
Here's a wonderful recipe that I now enjoy daily. It only requires 3 ingredients plus a spoonful of probiotic powder. It takes minutes to prepare and is so beneficial to your tummy health as well as being just plain yummy!!
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Coconut Almond Yogurt
2 cups raw almonds
(soak overnight & rinse first)
meat of 2 or 3 coconuts
2 1/2 cups of coconut water
1 tsp of a good probiotic
1 tsp vanilla powder or extract
(optional but delicious!)
Simple ~ Nutritious ~ Delicious
Here's a little video I made while whipping up a batch.
I hope it's helpful!
Most people will use the coconut meat from opening and removing the meat from inside the coconut. I found that because I enjoy this yogurt regularly, that it was easier for me to purchase my coconut meat flash frozen in bulk at exotic superfoods!
In the picture above I drizzled a little honey on the yogurt and added fresh raspberries.
Here I blended the yogurt with strawberries.
The yogurt will have a bit of a bite because it is fermented, but the taste has really grown on me!
It's nice blended or topped with fruit but it is really very yummy just as it is!
*~* Enjoy *~*