Clothes Shopping Weekend - scored big time!

Ready to go shopping in one of my favorite tops, come along!

This weekend we went clothes shopping at two of our favorite stores: Goodwill and Savers.  In fact, we do most of our clothes shopping there, except for undergarments, etc.  Mark scored BIG time with a weeks worth of clothes for both home and work, plus a home office chair.  He needed new clothes since he's now down 2 pant sizes and has one more to go.  I'm so proud of him!

One of the toughest things to do when you're flat as a board (due to bilateral mastectomy for those who do not know) and don't wear a prosthetic or any type of bra, is clothes shopping for tops - and especially dresses.  Let me just say here that darts are not my friend.

Cute multicolor tank and capris - $7

Because I am who I am and wear whatever I want and feel comfortable in...well, make that almost anything.  There are some clothes that just don't work when you're flat, no matter what.  Like tops/dresses with darts.  And tube tops (gasp!, I tried one on yesterday - ha, never again!).  Let's just say anything that has extra material for even the littlest boob - it just doesn't work.

Cool top with adjustable straps

While I have found some awesome tops while being flat for the past 7 1/2 months, it is still a major treasure hunt.  Please don't think that I just walk in, grab a top and go.  Um, nope!  Sometimes I leave empty handed and bummed.  This is not just because it is a second hand clothes store - it is HARD finding something that fits my flat chest without looking totally freaky.

Casual blues and browns top - $3.99

In the beginning I looked for clothes for my flat as a board chest to not be so noticeable to others.  NOT because I was embarrassed or anything, it was mainly to not freak them out.  Yes I get stares of all kinds and I admit that there have a been a few times that the very rude ones got to me.  BUT, if you know me or have read some of my posts, I have a very healthy attitude, am completely comfortable in my own skin and will NOT hide who I am.

Anyway, I practically live in summer attire as that is what I'm most comfortable in.  So, I had decided a few months back that I will forever dress for ME alone.  Well, I do ask Mark's for his opinion ;)

Let me say here that how I feel does not mean that everyone else in my situation feels the same.  My fellow sisters have a right to dress how they want, wear prosthetics, bras, etc.  We're all individuals and I completely respect that - as should everyone.

I LOVE this dress!!!

So guess what I found at Goodwill?  A FABULOUS dress... that fits!  The photos came out rather dark, but it is actually a chocolate brown and the material is a soft polyester spandex blend.  I looked at it on the rack and my first thought was "riiiight, that will not fit and will not work for me."  So I continued on down the rack.  Then I kept looking back at it and thought what the heck, just try it on Rocki!  And so I did.  And then I pinched myself.  Over and over.

Love the back of this dress too!

It fit me like a glove and I couldn't stop smiling!  I would never have worn something like this, or some of the other slinky tops I now own back when I had boobs.  In fact, I'm more comfortable now wearing some of the tops I find than I was before.  I'm even more adventurous!

Can't believe I found this at Goodwill - and for only $9.99!

The breast area of the dress is puckered/gathered which makes it look like I sort of have teensy weensy boobs.  Now my dress isn't that slinky, but think about some of the models and actresses that are considered flat or barely have any boobs and they wear beautiful gowns and slinky dresses that show off their breast area and they look gorgeous!

Just one more pic of this sexy dress - before I pinch myself again.

Of all the clothes I got this weekend (which will be another post down the road) my favorite is this dress!  I just had to put in on one more time at home.  I can't believe that I finally found a beautiful dress that fits like it was made for me.  Now I have something decent to wear on our next Arizona Broadway Theater day.  Or to a nice dinner out or...  Hey honey!

Peace and love,
Rocki

Be Happy Now

Grand-Critters

"Fattie" the squirrel.  Adorable pic taken by Jason - my awesome son.

My son Jason and daughter-in-law Jen live in Portland, Oregon - as does my oldest son Jeremy - along with all my little grand-critters.  Yep, I'm a grandma to Sass (Jas & Jen's cat child) and to Thomas (Jeremy's cat child).  I love all my little grand-critters (especially since I don't have to change any diapers when I visit) and truly enjoy receiving pictures of them. 

As you can see above, that is not a cat.  That is one of my grand-critter squirrels that frequent Jas & Jen's home that they lovingly call "Fattie" and the other squirrel they call "the other one" - lol!  Jas sent that pic last night and I just have to share it with you all, along with a few others.

A couple years ago when I was there I so enjoyed watching the squirrels.  They even came right up to the patio door and ate from our hands!  Jas & Jen keep a container of food by the door and I do believe the critters have a special knock to let them know when they are hungry.

"Table for Two" - picture taken by my awesome son Jason :)

Guess the guy on the fence is making sure the food is worth the trip down. 

close up pic of the adorable squirrels

 Looks pretty tasty.  If he doesn't hurry up, his date might just eat it all up.

my awesome son Jason feeding his critter child

Yep, that's my awesome son Jason.  Well, the back of him anyway.  Both he and Jen feed the critters right from their hands and I think that is so sweet!  Awe I so miss all of my critters - inluding the ones with two feet.

Hope you enjoyed a little peak into Jas & Jen's backyard that is home to my relatives.  Squirrels.  You know, like Rocky & Bullwinkle.  I'm "Rocki"... spelled different, and has a different meaning...

Okay I'll stop.

Peace,
Rocki

Raw Vegan Chewy Fruit Bars

Raw Vegan Chewy Fruit Bars

I made a second batch of my yummy fruit bars and this time I measured as I went (pats self on back).  I have a bad habit of not measuring while preparing food.  I'm a "add a little of this, a little of that..." type of person, but trying very hard to remember to write it down as I go.

So today I thought I would share my simple and easy recipe for my healthy Raw Vegan Chewy Fruit Bars.  You really can't go wrong with these delicious little bites.  In fact, you could change some of the dried fruit ingredients to your liking, if you so wish.  The entire recipe is at the end.

After processing

Above is after processing all the ingredients into little crumbles and bits. 

Pressed down into dish

I used a 6x8 glass dish lined with plastic wrap, which makes it much easier to remove and cut into bites.  I meant to take a pic after putting the mixture into the dish to show how full to the brim it was before I pressed it down, but I was eager to get it into the fridge and take a bite...or two. 

Little bites of yummy goodness

I've been experimenting with food a lot lately and enjoying every minute of it.  I still look for inspiration and enjoy other raw recipes, but am super happy when I create something myself!  And I'm quite pleased with how my own recipe for these satisfying treats turned out.

Raw Vegan Chewy Fruit Bars

1 cup raw cashews
1 1/4 cup variety of dates, stones removed (I used Medjool and Honey Dates)
3-4 dried figs, stem removed
1 cup dried apricots (a very full rounded cup)
1/2 rounded cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup Hemp Seed
1 Tbsp Agave

Put all ingredients in order into a food processor - it will be full.  Pulse a few times to get it going and then process until mixture is crumbly bits.  You may need to stop and start a few times to scrape down the sides or move it around.  The mixture will be crumbly.  Take a little bit of it into your hand and form it into a ball.  If it holds together, you're good to go.  Now pop that little ball into your mouth and enjoy!

Line an 6x8 glass dish, or size pan of your choice, with plastic wrap.  I leave plenty of overhang to cover it back up when done and to lift out.  Put the mixture into the dish - it will be very full.  Use your hands with plastic wrap and press down firmly on the mixture.  Resist the temptation to devour at that moment.  Lick the processor bowl if you must.  Cover the dish and put it in the fridge for about an hour or two.

Remove from fridge.  With the overhanging plastic wrap, lift the soon to be bars out of the dish and place onto a cutting board.  I use a pizza cutter because it's quick and easy, but use whatever you want to cut it into chunky bite size pieces or into larger bars.  Store remaining bars in the fridge.  I'm not sure how long they will keep as they aren't in our fridge very long ;)  They can also be stored in an air tight container in the freezer for longer storage.

Peace
Raw Rocki :)

Healthy Chocolate Smoothie - The Raw Vegan Way

Raw Vegan "Chocolate" Smoothie

Each morning Mark & I have a big green smoothie for breakfast that fills us up until lunch.  It is a very satisfying, delicious, healthy and nutritious way to start our day.  We LOVE our green smoothies!

Sometimes I need my chocolate fix. So for an afternoon snack I'll make my Raw "Chocolate" Smoothie, which is made with raw organic cacao powder.  A healthy superfood that is filled with antioxidants and an abundance of magnesium and iron. And yes, it is gluten-free too.

Here's what you need to make this satisfying and guilt-free smoothie.  This makes 1 very large smoothie to hold you over until dinner - or you can share... if you want:

1 1/4 cup water
2 big handfuls fresh baby spinach (3 oz.)
1 Tbsp cacao powder
1 Tbsp Hemp Hearts/Seeds
1 Date, stone removed (I use Medjool)
*1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (no sugar added)
*1 frozen banana

Place all ingredients in order into a high power blender (I use a Vitamix - awesomely powerful machine!) and blend on high until you have a yummy smoothie consistency.  In the Vitamix, that's about 30-45 seconds. More water *may* need to be added, but you'll have to be the judge while blending.

*Note: if you don't have frozen berries or banana, fresh is perfectly fine.  Just add about 1 cup of ice for the last ingredient to help give it a thick consistency.  Also, if you don't have Hemp heart seeds, either omit or replace them with ground flaxmeal.

Okay, now pour this delicious dark chocolately mixture into a big tall glass (well, unless you're sharing), stick a straw in it and take a sip.  Isn't that awesome?!  You wouldn't even know it is a healthy green drink! 

Now, sit back and enjoy the rest of this yummy smoothie until you make that noise with the straw like you did as a kid and was told not to do.  I do.

Peace,
Rocki

Nasty Happy Rock



Happy Rock

I came across this pic while going through my folders and once again, laughed out loud!

This was taken when we were at the Tucson Gem Show in 2011.  I took several pics of this, um, unusual specimen in various angles and this was the best one showing how, um, well, you get the idea I'm sure.

Call it my twisted humor or simply not sleeping through the night and being up since 3:30 this morning.  In any case, it's still funny.

Ok...maybe it's just me.

Peace,
Rocki