Free your mind, and the rest will follow ...

I'm back!!!!  Sorry for the brief, yet unannounced, hiatus - life went sour on me (as indicated in previous posts) and I needed some time to myself to regroup.  Upon reflection and evaluation of all which transpired and the situation as a whole, a mental/emotional detox was in order.

Stressful and negative people/environments are a health hazard within themselves.  When caught up in it, the likelihood of seeing things - and people - for who and what they really are (I'm lookin' at you Mr. Can I Borrow $50 - deny it all you want.  I'm just callin it like I see it.) is slim to none.  That said, the whole "when a door closes a window opens" saying rings true, and once deemed "sh!tty situation"  has been anything but!

My much needed time out (to cleanse my mind of toxic thoughts & let go of negative feelings) spurred yet another clean out of my living space, but this one was probably the most productive of them all.   The hours spent "cleaning house" (literally and figuratively) have done wonders for my energies and the regained spring in my step propelled me into long overdue territory:  having fun be it out and about with new/old friends, dates that don't involve me paying for everything, and enjoying stress free no worries lounge time (the last being most significant because it's been way to long since I've truly felt relaxed).  Of course there's no denying a few glitches along the way.  As I was just discussing with a friend,  my moments of wishing, wanting, and longing surrender to the facing and acceptance of reality.  Seeing things for what they are ultimately make it difficult to miss or desire.  How can you miss or desire something that isn't there... and never actually was?!

Whoa! Here I am going on and on as if I got all the time in the world.  I didn't even realize it was already 5pm.  The gym awaits as does my kitchen.  I have an action packed weekend ahead but such leaves minimal adventure time (in the recipe department!).  That said - it's time to get crackin'!  In the event I don't make it back to the computer, I'm sending positive vibes to all for a fantastic weekend but I my goal is to post some highlights from my two week hiatus, starting NOW! 

xo

Homemade Rawtella

1 bag raw hazel nuts, soaked, skinned & dehydrated
2 Tbs coconut oil
2 Tbs coconut milk
2 Tbs cacao powder, or to taste
   Coconut Nectar, to taste

Soak raw hazelnuts 8 hours.  Remove skins, then dehydrate 11 hours.  Place nuts in food processor and process for 8 - 12 minutes, adding the oil to assist in the process. Remainder of ingredients should be mixed at the end (with the sweetner being mixed by hand.  I divide the nut butter up into individual glass jars and sweeten/flavor according to preferences). 

Raw Cinnamon Raisin Toast (with a hint of banana!)
Adapted from Rawmazing

1 apple, peeled, cored, and chunked
1 banana
1/2 zucchini, peeled

1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds
1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup raw cashews
1/2 cup flax seed
1/4 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup raisins

Place sunflower and pumpkin seeds in food processor and process until finely chopped. Move to a bowl. Grind cashews in coffee grinder. Add to bowl. Then grind flax seeds and add that to bowl as well. Stir to combine.

Process mashed banana, apple, and zucchini in food processor until you get a puree.  Pour into dry ingredients along with coconut nectar and mix until well combined. Stir in cinnamon and raisins.

Spread 1/4″ thick on non-stick dehydrator tray. Dehydrate for 1 hour at 145, reduce heat and continue to dehydrate at 115 for two more hours.  Flip mixture onto screen, peel off non-stick sheet and continue to dehydrate for about 8 - 11 more hours or until desired texture is achieved.