12/30... Another Monday, another blessed week in the making

12/30...Good Morning World....I'm still walking on clouds from last night's concert. Something I heard last night from MercyMe made think of the verse down below. Starting my day by Drinking my lemon/cayenne water as I'm doing my to do list.

Looks like the first thing on my list is trying to tame my hair. I'm actually having fun dealing with all the nonsense its making me do. Trying to figure out how to use this flat Iron to try to get this stubborn hair to do what I want it to do.

One side It kind of worked the other not so much. Hair is determined to do a flip and a curl. so I've decided I was wasting to much time on my hair and well I'm just going to have to rock this look until It grows some more.

It's another Meatless Monday at our House. For me it's easy remember I'm on a Juice fast its all Plant based diet for me. For my husband is a different story. He is the typical male that believes that the only food on the food pyramid is Meat and Potatoes with a side pyramid of crispy bacon.

Tonight's dish is something similar to mushroom bourguignon: Baby portabellos, Crimini mushrooms sauteed with baby red,yellow,blue potatoes, Onions,Peppers,garlic. Used Coconut Oil, some Apple cider vinegar, Coconut Milk, Liquid Aminos, garlic, salt free seasoning mix, at the end I mixed in some rainbow quinoa to absorb the nice gravy it had created..... Husband cleaned his plate and asked for more so, say today's dish was another addition to recipe binder

Huband's new favorite fruit is the Pomelo Fruit. 10 reasons to enjoy a pomelo . Mike had me peel the fruit. I try to peel the whole fruit without breaking the peel and at the end I make a little flower to put on a dish to use as room air freshener and it looks pretty cute on a dish. I do with lemons and oranges as well. once they dry you can add to a jar full of potpourri and looks pretty cool. Poor Pomelo Fruit didn't have a chance with Mike. I enjoyed a nice Watermelon Mint Fruit pop as my snack.

I really do see this as a journey we are both taking. He is trying to be more aware of what he eats even if he doesn't think so. His choices have changed in the past month. He had his first Juice Oct 6, 2012. He has been having a 20-24oz juice every day since then. If you asked him he  would probably tell you that he doesn't notice any changes other than his wife is very happy he is eating vegetables and fruits he would other wise not touch. I have noticed changes. I see him sleeping through the night, most nights. He still has neuropathy pain in his legs and feet. I see less flare-ups than before. His face is not as gray or pale. his eyes don't look so yellowish. He used to get Horrible Headaches. He has the Raw glow ( he is so going to kill me for saying that).  I see him calm, relaxed not as anxious as before. That could just be because he sees me feeling better as well.

He understands the concept of eating better to feel better, but he still sees it as being just another crazy idea his wife is doing. That's okay with me. I understand that we all have different paths and different needs. We have to stay true to our own. What we do every day affects those around us, in little and in big ways. I choose to be around Positivity, Love, Respect, Understanding. Those around me are attracted to that, and the best thing the people who are not quickly leave. I hope you too choose to do something positive for your self! I pray you know you are loved, beyond any type of love seen in this universe, or this world. It's the type of love that it's beyond any human understanding. Blessings!

I pack his lunch every day with a 20-24 oz bottle of Green Juice, today he remembered he had not finish his juice. As we watch a movie he was drinking his juice. Which I think it's the coolest thing ever.

11/30 Glorious day filled with God's LOVE & MERCY

11/30....Still going strong, I have to do a lot of planning today. I have church Service this morning, and Spirit Fest 2012 ( a Christian Concert that starts at noon and end around 10pm).  A day full of worship and celebrating the One who has made me a new creation, Can not go wrong with that.

First thing on the list is get Vegetables and fruit ready for the day. It's going to be a long day and I'm not coming home until that concert is over.

I think the important thing about having a good experience through your fast is that you do not seclude your self from the world. You need to learn to incorporate both worlds together. It is very important to have the support of your loves ones. This is not a Diet I'm going on, it's a whole lifestyle change. I know there is  going to be a time when the old Idalia, the sick, the sad, the overweight, what ever label you want to put next to my name will no longer be remembered as that. Thank you God for making me a new creation.

I'm going to the concert with a friend and I know food at the event it's just going to be horribly expensive. I decided to make snacks for her. cut veggies, tuna salad,peanut butter to dip, Vegan salsa dip, rainbow quinoa.

Alicia & I  as we got to the concert, yes I was a bit excited

Jon Foreman singer from Switchfoot, Joined us in the crowd a few seats from where we were at, they totally Rocked the stage. Such a Surfer.

We had a great lunch break in the car before the second band I was there to see, Salvador. I sneaked my Juice bottle along with my camel Pack to fill with water. I did not want to break my fast over Junk food. I took this picture right before my phone's battery died. Those are the only pictures I got from our 12 hour concert. I enjoyed every second of it. To be actually living life for the first time in a long time. Well I don't think I have the words to even begin to explain all the emotions I felt.

The smell of food was well a bit overwhelming at times. The kettle corn had me a few times. I did good though I resisted and sipped on my juice and sipped on my water.

Came home walking on clouds from the event, from the simple reminder of how awesome God's love is. How especial and Unique we all are. It really does not matter where you have been or what you have done, in Christ you are a new creation. A person full of power and Love.  I don't ever want to forget that.

I really feel that I was given a another chance at life, and I am doing everything in my power to make the right choices to improve my health and my life and to share what Im learning in the process. Blessings!

.

10/30 I celebrate my husband today

10/30... Today is Nov 10 and in my home I have a Marine. Today is the 237th Birthday  Of the Marines, Semper Fidelis. Even though Hubby thinks is silly I like to celebrate this day doing things just for him.

Getting up early to juice, pack snacks and lunch for both of us. I'm planning on  being out all day.








Found out there was a going to be a Gun Show in Austin this weekend. This will be our first stop. Hopefully not our only stop. Hubby and Guns well it's like taking him to a toy store where all the toys go BOOM! He ended up buying 1000 rounds of ammunition, I see a trip to the Gun Range soon.



This show is a lot smaller than the one in San Antonio, but still very neat to see all the guns and other items they have on display. I walked around for about 4 hours, up and down the isles, up and down the stairs. I had Juice in hand so every table we stopped I would get asked what I was drinking or where did I get it.


I especially love when they try to smell my juice, I have very strong flavors in mine. Garlic, ginger, Brussels sprouts. There were a couple that asked to taste it so I did. I did warn them it was spicy since I had put 2 Serrano peppers and 2 tablespoons of Cayenne pepper.

I explained that I was not just detoxing but I was nourishing my body with all the nutrients it was lacking. Even though I'm loosing weight that is not my only goal. the Ultimate goal here is complete health. Complete balance to my whole body.

My body is starting to show signs of balance. My Menstrual Cycle has started to come on a regular basis. I've never been regular. I have been Iron deficient all my life, there were months I would with out a menstrual cycle. Since I  started juicing three months ago things seem to be more regular. This past month I have added Turmeric to my daily juices and I noticed today specially being my first day of my cycle I did not have as much discomfort as last month with PMS. Last month I had horrible cramps, and mood swings ( I really hated being a girl). I can't lie and say I have no discomfort but it is a whole lot better (Thank the Lord).


After a few hours of seeing my Husband completely in his element, it was time to get some of our to get list accomplish. Second stop was the Container store. Needed to find better containers to pack lunch for Hubby. I really needed things with compartments, and BPA safe. I was also looking for a 32oz bottle to store juice, and a new water bottle since I broke mine last week.

Another thing that I was looking for was an Oil atomizer, Olive Oil Sprayer. Why Have I not heard of them before I have no Idea. Thanks to a Friend Julie Reyes, mentioning this the other day. Did not find one at the Container store but our Third shopping stop was Costco.  Look what I saw as I entered the store... One will be for extra Virgin Olive oil, the other for Grape seed oil.

I love how our Local Costco is starting to carry a lot more Vegan/vegetarian items. Now if the could carry organic Kale I would be one happy girl. Its funny how many people stare at our cart, it's full of vegetables and fruit. The more important thing is that My husband's choices are changing as well. He is going for organic foods, fresh vegetables and fruit. We used to go out and eat after shopping but Today Hubby said can we go home and make something instead. Not because I'm on a fast but because he just wanted something healthier than fast food (totally made my day).

When you are on a fast your Calorie intake is lower than when you are not. If you are going to be active I suggest you make juices to give you that energy you will need, as well as keep drinking water to stay hydrated. By the time we got home, put everything away prepped a quick meal (dinner) for husband my body said no more. I was good and listen to what my body was asking for and ended taking a two hour nap.

Husband's late snack

My late snack, watermelon mint pop

I can honestly say day 10 was a complete Success. I'm having minor discomfort from my menstrual cycle. No joint pain (not taking any meds any more), No hunger since I'm drinking enough juice and plenty of water and herbal tea.

I Pray your Saturday was a safe and happy one. Remember to do something good for your self!!

9/30 It's Friday.... Making it a fun day

9/30. It's Friday, after all the cleaning that was done yesterday. Today is going to be a relaxing day before the weekend chaos begins. Didn't Juice this morning because there was plenty of Juice left over from the day prior to start the day off.

Took the free time this morning to take a short walk around the neighborhood. Love how the mornings are so nice and chilly. It has been so long since I have been able to enjoy cold weather. I am totally loving this Amazing Change.


I'm the type of person that will find beauty in the simple things! I take the time to look at the little things. As I was walking I saw a small patch of flowers coming out of the grass. They were so small and pretty had to take a picture.

I love this next couple of pictures. Are such a true statement. You are what you do every day! Even if you think others do not see what you do in  private, trust me somethings are not easy to hide.

I am blessed to have AMAZING friends, that share their children with me. I was invited to enjoy Story time at one of our local libraries. It was so neat, all those  kids had an awesome time. We enjoyed some books, some toys and had a lovely lunch as well. Not to worry I had my Juice with me as well as a can of Coconut water just in case it wasn't enough. I must of been tired I took a 2 hour nap after getting home!






Little Jacob is such a joy. He gets excited about everything. He is always full of smiles and plenty of cuddles.

I  Love This Little Boy, He brings me so much Joy. Love being silly with him.


I noticed some of the chairs backs had little FROGS ( Fully Rely On Gods Strength )edged on them, and well that just brought a smile to my face!  Happy Friday Everyone!!!!! Weekend here I come! Praying everyone stays safe during this Veteran's weekend!

8/30 Cleaning Thrusday

8/30.... No toothache!! woohoo! but have decided to keep from thinking about food, and pain I am going to keep busy. Quitting is not an option for me. I have a huge monster to conquer today, The Laundry Giant.





I seem to be craving spicy food, so I decided to add a few peppers to my morning juice to give me the flavor I'm missing.







Have a 4th Day Meeting tonight, and want to bring the Girls a snack. As you know its going to be a healthy snack. As I'm folding laundry I decided to make a Vegan Dip, and Cut Veggies.







husband tried a taste said it was OK (he is not a dip person) so I will have to test try this on my friends. After the emotional day I had yesterday I really need this meeting to remind me of my 4th Day.

This is the first thing I saw as I entered the Church were the meeting was held at. Isn't this cross lovely, my picture does not do it justice. I had my dinner juice as everyone snacked on some yummy snacks! It is so important to have friends who understand your lifestyle choices. But the most important thing is their support. When you are feeling weak and like you can't go on another day. Is those friends that remind you of the why? For me is because I want to be here, healthy and full of life to enjoy being around all my loved one.


This is just what my soul needed. It recharged my batteries to continue with this fast. I decided to finish my day enjoying one of the watermelon mint fruit pops.

 Praying that you feel the love around you, that if you feel lost you find a place to call home, small healthy steps add to huge healthy choices!!! Blessings.

Vegan Salsa Queso Dip

Vegan Salsa Queso Dip.....


I love cheese, ok can I say that again... YES I LOVE CHEESE.. Since I've taken dairy out of my diet, I needed to find an alternative. With the holiday's coming up I needed to find a recipe or make one to accommodate our new diets without grossing other family members (you know who you are I don not have to name anyone).

so my thinking was I needed Items to make a Salsa. My favorite Salsa is one with roasted vegetables. So, to the Oven they go.

  (All Organic)Tomatoes,Onion,Garlic, peppers of choice

While the vegetables are roasting, is time to decide the seasonings. My choice are for this first batch: Cumin, Cayenne Pepper, Organic Mixed seasonings, Nutritional Yeast, Sea Salt, Pepper, Organic Garlic Powder, Onion Powder.

You are probably reading that list and going what the Heck is Nutritional Yeast? Its my favorite little Yellow Magic Powder. I buy in 1LB bags in Bulk (Natural Grocers has it in 1LB bags, Wheatsville Food co-op has it in their bulk area (cheaper), Sprouts has it in small shakers to expensive for my budget.)

NUTRITIONAL YEAST:
It is a source of protein and vitamins, especially the B-complex vitamins, and is a complete protein. It is also naturally low in fat and sodium and is free of sugar, dairy, and gluten. Sometimes nutritional yeast is fortified with Vitamin B12.
Nutritional yeast has a strong flavor that is described as nutty, cheesy, or creamy, which makes it popular as an ingredient in cheese substitutes. It is often used by vegans in place of cheese. It can be used in many recipes in place of cheese, such as mashed and fried potatoes, as well as put into scrambled tofu as a substitute for scrambled eggs. Another popular use is as a topping for popcorn. Some movie theaters offer it along with salt or cayenne pepper as a popcorn condiment.

I found a new brand of Organic Tofu to Try at our Local Costco( it comes in a pack of 3). The next batch I make I will try with a Silken Organic Tofu will make the dip a bit more smooth.

I drained the Tofu, Wrapped in a paper towel (about three) and press the water out of it.


Steps for Prepping:
 1) Roast vegetables, or keep raw depends on your taste. (3 tomatoes,3 peppers, medium onion, handful of garlic cloves)

2) Drain Tofu. Press water out by wrapping it in a few paper towels.

3) Add all ingredients to Food Processor (or Blender). Add all seasonings.
 
1 cup Nutritional Yeast add more if you desire more flavor, or deeper yellow color
1tbl spoon of cayanne pepper
1/2 tbl spoon of cumin
1tspoon garlic powder
1tspoon onion powder
1tblspoon organic mixed seasonings
1 tspoon sea salt
1tspoon pepper
  
4) Salt, Pepper, Cayanne is to taste you can do a pinch which is about  1/8 of a teaspoon and go from there (it all depends on your taste buds).

5) Mix until desired consistency. Pour in a Bowl. For our Health I've decided to eliminate all Non BPA plastic containers from our house to Glass Containers. (here is a link about BPA. http://www.hhs.gov/safety/bpa/ )

6) Taste and figure what seasonings you would like more to stand out, you could even add lemon juice to give it a citrus punch.

I wanted something other than chips to dip. I got some carrots peeled them and cut into little straw size sticks. You can cut celery, zucchini, the list of possibilities is just immense.


I do have to say, I did not try this, I'm still fasting but those that did really enjoyed it! I can't wait to make it again and see what I missed out on.

The number one Tip I can give you is to not be afraid to be in the kitchen. Try different things, different flavors. How do you thing new dishes are created? well by crazy people like me who have a little to much time on their hands, and need to entertain themselves.



If you try this pls share what you changed or how you enjoyed it!!

7/30... Today has been an emotional detox kind of day

7/30.. Week 1 is done. Took a short walk this morning to clear my mind. Husband has a Liver Ultra Sound Today. The Human part of me is  trying to concentrate on the what if?. I'm choosing to believe in My Father's Promises. In Faith I believe My husband has been Healed and is complete. Through this fast it's very important to stay centered and Focus on the positive.

I keep reminding my self that even if I fall, it's about getting up and keep moving. Sitting and giving up its not an option in my book.

I juiced last night, knowing this morning is going to be busy for me. I kept walking around the kitchen thinking I had forgotten something. Something just seemed off throughout the morning.

This morning's Bible study was very powerful for me I was reminded of two things.1 Thessalonians 5:18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. As I was sitting there I was saying Thank you for this Toothache, and feeling a little silly for it. Psalm 119:162 I find joy in your promise like someone who finds a priceless treasure.

I've had to rely on my Faith today. I think I finally hit the mark of Emotional detox. I refuse to break my Fast. so I made a  home made toothache remedy. Made a garlic paste put in a gause, and putting it in the side of my mouth where it was hurting. took a cold shower, drank a juice packed with natural antibiotics, Calming vegetables.  Husband ordered me to lay down for an hour. Amazing how all of that just recharged me and made me feel better.


Woke up in less pain, and ready to take on the rest of the day. This too shall pass. I am stronger that this.

Prepped my Dinner Juice and decided to get creative in the kitchen. That always brings me joy. Used the new Mortar and Pestle. Tonight's dinner for Mike, made an Indian Curry to season chicken breast, coated with Japanese Pablo bread crumbs, spinach noddles in curry sauce, side Romain salad.....  Cooking makes me forget the world for a bit... I put on worship music and just loose my self as I work.

Praying everyone had a Positive and Productive day. May you too conquer your fears and your demons. Make the Choice to do something for your self, You are Worth it!  Blessings!