tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3436113810985117132024-03-06T13:02:57.809-07:00Rocki's Rock'n BlogPeace ~ Compassion ~ Inspiration ~ Raw Vegan ~ Gluten-Free ~ Breast Cancer Awareness ~ My Happy LifeRocki Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12275869389806600804noreply@blogger.comBlogger352125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343611381098511713.post-69425297074146769192015-02-16T15:20:00.001-07:002015-07-16T13:11:38.819-07:00Manic Panic Featured me on Facebook! Pink and Purple Hair<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNlOfnQANK88Wl_GzjO1Huyj_CXqq8tK5-twlc5g1hL8B2G9M_ELR7tSTOzjE56czCdE5c21vbYA5n5XNy3jOwr7zp4blrEVOn1QaWVMCJ8nkT6s2zN5fwqGWBGVgw1P61SpuCVIEPihni/s1600/Pink+and+Purple+Hair+with+Manic+Panic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNlOfnQANK88Wl_GzjO1Huyj_CXqq8tK5-twlc5g1hL8B2G9M_ELR7tSTOzjE56czCdE5c21vbYA5n5XNy3jOwr7zp4blrEVOn1QaWVMCJ8nkT6s2zN5fwqGWBGVgw1P61SpuCVIEPihni/s1600/Pink+and+Purple+Hair+with+Manic+Panic.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manic Panic Pink and Purple Hair:<br />
Hot Hot Pink, Cotton Candy Pink and Purple Haze</td></tr>
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At my last appointment with my talented hairstylist, Chelsea, I told her that I wanted to have a mix of Hot Hot Pink, Cotton Candy Pink and Purple Haze - Manic Panic colors. Chelsea worked her magic and the end result was more than I expected... absolutely LOVED it and so did Mark! </div>
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A few days later I was overwhelmed with excitement, to say the least.</div>
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Okay, so it's not like I made the top news or anything like that, but on February 3rd Manic Panic featured little 'ol me on their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MANICPANICFANS">Facebook</a> page! Not like a big cover story of course, just a little share with very kind words that made my day! But... MANIC PANIC FEATURED ME! I can't tell you how excited I was when they asked if they could share my pic on their page along with what colors I used, etc. I was floored by all the likes, comments and shares and simply speechless. As of today there are 1,823 Likes, over 100 comments, and 84 shares. </div>
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O.M.G.!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSSHXe69btzL7yHDZTcJyi2_ciU9EL5PctXC6At4g2ZDUH852eVjGcvc1vtLXPZKoIp6KJI2ccYBDmJ5XwGHdJ4jth3mvcX5_xTbW_iA82_a9N1S1tGZ5UqDJhK3Qp_teet8Vq3iNkpwUw/s1600/Manic+Panic+Pink+and+Purple+Hair.Me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSSHXe69btzL7yHDZTcJyi2_ciU9EL5PctXC6At4g2ZDUH852eVjGcvc1vtLXPZKoIp6KJI2ccYBDmJ5XwGHdJ4jth3mvcX5_xTbW_iA82_a9N1S1tGZ5UqDJhK3Qp_teet8Vq3iNkpwUw/s1600/Manic+Panic+Pink+and+Purple+Hair.Me.jpg" width="553" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manic Panic Facebook Feature of me and my pink and purple hair</td></tr>
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I'm loving playing with colors and not stopping any time soon. My next appointment is a few weeks away. Not sure what color I'll do yet, but I'm pretty sure it's going to be another blended color. </div>
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Peace,</div>
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Rocki</div>
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<br />Rocki Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12275869389806600804noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343611381098511713.post-25739528698280433292014-12-29T11:23:00.000-07:002014-12-29T11:23:09.859-07:00Colorful Hair<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidsJj7Ow5NYyg5Bhq63nSnT5EL3YgJRA2a1nS58mqnIY-BmI-SK3curlFy9FaXLI_QCuNtrsfqCFr4MlIeHMHQ6kAidW_BAsE7EKwiBZMv8xSnH4sRwts1Vh5obaqQARusi5skmHAy-Mgo/s1600/Purple+hair+grid+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidsJj7Ow5NYyg5Bhq63nSnT5EL3YgJRA2a1nS58mqnIY-BmI-SK3curlFy9FaXLI_QCuNtrsfqCFr4MlIeHMHQ6kAidW_BAsE7EKwiBZMv8xSnH4sRwts1Vh5obaqQARusi5skmHAy-Mgo/s1600/Purple+hair+grid+2.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purple Haze Hair</td></tr>
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Just a quickie post of my colorful hair over the past several months. I'm totally addicted!<br />
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I started out with Hot Hot Pink, then different shades of pink and now I'm purple. Purple Haze to be exact... with a little cotton candy pink mixed in for lighter shade in crown area. This is the darkest I've ever gone and love it, but next appointment I'm going with a little lighter shade.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC5mn3JsvitQNmVvK1M9mFNhrOrMqDDFS3BqWbKHwQ0_l7u4kVfm_Fx8rgQ3ko-0L7HR2qJ1U_SrceFG-pifYnfIaNQogWtfuxDLd8A7E9z6G_lgSTYDXeC4LsWUaQYOyG6VylpVWxzIG-/s1600/pink+hair+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC5mn3JsvitQNmVvK1M9mFNhrOrMqDDFS3BqWbKHwQ0_l7u4kVfm_Fx8rgQ3ko-0L7HR2qJ1U_SrceFG-pifYnfIaNQogWtfuxDLd8A7E9z6G_lgSTYDXeC4LsWUaQYOyG6VylpVWxzIG-/s1600/pink+hair+1.jpg" height="400" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hot Hot Pink Hair</td></tr>
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The pic above is from the very first time coloring it pink earlier this summer. Mark REALLY loves the hot pink shades and now loves the purple too. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbp9cc_Eu53saJ-z1oR5u0IXXeORDr3OZebbbDDuE1KbP28TJOwW2ieom8NAAEsbpUBX5npOmVNYqIdGxQnJjdWJDvxmcXZJW200T4fjAjNpsJkP0tZtK0V0plUAHcCiEBdcF4WAL0fr-l/s1600/pink+hair+grid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbp9cc_Eu53saJ-z1oR5u0IXXeORDr3OZebbbDDuE1KbP28TJOwW2ieom8NAAEsbpUBX5npOmVNYqIdGxQnJjdWJDvxmcXZJW200T4fjAjNpsJkP0tZtK0V0plUAHcCiEBdcF4WAL0fr-l/s1600/pink+hair+grid.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hot Hot Pink Hair with Highlights</td></tr>
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I'm sure I'll try more variations of purple and most likely mixed with other complimentary colors. Have I mentioned I'm addicted? ;)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQVqE5r44V2iIX_dzOWIFPZDG_2dkKDpaVA24SNPnHebs3W4wXp3V4eHKerGOhbH3l8am78DoV6LnabHYozQf2I65rCtKcTttUWNATOV9o4A4KNByzMpJeeysRZw8KGZ2kfqz6oqAdePv/s1600/Pink+hair+cotton+candy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQVqE5r44V2iIX_dzOWIFPZDG_2dkKDpaVA24SNPnHebs3W4wXp3V4eHKerGOhbH3l8am78DoV6LnabHYozQf2I65rCtKcTttUWNATOV9o4A4KNByzMpJeeysRZw8KGZ2kfqz6oqAdePv/s1600/Pink+hair+cotton+candy.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cotton Candy Hair</td></tr>
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We both agreed that, even though we love the color itself, the lighter shades of pink are just too light for me.<br />
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My hairstylist is the one coloring my hair and she's awesome! I'm using a vegan color by Manic Panic - all their colors are vegan. <br />
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Why am I doing this? Because I can. Because I want to. Because I've been stepping more and more out of my box and loving every single adventure of it!<br />
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How's that go? Life's too short for boring hair ;)<br />
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Peace,<br />
RockiRocki Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12275869389806600804noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343611381098511713.post-15094315070828196472014-03-02T15:31:00.001-07:002014-03-02T15:31:29.862-07:00Raw Rocki - new blog for all my raw vegan recipes!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.rawrocki.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="http://www.rawrocki.blogspot.com/" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY9JzNf1YYWKG6i9A5N3p2X2lmojEaJI7RT4HLq7CTYbdH59nRFDPbq2Fk4l2RUOTlNN3wzhYo5QnQyRYKIxCxLJ6b9HMTrEvjRrY2qYd8xYkr8QhJkB97Yrr4KCUs0D4XCjFFtkL88sqv/s1600/blog+banner+for+rawrocki+number+2.jpg" height="130" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raw Vegan Recipes blog - Raw Rocki</td></tr>
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Hello and happy day everyone! This is just a quickie note to let you know that I have started a new blog for all my raw vegan recipes and am very excited about it! You can read more of my move below and over on my new blog: <a href="http://www.rawrocki.blogspot.com/"><em><strong><span style="color: #38761d;">Raw Rocki</span></strong></em></a><br />
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Oh and yes, I'll still be posting on this one from time to time on other life events as I can.<br />
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Peace,<br />
RockiRocki Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12275869389806600804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343611381098511713.post-62320624138925840502014-02-23T16:30:00.002-07:002014-02-23T16:48:44.960-07:00Moving Forward<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq75iKbuY6z51FKuC6Z5fZWMGvwgoYWrNQ1C44u5NEYJFOOdMsOnYQR_HD01lDt38oT7WTe9-Z5XvjINrBnrN9YGSucOFcre51RKpmYGd-n_LJSePEt6yVjGkWHBzT9pFVbKAPbM9UIZzs/s1600/Buddha+Beet+of+My+Heart+Green+Smoothie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq75iKbuY6z51FKuC6Z5fZWMGvwgoYWrNQ1C44u5NEYJFOOdMsOnYQR_HD01lDt38oT7WTe9-Z5XvjINrBnrN9YGSucOFcre51RKpmYGd-n_LJSePEt6yVjGkWHBzT9pFVbKAPbM9UIZzs/s1600/Buddha+Beet+of+My+Heart+Green+Smoothie.jpg" height="400" width="397" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buddha Blessings - Beet of my Heart Green Smoothie, recipe below</td></tr>
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Life truly takes us on an exciting journey with twists and turns abound. My life, so far, has been filled with many of them - from good to bad to WTF... and everything in between. And now, another one begins.<br />
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This is going to be an exciting journey! One that I've been waiting to happen for many years, but just didn't know exactly what it was going to be. Let me briefly explain...<br />
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For many years I worked in the corporate and medical world, then ended up horribly sick with CFIDS and could no longer work, let alone function at home. Food, holistic medicine, Mark, family and my own perseverance (<em>aka: <u><strong>never give up</strong></u></em>) is what got me well - even though it sneaks up on me sometimes. Out of that sickness I discovered a talent I didn't know I had, which ended up as my successful metalwork career for the past 7 plus years. I've had other medical blows and other crappy things happen in my journey, with the most recent one of early breast cancer (<em>1 1/2 years cancer-free this month!</em>) . With each one of the blows, I eventually got back up, became stronger and continued on with life. Hence my nickname Rocki - as in Rocky Balboa which one of my docs had tagged me with years ago.<br />
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Moving forward. The past few years I've told Mark how I wish I could do something more profound with my life that would help others in some way or another. I had no idea what I wanted to do, but something that was close to heart. He suggested for me to take the same nutritional class that he took as he loved it and said I would too. While I thought about it, no bells went off. Another thing to mention is that due to my wrists and arm issues, metalworking is not going to be a lifelong career for me. <br />
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Sometimes when you stop looking for something, it appears right before your eyes.<br />
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It's going on two years since I became a raw foodist/raw vegan and I cannot express enough I very much I LOVE eating a clean diet and creating recipes. My head spins sometimes with thoughts of what to make next! I think I actually eat, sleep and dream it. Mark sure isn't complaining, especially since he's my official recipe taster. Well, so are our friends at SKW (<em>his office</em>).<br />
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I've always enjoyed learning about healthy eating and treating food as medicine. I have several books that I've read cover to cover, more than once and cannot seem to get enough knowledge. In fact, my dad is the same way - not a raw vegan, but he sure loves his raw veggies! We used to talk for hours on end about nutrition, healing with food, etc. Now we share recipes too.<br />
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Okay, so let me get to my next journey in this life that I'm going on or else I'll just keep writing and writing about how much I love my raw vegan life! Two things that I'm extremely passionate about and are close to my heart (<em>besides family of course</em>) is my Buddhist path and my raw vegan healthy lifestyle. Well, this could not be any more perfect for me as I'm now enrolled in the <a href="http://bodymindinstitute.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><strong>Body Mind Institute</strong></span></a> to get my <strong><u>Raw Nutrition Certificate</u></strong>! After that, I'm going to take a course to become a Raw Vegan Chef! After that, I don't know. I'm leaving the door wide open.<br />
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To manage my class and studio time, I'm going to work only part-time in the studio as that is the only way I can achieve my goal. Yes, I do actually have a goal in mind as to where I want to be in a couple years and with perseverance, I will get there.<br />
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Moving forward.<br />
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Peace and love,<br />
Rocki<br />
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Here's the smoothie recipe that is in the picture with Buddha:<br />
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><strong>Beet of my Heart Green Smoothie</strong></span><br />
2 handfuls baby spinach<br />
1 small beet<br />
2 bananas<br />
1 cup strawberries<br />
1 cup hemp milk (<em>or milk of choice - adjust as needed</em>)<br />
1 Tbs flax meal (<em>optional</em>)<br />
1 Tbs maca powder (<em>optional</em>)<br />
1 Tbs raw vegan protein powder (<em>optional</em>)<br />
optional ice if you like a cold smoothie like I do :)<br />
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Blend, pour, be thankful for the little things, and enjoy. Rocki Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12275869389806600804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343611381098511713.post-86748887708177843122014-02-19T15:50:00.001-07:002014-02-20T11:03:30.151-07:00Raw Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies and Bliss Balls<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitbsBLsr7P2Xdb9JA5CkQikfxXkq9yWHV0X_d0fKr5IoB7L_PeyvDhnIS6Y8DSnBc9vdCx1UOuy8hkhFTHYgY_wIYGGixuDdJJU5G0vVHDESWsHDKKGNvF-9AkTOQIFPjnne-lUa8MAbxU/s1600/Raw+Vegan+Oatmeal+Cookies.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitbsBLsr7P2Xdb9JA5CkQikfxXkq9yWHV0X_d0fKr5IoB7L_PeyvDhnIS6Y8DSnBc9vdCx1UOuy8hkhFTHYgY_wIYGGixuDdJJU5G0vVHDESWsHDKKGNvF-9AkTOQIFPjnne-lUa8MAbxU/s1600/Raw+Vegan+Oatmeal+Cookies.1.jpg" height="376" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raw Vegan Oatmeal Cookies</td></tr>
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My grandma made the best oatmeal molasses raisin cookies. I can still smell them! Lots of fun was spent in the kitchen at my grandparents house. Sweet memories.<br />
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My Raw Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are guilt-free, gluten-free, healthy and very tasty. They go pretty quick too, so next time I'll make a double batch... maybe even triple. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDNuowAko12yoruZJWtHIJ6ATxxUBsjjxLPZmiEUmImRpdPhSXyAc858v0gzym7CVGCE2f22xO5OL8c2alipXwHCGYit3tuu5LjPMBslykjIwGwBQnXRxBqyMlE3nHuXRMc9NDLfOFU_Ax/s1600/Raw+Vegan+Oatmeal+Cookies.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDNuowAko12yoruZJWtHIJ6ATxxUBsjjxLPZmiEUmImRpdPhSXyAc858v0gzym7CVGCE2f22xO5OL8c2alipXwHCGYit3tuu5LjPMBslykjIwGwBQnXRxBqyMlE3nHuXRMc9NDLfOFU_Ax/s1600/Raw+Vegan+Oatmeal+Cookies.2.jpg" height="303" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">in the dehydrator - smells so good!</td></tr>
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No worries if you do not have a dehydrator as you can eat these cookies completely raw! You can form them into cookie shapes or Bliss Balls (<em>see below</em>) - they taste like oatmeal cookie dough! <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNgN83eF8zHqPP0bGtEWaBVJ4mCGTSKX046XdbOeHuzhbl-DtfhQgMQZSRTnNe_Q3iOX_YDvN_tz8BSndw_Xi2qm48-VnyuM_w3n-cMqWveauAduYuDIpiQNFutq_OrxjFgjQjpIIpvsqv/s1600/Raw+Vegan+Oatmeal+Cookie+Bliss+Balls+original1b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNgN83eF8zHqPP0bGtEWaBVJ4mCGTSKX046XdbOeHuzhbl-DtfhQgMQZSRTnNe_Q3iOX_YDvN_tz8BSndw_Xi2qm48-VnyuM_w3n-cMqWveauAduYuDIpiQNFutq_OrxjFgjQjpIIpvsqv/s1600/Raw+Vegan+Oatmeal+Cookie+Bliss+Balls+original1b.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raw Vegan Bliss Balls - Oatmeal Raisin</td></tr>
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For this batch I did a little of both and Mark took them to work to share. I rolled some in hemp heart seeds, some in coconut sugar and the rest I left plain. Shredded coconut would be a nice topping too... so many choices.<br />
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Here's my simple recipe for a yummy healthy treat. You can adapt to fit your likes.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;"><strong>Raw Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies and Bliss Balls</strong></span><br />
<br />
1 heaping cup of soaked steel cut gluten-free oats (<em>rinsed and drained</em>) - or regular oats<br />
1 cup flax meal<br />
1/2 cup walnuts (<em>soaked and dehydrated - optional</em>)<br />
2 Tbs hemp heart seeds<br />
1/2 tsp vanilla<br />
1 tsp Roasted Saigon Cinnamon<br />
1/4 tsp sea salt<br />
<br />
Put into food processor and pulse to combine.<br />
<br />
Add in: <br />
1/2 cup packed medjool dates (<em>or dates of choice</em>), process until well combined and can hold it's shape when rolled into a ball.<br />
<br />
Add in 1/4 cup full of golden raisins and pulse a few times to mix in. You can leave the raisins out if you like.<br />
<br />
<u><strong>For dehydrated cookies:</strong></u><br />
<br />
Form into balls, sprinkle with a tiny bit of coconut sugar (<em>or sugar of choice</em>) and flatten. Put onto mesh dehydrator sheet and dehydrate at 115 degrees for approximately 4-6 hours or until desired doneness. Time will vary due to weather, location, dehydrator, etc.<br />
<br />
<strong><u>For bliss balls:</u></strong><br />
<br />
Form into round balls and if desired, roll into coconut shreds, hemp seeds, coconut sugar... or leave plain. I love them plain.<br />
<br />
Store them in the fridge or freezer - if they last that long. <br />
<br />
Peace,<br />
RockiRocki Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12275869389806600804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343611381098511713.post-27694754578081617172014-02-10T19:04:00.002-07:002014-02-10T19:04:40.439-07:00Goji Berry Green Smoothie - Raw Vegan Recipe<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1GGenDW9Lr7P9zLhzFlcboSZ4LwjU0fOTn0bDBHlg9EGGdM0ORiK0kxz9jF45IYAY6z06DQmc53HVbP_H_6SrcC-7y-z-tV2MBZbDxCBGssWZYkZXf1AZjNmUjYuC_7AtrKzIVDkIXpvP/s1600/smoothie+goji+grape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1GGenDW9Lr7P9zLhzFlcboSZ4LwjU0fOTn0bDBHlg9EGGdM0ORiK0kxz9jF45IYAY6z06DQmc53HVbP_H_6SrcC-7y-z-tV2MBZbDxCBGssWZYkZXf1AZjNmUjYuC_7AtrKzIVDkIXpvP/s1600/smoothie+goji+grape.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raw Vegan Smoothie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've been having so much fun creating a variety of smoothies lately. Many of them are ones I've been making for a long time, but never thought to layer them or be so creative!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This one is my antioxidant rich <span style="color: #741b47;"><strong>Goji Grape Green Smoothie</strong></span>, garnished with coconut shreds, blueberries and pomegranate. The Goji Berry (<em>also known as the Wolfberry</em>), are delightfully tasty little berries known in Asia for over 2,000 years as one of the most nutrient rich foods on earth. This superfood is packed with protein, antioxidants and over 20 vitamins and minerals. You can add them to smoothies, oatmeal, salads, brownies, a variety of recipes... the options are endless! They make a quickie out of the bag snack too. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let's get to my recipe. Oh and just to note that I use a Vitamix so the texture may be different if you are using a standard blender. But no worries, it will be delicious just the same!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>Goji Berry Green Smoothie</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><u><strong>Purple layer:</strong></u></span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 handful of grapes (<em>about 1 cup</em>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 large frozen banana</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 cup blueberries</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 heaping Tbs goji berries</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/2 cup coconut water (<em>adjust as needed</em>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Blend, pour into large measuring cup and set aside in fridge while you make the green layer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u><strong>Green layer</strong></u></span><br />
<strong><u><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></u></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 large handful kale</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 large handful spinach</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 large frozen banana</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 Tbs flax meal (<em>or seed, I grind my own</em>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 Tbs protein powder (<em>I use Sunwarrior's Warrior Blend Raw Vegan Protein</em>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 tsp Matcha green tea powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Coconut water - enough to blend.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Layer as you wish and top with garnish or not. Or, pour both mixtures into a large glass (<em>or 2 small</em>) and swirl together or blend all of the ingredients together and enjoy! I've done all 3 and it is delicious either way.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Peace,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rocki</span>Rocki Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12275869389806600804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343611381098511713.post-55395712792332279482014-02-09T17:06:00.001-07:002014-02-09T17:15:36.421-07:00Rocki's Raw Vegan Hemp Cheese Sauce<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tegnRHuqd-9vlzruB1DZlZ_ibGbzSW-HbMx2b0cwueaIcDuD69u9QVfwRQCuZO3AkZS0lGeeQQ0E2jKGEj3082ctk6uihhyphenhyphenO355q_f0ffffwYyFCnFj4awm7t9FhP4hEv3NALzQXURd2/s1600/Raw+Hemp+Cheese+Sauce.3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tegnRHuqd-9vlzruB1DZlZ_ibGbzSW-HbMx2b0cwueaIcDuD69u9QVfwRQCuZO3AkZS0lGeeQQ0E2jKGEj3082ctk6uihhyphenhyphenO355q_f0ffffwYyFCnFj4awm7t9FhP4hEv3NALzQXURd2/s1600/Raw+Hemp+Cheese+Sauce.3.jpg" height="376" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raw Vegan Hemp Cheese Sauce</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Today was such a beautiful day all around. We got some needed work done around the house in the morning, prepared veggies for Mark's lunch for tomorrow, played barber and cut Mark's hair, went for an awesome bicycle ride and now relaxing on the couch until it's time to create dinner. <br />
<br />
Oh wait, I forgot one little detail... made a batch of my hemp cheese. Yum yum yum!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja43wJtxB4lTTmsTNdJvs3BY2RYUpMtygAQv05-G5vFUY5GidM6hyphenhyphenRB9OehIJ8_-XsOCRNNHv-ErweASITca4LoNvRoZH9yGCFbaYZDJmQYyRdJzHBnGN-z2pR99duMTv1xDwdRNMYsY86/s1600/Raw+Hemp+Cheese+Sauce.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja43wJtxB4lTTmsTNdJvs3BY2RYUpMtygAQv05-G5vFUY5GidM6hyphenhyphenRB9OehIJ8_-XsOCRNNHv-ErweASITca4LoNvRoZH9yGCFbaYZDJmQYyRdJzHBnGN-z2pR99duMTv1xDwdRNMYsY86/s1600/Raw+Hemp+Cheese+Sauce.2.jpg" height="325" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We sat down to have lunch and dug right into our veggies and cheese sauce. I dunked my zucchini into the bowl of deliciousness, took a bite and looked at my cheesy zucchini - it looked like a half moon. Mark's exact words were: "Well, they say the moon is made of cheese."<br />
He always makes me laugh!<br />
<br />
Not only is this cheese sauce gluten, dairy and nut-free, but it is super healthy and guilt-free! Okay, on with my recipe as I'm wanting to dig back into the cheesy goodness.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: large;"><strong>Rocki's Raw Vegan Hemp Cheese Sauce</strong></span><br />
<br />
1/4 cup water<br />
1 red bell pepper<br />
1 large garlic clove (<em>or 1 tsp garlic powder</em>)<br />
1/2 tsp onion powder<br />
1/2 tsp sea salt (<em>or to taste</em>)<br />
3 TBS nutritional yeast (<em>heaping</em>)<br />
1/8 tsp turmeric<br />
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper<br />
2 TBS raw apple cider vinegar<br />
1 Serrano chili pepper, seeds removed (<em>or pepper of choice</em>)<br />
1 cup hemp heart seeds<br />
<br />
Put everything into your blender and blend until smooth and creamy. You can add more water if you want a thinner consistency. Sometimes I add a little tahini for added creaminess.<br />
<br />
Living in the southwest we tend to love heat, especially in our food. Well, actually it took Mark a long time to realize that ketchup was NOT salsa (<em>silly boy</em>). Now he loves heat in his food too :) But no worries if you don't as you can change the flavor of the cheese by omitting both peppers and enjoy as is or add herbs and spices of your choice. You can also use a yellow bell pepper instead of the red. So many choices.<br />
<br />
Time to eat. Chow for now.<br />
<br />
Peace,<br />
RockiRocki Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12275869389806600804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343611381098511713.post-21305962125403964162014-02-06T06:49:00.000-07:002014-02-06T06:49:05.120-07:00Raw Cashew Raspberry Cream Brownie Hearts<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9RmGs_QAeFa6valS30zJ30EtoC-tXbJ1byvaGt5UDfK2i-2T-ITXRqG9_brro8s_TWFqlUVULIpB5HCDHHfaCnH8p95jWO2lgbTIkTx_ky_8wZiWsFXCphFi9AZWd56s0hediFphPl04/s1600/Raw+Cashew+Raspberry+Cream+Brownie.3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9RmGs_QAeFa6valS30zJ30EtoC-tXbJ1byvaGt5UDfK2i-2T-ITXRqG9_brro8s_TWFqlUVULIpB5HCDHHfaCnH8p95jWO2lgbTIkTx_ky_8wZiWsFXCphFi9AZWd56s0hediFphPl04/s1600/Raw+Cashew+Raspberry+Cream+Brownie.3.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raw Vegan Brownie Heart with Cashew Raspberry Cream and Goji Berries</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I was busy in the kitchen creating another brownie treat. I LOVE raw vegan brownies! At first it was going to be simple little brownie hearts, but then one thing led to another. I decided to make some cashew raspberry cream to top them off with. As you can see, I took it a few more steps.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBlOY-wARfqWPBD46JTjgZjbfLRVahbdbCtPiVNH3s0fEV8BMLMrpHzUKD96R8fKVmxxPJWdagXkmFbrHrxQkY17XWNGSFVcoNezTi_i2JN0HTPqkKG3dx69aTS-ztQQ3VSkaykAGhX-wF/s1600/Raw+Cashew+Raspberry+Cream+Brownie.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBlOY-wARfqWPBD46JTjgZjbfLRVahbdbCtPiVNH3s0fEV8BMLMrpHzUKD96R8fKVmxxPJWdagXkmFbrHrxQkY17XWNGSFVcoNezTi_i2JN0HTPqkKG3dx69aTS-ztQQ3VSkaykAGhX-wF/s1600/Raw+Cashew+Raspberry+Cream+Brownie.2.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heart Brownie - Raw and Gluten-Free</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I thought a few sprinkles of coconut shreds would be a subtle tasty topper.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiiL1gZeImfEKybQdckxgT8aWV-AuSDTth1qBj03Sq2eLf1MOoZjvW1LiF7JBpC-oSszioN1RzLZHXzxZOj4EEGw_icRCvODf9Jz-RJu2uWOg3gmg83hs3DCjzo_SUPV-_5H2ya3g8pIKi/s1600/Raw+Cashew+Raspberry+Cream+Brownie.4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiiL1gZeImfEKybQdckxgT8aWV-AuSDTth1qBj03Sq2eLf1MOoZjvW1LiF7JBpC-oSszioN1RzLZHXzxZOj4EEGw_icRCvODf9Jz-RJu2uWOg3gmg83hs3DCjzo_SUPV-_5H2ya3g8pIKi/s1600/Raw+Cashew+Raspberry+Cream+Brownie.4.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink Heart - Raw Vegan Brownie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Just with the cashew raspberry cream on top makes the brownie heart pretty in pink.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCx59RAosLQCeQkjcMA1ZYNwaLQgXXv1mjPMeQRcB0uz64HoTuw589JgS1hP_vPRlT-lA5DrsfHnxlc6wPrksjIgcCWVWOmf7DfW-pVKCN5KHZcYi6vN7isVEK-6TGOUH1eEzxLTdnJGc/s1600/Raw+Cashew+Raspberry+Cream+Brownie.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCx59RAosLQCeQkjcMA1ZYNwaLQgXXv1mjPMeQRcB0uz64HoTuw589JgS1hP_vPRlT-lA5DrsfHnxlc6wPrksjIgcCWVWOmf7DfW-pVKCN5KHZcYi6vN7isVEK-6TGOUH1eEzxLTdnJGc/s1600/Raw+Cashew+Raspberry+Cream+Brownie.1.jpg" height="400" width="340" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From my heart to yours - raw vegan brownies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And you can't go wrong in the buff, you know what I mean ;) Nothing but brownie.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibNeWcBCFHWoPA4NTvQe4pBr1bJbC2-d5K-53Fh-S0jcwh27zymvEdMDdKuzfaRy2Tkj6W0ZYNCg88GQe_r_1knzgHIiCaEEhhQ8NIOhswYd655paT0Bkm-pmX3_o2JGwDFO-PYUEJJ1lh/s1600/Raw+Cashew+Raspberry+Cream+Brownie.5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibNeWcBCFHWoPA4NTvQe4pBr1bJbC2-d5K-53Fh-S0jcwh27zymvEdMDdKuzfaRy2Tkj6W0ZYNCg88GQe_r_1knzgHIiCaEEhhQ8NIOhswYd655paT0Bkm-pmX3_o2JGwDFO-PYUEJJ1lh/s1600/Raw+Cashew+Raspberry+Cream+Brownie.5.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty little raw vegan cupcake - recipe by Raw Rock</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
If you don't have a heart mold, I have different silicone molds (<em>bpa-free FDA food-grade silicone) </em>then no worries as they can be made in any shape and look yummy enough to eat. You can even roll them into a ball, put them into a brownie pan... the choice is yours.<br />
<br />
I love my raw vegan brownie recipe, but also like to change it up now and then. Don't be afraid... change is good! Feel free to change it up as you like. One thing about raw food is it is so easy to make changes, so let your inner chef out of the box and go for it!<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">Raw Vegan Brownies</span></strong><br />
<br />
1/2 cup pecans<br />
1 cup walnuts (soaked and dehydrated)<br />
1/2 cup hemp heart seeds<br />
4 TBS Cacao powder<br />
3 TBS coconut shreds<br />
1/8 tsp sea salt<br />
<br />
Put into food processor and process until little bits. Then add in the following:<br />
<br />
1 TBS coconut butter - softened<br />
1 1/2 cup <em>packed</em> dates (<em>I use medjool - yum!)</em><br />
<br />
Process until well blended but not buttery consistency. You want the mixture to be able to hold its shape. Check to see if it will roll into a ball or just give it a squish or two then pop it in your mouth... mmmmm, warm brownies!<br />
<br />
Put into mold or pan of choice. If using a silicon mold, put it in the freezer for at least 60-90 minutes so they will be easy to pop out. The brownies can be stored in the fridge or freezer - if they last that long.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;"><strong>Cashew Raspberry Cream</strong></span><br />
<br />
1 cup cashews - soaked for at least 2 hours, rinse and drain<br />
1 cup full raspberries<br />
1/2 tsp vanilla<br />
2-3 TBS raw agave (<em>or to your desired sweetness</em>)<br />
1 TBS coconut oil - softened<br />
<br />
Blend all ingredients until you have a smooth cream consistency. You can put this in the fridge while waiting for the brownies (<em>I make this first and then the brownies</em>) or leave on the counter and try not to dip a piece of fruit in it... or your finger.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
Peace and Luv,<br />
RockiRocki Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12275869389806600804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343611381098511713.post-762774523579251912014-02-05T17:18:00.001-07:002014-02-05T17:18:31.923-07:00Enlighten Up - Healing Hug<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/zLy79UGebns?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
Okay, I look goofy as all get out, but hey... that's me. I'm just plain ol' Rocki that simply expresses myself as is. <br />
<br />
Anyway, this was in our motel room (<em>nope, it's not X-rated, lol!</em>) when we went to Sedona last year to celebrate my 1 year of being cancer free. It's a short video about... well I'll just let you watch it.<br />
<br />
Peace and luv,<br />
RockiRocki Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12275869389806600804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343611381098511713.post-77967959857206688992014-02-03T19:32:00.001-07:002014-02-04T11:34:07.982-07:00Pizza Night! Raw, Vegan and Gluten-Free<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF7OzfwrqfBM_sDqIrItfUS4rUkxIFXXHp1-sOwfnFTTdNKdV2vtuNnZel0ILnD2Ue33kT0XiB-KswqKH9to_j548AdLNFhllha1ey2I8uxU_1DANfTKjXCn9DB2YR8nWUNMq3vx3HvNP_/s1600/Pizza+Raw+Vegan.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF7OzfwrqfBM_sDqIrItfUS4rUkxIFXXHp1-sOwfnFTTdNKdV2vtuNnZel0ILnD2Ue33kT0XiB-KswqKH9to_j548AdLNFhllha1ey2I8uxU_1DANfTKjXCn9DB2YR8nWUNMq3vx3HvNP_/s1600/Pizza+Raw+Vegan.2.jpg" height="376" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Mandala Pizza :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
One thing I love to make is my raw vegan pizza... nom nom nom! That's right... raw vegan pizza. Follow me and I'll tell you about it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAElxwOxAtQTUV08Z25FoQDg1ytus4a3qP36WnRrung19qyfQ3xdSv5e2KydVwV9zc30PbYl3Z5bT8UJc_TUyOfMeyylpIH4-CUnIwr-mVu1hFPPw76L80SwSayrumV2Q7YI7ckkxZyvfS/s1600/Pizza+Raw+Vegan.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAElxwOxAtQTUV08Z25FoQDg1ytus4a3qP36WnRrung19qyfQ3xdSv5e2KydVwV9zc30PbYl3Z5bT8UJc_TUyOfMeyylpIH4-CUnIwr-mVu1hFPPw76L80SwSayrumV2Q7YI7ckkxZyvfS/s1600/Pizza+Raw+Vegan.1.jpg" height="317" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pizza crust</td></tr>
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Above is my own tasty recipe for the crust, which is not only raw and vegan, but also gluten and nut free.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1c0IpBhlnTjE7Zqbrg4k1flQ_CIjIOO93NJ9KXtKrP5AL7SCFa3AttUOr-DD-osBALiaKGlNc464oDOn1Cu5ZoMlEmHfKFpdk8xxFclGkEXprg9HX9EX2xEzp8_LbfCqijPJeq7OVXA6P/s1600/Pizza+Raw+Vegan.3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1c0IpBhlnTjE7Zqbrg4k1flQ_CIjIOO93NJ9KXtKrP5AL7SCFa3AttUOr-DD-osBALiaKGlNc464oDOn1Cu5ZoMlEmHfKFpdk8xxFclGkEXprg9HX9EX2xEzp8_LbfCqijPJeq7OVXA6P/s1600/Pizza+Raw+Vegan.3.jpg" height="328" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pizza with lots of veggies</td></tr>
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I like to change up my pizza each time I make it, from a variety of toppings, sauce or no sauce and cheese. Yes, that's right... raw vegan cheese. Stay with me now and I'll give you the recipe soon.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9mTpajRNLc-DwYVnVgN6oavHPTq6XiuLaAt28Hj_yY7lkTnuTTkCdXtnk4T3XSkfYbk7r7I0iBESL85e4sm-AD0t9psDhDx2Dns_gU62VdKdVDQSpyJvgZzV3H9cfk5zplHZkG0yeqnE/s1600/Pizza+Raw+Vegan.3a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9mTpajRNLc-DwYVnVgN6oavHPTq6XiuLaAt28Hj_yY7lkTnuTTkCdXtnk4T3XSkfYbk7r7I0iBESL85e4sm-AD0t9psDhDx2Dns_gU62VdKdVDQSpyJvgZzV3H9cfk5zplHZkG0yeqnE/s1600/Pizza+Raw+Vegan.3a.jpg" height="377" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mandala Veggie Pizza</td></tr>
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I know my pictures are not the best, but heck, I just love how this one looks so have to share another view of it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRemmcWcv0D8jNJ4qS9Ggr5VCyGDifBR6OF4YfE6cP9hBtecRn4xXz-PmB-07Eiper9V9ikb4gv7GzfY6ta3jWS9UMdDAhi_zJQDvvHAe3sqkR3AJbxXEC29tXkzCrmQDquIyALr60NBs/s1600/Pizza+Raw+Vegan.4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRemmcWcv0D8jNJ4qS9Ggr5VCyGDifBR6OF4YfE6cP9hBtecRn4xXz-PmB-07Eiper9V9ikb4gv7GzfY6ta3jWS9UMdDAhi_zJQDvvHAe3sqkR3AJbxXEC29tXkzCrmQDquIyALr60NBs/s1600/Pizza+Raw+Vegan.4.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back in the dehydrator</td></tr>
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After I put all the ingredients onto the crust I then popped it back into the dehydrator for about an hour. This gives the cheese time to settle in with the ingredients and makes the house smell yummy!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig5u-omjp7XyaFqaC3_Xw9xb13hPmhmV6R81i1fKIpBMoNF4sgL4neI8ii588CCI51H1VBJR5B7KDVVNPel6laodBqMHLU1ElUuoovJDf8kMDGQpNEvgTg-gQYQD8kLnUWoSfFKKwyBF6o/s1600/Pizza+Raw+Vegan.5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig5u-omjp7XyaFqaC3_Xw9xb13hPmhmV6R81i1fKIpBMoNF4sgL4neI8ii588CCI51H1VBJR5B7KDVVNPel6laodBqMHLU1ElUuoovJDf8kMDGQpNEvgTg-gQYQD8kLnUWoSfFKKwyBF6o/s1600/Pizza+Raw+Vegan.5.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh sliced pizza</td></tr>
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If you think us raw vegans only eat bunny food, take a look at this scrumptious pizza. However, we do still love our bunny food :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnrh-0nSAbV8hu9E8hv4_Qes5Ozkd-l9HA5esLr1_TCg6qqB3K-_-KObNmIZIgvzl7CIu348Doi0CyJShL4If_bbtbD2dSywamssjM39oTRQkaiQ4fJvg3PCFmba-i65jwxtIGUDMbjYxI/s1600/Pizza+Raw+Vegan.6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnrh-0nSAbV8hu9E8hv4_Qes5Ozkd-l9HA5esLr1_TCg6qqB3K-_-KObNmIZIgvzl7CIu348Doi0CyJShL4If_bbtbD2dSywamssjM39oTRQkaiQ4fJvg3PCFmba-i65jwxtIGUDMbjYxI/s1600/Pizza+Raw+Vegan.6.jpg" height="227" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raw Vegan Pizza!</td></tr>
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And now it's time to eat! As you can see, the crust holds up nicely and is quite filling. We had a small side salad with a couple little slices and... okay, well not so little... and we were full.<br />
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That's the end of my pizza tour and now it's time for the recipes for my crust and cheese.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">Raw Rocki's Pizza Crust</span></strong><br />
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1/2 cup flax meal<br />
1/2 cup hemp seeds<br />
1/2 cup sunflower seeds (<em>ground into little bits like flour</em>)<br />
1/2 flax seeds<br />
1/4 cup nutritional yeast<br />
1 1/2 TBS psyllium husk<br />
1 TBS Italian seasoning<br />
1/4 tsp sea salt<br />
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Combine all the above ingredients in a large bowl and set aside.<br />
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1/3 cup sundried tomatoes - soaked in 1 cup warm water for about 30 minutes (<em>drain and reserve liquid as you'll need it in the next step</em>)<br />
1 large tomato <br />
1/2 red bell pepper<br />
1 tsp garlic powder or clove <br />
1 tsp fennel seeds<br />
pinch sea salt<br />
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Put ingredients into a food processor and process well. The mixture will be somewhat thick and <u>not</u> watery.<br />
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Add 3/4 cup of the soaked water to the dry mixture bowl and combine well. Now add the above tomato mixture to the bowl and stir until combined. <br />
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Line a dehydrator mesh tray with a teflex sheet (<em>or similar</em>) and spoon the mixture onto it. I put another teflex sheet on top of the mixture then use a rolling pin and my hands to form into a big round pizza crust shape. You can also make a big square pizza too, I do that sometimes.<br />
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Put into the dehydrator at 145 degrees for 1 hour only then turn down to 115 degrees for about another 3-4 hours. Total time can vary between 4-5 hours or longer depending on a variety of factors. Mine took about 4 1/2 hours this time. *When the top crust is dry to touch, transfer it to another mesh sheet tray and remove it from the teflex sheet by slowly peeling it off. Put it back in for about 1/2 hour and then flip back over until done. <br />
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When the crust is done, top with your favorite ingredients and either put it back into the dehydrator for about an hour or eat right away and enjoy!<br />
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Before I get to the cheese recipe, just want to mention that yes, all the ingredients are raw even the mushrooms. We like the mushrooms to take on a little bit of "cooked" texture so I wilt them slightly by using a tiny bit of liquid amino acid like Braggs.<br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;"><strong>Raw Rocki's Pizza Cheese</strong></span><br />
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1 cup cashews - soaked for at least 2 hours then rinse and drain<br />
1/4 cup pine nuts<br />
1 yellow bell pepper<br />
1 clove garlic<br />
3 TBS heaping of nutritional yeast<br />
1/2 tsp sea salt<br />
1 TBS raw apple cider vinegar (<em>I use Braggs Organic</em>)<br />
*1/4 cup water (<em>can adjust texture by decreasing or increasing water for a thicker or thinner cheese</em>)<br />
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Combine all ingredients into vitamix/blender and blend until smooth and creamy. This makes much more than what you need for the pizza crust, but I always make this size batch because Mark likes to use it as a snack dip for his veggies, etc.<br />
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Hope you enjoy these recipes and feel free to change them up as you need to.<br />
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Peace,<br />
Rocki<br />
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<u><em>*2/4/14 Updated: I left off a couple things so have made the notes here *</em></u>Rocki Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12275869389806600804noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343611381098511713.post-86458971311618716462014-01-27T19:22:00.001-07:002014-01-27T19:22:33.502-07:00Raw Vegan Smoothies<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv1X7SMHTEKS6QY5FdqPm0XDziF9U3e8sG90-01sMcWDBG1owYIiRmiExlWRqNqD27pE4V4N5rgEgF1E2Y6SgYaIbrKeII1Br0Z1vr2ncDA4xS-vat22DKrpVUjThCatend89BtkB-23PX/s1600/smoothie+mango+pinapple+kale+raw+vegan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv1X7SMHTEKS6QY5FdqPm0XDziF9U3e8sG90-01sMcWDBG1owYIiRmiExlWRqNqD27pE4V4N5rgEgF1E2Y6SgYaIbrKeII1Br0Z1vr2ncDA4xS-vat22DKrpVUjThCatend89BtkB-23PX/s1600/smoothie+mango+pinapple+kale+raw+vegan.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Good Morning Smoothie - raw, vegan and gluten-free</td></tr>
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I'm getting a bit more creative with my raw vegan food and am having a blast! I have several to blog about, but will do a few at a time. <br />
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Have to say that my little creations are just a drop in the bucket compared to what I've seen on Instagram - amazing and inspiring to say the least. Speaking of Instagram, I'm becoming more active on my page and as I told Mark... "there's no stopping me now!" You can find me at <a href="http://instagram.com/raw_rocki?ref=badge#"><span style="color: #274e13;"><strong><em>Raw_Rocki</em></strong></span></a>.<br />
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Let's get right to the quickie recipes. Above is my <strong><em><span style="color: #38761d;">Good Morning Smoothie!</span></em></strong> I'm simply going to give the basics for this one because you really can't go wrong with smoothies. So let your taste be your guide, experiment and have fun!<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #38761d;"><u>Good Morning Smoothie!</u></span></strong><br />
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Bottom layer: banana, mango, pineapple, coconut water, flax meal and warrior blend protein powder - natural flavor<br />
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Top layer: baby spinach, matcha green tea powder and coconut water<br />
- you can add a banana with this part for a thicker consistency<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc3szu8-0wFFz6wm_H-5M8oH6HPGfFO-8Y20iQyE5BWKDQvMGsNSYeeNo5gkiUkfr-X8Qf8QkzO-gj0J3zrkM80Ng1RFjxcFXTTGq7QFzACMaYATqa-xGiSYlUeX-iqpKR_ERdIPV0Evoh/s1600/smoothie+chocolate+shake+raw+vegan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc3szu8-0wFFz6wm_H-5M8oH6HPGfFO-8Y20iQyE5BWKDQvMGsNSYeeNo5gkiUkfr-X8Qf8QkzO-gj0J3zrkM80Ng1RFjxcFXTTGq7QFzACMaYATqa-xGiSYlUeX-iqpKR_ERdIPV0Evoh/s1600/smoothie+chocolate+shake+raw+vegan.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guilt-Free Chocolate Shake - raw, vegan and gluten-free</td></tr>
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You can't say no to a healthy chocolate shake in the middle of the afternoon, can you? No way! Especially since it is raw, vegan, gluten-free and nutritious with no processed sugar. Say it with me: "GUILT-FREE!"<br />
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<span style="color: #783f04;"><strong><u>Guilt-Free Chocolate Shake</u></strong></span><br />
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Step 1:<br />
2 very ripe frozen bananas<br />
1 cup pure coconut water<br />
1 Tbs protein powder<br />
1 Tbs hemp seeds<br />
vanilla bean or 1 tsp vanilla<br />
1 cup ice<br />
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Blend the above. Pour half or more of this vanilla mixture into a tall glass and leave the rest in the blender. <br />
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Step 2:<br />
Add 1 Tbs or more of cacao powder to the remaining mixture in the blender and blend briefly until combined. Pour slowly on top of the vanilla mixture. I garnished mine with coconut and cacao nibs, but you can garnish any way you want or not.<br />
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Note: if you do not have very ripe bananas and/or like it more on the sweeter side, simply add sweetener of choice in Step 1.<br />
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I'll post more of my raw vegan smoothies soon. Enjoy!<br />
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Peace,<br />
RockiRocki Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12275869389806600804noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343611381098511713.post-39009233943696980902014-01-23T15:20:00.000-07:002014-01-23T15:20:08.720-07:00Raw Vegan Taco Night<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO5MFtU4WObmDDE0N_wBqop8kbeKcC42IvV3j2p_aXlzBbixhx-rHNDo1e1OQJSns69m27hG2fwptV0FNtZV_X8SaT9fa2E0W6rXPm09dYiM-ossZ_IKpQ-8bfzw68QqJJHAhAG7ZRTI4o/s1600/Raw+Soft+Tacos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO5MFtU4WObmDDE0N_wBqop8kbeKcC42IvV3j2p_aXlzBbixhx-rHNDo1e1OQJSns69m27hG2fwptV0FNtZV_X8SaT9fa2E0W6rXPm09dYiM-ossZ_IKpQ-8bfzw68QqJJHAhAG7ZRTI4o/s1600/Raw+Soft+Tacos.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raw Vegan Soft Spicy Corn Tortillas</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who says you can't have tacos when living a raw vegan lifestyle? Not me! Mark and I LOVE tacos and we practically devour them once we sit down. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We used to eat them on greens, but I've been playing around with a variety of flat breads from sweet to savory, Italian to Mexican, etc. and finally came up with a version of what I call my <span style="color: #783f04;"><strong><em>Soft Spicy Corn Tortillas</em></strong></span>. I haven’t gotten to the point of measuring everything <u>exactly</u> for this recipe, mainly because
I change it a little here and there depending on what the meal is and what I want it to taste like. Besides, with raw food creating it isn't exact
science - which I love - so experimentation is the key. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Arial;"><strong><u>Soft Spicy Corn Tortillas</u></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Approximate measurements:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 ¼- 1 ½ cup flax meal<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">¼ rounded cup nutritional yeast </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><o:p>Pinch of sea salt</o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Put into large bowl, stir to combine and set aside<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/3 cup sundried tomatoes - soaked in 1 1/2 cups water to soften,
drain and reserve water<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 ½-2 cups roughly chopped tomato<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">½-3/4 cup chopped onion<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 very full cup of corn<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 tsp garlic powder<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">½ tsp sea salt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/8 tsp cayenne pepper<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 tsp ancho chili pepper<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 tsp cumin powder<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Put all of the above into a food processor and process until
blended smooth. There will be little bits and that is perfect. I do a
taste test in case I need to add more spices. If you do not like spicy, then omit the cayenne and ancho chili pepper.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Add 1 cup of the reserved soaked water to the flax meal bowl and combine
well. Add the above mixture and stir until combined. It will be thick,
but if it seems to thick to spread then add the extra water a little at a time - NOT too thin or watery. It needs to
remain a thick spreadable mixture, so you be the judge.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I usually can fill up 3
dehydrator trays (<em>2 almost to the edges and 1 smaller</em>) but this varies. Line the mesh tray with a teflex sheet or similar then spread the mixture out evenly until
it’s around ¼” thick or so - you don't want it too thin. You'll need to work with the mixture, it will be kind of gummy.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dehydrate for 1 hour at 145 then lower to 115
for several hours, around 4-8, but this varies due to location, weather, etc. I
turn the trays around during the dehydration process just to get them evenly
dehydrated. Once they are pliable enough, remove them from the teflex
sheet onto the mesh sheet. If you haven’t done this before, simply put
a mesh sheet on top of the tortilla along with a tray, flip it over
then slowly peel the teflex sheet away from the tortilla. Put them back
into the dehydrator until done. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
Cut into desired pieces and once cooled, place them
in a Ziploc bag or other container - this will soften them to be more pliable. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtInPRMbb0HNdNkixZ-qmjFFbc8Bs-U4k7mAWgG-QF4pKVlwq5r0-5n8Q0sdLaMsKAoxE8lHXmKsyC3xpeIwA8lO01d28Aj_DcUfDYXaRiP0hRZjT780x7TxRT26LFlt3TVFvIK161OffN/s1600/Raw+Vegan+Tacos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtInPRMbb0HNdNkixZ-qmjFFbc8Bs-U4k7mAWgG-QF4pKVlwq5r0-5n8Q0sdLaMsKAoxE8lHXmKsyC3xpeIwA8lO01d28Aj_DcUfDYXaRiP0hRZjT780x7TxRT26LFlt3TVFvIK161OffN/s1600/Raw+Vegan+Tacos.jpg" height="377" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raw Vegan Taco Night!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Yum yum yum! Cashew queso "cheese", soft spicy corn tortillas, mushroom taco filling, pico de gallo, avocado and lettuce. See? Raw vegan meals are not just lettuce and carrot sticks. But those are good too :)<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
Peace,<br />
RockiRocki Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12275869389806600804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343611381098511713.post-40423669318190091172014-01-20T18:56:00.000-07:002014-01-23T14:38:10.767-07:00Fun Day at Butterfly Wonderland<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsOPbK7iflbX8dWu5t_G98jmLO-jQRoSaAu85WHF7maH3nzNtjQVjTh076OYsoWN8tmt6RZDF9FnNipByiL-GrvNZEfFb785JcKDS4rvnxQLdn-i_dQtDfQmGLTOURPf7IHxxb2HDidFNG/s1600/Butterfly+Atrium.finger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsOPbK7iflbX8dWu5t_G98jmLO-jQRoSaAu85WHF7maH3nzNtjQVjTh076OYsoWN8tmt6RZDF9FnNipByiL-GrvNZEfFb785JcKDS4rvnxQLdn-i_dQtDfQmGLTOURPf7IHxxb2HDidFNG/s1600/Butterfly+Atrium.finger.jpg" height="366" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Owl Butterfly on my finger</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZwohmCDN5a5i8RXAPt12GMvLAW4lmDAoiuazF5B1FG5cERDZCqCf_ldJsRelFugNSMSLHrXP3qRRp0Foua4KmVk28DH3Qb-eeyNxW0eq1foKZQB1_0E3pQWcGx5504Z9wBOJjNqOdsKFU/s1600/Butterfly+Atrium.hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZwohmCDN5a5i8RXAPt12GMvLAW4lmDAoiuazF5B1FG5cERDZCqCf_ldJsRelFugNSMSLHrXP3qRRp0Foua4KmVk28DH3Qb-eeyNxW0eq1foKZQB1_0E3pQWcGx5504Z9wBOJjNqOdsKFU/s1600/Butterfly+Atrium.hat.jpg" height="345" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butterfly on Mark's hat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNigGNUIIxy75xi2CxHj22u6gM6fiS8VggK1KaXri2t0tucXgO0y7kyzsV-qfBW3lSs2YJJlCBybI1sJyyrMebwpr1kty9Z0qsSdU56X2NhWc_IRz5oyv4qe8OCdgqYr5dtI0qEoovXkH/s1600/Butterfly+Atrium.pants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmNigGNUIIxy75xi2CxHj22u6gM6fiS8VggK1KaXri2t0tucXgO0y7kyzsV-qfBW3lSs2YJJlCBybI1sJyyrMebwpr1kty9Z0qsSdU56X2NhWc_IRz5oyv4qe8OCdgqYr5dtI0qEoovXkH/s1600/Butterfly+Atrium.pants.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous Owl Butterfly riding along on my pants</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4OURaVQqkMuQCqk9L38GhuuFCCDbGzPOJ3yNXEUM1evWn_henuoQu1TGxHSdfa0fU2UmSj3474z47YjNX_Dl9rvW5jii-Gkg3DF44wYLjhuoBfkkMj6k538bKg1ZzlYWhozdECU3YHBGY/s1600/Butterfly+Atrium.pants2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4OURaVQqkMuQCqk9L38GhuuFCCDbGzPOJ3yNXEUM1evWn_henuoQu1TGxHSdfa0fU2UmSj3474z47YjNX_Dl9rvW5jii-Gkg3DF44wYLjhuoBfkkMj6k538bKg1ZzlYWhozdECU3YHBGY/s1600/Butterfly+Atrium.pants2.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butterfly stayed on my pants for over 5 minutes while walking through the atrium</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9we1KbkGnZEA2lF1MNGZQG6jxKEiGZNOgsJzYqKsckyLS0JS2lf0MOrLaN3BKD4ZWqgj1de43XxZ2PU6Qkojdu8Aj8X49l5GIzOceiAX5u2Qru3cU1JYNI2z2QnSW1gb5NBGod6Dtz26v/s1600/Butterfly+Atrium.purse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9we1KbkGnZEA2lF1MNGZQG6jxKEiGZNOgsJzYqKsckyLS0JS2lf0MOrLaN3BKD4ZWqgj1de43XxZ2PU6Qkojdu8Aj8X49l5GIzOceiAX5u2Qru3cU1JYNI2z2QnSW1gb5NBGod6Dtz26v/s1600/Butterfly+Atrium.purse.jpg" height="346" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfect a place for this beautiful butterfly to land!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Nw3wfPnqnV92LbijHQLEiGl-0JYHn4lvXlE7d8HSXIfE_piJuDtvDJOuF7__DR2H5YYDnI1UTDANiJ3p8cBmW0rM5FVCVIAsz8hzFdwR8NVcMV6oVLqxX5GJX73krcqtfpsyV5bTEvzB/s1600/Butterfly+Atrium.water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Nw3wfPnqnV92LbijHQLEiGl-0JYHn4lvXlE7d8HSXIfE_piJuDtvDJOuF7__DR2H5YYDnI1UTDANiJ3p8cBmW0rM5FVCVIAsz8hzFdwR8NVcMV6oVLqxX5GJX73krcqtfpsyV5bTEvzB/s1600/Butterfly+Atrium.water.jpg" height="367" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous butterfly near the koi pond</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHc9y4ttyB0p8WWZMR-d0YYMmAWydwj7eBdyiX-c91Epf6tMf8_EbgBMxzEWfELNeq36Qc7riScNVx6kqs7n8OQmwodzWqhIPRqhtvJ65AT6JoMX7zwxUFFOcn_dk6Rmq1mC9koXdSvO8j/s1600/Butterfly+Atrium.3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHc9y4ttyB0p8WWZMR-d0YYMmAWydwj7eBdyiX-c91Epf6tMf8_EbgBMxzEWfELNeq36Qc7riScNVx6kqs7n8OQmwodzWqhIPRqhtvJ65AT6JoMX7zwxUFFOcn_dk6Rmq1mC9koXdSvO8j/s1600/Butterfly+Atrium.3.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Variety of butterflies. The blue one on Mark's shirt is also a Pink Floyd Fan ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqE600RCAu-cv9J787DWYgxc3XGEAPy2kLFUwcqOiJrbnx4WtLe8kFq3reWQTfV8a_hbx7z99HFGlmkVDE9MreMLVV2szEzSZJ-h1wOBEM3OZHR7e_fSmKwhm8jqZHoYnyHpndiTGBKQqp/s1600/Butterfly+Atrium.grid+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqE600RCAu-cv9J787DWYgxc3XGEAPy2kLFUwcqOiJrbnx4WtLe8kFq3reWQTfV8a_hbx7z99HFGlmkVDE9MreMLVV2szEzSZJ-h1wOBEM3OZHR7e_fSmKwhm8jqZHoYnyHpndiTGBKQqp/s1600/Butterfly+Atrium.grid+1.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So many beautiful butterflies!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTgtcQMv1YL2Q3zzZ9wzdb_EqIr1P85BaYKqTA6AaXDvHhh1cdqUMFJeROcOFdD-O8jJJ5a9ORVF64J_-FTQtc3sB_g-LrsnypLQGktMHy1zw1EFzzgE8dXcj5qetF8ZWpMBnxQjghlsB8/s1600/Butterfly+Atrium.grid+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTgtcQMv1YL2Q3zzZ9wzdb_EqIr1P85BaYKqTA6AaXDvHhh1cdqUMFJeROcOFdD-O8jJJ5a9ORVF64J_-FTQtc3sB_g-LrsnypLQGktMHy1zw1EFzzgE8dXcj5qetF8ZWpMBnxQjghlsB8/s1600/Butterfly+Atrium.grid+2.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butterflies galore!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx_AwuOH0V-pdNVbKMauAX3QGyVVAmMYtVJFn0aAGBwOvJWjAYGRehBCncfu5dn80U8rJpjuVlhy95JuHwTGbQAfAv7ga-TOXGAlrWyOLkDh2TmIt0nBFtKxLDaZoN7lMeMM2sSIhhqBGA/s1600/Butterfly+Atrium.4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx_AwuOH0V-pdNVbKMauAX3QGyVVAmMYtVJFn0aAGBwOvJWjAYGRehBCncfu5dn80U8rJpjuVlhy95JuHwTGbQAfAv7ga-TOXGAlrWyOLkDh2TmIt0nBFtKxLDaZoN7lMeMM2sSIhhqBGA/s1600/Butterfly+Atrium.4.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No these are not butterflies, but the fish and creepy crawlies can also be seen there.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6H313YEiulyiR0k3WEeKqCc4Q7CMdAAixFDHEQUUEvcC9dUSwO-IziuDegj2MBmRbKZBYwWNkZbr9ncD1YCtULwCs_oEMJd13fSYNlnBGdwSrdlD-aYkS6smwYaMJS0PT2Oed5BX0cwH/s1600/Butterfly+Atrium.arm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6H313YEiulyiR0k3WEeKqCc4Q7CMdAAixFDHEQUUEvcC9dUSwO-IziuDegj2MBmRbKZBYwWNkZbr9ncD1YCtULwCs_oEMJd13fSYNlnBGdwSrdlD-aYkS6smwYaMJS0PT2Oed5BX0cwH/s1600/Butterfly+Atrium.arm.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fluttering butterfly on my arm - so sweet!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I took a ton of photos when we went to the atrium and have only shared a few here. I know, they're just butterflies, but being able to walk through the atrium along with the butterflies flying all around you and landing on you multiple times is an awesome experience!<br />
<br />
If you are in Arizona, I highly recommend visiting <a href="http://www.butterflywonderland.com/"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><strong><em>Butterfly Wonderland</em></strong></span></a> in Scottsdale. There is a lot to see there including a 3D movie, a small gallery where you can see the metamorphosis stage of the butterfly and much more. Definitely worth the fair admission price as you'll spend a few hours there. We truly enjoyed our day and will be going there again.<br />
<br />
Peace,<br />
RockiRocki Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12275869389806600804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343611381098511713.post-29344918429861644422013-11-18T19:34:00.001-07:002013-11-18T19:34:07.457-07:00Yum Yum Raw Chili!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic5lYI9_h4FXQT3H2keVT6vJRh_I7f5hyphenhyphenkP9cOj1NR_V__LzMHznoVWPHskvL2mdIAz7QqPHy5RC08UpMtSo0PBJJP65BYrRpbCMAXDeVJUdZjQ_tTeQ3YYe-gT7QEo966IhsTsUo9VybH/s1600/Raw+Chili.5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic5lYI9_h4FXQT3H2keVT6vJRh_I7f5hyphenhyphenkP9cOj1NR_V__LzMHznoVWPHskvL2mdIAz7QqPHy5RC08UpMtSo0PBJJP65BYrRpbCMAXDeVJUdZjQ_tTeQ3YYe-gT7QEo966IhsTsUo9VybH/s400/Raw+Chili.5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I love creating my own and finding new raw vegan recipes - especially delicious ones. There are many books obviously, but there is also a huge variety of raw food blogs with a ton of recipes to make yourself or become inspired by. One of my all time favorites is Amie-Sue of <a href="http://nouveauraw.com/"><span style="color: #660000;"><em><strong>Nouveau Raw</strong></em></span></a>. Her blog itself is easy to navigate, has eye-popping pictures and the best part... her recipes, which I have made many of and some inspired me to create my own. <br />
<br />
So lets move on to the chili. I've made this recipe twice so far and wow! This is the BEST raw vegan chili I've ever had! The first time I made it I followed it to the letter. The last time I changed just a few things. Oh and her chili recipe is called <a href="http://nouveauraw.com/raw-recipies/main-dishes/raw-hearty-smoked-chili/"><span style="color: #660000;"><em><strong>Raw Hearty Smoked Chili</strong></em></span></a> - so all credit goes to Amie-Sue, I'm just sharing with you some photo steps and my few little changes at the end. I've linked her recipe in several areas for you to obtain it on your own. <br />
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The entire recipe was very simple. Of course there's prep work as in any other recipe, but it is a smooth process. This is basically the mixture for the sauce that you make first. Let me say that you'll need a large food processor. Mine is an 11 cup and as you will see it will be full to the top, especially after adding the water. I may be looking into a 14 cup processor one of these days.<br />
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The metal bowl on the left contains all the spices. The rest of the ingredients will be going into the food processor with the sauce. It smells so good!<br />
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Oh darn! I forgot this beautiful yellow bell pepper. No worries, I caught it in time. Chopped it up and into the processor it went.<br />
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See? All the way to the top and I even patted it down a little. I pulsed a few times and then...<br />
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Yummy chili! You can make this chili as thick or thin as you like. We like a thick hearty chili so Amie-Sue's recipe was right on the mark. This can be eaten right away, but I made it in the morning to let all the flavors mingle. About an hour before dinner time I resisted eating the whole darn thing myself, grabbed a ladle, filled a couple bowls and popped them into dehydrator to knock the chill out of the chili. (<em>okay I admit it, I took a few bites first</em>)<br />
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While Amie-Sue's recipe is indeed truly delicious as is, I made a few changes and additions to the second batch as noted below. Please go to her blog for the entire <a href="http://nouveauraw.com/raw-recipies/main-dishes/raw-hearty-smoked-chili/"><span style="color: #660000;"><em><strong>Raw Hearty Smoked Chili</strong></em></span></a>.<br />
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Sauce - <br />
I replaced lemon juice with raw apple cider vinegar (<em>lemon sometimes upset my tummy</em>)<br />
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Spices - <br />
For the chili powder I used Ancho Chili Pepper Powder<br />
For the cumin I used Smoked Cumin<br />
I omitted the celery salt<br />
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Veggies - <br />
I used the raw walnuts<br />
I used baby portabello mushrooms<br />
I increased the onions to about 3/4 cup (<em>we LOVE onions!</em>)<br />
I added around 1/4 cup or so of diced Anaheim Chili pepper that I dehydrated for a few hours first. That kicked up the heat a little bit, but not horribly so as that is not too hot of a pepper.<br />
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Oh and the leftovers... yum yum yum! We had the last of the chili the second night and just like traditional chili, it was better the second time around! I do believe Mark licked his bowl clean... and mine.<br />
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Now hop on over to <a href="http://nouveauraw.com/"><span style="color: #660000;"><em><strong>Nouveau Raw</strong></em></span></a> and check out all her amazing recipes. You might want to grab a drool towel first.<br />
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Peace,<br />
RockiRocki Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12275869389806600804noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343611381098511713.post-68625902853882013352013-11-15T17:18:00.002-07:002013-11-15T17:18:37.421-07:00Our 19th Wedding Anniversary - a tribute to our love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On 11/12/13 we celebrated our 19th wedding anniversary. We started out as friends when we worked at the same law office and after 20 years together, we are still best friends. Not to mention soulmates, life partners, connected at that hip... Mark is the love of my life and I can't imagine being without him.<br />
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So to celebrate this year, instead of gifts, I made this little video slide and included *our* song <em>"Your Love Amazes Me"</em> by John Berry. We have many songs, but this was our first and is just as meaningful today. Oh and just to mention that we got to meet John Berry in person (<em>you'll see the photo in the video</em>) and told him our little love story. That was a moment we'll never forget.<br />
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I could have added a zillion more pictures, but then I would have had to add more songs - not to mention go through tons of shoe boxes, coffee cans... So I'll stop here and let the video do the rest of the talking. <br />
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Peace,<br />
RockiRocki Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12275869389806600804noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343611381098511713.post-4275774053800256902013-11-11T20:21:00.001-07:002013-11-11T20:42:29.761-07:00Raw Vegan Lasagna<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raw Vegan Lasagna</td></tr>
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Before I go on about my Raw Vegan Lasagna recipe, I just want to mention that I have included several pictures to show part of the process and how the ingredients look after preparing them. I just don't want you to feel overwhelmed by all the photos.<br />
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Every time I make my lasagna I change it up here and there and never measure anything or write it down. However, after some requests I decided that this time I would. So, I'll skip the part in telling you how flavorful, delicious, tasty and nutritious it is and get straight to my recipe. Well I tried anyway ;)<br />
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One little note and I'll zip it. Under each photo I'll explain a little about it, but the entire recipe will be at the end.<br />
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This is a little backwards, but this is almost the end result after preparing all the fresh ingredients (<em>except for the zucchinis</em>) in order to make the lasagna.</div>
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I like to wilt the fresh baby spinach a little in a tasty mixture, but not to the point that it looks entirely cooked. It will take on a more cooked texture and appearance after the lasagna has chilled for a couple hours. I start with the spinach to give it time to wilt and set it aside.<br />
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Next we wilt the mushrooms. I slice the fresh mushrooms and place them in a bowl with my wilting mixture. I like to wilt them to not only take on a cooked appearance, but for taste and texture as well. I set this aside and proceed with the next step. (<em>I strain them after they get to the wilting point that I like</em>)<br />
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Sometimes I have this "cheese" on hand as it is a great topping for salads, but to show the entire process of this recipe I made some fresh.<br />
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The yummy sauce! I start with sundried tomatoes that I soak in warm water for about 20 minutes or so. I actually start the recipe by soaking them and proceed from there, but I didn't take a picture of that part. <br />
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Anyway, after making the sauce I put it in a fine mesh strainer while I prepare the rest of the ingredients. The reason I do this is because I don't want my lasagna to be wet and soppy.<br />
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I slice the zucchinis very thin, except for about 5 slices as I make them a little thicker and use for the bottom layer. If you don't have a mandolin, a sharp knife is perfectly fine. </div>
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It amazes me how zucchini can take on a pasta texture in many raw recipes! So yummy!<br />
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Sometimes I add clean organic olives in my lasagna, but this time I used them as a garnish.<br />
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Now to layer the lasagna. No, I didn't forget my lasagna dish. Sometimes I like to make it on this platter as it is easier to cut and serve from. The choice is yours.<br />
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I start with a little sauce on the bottom, then zucchini and more sauce. You can layer how you wish, but I'll explain how I do it in the recipe at the end.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP6TN6AGk3c5en4GDIdJpi6EJ0mxSHQhsV4jZr2sHtUhQXNemF6dFB56Bi72mwQmdgA77TRTxJUaiTAyBiZ3YoakRtfW0S6pSNM_QOzR4Or4KQfqxpk-7zDM6j2fdTVZLLqUGLGIrjbJpo/s1600/Raw+Vegan+Lasagna.Top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP6TN6AGk3c5en4GDIdJpi6EJ0mxSHQhsV4jZr2sHtUhQXNemF6dFB56Bi72mwQmdgA77TRTxJUaiTAyBiZ3YoakRtfW0S6pSNM_QOzR4Or4KQfqxpk-7zDM6j2fdTVZLLqUGLGIrjbJpo/s400/Raw+Vegan+Lasagna.Top.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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(<em>waves magic wand</em>) And in a blink of an eye we have raw vegan lasagna! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7FZtx8PhrvnrmnXOSZGlMtLYSL_O2d5zGQCu1SFIRJcTpbbKmSeG-ugw1ezpEELof4vEXCH_QEXAF-SuphnVq2rSRmHomo4sJT0TMDZok1iYg0sw8IB61nOLCcPnv5BsRm60rI0T2L1wb/s1600/Raw+Vegan+Lasagna.end+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7FZtx8PhrvnrmnXOSZGlMtLYSL_O2d5zGQCu1SFIRJcTpbbKmSeG-ugw1ezpEELof4vEXCH_QEXAF-SuphnVq2rSRmHomo4sJT0TMDZok1iYg0sw8IB61nOLCcPnv5BsRm60rI0T2L1wb/s400/Raw+Vegan+Lasagna.end+view.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Look at all those yummy layers! This can be served immediately or put it in the fridge to chill so it can take on a more cooked texture and appearance as in the photo below.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZ5_eAc0Hru1iPFXyQ6VI29OhjYPJF48-QgN6z_o7ctjtDsw1f_zGy0n0CMmEZup4AHEaNEkvFesOOqGi23XJmHGF6CnNMskDcrA88uy4Mz4eUztyAEu8z-d7O5rmjiVmRSnV8ODkbNYA/s1600/Raw+Vegan+Lasagna.Chilled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcZ5_eAc0Hru1iPFXyQ6VI29OhjYPJF48-QgN6z_o7ctjtDsw1f_zGy0n0CMmEZup4AHEaNEkvFesOOqGi23XJmHGF6CnNMskDcrA88uy4Mz4eUztyAEu8z-d7O5rmjiVmRSnV8ODkbNYA/s400/Raw+Vegan+Lasagna.Chilled.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_1517941052"></span><span id="goog_1517941053"></span><br />
This is what it looks like after chilled for a few hours. Sometimes I pop it in the dehydrator to warm up a bit, but for the most part we love it right out of the fridge.<br />
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And now for my recipe. Don't let all the steps scare you...once you get everything set out and start going it is a fairly smooth process. Just allow yourself a little time, it is SO worth it! Oh and I listed everything in order as I make it. This can be altered in so many ways to fit your liking and/or diet. Hope you enjoy it!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Raw Vegan Lasagna</strong></span><br />
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<strong>Step 1 - Soaking Sundried Tomatoes</strong><br />
3/4 cup sundried tomatoes<br />
<br />
Soak in warm water and set aside while preparing the other ingredients. You will use these in the sauce that will be made in Step 6.<br />
<br />
<strong>Step 2 - Wilting Mixture</strong><br />
1 TBS EVO (extra virgin olive oil)<br />
1 1/2 TBS Braggs or other Amino Acids<br />
1 TBS Balsamic Vinegar<br />
1 TBS Agave<br />
<br />
Wisk all ingredients in a small dish. I use a glass measuring cup as it is easier to pour from. This is used for both the spinach and mushrooms. It may not seem like enough for both, but it is - plus the shrooms will produce liquid as they start to wilt.<br />
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<strong>Step 3 - Wilt Spinach</strong><br />
3 good handfuls of fresh baby spinach<br />
<br />
Loosely tear spinach and place in large bowl. Add less than half of the wilting mixture to the spinach then toss to coat. Set aside.<br />
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<strong>Step 4 - Wilt Mushrooms</strong><br />
8 oz or more of Mushrooms of choice<br />
<br />
Slice mushrooms and place in bowl. Add remaining wilting mixture, toss to coat well then set aside.<br />
<br />
Once they have wilted to desired liking, drain and set aside.<br />
<br />
<strong>Step 5 - "Cheese"</strong><br />
1/2 cup cashews<br />
3 TBS pine nuts<br />
1 small garlic clove<br />
1 TBS nutritional yeast (<em>gives it the cheesy flavor, not to mention health benefits</em>)<br />
1/8 tsp sea salt<br />
<br />
Add all ingredients to food processor and process until it resembles small crumbles. Set aside.<br />
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<strong>Step 6 - Sauce</strong><br />
1 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes<br />
3/4 cup soaked and <u>drained</u> sundried tomatoes from Step 1<br />
1 medjool date (<em>stone removed</em>)<br />
1/3 cup roughly chopped onion<br />
1/2 TBS Balsamic Vinegar<br />
4-5 fresh basil leaves<br />
1 large garlic clove<br />
1 TBS Italian Seasoning<br />
<br />
Place all ingredients in order into food processor and pulse several times (<em>may need to scrape down sides</em>) until well blended, but do not over process. You don't want this to be a wet smooth sauce or it will be too runny for the lasagna - it needs to be a little chunky. Set aside.<br />
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<strong>Step 7 - Zucchini Noodles</strong><br />
2 large zucchinis<br />
<br />
I use a mandolin, but if you do not have one then a sharp knife will be fine. I start by making about 5 thick slices which will be used for the bottom layer. Slice the remaining zucchinis very thin. Set aside.<br />
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<strong>Step 8 - Layer the lasagna</strong> <br />
Now comes the fun part...wait, the above was fun too, right? This part isn't rocket science, but I'll explain how I layered this one, but feel free to layer as you wish.<br />
<br />
Take a little bit of sauce and splatter it around with your hand onto a large platter, just to have a thin layer. Just note here that for the rest of the layering when it comes time for the sauce, I use my hands because it's much easier to place on top of the zucchini and spread around. The sauce doesn't completely cover everything like in traditional lasagna, but enough to get a decent covering. So the rest goes like this...<br />
<br />
Place the thick slices of zucchini on the sauce plate and then...<br />
sauce<br />
"cheese"<br />
spinach<br />
zucchini<br />
sauce<br />
"cheese"<br />
mushrooms<br />
zucchini<br />
sauce<br />
optional olive garnish<br />
top with lots more "cheese"<br />
<br />
You can serve and enjoy immediately or place in the fridge to chill a few hours which will let the zucchini become more "noodle" like and all ingredients take on a more "cooked" texture and appearance. You can also warm it in the dehydrator if you so choose. <br />
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If I have forgotten anything or you have questions, please feel free to ask me. <br />
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Peace,<br />
RockiRocki Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12275869389806600804noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343611381098511713.post-75152810726195133642013-10-30T07:20:00.000-07:002013-10-30T07:20:30.316-07:00Raw Vegan Chocolate Nutty Balls<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz3HUU_oKMUYwyJC0XcV68BKbEGv27zQEuLZNKRX-p7ZDoyAqRe1On_IvXoHmmYo7O_INj_PQruaUmX846TnSeKPwLNx9i9pcDpiR07DkC6nvHcLoGt7jVEAd0ZIRIyNZK44MF98LdC3Bc/s1600/Raw+Vegan+Chocolate+Hemp+Balls.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz3HUU_oKMUYwyJC0XcV68BKbEGv27zQEuLZNKRX-p7ZDoyAqRe1On_IvXoHmmYo7O_INj_PQruaUmX846TnSeKPwLNx9i9pcDpiR07DkC6nvHcLoGt7jVEAd0ZIRIyNZK44MF98LdC3Bc/s400/Raw+Vegan+Chocolate+Hemp+Balls.1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raw Vegan Chocolate Nutty Balls</td></tr>
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Last week I was seriously craving a chocolate nutty treat, like a Reese's Cup or Pieces, but a healthy version. I used to treat myself to those yeeeeeeears ago, but I don't eat that way anymore. </div>
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Anyway, so I went into the kitchen, grabbed a few items that sounded good and whipped up a little batch of these Chocolate Nutty Balls. The texture is like a chewy brownie and the taste is definitely chocolate with nut butter satisfaction. I was very happy with the end result and so was my tummy! </div>
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While I did remember to write everything down, I didn't take photos of the process. At that time I didn't know I would be sharing them, let alone how they would even turn out. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrw45EoF8-I7_No0LX2c4wpPH10cyzVGUpaaK8EYBTqWAo4-TXKIX4N2tM-wEfAjSCEoDBfESX_6CM4uz3XzBP_t7mpADfbcuQlNe6nJLGzEL3a4D4GHImtq0kUsfE_a10FWWgd4V4S7s0/s1600/Raw+Vegan+Chocolate+Hemp+Balls.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrw45EoF8-I7_No0LX2c4wpPH10cyzVGUpaaK8EYBTqWAo4-TXKIX4N2tM-wEfAjSCEoDBfESX_6CM4uz3XzBP_t7mpADfbcuQlNe6nJLGzEL3a4D4GHImtq0kUsfE_a10FWWgd4V4S7s0/s400/Raw+Vegan+Chocolate+Hemp+Balls.2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chewy yummy treat!</td></tr>
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<br />
I don't recall exactly how many balls of goodness the recipe made since I didn't know that I would be writing about them, but it did make quite a few - couple dozen perhaps? I also gave some to Mark to take to work to share. I'll be making them again, so I will probably update this recipe post. Oh and I use raw organic ingredients whenever possible, but feel free to adjust to your liking.<br />
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Since I don't have any other pictures to ramble on about, I'll go straight to my recipe.<br />
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<span style="color: #783f04;"></span><strong><u><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;"><em>Raw Vegan Chocolate Nutty Balls</em></span></u></strong><br /><br />1 1/4 cup walnuts<br />1/2 cup pecans<br />
<br />
3 1/2 TBS raw cacao<br />1/3 cup raw hemp seed<br />
<br />
1 1/4 cup
packed medjool dates (<em>seeds removed</em>)<br />
<br />
1/4 cup almond butter (<em>or just use all peanut butter</em>)<br />
1/4 cup peanut butter<br />2 TBS raw agave <br />1 tsp organic vanilla<br />
<br />
raw hemp seed (<em>or other topping of choice</em>)<br />
<br />
In a food processor:<br />- add the nuts and process until they are
small crums, but do not over process<br />- pulse in the cacao and hemp seed to combine<br />
- and the medjool dates and process until well combined<br />- add the remaining ingredients and
process until combined - you may have to scrape down the sides during this process. If your processor can't handle the mixture, hand mix in the last set of ingredients in a bowl.<br />
<br />
Pour some hemp seed or other topping of choice onto a plate or small bowl and set aside.<br />
<br />
To make the balls, I use one of those fun cookie ball scoops with the rubber backing. However, you can also use a spoon to make the balls with to the desired size.<br />
<br />
After all the balls are made, simply roll them in the hemp seed to coat. I recommend popping one of these warm delicious treats into your mouth, close your eyes, feel the ocean breeze, the sand in your toes, and... oh sorry, I lost myself there ;) <br />
<br />
These can be eaten right away, but once chilled they're even better. Store in a container in the fridge or freezer... if they last that long.<br />
<br />
Peace and enjoy!<br />
RockiRocki Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12275869389806600804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343611381098511713.post-36305829979131214152013-10-24T06:23:00.000-07:002013-10-24T15:10:20.799-07:00Zombie Prom 2013<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtrrgZP3gXCEq7b0zZVJ8QNvzSD4zA2QcIgvzihevRF93yUQh5nF2aMu1pzS5SPqt276oiIOvJbyNN0Qz0X7eMKIwDf3JiYVe5m9bGAkWba7Ev5FUBubGMpLOprKuAFO_PqmlzOaNccYlW/s1600/Us.3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtrrgZP3gXCEq7b0zZVJ8QNvzSD4zA2QcIgvzihevRF93yUQh5nF2aMu1pzS5SPqt276oiIOvJbyNN0Qz0X7eMKIwDf3JiYVe5m9bGAkWba7Ev5FUBubGMpLOprKuAFO_PqmlzOaNccYlW/s400/Us.3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark and Rocki - "screw until death do we part... we're Zombiemates!"</td></tr>
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Last Saturday we went to a Zombie Prom party and it was a total blast! Our dear friend Dave always has the best parties and each one has a different theme.<br />
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Oh and before I go on, for those who are in the know with zombies, yes that is a bullet hole in my head. Yes I know that is the way to kill a zombie. However, I'm a blonde zombie and can't be killed that way. Need I say why? (sorry blonde peeps, just having fun and I have weird humor!)<br />
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I'll let the pics do the talking for the most part, along with a little blurb for each one.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR93dPUFnI0nwYRnoS8SCbN-V3VJkwXzXV_9GPQ7PaCl5buSDu7ImyaFOrn2QckIU7dh7HG9KIaLEVuOj8hQxff1Qef8ZEWIoPSFmwsZ6z5fsMorGyMH4zrVA_itBr-BK_fXuAlcQzNGzC/s1600/Mark+shirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR93dPUFnI0nwYRnoS8SCbN-V3VJkwXzXV_9GPQ7PaCl5buSDu7ImyaFOrn2QckIU7dh7HG9KIaLEVuOj8hQxff1Qef8ZEWIoPSFmwsZ6z5fsMorGyMH4zrVA_itBr-BK_fXuAlcQzNGzC/s400/Mark+shirt.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark's hand pressed shirt</td></tr>
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<br />
As a good zombie wife, I made sure to hand press Mark's shirt for the occasion.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xGwW__m0cgsCdy0FkoW8ITiO4cA8ddjPJYlEZt0i0OfQxFjdWnU8fAylRmhvQEYOHUBR7Zx44lwwe_P5vG7PZ9-AoLlWH7A5GBDOsAhceSyuLhMBtOByNq6nJ-2ZiHTvFAp8cUtl9q4p/s1600/Mark+dressed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xGwW__m0cgsCdy0FkoW8ITiO4cA8ddjPJYlEZt0i0OfQxFjdWnU8fAylRmhvQEYOHUBR7Zx44lwwe_P5vG7PZ9-AoLlWH7A5GBDOsAhceSyuLhMBtOByNq6nJ-2ZiHTvFAp8cUtl9q4p/s640/Mark+dressed.jpg" width="427" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zombie Accountant</td></tr>
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Doesn't Mark look ever so handsome all dressed up in his prom attire!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgij4Sah2JJCtD0NXUWh2KvosxmGCPL_azACGtixL7CjQAI6VuMUBu88yOJgBMysrgUcYVu4luJe8YLy9SIf49wBc1byW-PRpUy8NSXskwf-2uaOc3xfa84I2M__P-cBTMwMOr5FxvOin1G/s1600/me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgij4Sah2JJCtD0NXUWh2KvosxmGCPL_azACGtixL7CjQAI6VuMUBu88yOJgBMysrgUcYVu4luJe8YLy9SIf49wBc1byW-PRpUy8NSXskwf-2uaOc3xfa84I2M__P-cBTMwMOr5FxvOin1G/s400/me.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocki Zombie Dance</td></tr>
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After putting on our make-up and getting dressed, I practiced my zombie dance moves.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtyDY9bar1QeBVBDC3xaVqY21-pzj6QaSAKHCDgfJwfdQNHYIwwvHLRZOOMmAOOulshuXNRRiNnHHvJG6tQmjlPGkwxJ0ytKz5YSQqDID_hfDr8xKKVOZP2YmKddg6ZQojlY_2Qy5cnJh/s1600/raw+rotten+zombie+brains+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjtyDY9bar1QeBVBDC3xaVqY21-pzj6QaSAKHCDgfJwfdQNHYIwwvHLRZOOMmAOOulshuXNRRiNnHHvJG6tQmjlPGkwxJ0ytKz5YSQqDID_hfDr8xKKVOZP2YmKddg6ZQojlY_2Qy5cnJh/s400/raw+rotten+zombie+brains+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raw Rotten Zombie Brains</td></tr>
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I made some yummy treats for the party...just in case there's a lack of braaaaaains. These are vegan friendly too, for us raw vegan zombies ;)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqtM30aDWQUPMjb001AutSoMsjliHf0LawWf8rLeUStorAUhYgpZIMFcj-rtlJrrUP5PsxcchONy3CHlXnIPZa6_vNYDNN9fR7JUfPmNQX2iC3sq6l_7w7OiuHy2ELady5mNtsYvtwbSxW/s1600/zombie+fingers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqtM30aDWQUPMjb001AutSoMsjliHf0LawWf8rLeUStorAUhYgpZIMFcj-rtlJrrUP5PsxcchONy3CHlXnIPZa6_vNYDNN9fR7JUfPmNQX2iC3sq6l_7w7OiuHy2ELady5mNtsYvtwbSxW/s400/zombie+fingers.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zombie 'Finger' Food - edamame</td></tr>
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So we grabbed the goodies and headed out the door for a night of fun. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipquQDztEye-E-coq0rt328ZVc3b9h72YsBn0fPOKbhDdOrY39mMTpSBkot1D_YbMl-efyRnyWxwxZhlhyphenhyphen2zGGL_-0saP55ZZHxb_1XERO6OiUiHhP7yoWSaBX60fJlUUkmNgh3kLa-_O8/s1600/zombie+party+banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipquQDztEye-E-coq0rt328ZVc3b9h72YsBn0fPOKbhDdOrY39mMTpSBkot1D_YbMl-efyRnyWxwxZhlhyphenhyphen2zGGL_-0saP55ZZHxb_1XERO6OiUiHhP7yoWSaBX60fJlUUkmNgh3kLa-_O8/s400/zombie+party+banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zombie Prom 2013 </td></tr>
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All of us undead were greeted with a homemade Zombie Prom 2013 banner.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiee4OBlS4x3ThtxdlXmNLVe7WJIpSbVHgnU0CpgITou9O95XVR530vdbtDQt87Jn1nCOGTL4MCs0zZ15Dc7LrgkYBgTD40KAkAmtoSfSfWjiD5NKV-ch9ybgXWewyEwwlw1_wnYEC1s3ik/s1600/Dave+n+me+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiee4OBlS4x3ThtxdlXmNLVe7WJIpSbVHgnU0CpgITou9O95XVR530vdbtDQt87Jn1nCOGTL4MCs0zZ15Dc7LrgkYBgTD40KAkAmtoSfSfWjiD5NKV-ch9ybgXWewyEwwlw1_wnYEC1s3ik/s400/Dave+n+me+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dave the host proposing to me</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That handsome devil, er I mean zombie, is our host Dave. I was overcome with emotion after he knelt down and proposed to me. (shhhhh! don't tell Mark!) Instead of a ring, he promised me braaaaaaaains. How could a zombie gal resist that!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ13ZcfIPeVctk3vOpvxpj5tTt8NPoWtMPYFFor250R_fDbvR9Tj1PxYia0Y84bUNVgC6muk9B7Y3z1Ku7-LsR0M1M4tDBM-rzx3FHzTqQoWmCZJC3RaCRKsPXccF5qLaWCASo6eNn4TXX/s1600/Me+n+Charles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ13ZcfIPeVctk3vOpvxpj5tTt8NPoWtMPYFFor250R_fDbvR9Tj1PxYia0Y84bUNVgC6muk9B7Y3z1Ku7-LsR0M1M4tDBM-rzx3FHzTqQoWmCZJC3RaCRKsPXccF5qLaWCASo6eNn4TXX/s400/Me+n+Charles.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zombie's love a tasty treat!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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As the night went on, I got a little hungry so I had a tasty Charles snack.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2m01_yaGzuB3gkjqJJtQmOYt1pT0P0bcS8AWowurh0QZOmt4pU1kC1izk7ThJpCoU9s73yFBymN9kb4hCC8rZiKYJsyk7pY28dWA_lueIXJgzBMgSuO1-Rw7zQzEHRnHx-OLIUNdsPct/s1600/me+n+queens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2m01_yaGzuB3gkjqJJtQmOYt1pT0P0bcS8AWowurh0QZOmt4pU1kC1izk7ThJpCoU9s73yFBymN9kb4hCC8rZiKYJsyk7pY28dWA_lueIXJgzBMgSuO1-Rw7zQzEHRnHx-OLIUNdsPct/s400/me+n+queens.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and the prior Zombie Queens</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="left">
We hung out with old friends and made some new zombie pals. Great conversation all around! </div>
<div align="center">
</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovjSuh-YzxoiUQnW4XRu9i7tlf3mav0wVA4d3wQhqsPUlj9KuOI_tB6aFxr9b2UsPWKoI7NkTbRuB-lhxjdILOL6CdYI-YEU-JIrpHoTL6w81uvjXlSPBPJsKn172CS9kCy1UX9YzEr99/s1600/Us+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovjSuh-YzxoiUQnW4XRu9i7tlf3mav0wVA4d3wQhqsPUlj9KuOI_tB6aFxr9b2UsPWKoI7NkTbRuB-lhxjdILOL6CdYI-YEU-JIrpHoTL6w81uvjXlSPBPJsKn172CS9kCy1UX9YzEr99/s400/Us+Collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zombie Collage - Mark and Rocki</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There were a lot of cool zombies that night and it was truly a funTASTIC evening! We look forward to the next theme party!<br />
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Braaaaaaaaains! er, I mean:<br />
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Peace,<br />
RockiRocki Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12275869389806600804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343611381098511713.post-23299062907063608992013-10-01T19:35:00.001-07:002013-10-01T19:35:23.510-07:00Day 2 in Sedona - part 1<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10KI9Zy36nT8UJmNxeAo4ogVOmh3j_p48dc3xImAWb-nUObI94Dvp74vLc1DsmedUDi6blJtzOz32vJ8qSo_TDuEIwstzzf4_qx6zVx32YEdpTkNM0AnMuFuryg55uoM6dl4DFToiBiKB/s1600/Day+2.+Morning+coffee+cheer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10KI9Zy36nT8UJmNxeAo4ogVOmh3j_p48dc3xImAWb-nUObI94Dvp74vLc1DsmedUDi6blJtzOz32vJ8qSo_TDuEIwstzzf4_qx6zVx32YEdpTkNM0AnMuFuryg55uoM6dl4DFToiBiKB/s400/Day+2.+Morning+coffee+cheer.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first morning with a toast to the beautiful Sedona view</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
More photos of our Sedona celebration trip and once again I'll let the photos speak for themselves, along with a little explanation. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFFWMtLY1ycQfPeEIsGwTxjt57ZYdbIHcZHPkcRf13DOPxAW9OYXGnmG7iHsF-glWmSg15rrxi83wwYbYSzqA4ZzRYySaiEtL7CZ-EM6xSA_3HNKAY-iFW6nUbLtY4o52JNNk-dzlfa8i5/s1600/Day+2.+Trolly+Tour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFFWMtLY1ycQfPeEIsGwTxjt57ZYdbIHcZHPkcRf13DOPxAW9OYXGnmG7iHsF-glWmSg15rrxi83wwYbYSzqA4ZzRYySaiEtL7CZ-EM6xSA_3HNKAY-iFW6nUbLtY4o52JNNk-dzlfa8i5/s400/Day+2.+Trolly+Tour.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocki and Mark waiting for the tour to begin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We started out the day with a trolley tour that took us into the <span style="color: #0d2e01;">Dry Creek Valley, further up the mountains to see the breathtaking vistas of Boynton and Long Canyon.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjY58CXTrG6QqifJrsPYpIKVpu1SbkNlSm8N7V-DXf_BUXL_dh5knoH0oF0UmNKVdGyvIYHnJpWamryGhHStnkhxhG7LCaUWkkICJIlJlc19_TfhrDLHxuZd2S_ssRpve3zkdvv_aRxfQq/s1600/Day+2.+Waiting+for+trolly+tour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjY58CXTrG6QqifJrsPYpIKVpu1SbkNlSm8N7V-DXf_BUXL_dh5knoH0oF0UmNKVdGyvIYHnJpWamryGhHStnkhxhG7LCaUWkkICJIlJlc19_TfhrDLHxuZd2S_ssRpve3zkdvv_aRxfQq/s400/Day+2.+Waiting+for+trolly+tour.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sedona Arizona, Uptown</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Just one of the breathtaking views of the red rocks from Uptown while waiting for the trolley to depart.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGp3I5S37CoO_6R55-yYXqk9YW9_tCf2DKDHlglW04WAJbqJzE3ZDgCFJwvWaVxx-mSizDRQVas4B3kgPKiro3MCL1376f1NSKIvflZ11D1VVLCFLyJ-2622dK_MKy_u32b_l2Xp3gpEy/s1600/Day+2.+Trolly+Tour+view+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGp3I5S37CoO_6R55-yYXqk9YW9_tCf2DKDHlglW04WAJbqJzE3ZDgCFJwvWaVxx-mSizDRQVas4B3kgPKiro3MCL1376f1NSKIvflZ11D1VVLCFLyJ-2622dK_MKy_u32b_l2Xp3gpEy/s400/Day+2.+Trolly+Tour+view+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sedona, Arizona</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Another amazing view while on our tour. One of many reasons we love Sedona.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVHIfFjljCtMJB3OERbeR3P2diUBH3d9xWpmBhblmVTrjycFu01frEyCvA-Tw1N3sA0_lXyHumGjG1K15aoIJTjCJ_Vy-egtWENPhPgIghoqIXreiyvkLhxilNv2G1etC3mqnTii5HGxRN/s1600/Day+2.+Trolly+Tour+Mark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVHIfFjljCtMJB3OERbeR3P2diUBH3d9xWpmBhblmVTrjycFu01frEyCvA-Tw1N3sA0_lXyHumGjG1K15aoIJTjCJ_Vy-egtWENPhPgIghoqIXreiyvkLhxilNv2G1etC3mqnTii5HGxRN/s400/Day+2.+Trolly+Tour+Mark.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sedona, Arizona</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The low clouds made for a gorgeous scenic photo op. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnCDW6VOJR4hc9oJwPC_UzuVgcZ7WOkbZrDED5l7pk9HE75g6DIDdX8uwdNSAVjk3TbptDuQyLROMpD8pdsDKJg7ZxBbGk7xdiBwdBERiGbnFoEVme4qJE9yMefhbK0csJyszH6IrE4guP/s1600/Day+2.+Trolly+Tour+Scenic+view+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnCDW6VOJR4hc9oJwPC_UzuVgcZ7WOkbZrDED5l7pk9HE75g6DIDdX8uwdNSAVjk3TbptDuQyLROMpD8pdsDKJg7ZxBbGk7xdiBwdBERiGbnFoEVme4qJE9yMefhbK0csJyszH6IrE4guP/s400/Day+2.+Trolly+Tour+Scenic+view+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sedona, Arizona</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Mark jokes around with me of my photo choices - like these "weeds" as he calls them. I think the photo came out pretty cool myself.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxh9Br2MjrUN3DaP5pOIN_EBysGYOt-lfB8T-niWdyTvjQi3CySAuSg3cpddy5qR2ZAPlAUnvuHM1jE_7vmo8T8CmvjkfS_to_efRRIMxUiwJwwW_WGpcvz83_vdUbSNX_kYHj0vw-QFSF/s1600/Day+2.+Trolly+Tour+Scenic+view+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxh9Br2MjrUN3DaP5pOIN_EBysGYOt-lfB8T-niWdyTvjQi3CySAuSg3cpddy5qR2ZAPlAUnvuHM1jE_7vmo8T8CmvjkfS_to_efRRIMxUiwJwwW_WGpcvz83_vdUbSNX_kYHj0vw-QFSF/s400/Day+2.+Trolly+Tour+Scenic+view+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sedona, Arizona</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I tried to get Mark to grab a couple of those rocks to take home. He declined, darn it!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw1bfCT6ZKZfDqjEloEUWYOXjJhAKsElzADbygkgkwFxtJmjVd4stUwO1cHnCYFlynYtJgLDuiF4Rwp4LxQIEhcbOtGm3k3KLK5Tsr-pEul_hscWuiNmwdwk6_1Uirh92fgA-z-Js2iYl-/s1600/Day+2.+Trolly+tour+us.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw1bfCT6ZKZfDqjEloEUWYOXjJhAKsElzADbygkgkwFxtJmjVd4stUwO1cHnCYFlynYtJgLDuiF4Rwp4LxQIEhcbOtGm3k3KLK5Tsr-pEul_hscWuiNmwdwk6_1Uirh92fgA-z-Js2iYl-/s400/Day+2.+Trolly+tour+us.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After all these years and we're still madly in love!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Scenic break over and back into the trolley to continue on our beautiful tour.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy1IKP7RX4fiMhIQ3GJlsTKntekCp-dS6nAqDwPk1NliLv4tDi43eXvJbTbYRjHeNpIBNRVtJteGriYUUwLhTM5hX6QVFYajZ-09S0jqjuldeP7eSYrIYPgCCHzJYuxqtrlyN9jleYfWKw/s1600/Day+2.+Trolly+Tour+Scenic+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy1IKP7RX4fiMhIQ3GJlsTKntekCp-dS6nAqDwPk1NliLv4tDi43eXvJbTbYRjHeNpIBNRVtJteGriYUUwLhTM5hX6QVFYajZ-09S0jqjuldeP7eSYrIYPgCCHzJYuxqtrlyN9jleYfWKw/s400/Day+2.+Trolly+Tour+Scenic+view.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sedona, Arizona</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdMiVQZ7ZO8AzAg-_M0KyqxYCJg-kBW3R4-6JH3J5OC-qEqClBJXhCg8S_HHU_zkONkDot44X-843Lw6AIojrhYzmo_Op3GrzdZBh-dqNn3tiQcvsO-TcnT4Gj3kv5-cSzDBcunLwCjXDM/s1600/Day+2.+Trolly+Tour+Vortex+spot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdMiVQZ7ZO8AzAg-_M0KyqxYCJg-kBW3R4-6JH3J5OC-qEqClBJXhCg8S_HHU_zkONkDot44X-843Lw6AIojrhYzmo_Op3GrzdZBh-dqNn3tiQcvsO-TcnT4Gj3kv5-cSzDBcunLwCjXDM/s400/Day+2.+Trolly+Tour+Vortex+spot.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sedona, Arizona</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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One of many vortex spots in Sedona - is this not gorgeous!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHEz38zNJ20n-8Ac5zurkOw7oHbZzAFIh4duug2TwjBhl2t6UsJiL69FeXQGuSv6zF5iKG0Q8cPpknuKAG31mGUXcXeMc0gGDcaxxzH2Ill72rOwWToXjALYRHXpyQb_VLmeNStB2gvuFd/s1600/Day+2.+Trolly+Tour+Me+vortex+spot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHEz38zNJ20n-8Ac5zurkOw7oHbZzAFIh4duug2TwjBhl2t6UsJiL69FeXQGuSv6zF5iKG0Q8cPpknuKAG31mGUXcXeMc0gGDcaxxzH2Ill72rOwWToXjALYRHXpyQb_VLmeNStB2gvuFd/s400/Day+2.+Trolly+Tour+Me+vortex+spot.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sedona, Arizona</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We're coming back here after lunch to hike that mountain - I'm feeling me some vortex vibes!<br />
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The trolley tour was relaxing, enjoyable, breathtaking and pure bliss. From there we went to lunch at The ChocolaTree - that will be my next post.<br />
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Peace,<br />
RockiRocki Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12275869389806600804noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343611381098511713.post-50688895098263486422013-09-18T19:25:00.000-07:002013-09-18T19:25:03.401-07:00Fun first day in Sedona!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdoJ7DdEdr_52O1xefipMHGjbV-Ncz5xkdFv_8TQGTiHmRzUaU0y8crnIWzuThcazCDLnT2JljTFzJGo-JEnM_JvklKab8w0e-LM7sByhzhuGXrbzFf-JunM7ZgNcjJncktH5uokN0CnUc/s1600/1+year+celebration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdoJ7DdEdr_52O1xefipMHGjbV-Ncz5xkdFv_8TQGTiHmRzUaU0y8crnIWzuThcazCDLnT2JljTFzJGo-JEnM_JvklKab8w0e-LM7sByhzhuGXrbzFf-JunM7ZgNcjJncktH5uokN0CnUc/s400/1+year+celebration.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving for Sedona on year 1 celebration</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I'm going to let the pictures speak for themselves, but will add a little more info about our trip that was perfect from start to finish!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFqOTSD_Lpl4biEDpx9ZaEn4qMWLvrN5ltzC8yXm4Vkn5DcRlOqAm9R7ntjoo8OXxYyACSU__mTAdlcOcyYrnfFS14JuIqmGWH6EP5mQm-UNon8xMjWwq40xIDVbpyXicHYdYKO5XksyT/s1600/Arrival+to+Sedona.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFqOTSD_Lpl4biEDpx9ZaEn4qMWLvrN5ltzC8yXm4Vkn5DcRlOqAm9R7ntjoo8OXxYyACSU__mTAdlcOcyYrnfFS14JuIqmGWH6EP5mQm-UNon8xMjWwq40xIDVbpyXicHYdYKO5XksyT/s400/Arrival+to+Sedona.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello Sedona!</td></tr>
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After an enjoyable drive up, we made it safe and sound to the red rocks.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnssOqUeN0iUpkw2to24-kR5rTSrm9oS7MLYwX0LG7LEtvzxyrtvivPn3tF2AOM90SPBQG_aFUf0xppDRnBGz1xjhF6MI7sQXSjVEgYAYffjOH4hrgLDV15AzL3JymUdKt5nYiySWuPXPn/s1600/Day+1.view+from+motel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnssOqUeN0iUpkw2to24-kR5rTSrm9oS7MLYwX0LG7LEtvzxyrtvivPn3tF2AOM90SPBQG_aFUf0xppDRnBGz1xjhF6MI7sQXSjVEgYAYffjOH4hrgLDV15AzL3JymUdKt5nYiySWuPXPn/s400/Day+1.view+from+motel.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfect view of <a href="http://www.sedonastockimages.com/Snoopy.htm"><span style="color: #990000;"><strong>Snoopy Rock</strong></span></a> - 3rd formation down</td></tr>
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Mark is taking in a peaceful moment with one of the beautiful views from our motel.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo27tJ1lWTTRSg-WPGk0rlqdPiTwRQ8JVQBZtw0pXsWLtE9TeaQdFQbZs7ADixaverobxk0oEc5iVJWs1Efncm0G1OfSQ4uHU6UFqcTv5VkB4wFOoMQEAcGFDbOEQtg-hRjfHw8-bvD3_F/s1600/Day+1.+rocki's+pink+jeep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo27tJ1lWTTRSg-WPGk0rlqdPiTwRQ8JVQBZtw0pXsWLtE9TeaQdFQbZs7ADixaverobxk0oEc5iVJWs1Efncm0G1OfSQ4uHU6UFqcTv5VkB4wFOoMQEAcGFDbOEQtg-hRjfHw8-bvD3_F/s400/Day+1.+rocki's+pink+jeep.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think I found my new ride.</td></tr>
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We headed into town to do a little fun walkabout. If you've never experienced a jeep tour in Sedona, the Pink Jeep tours are a total blast! We didn't do it this time, but maybe next visit.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNF1BaTjX8WwFWQhuQn1dHUBBgZ_Pz4PT9mc58U4fatYTF3zRIsUQWrCg41mpxzA6ecjF1-4O8AeHd3l-Qx4qEOkg2HJPvNgyGnKfhQqJ4cVwcABf6lleTQvMuD1gJpNyaJJqDjSN2dPe4/s1600/Day+1.+Mark+little+coffee+mug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNF1BaTjX8WwFWQhuQn1dHUBBgZ_Pz4PT9mc58U4fatYTF3zRIsUQWrCg41mpxzA6ecjF1-4O8AeHd3l-Qx4qEOkg2HJPvNgyGnKfhQqJ4cVwcABf6lleTQvMuD1gJpNyaJJqDjSN2dPe4/s400/Day+1.+Mark+little+coffee+mug.jpg" width="391" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Ya'll call this a coffee mug? What a teaser!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Mark, Mr. Coffee Aficionado, didn't know quite what to think about the little coffee mug. His is about 4x that size.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAW37fPWJqZFfj_aoVnLTQYQ5e-bbET-4fayxlbMXCwarYow5Og8Uf6BvPXBczowDO9IJwOnAaQQ2nylr_m5Nm921MiSoxXGUTrU2mRohYit4-u1G05OYtKvqnmazpdYzFIigTMyS4Mqb7/s1600/Day+1.+pink+javelinas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAW37fPWJqZFfj_aoVnLTQYQ5e-bbET-4fayxlbMXCwarYow5Og8Uf6BvPXBczowDO9IJwOnAaQQ2nylr_m5Nm921MiSoxXGUTrU2mRohYit4-u1G05OYtKvqnmazpdYzFIigTMyS4Mqb7/s400/Day+1.+pink+javelinas.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink Javelina</td></tr>
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We kept running into pink everywhere we went. Like these pink javelin's in front of the Pink Java Café. Pink AND coffee - perfect! <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsSCFM1WjYvzhaPov3fhar80sDJNtJWAXqVxLd9kbhzDBPyIZz1N2oAYDt3cj4_MHnGSg_DwdmOMpVj6wY22Yf2Nl0n8b4J6GRLsyNSzfxetyhBRIJlMxiS8b4cm0ighkDGaFmH9Qjyi6/s1600/Day+1.+lunch+time+near+Buddha+gallery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnsSCFM1WjYvzhaPov3fhar80sDJNtJWAXqVxLd9kbhzDBPyIZz1N2oAYDt3cj4_MHnGSg_DwdmOMpVj6wY22Yf2Nl0n8b4J6GRLsyNSzfxetyhBRIJlMxiS8b4cm0ighkDGaFmH9Qjyi6/s400/Day+1.+lunch+time+near+Buddha+gallery.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Buddha Garden in front of <a href="http://www.tlaq.com/stores/andrea-smith-gallery.html"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><strong>Andrea Smith Gallery</strong></span></a></td></tr>
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We went to the <a href="http://www.tlaq.com/"><span style="color: #990000;"><strong><em>Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village</em></strong></span></a> for lunch and then walked around. This is where we met Andrea (<em>my hug friend - see my YouTube video <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLy79UGebns"><span style="color: #e06666;"><strong>here</strong></span></a> for more info</em>) and her hilarious husband Gary. I still have to do a video about what Gary did to me as it is too funny! <br />
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Andrea's gallery was so very beautiful! She not only has her artwork there and other artists, but one of the most magnificent collection of Buddha's - a stunning variety from palm size to life size. Wish I had a few extra bucks to spend...maybe one day.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiLTt4cHKjiVMWLwccMpTW_pGJZV49aSVfeupdk-cUCL_y5ofownXIn2cVPSznHf77vJ1fhqXfXpWPC9qxGHvE4ppwQjdNFgWKtHYbekzZMhYEjmX2ooNUILeT60ZE4gqS5Lw-6tiKsDPo/s1600/Day+1.+buddha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiLTt4cHKjiVMWLwccMpTW_pGJZV49aSVfeupdk-cUCL_y5ofownXIn2cVPSznHf77vJ1fhqXfXpWPC9qxGHvE4ppwQjdNFgWKtHYbekzZMhYEjmX2ooNUILeT60ZE4gqS5Lw-6tiKsDPo/s400/Day+1.+buddha.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous life size Buddha statue outside of Andrea's gallery</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijln6M-TjlY3yjqtOXtrlD0EbtzafYftMECZEU76T_6eiJzCOg1P9-InhqE584acHsE4Rym7p3dogrdjycbI4M22QGwcqc4vm2RQnAzOQ4YUN3ohTGKJ17s_CG__HXRssNTkTyVPM19v3i/s1600/Day+1.+scenic+view+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijln6M-TjlY3yjqtOXtrlD0EbtzafYftMECZEU76T_6eiJzCOg1P9-InhqE584acHsE4Rym7p3dogrdjycbI4M22QGwcqc4vm2RQnAzOQ4YUN3ohTGKJ17s_CG__HXRssNTkTyVPM19v3i/s400/Day+1.+scenic+view+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many views surrounding Sedona</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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After our little walkabout we hopped in the car and enjoyed a peaceful drive.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTcXTGgFb0KBswthyphenhyphenspFEhRSAGyk9ha5RKAQoT1P_NcPoeHoI7OqglZpr0B5mk98eMbH6PDUdlErwFRvb6otjH6MwsChyphenhyphenx1Mnr947hqJAxmkqoh6PPM_DXqIfWNCsJc1bjkUptgNBKWRsX/s1600/Day+1.+scenic+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTcXTGgFb0KBswthyphenhyphenspFEhRSAGyk9ha5RKAQoT1P_NcPoeHoI7OqglZpr0B5mk98eMbH6PDUdlErwFRvb6otjH6MwsChyphenhyphenx1Mnr947hqJAxmkqoh6PPM_DXqIfWNCsJc1bjkUptgNBKWRsX/s400/Day+1.+scenic+view.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peaceful Sedona</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-T3xn9rMhmp9roD5vvHglOphrDUzLp10menkbB17Z1HBl0L2vqiPWHXtTjOD6Hy3-iE2XYYzflqFmPSUTdqtL0HUIJJbIHFNjkMLjaWT82C170mKJ3YLGGQ_Y3bcayClFopuCsidN8Usb/s1600/Day+1.+rain+washed+away+the+year.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-T3xn9rMhmp9roD5vvHglOphrDUzLp10menkbB17Z1HBl0L2vqiPWHXtTjOD6Hy3-iE2XYYzflqFmPSUTdqtL0HUIJJbIHFNjkMLjaWT82C170mKJ3YLGGQ_Y3bcayClFopuCsidN8Usb/s400/Day+1.+rain+washed+away+the+year.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A welcomed rainy drive back to the motel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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After dinner we headed back to the motel and called it a night. The next day was filled with breathtaking beauty, fun and...well, you'll see when I post the next set of pics in a few days.<br />
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Peace,<br />
RockiRocki Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12275869389806600804noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343611381098511713.post-31482180756485743362013-09-17T20:47:00.001-07:002013-10-03T15:51:04.013-07:00I'm done and movin' on<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fair warning, this post is long, but I did try to sum it up and keep on point because I just need to get it out and move on as I am simply done. It's a good thing I waited until now to update everyone that has been asking where I've been, because if I had typed this last week it would be very colorful. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">First let me say our Sedona celebration that we had a couple weeks ago was beautiful, memorable and beyond expectations - despite the irony. I'll be posting more about our awesome trip and many pictures soon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I should have known something was up when 3 different dragonflies hung around us at lunch while in Sedona. More about them, with pictures, in another post.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We'll start with the irony part. If you haven't read the post below of why we went to Sedona, in short it was to celebrate my 1 year of being cancer-free. On we go... I must mention here that Sedona's elevation is 4500 feet, but further up it is around 4800 feet. While we were on a tour traveling further up the mountain, suddenly my entire right arm from shoulder to hand felt like it was being squeezed, as if my blood pressure was being taken and wouldn't stop. Needless to say it was rather painful. Since that moment, I continue to have the pressure sensation in varying degrees, along with other symptoms, every single day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mark and I did a little research and everything pointed to Lymphedema (<em>no, that is not cancer</em>), but I didn't have all the swelling we read about, only a little under my arm pit area - which is the same arm that 3 sentinel nodes were removed at time of my surgery. I certainly did <u>NOT</u> want it to be that! We figured that I better make an appointment to see what the heck was going on. When we got home I called my now <u>former</u> breast care doc/surgeon. What a joke.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a super quickie exam I was told, and I quote: <em>"typically it's just fat women who get lymphedema and you're skinny. Besides, I only removed 3 nodes and that is not enough to cause lymphedema."</em> Excuse me? This, we found out, is incorrect as once the lymphatic system has been damaged you're at risk. I was basically told it is residual pain from the surgery of 1 year ago. There is so much more to what I was and wasn't told from my very first visit that I'm going to zip it here and move on to the next phase.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because the symptoms continued, and they didn't start until Sedona, Mark thought it best for me to see a Lymphedema specialist. He found </span><a href="http://www.coralcenters.com/"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>CORAL</strong></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> (<em>Center for Oncological Rehabilitation and Lymphedema</em>) and so I called. After going through the initial phone questions with the therapist, I was told I needed to make an evaluation appointment asap as it sounded like lymphedema that was triggered due to high elevation and without wearing a compression sleeve. Nope, didn't know I needed to do that, among other risk factors that we've recently discovered on own. I also needed a referral slip from my doc before I could be seen. Short version here... the doc's office was NOT going to give me the referral and I honestly had to fight to get it, which they made stipulations on it. This was beyond frustrating. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jump to the appointment day at CORAL, which was a 2 hour appointment that included a several tests. End result, 3 diagnosis: I have early stage<span style="color: #073763;"><strong> </strong></span></span><a href="http://www.lymphnet.org/lymphedemaFAQs/overview.htm"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Lymphedema</strong></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, along with </span><a href="http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/side_effects/aws"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Axillary Web Syndrome (Cording)</strong></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and decreased Range of Motion. While I didn't want it to be Lymphedema at all, I'm thankful that at least it is early stage. The therapist said while there is no cure, early diagnosis and treatment is essential to prevent complications - plus that it could take years for the next stage to develop, but that sometimes things just happen. Yeah, I know that one.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What does this involve? Therapy 3x per week for 3-4 weeks (<em>ka-ching</em>) wearing a compression sleeve as directed and following the lengthy list of precautions and preventions (</span><a href="http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/wiki/doku.php?id=guidelines_on_lymphedema"><strong><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lymphedema People has this list</span></strong></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">) - life long management - and I have to adjust my workload, etc. I have a lot to learn about this crap.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You know, it's not the diagnoses that upset me, it's the whole of it, which some I didn't even explain here and I'm not going to. I'm beyond tired of "one more thing" being added onto my long list of crud and spending money on medical. This completely drained me both mentally and physically. This is why I've been absent from the social sites. I had to step back into solitude and find my peace as I was being consumed by way too much negative. I'm still trying to work it all out, but for now... stick a fork in me, I'm done. I'm movin' on - in a positive way that is.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next up, our awesome Sedona trip. Irony or not, it was perfect.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Peace,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rocki</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I didn't go into what Lymphedema is, but you can Google or here are some links:</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.lymphnet.org/"><strong>National Lymphedema Network</strong></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/lymphedema/healthprofessional/page1"><strong>National Cancer Institute</strong></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.lymphedemapeople.com/wiki/doku.php?id=guidelines_on_lymphedema"><strong>Lymphedema People - Guidelines</strong></a></span></div>
Rocki Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12275869389806600804noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343611381098511713.post-34932878588045383662013-08-29T08:05:00.000-07:002013-08-29T08:57:03.424-07:00Wash Away the Year and Celebrate the Happy!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8VqQocp58FO4sD-3ovAIHJ-DiWGsDNdMb4IWPHC7EhOx7YXRUp2kEXGGlz1emPB3l5EpqK7QhL1ZjwmRspnd6KhxmH0SFWAbaEKrQDmXOkmqXqYHioE1zVaIO1fpZgm9k3elMRPwhO8q/s1600/Rocki+1+year+later.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO8VqQocp58FO4sD-3ovAIHJ-DiWGsDNdMb4IWPHC7EhOx7YXRUp2kEXGGlz1emPB3l5EpqK7QhL1ZjwmRspnd6KhxmH0SFWAbaEKrQDmXOkmqXqYHioE1zVaIO1fpZgm9k3elMRPwhO8q/s640/Rocki+1+year+later.jpg" width="395" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flat and fabulous - a few months ago, but I love this dress!<br />
8/30/13 - 1 year of being cancer free since my bilateral mastectomy surgery!</td></tr>
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This is a follow-up to my <a href="http://www.rockisrocknbeads.blogspot.com/2013/08/funny-how-time-flies.html"><span style="color: #e06666;"><strong>FUNNY How Time Flies</strong></span></a> post a couple weeks ago. You can read that if you want to be up to date. And if you're totally new to my blog, you can click on the <em>Breast Cancer Survivor!</em> tab at the top.<br />
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As mentioned, we are going to Sedona to celebrate my 1 year 'cancerversary' of being cancer free! Take THAT breast cancer! It's actually <em>OUR </em>celebration because Mark, as <u>always</u>, has been right there with and for me the entire time. And what better place to celebrate than Sedona. Well, okay a secluded island would be totally awesome, but we're perfectly fine with Sedona - our Happy Place.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJSO08rXR3MjEybW4xqaiR74xFfNL5OrU8Q-XzkWdVjiYnyTpwQvOlKtJawTECeMURZ4utut7de3Z3hKt6S_x1ajTwoWBNAVVM05Uh6rLcaeZMkbUQ37tEOzM-P7HnTJDHdPRLf_pf9Qs/s1600/sedona+motel.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJSO08rXR3MjEybW4xqaiR74xFfNL5OrU8Q-XzkWdVjiYnyTpwQvOlKtJawTECeMURZ4utut7de3Z3hKt6S_x1ajTwoWBNAVVM05Uh6rLcaeZMkbUQ37tEOzM-P7HnTJDHdPRLf_pf9Qs/s400/sedona+motel.1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thesedonamotel.com/"><strong><span style="color: #990000; font-size: small;">Sedona Motel</span></strong></a> </td></tr>
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We don't do fancy, expensive or elaborate. We love simplicity. We'll be staying at the <a href="http://www.thesedonamotel.com/"><span style="color: #990000;">Sedona Motel</span></a>, which has been described by many as a "<em>throw back to the 60's/70's style drive-up motels.</em>" In speaking with Bill, the owner, when making the reservations, I knew right then that this was going to be a nice place to stay. He seemed quite laid back, relaxed and friendly. According to the online reviews, he's exactly like that in person.<br />
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The view from the motel is beautiful, judging by their photos which I have no doubt. In fact, there isn't a view in Sedona that is <u>not</u> beautiful. Red happy rocks and earthy scenery everywhere. You'll see more of that when we return because oh yes, there will be pictures to share.<br />
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Rain is forecast on and off over next few days in Sedona as well as here in the valley, which will be absolutely perfect. Rain is cleansing. Refreshing. Hydrating. Nourishing. Healing. What better way to wash away all the negative crud of this past year.<br />
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Okay, I can't deny that it will also be nice to simply be in cooler weather, with or without the rain. Sedona is about 2-2 1/2 hours north of us. We're looking forward to the enjoyable drive.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIg7UUSScBORaTereNmd1cU2Ib0Z9LUDk13NfCca-5fTv2C0B6Iu9nC3a-DarULgQ-_kd0M_YXl37CFJiNBfQZnPYV6usk6QVG2JIx0-7sXAOnShmtm7i-jMt7JdCLzzgQNgXqJv7fldzp/s1600/us+at+airport+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIg7UUSScBORaTereNmd1cU2Ib0Z9LUDk13NfCca-5fTv2C0B6Iu9nC3a-DarULgQ-_kd0M_YXl37CFJiNBfQZnPYV6usk6QVG2JIx0-7sXAOnShmtm7i-jMt7JdCLzzgQNgXqJv7fldzp/s400/us+at+airport+2013.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocki & Bullwinkle - let the adventures continue</td></tr>
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This post isn't about the sad and ugly side of breast cancer and what it does to you and everyone around you. Nor is about what I personally did and didn't have to go through. This is a celebration! With the one I love. My best friend in the entire universe. The absolute love of my life. My soul mate and partner throughout eternity and beyond.</div>
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It's a time to be happy, as always, but happier. A time to let go of any negativity that is clinging to us. And, not that we haven't done it a million times already, a time to reflect on what truly is important. </div>
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We're going to our Happy Place. To breath in the rain cleansed air with every fiber of our being and breath out all the bad. We're simply going to celebrate what is. </div>
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Peace,</div>
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Rocki</div>
Rocki Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12275869389806600804noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343611381098511713.post-36822704278733535882013-08-27T19:33:00.000-07:002013-08-27T20:51:33.459-07:00Nip It In The Bud!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Next time I say "bring it on", somebody smack me with a wet noodle! Gluten-free please. <br />
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I'll get right to the point. I was recently diagnosed with Pre-Diabetes. Yep. My raw vegan jaw slammed to the floor with this one. I am 100% positive that I can and will reverse this.<br />
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Like good ol' Barney Fife says: "Nip it in the bud!"<br />
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This fun little journey began when I ended up in the E.R. a few weeks ago. The <a href="http://www.rockisrocknbeads.blogspot.com/2013/08/er-souvenir-bruise-due-to-iv-leaking.html"><strong><span style="color: #741b47;">souvenir</span></strong></a> one. I was told that my glucose was rather high and when I went to the follow-up appointment with my M.D., he ordered some blood tests due to that. He assured me that he did not think I had Diabetes. I assured him that I agreed.<br />
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Jump ahead and skip all the in between stuff. My A1C results came back that I was in the Pre-Diabetes range. Excuse me? How on EARTH can this be? I do not eat processed food, sugar or anything of that nature. I eat a healthy raw vegan diet. I am not overweight at all. In fact, I keep loosing weight without even trying. This totally took me by surprise.<br />
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I do have family history of it. My brother Chris has Pre-Diabetes. My mom had diabetes, but she called it "borderline" and didn't do anything about it. I know, you either have it or you don't, but that was my mom for you. December 1997, she died suddenly and unexpectedly in her sleep at age 53 of an undiagnosed heart blockage. I'm 52, but am <u>much</u> healthier than she was, despite what medical issues I have.<br />
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So how could this happen to an otherwise healthy person like me? First off, it doesn't <em>just</em> happen. I found out that it gradually happens over time without you even knowing it. Some people are just predisposed. I still didn't get it. It didn't make sense to me. I'll use the car analogy that was told to me.<br />
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You have two cars. One has obvious body damage, needs new wheels, etc. Lift the hood and you can see that it has not been taken care of at all. It is obvious that this car is falling apart and is in need of repair.<br />
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The other car looks brand new inside and out, despite all the miles on it. Lift the hood and it is clean. One day you're driving down the road in your well taken care of car and then it spits, sputters and stops. Sometimes things just happen no matter what.<br />
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I'm not going to go into what all Pre-Diabetes is, you can Google it for more info. But what I will say is that it is treatable and reversible. It is not a guarantee that it will or will not turn into Diabetes. I'll be monitoring my glucose at home and have other blood tests down the road. I'm going to work on my exercise routine and get on a regular schedule. I will continue eating healthy and will heal myself naturally.<br />
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I'm going to <strong>NIP IT IN THE BUD!</strong><br />
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Peace,<br />
RockiRocki Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12275869389806600804noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343611381098511713.post-44599714522718452112013-08-24T17:31:00.001-07:002013-08-24T17:31:32.012-07:00Why I Wear Pink<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuefL-5AjoEo2GnSOEfuQlbclO7eraw63CZLvfd3hCa-MEDhZCh5wSDziq9lfJEBtRarwlpPAgFyTi6uberlT2rz_vLxdp0X52IuMuk2b-0sxdb4IxhGzngjfwk100GFXjmLVU7E8fhehd/s1600/Rocki+Wears+Pink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuefL-5AjoEo2GnSOEfuQlbclO7eraw63CZLvfd3hCa-MEDhZCh5wSDziq9lfJEBtRarwlpPAgFyTi6uberlT2rz_vLxdp0X52IuMuk2b-0sxdb4IxhGzngjfwk100GFXjmLVU7E8fhehd/s640/Rocki+Wears+Pink.jpg" width="370" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocki in pink</td></tr>
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My favorite color has always been blue. But pink butted it's way into my life.</div>
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When I was a young girl I did not like the color pink. I <em>despised</em> pink with a passion. I blamed it on the fact that I wasn't a girly girl, nor am I today really. Then several years ago, for some odd reason, I began to like pink. Pink this, pink that... I even had pink bangs for a few years. It's funny to me that my pink fascination happened well before breast cancer knocked on my door.</div>
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Or should I say chest.</div>
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Now I wear pink for an entirely different reason. But before I go on, please know that I completely respect my fellow sisters that do not like the color pink or the breast cancer awareness ribbon. I honestly understand that the color pink and the ribbon do not define breast cancer in all it's ugliness. I honestly get that and the world needs to see the ugliness of it too.</div>
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So why do I wear, live and practically breath pink? Breast Cancer Awareness. Okay, and to make me feel like a girl. NOT because I feel insecure by any means as I'm a very confident gal, but because it makes me feel... oh gawd I'm going to say it... pretty. Not in a conceited way, just feminine I guess. Anyway...</div>
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Before I became my own spokesperson for happily living life as a flat chested woman due to breast cancer, whenever I would see the color pink or the awareness ribbon, I immediately thought of breast cancer. It's like something clicked in my little brain. That in turn made me think to check my breasts, which I did do monthly, but if I'm anything I'm honest so yes I did skip a few here and there. Hey, I'm human. </div>
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It made me think about the breast cancer walks, which Mark and I did prior to me becoming a survivor. It made me think of the many lives, young and old, that have been and will be lost until we find a freakin cure. It reminded me to donate (<em>to reputable charities</em>) in hopes of finding a cure.</div>
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Now it's my turn. Like anyone else that goes through a life altering event you want to be a spokesperson to help others. To warn others, in hopes to prevent them from going through what you've gone through, or far worse than what you experienced. </div>
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That's why I wear pink. That's why I support the ribbon.</div>
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Not for attention. Not because I want to broadcast that I had breast cancer - my chest speaks loudly for itself. But for the sake of others. To make them think to check their breasts NOW. Go to their yearly well-woman appointments. Get their mammograms. And so on. </div>
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Maybe, just maybe by someone seeing my pink attire, or my awareness ribbons, or our warrior tattoo's, just maybe that will ignite something in their brain to say "Hey! There's that pink ribbon - that's for breast cancer awareness, I better check mine" - or something like that. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1zU08vtTSYLJvHJ_sco5IJ6RZ5dRi3HfMdaWrCLQmt84HjEjfLrkWjbT3Qq29mb0MimnUZraKME9LWENXRZqBFghhQEx_agwVXBCVOgUJUSpPZCFjz0su6tBKCvJaetByGQXy0apYLvd/s1600/pink+breast+cancer+awareness+band.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu1zU08vtTSYLJvHJ_sco5IJ6RZ5dRi3HfMdaWrCLQmt84HjEjfLrkWjbT3Qq29mb0MimnUZraKME9LWENXRZqBFghhQEx_agwVXBCVOgUJUSpPZCFjz0su6tBKCvJaetByGQXy0apYLvd/s400/pink+breast+cancer+awareness+band.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Anklet Band<br />
I have to wear it on my ankle because my wrists are way too small</td></tr>
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Pink. Whether I like it or not it is a part of me. So until a cure is found I will continue on my path to inform others any way I can. Until my very last breath.<br />
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Peace,<br />
RockiRocki Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12275869389806600804noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-343611381098511713.post-25428195199097550262013-08-22T06:31:00.001-07:002013-08-22T06:31:12.339-07:00Pretty Yummy Raw Vegan Dessert<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnNJZ2RbUteIM3sZlHKI9d6YrkA3QuUxpL5zNvKpO24Ur3mIZBWPzpwlD39ei0R7y8mDy8AbYk07vHUyytk368Yjo4kG47CvfRQlmGyT4Vb2fnPJcG80GWyuN4DCgL4gkAZY0xQWgZViiA/s1600/Custard+Filled+Brownies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnNJZ2RbUteIM3sZlHKI9d6YrkA3QuUxpL5zNvKpO24Ur3mIZBWPzpwlD39ei0R7y8mDy8AbYk07vHUyytk368Yjo4kG47CvfRQlmGyT4Vb2fnPJcG80GWyuN4DCgL4gkAZY0xQWgZViiA/s400/Custard+Filled+Brownies.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raw Vegan Custard Filled Brownies with Raspberry Sauce</td></tr>
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Okay, I don't do this too often where I post one of my food creations without an actual recipe, but I just have to with this one as it is SO darn pretty and yummy! However, I am including the ingredients I used for inspiration.<br />
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Yesterday I wanted to make a special dessert for Mark. No special occasion, just because. I knew I wanted a brownie or cake as the base, but with a little more pizazz. I didn't know exactly what I was going to do next, so I just rolled with it. <br />
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I opened the fridge and the first thing that caught my eye was the fresh raspberries. Ahhh, a nice sauce for the top of the brownies. Perfect. Wait, something else for it, but not overwhelming. Then it hit me...a custard like filling.<br />
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Picture a mad scientist at work in the lab and that was pretty much me. Grabbing this and that, creating and smiling and tasting and....oh sorry. So in other words I was so busy creating that I didn't measure or write anything down.<br />
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After popping everything in the fridge I cleaned up the lab and started on dinner. I could hardly wait for dessert. Oh and it looks much sweeter than it actually is. We don't do icky sweet, makes my teeth hurt just thinking about it.<br />
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Time to prepare the dessert! Because I made the brownies as a regular batch for later consumption, after cutting a couple long pieces out I simply sliced them in the middle to hold the custard filling. Then a thin layer of custard on the top brownie, followed by the raspberry sauce and mmmm... so yummy!<br />
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I make a variety of my raw brownies and have a couple recipes <a href="http://www.rockisrocknbeads.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;"><strong>here</strong></span></a>, but this one is a bit different, simpler actually. I need to get better about writing my creations down as I go. I'll be making this one again and will write it all down, but probably not for a while. So in the meantime, here's the ingredients I used:<br />
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<strong><u><span style="color: #cc0000;">Custard Filled Brownies with Raspberry Sauce</span></u></strong><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"></span><br />
<em><strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">Brownies: pecans, medjool dates, cacao, unsweetened coconut shreds, hemp heart seeds, vanilla</span></strong></em><br />
<em><strong><span style="color: #cc0000;"></span></strong></em><br />
<em><strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">Custard: cashews, vanilla, agave, coconut oil, water</span></strong></em><br />
<em><strong><span style="color: #cc0000;"></span></strong></em><br />
<em><strong><span style="color: #cc0000;">Raspberry Sauce: fresh raspberries, hint of agave</span></strong></em><br />
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Let your mad scientist out and see what you can create in your own lab :)<br />
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Peace,<br />
RockiRocki Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12275869389806600804noreply@blogger.com2