Yep, I think my blog is too complicated. What?? you ask, your jaw dropping to the floor. Your blog is super duper simple Deb. Yeah, but, pointing to the right of this post, what is all that about?? Why is it so.. well.. busy over there? And how do I find that great green smoothie recipe I wrote about last June?
If this is your first trip to the DDR world, are you lost and confused and asking, as one commenter did recently "What is this blog about?". For shame, I have confused you, my dear dear beloved readers. And that is not my aim.
Simple. I need to organize. My blog, my closets, my life. Things are a bit chaotic and not that I am in the least bit anal retentive (I am NOT, take that back right now!), but I am feeling a bit too complicated around the edges.
My diet is pretty easy, but a few superfoods snuck in lately, and on top of being extra specially expensive, do I really need them? They are a fun distraction and hey, the recipe said.. but why gojis when I can use, say raisins or strawberries? Do I Need Mesquite flour, really? Almond flour is great and it is just leftover almond milk leavings.. free really. K.I.S.S.Keep it Simple, Silly! (Sam is not allowed to say the S word (stupid) so we use Silly instead) Back in the day, when this pic was taken, things were fairly simple. A little hair cutting, a little preschool, a few playdates, some sewing and crafting, eating vegetarian mostly, simple.
But then the little c paid me a call and things got complicated, really fast.
I started scrambling for an answer (what I really mean is panicking and freaking out in general) I found Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips and Kris Carr led me out of panic attack mode into raw and juicing and learning about how to heal my body, soul and mind. This blog was part of that healing and has become a passion, not just a fun hobby, but a need fulfilled. Somewhere in all that I got a little lost... I wanted to share all I found good and glorious, frightening and noteworthy.. hence the crazy to the right of the page there.............
So forgive me.. and please, tell me what features you would like to see here at DDR and what features you want to go away.. I promise I will listen..please sing along with this great tune, says it all.. All We Are.. by Matt Nathanson.
Looking forward to a fresh simple start to 2009, the Year Of Healing Simply! or Simply Healing .. that works for me!
Wow, what an amazing year it has been. Truth is, I would not be here if it was not for you, my faithful ever loving readers. Deep bows of gratitude to you all!
In Summary, this is my focus for 2009: (art by Nick Dewar)
Won't you join me? Happy Glorious Wonderful New Year Everybody! love deb
Ok, Ok, It's late on Christmas eve, I'm trying to get all things ready for santas arrival.. and no pipers are serenading me....so I decided to share 11 things I believe in, my top 11 beliefs if you will.
I recently listened to the book on cd by NPR called "This I Believe.." It is a wonderful collection of different voices from all walks of life. Get it at the library, it is a great way to pass the time while you drive.
Here Goes: This I Believe... 1. That all people are inherently good. This is not to say that they always act from their highest place, but deep down, all of us have a heart and all of us hurt. I believe to be kind is one of the greatest gifts we can give to one another. 2. That animals are full of emotions, longings and spirit and deserve to be treated with care. It goes without saying that I don't believe in eating or wearing them. 3. That our planet can be turned around, one caring person, one small act at time. That all humans should be out in nature as often as possible so as not to become disconnected from our responsibility to all living things. 4. That the children we bring to this earth deserve as much of our time as humanly possible and every chance to be loved and accepted, just as they are. 5. That each child comes into this planet with a fully formed personality, that a person is born with a set of inclinations unique to them. No amount of schooling, parenting or pushing will change this basic set of characteristics. 6.That instead of dutifully signing kids up for every soccer league, baseball team and ballet class that we let them decide and give them a taste of as many things as life has to offer. Then let them find their passion.
7. That every person has a special talent and set of skills. That no one should focus on test scores and college degrees, but rather on how to share their talent/skill with the world. 8. That caring for yourself first is the best way to care for the rest of your family. And by the way, being completely silly is totally underrated. 9. That the written word is one of the most powerful things in the world and can literally move mountains, and inspire souls to sing.
10. That friends come in all sizes, shapes, colors and ages. Some of my favorite people are very young or very much older than me. I also know that I can love someone without ever meeting them and feel their pain as if it were my own. Without friends, I believe a soul can get very lost and lonely indeed.
11. That knowing the folks who grow your food, especially if it is you, is the best way to get the healthiest possible diet for yourself. I believe that the body, no matter how broken, can heal, all on it's own when fed the best food you can find or grow. I wish you all a Happy Joy filled Holiday.. please share what you believe in the comments! much love deb
Ok, I admit it. This 12 days of raw Christmas is kicking my creative ass, in combo with all the hubbub around me.. I am reaching today! But soup is good food, and for raw eaters, it's one way to get a warm sort of "normal" looking meal in. Let's Fill These Things!
So get ready to enjoy and explore the world of raw soup!
Miso Soup with Seaweed Noodles
Miso Soup with Seaweed Noodles: by Lauren of Laurensina.com
For the basic soup part, put into your beloved VitaMix and blend:
3 cups water 3 TBS miso 1/4 to 1/2 cup olive oil
1 clove garlic 1/2 in hot pepper, or to taste 1 inch of ginger, or so squeeze of lemon (optional)
In the serving bowl, add the seaweed:hijiki dulse (I used whole leaf dulse. If you use the flakes, you might consider adding them at the end so they don't clump) I used about 1/2 cup dried hijiki, and 1/4 cup whole dulse. I like seaweed a lot.
Pour the soup on top of the miso, and let it sit for about 5 minutes to make sure the hijiki absorbs all enough moisture to plumpen up. Hijiki is hard and not fun to eat without being soaked. Dulse IS fun. It gets stuck to your teeth.
Soup garnish ideas: shiitake mushrooms, fresh and teared into pieces cilantro marinated onions marinated broccoli nori pieces
The flavor of the cashew milk goes well with spinach. Feel free to use whatever type of nut or seed milk you prefer. I had this chilled soup for lunch, it was light and refreshing, yet filling. 5 cups fresh spinach, packed 1 cup filtered water 1/3 cup cashews 1 large garlic clove, peeled and chopped ¼ teaspoon sea salt ¼ teaspoon fresh ground pepper Thoroughly wash the spinach leaves, if necessary. Measure 5 cups of spinach leaves and place in a bowl. Set aside. Place the cashews in the blender container and pour the filtered water in, place the lid on top, and blend into a milk-like consistency. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the cashew milk for garnish, if desired. Add half the bowl of spinach to the blender and blend until the spinach and cashew milk is well combined. Add the chopped garlic, sea salt, ground pepper, and the remaining spinach leaves; blend until well mixed. Pour the bisque soup into a serving container or into individual bowls; chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This soup will keep refrigerated up to two days. Serve chilled or bring to room temperature. Swirled the reserved cashew milk into the soup and sprinkle with a pinch of crushed mixed peppers. Serves 2 – double this recipe to serve 4 Butternut and Apple Soup Raw Butternut Squash & Apple Soup by happyfoody 1.5 cups water (or enough to make the consistency that you like) 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced 3-4 stalks celery 3 apples 2 tablespoons tahini 2 green onions 1/2 cup fresh basil 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (optional) 1/2 teaspoon paprika A squirt of agave is a sweeter taste is desired. A high-powered blender, such as a Vita-Mix is going to work the best with this recipe. Add the squash slowly to the water, then add the rest of the ingredients and blend until smooth. I like to blend it to the point where it’s a little warm, but not “cooked”. Top with your favorite things! Texture is KEY when you are making super smooth raw soups. In order to avoid “baby food syndrome”, I love to add some CRUNCH to it! Here are a few ideas: Shredded carrots Sprouts Avocado Basil Cilantro Tomatoes Red cabbage
sorry, no picture, guess you have to send me one when you make it! Carrot/Asparagus Soup Soup/Dressing/Sauce This could be called the king of soups. The fiber in the asparagus creates a delightful texture, and the tahini gives it a smooth quality. Do not use the woody ends of the asparagus, chop only the most tender part, about 2” from the end. Option: warm soup in the top of a double boiler or on very low heat just until warm to the touch. For extra zip, stir in 1/2 teaspoon wasabi powder.
1 cup cut up asparagus, or more to taste 1 cup carrot juice 2 heaping tablespoons tahini (or almond butter he says use this!) 1 teaspoon cut up onion, or more to taste A pinch of sea salt or a few drops of nama shoyu or bragg’s dulse flakes
In a blender, blend first five ingredients into a smooth consistency. Taste and adjust flavors. Pour into serving bowl and top with Dulse flakes. Yields approximately 1 1/2 cups. Serves 2.
Sunflower Sprout Soup
from Sunny Raw Kitchen Here's one that reminds me a little of The Raw Table's wonderful Avocado Curry Soup that was featured in the first issue of Purely Delicious. Sunflower Sprout Soup Warm Sunflower Sprout Soup By Raw Guru Alex Malinsky
Serves 4
3 cups nut milk ½ cup red bell pepper (chopped) 1 cup tomato (chopped) 1 avocado 2 teaspoons garlic (minced) 1 teaspoon ginger (minced) 3 tbs. cilantro ½ teaspoon turmeric ½ teaspoon hot pepper 1 teaspoon sea salt ½ cup olive or avocado oil 1 cup water
Blend everything till smooth. Pour into a bowl and add sunflower sprouts. Adjust the heat by adding less or more hot pepper.
Carmella's Note: This soup is also really good without the sunflower sprouts.
Thai Soup: Picture by Nomi Shannon
Thai Coconut Tomato Soup by Frederic Patenaude 1 cup coconut water ¾ cups water ½ cup tomatoes 1 cup young coconut meat 1/4 avocado 1 medium garlic clove ½ inch fresh ginger 1 Tb. mellow miso ½ Tb. garlic-flavored flax seed oil, or olive oil ¼ tsp. sea salt 1 Tb. nama shoyu, or tamari sauce 1 lime or lemon, juiced cayenne pepper to taste ½ cup cilantro, or parsley ½ cup tomatoes, diced 1/6 cup onions, chopped
Blend all ingredients except for the last three. Then add the cilantro or parsley, and blend briefly, so its not entirely liquefied. Pour in a bowl. Add last two ingredients and mix well. Add more cayenne pepper if you desire the soup spicier. Serves 2. Energy Soup!
Energy Soup at eatsprouts.com This is the easiest healthiest quickest meal on earth!
Blend in your blender or food processor, using water or unpasteurized apple juice as the base: 5 cups of home-grown baby greens – with the GoGreen Sprouter, you get a new tray of greens every day on rotation; 1-2 cups of bean sprouts – alternate daily between mung, lentil and green pea (beans grow well in Sprouter, or in jars or hemp bags); half to one avocado – for its clean mono-unsaturated fat (like olive oil) with no cholesterol, and rich in enzymes – avocado "savorizes" the greens; one apple – for sweetness, and to help digest all the proteins; 2 tablespoons of seaweed – for its 60+ minerals and trace minerals, like iodine for thyroid – alternate daily between dulse, kelp and black nori (the raw seaweeds).
From Raw Goddess Healthy, carrot ginger soup: Spicy Carrot Ginger Soup Raw Goddess Healthy's Soups are Amazing!
I've never been much of a soup person, but i looove this soup! Its smooth and creamy, with a beautiful color and refreshing taste. I make it on the less spicy side but more chili can be added for those who like a more fiery dish.
On top I swirled young coconut cream - simply young coconut/water, bit of lemon juice, blended together.
3 -4 cups carrot juice 1 small avocado 1/3 cup young coconut pulp
2 tbs agave
1/4-1/2 red chili
1" piece ginger root
1 small clove garlic
1/4 tsp sea salt
Blend all ingredients together until completely smooth, starting with 3 cups of carrot juice and adding more if needed for a preferred consistency. Cold Soups! I found this book at a used book store. It is called Cold Soups by Linda Ziedrich. This soup sounds good... Tomato and Cilantro Soup to preserve the fresh flavor of the cilantro, make this soup no longer than an hour or two before serving. Use very ripe tomatoes. You can whirl it in a food processor to make it smoother. 2 lbs ripe red tomatoes, cut in chunks or diced 2 Tbls lime juice 1/2 cup minced cilantro 2 Tbls minced onion sea salt pinch to taste
Mix it all together, chill quickly, serve very cold, even partially frozen! serves 4
Tomato Soup I Made..
So there you have it, ten soups for sippin on these chilly days of winter.. tune in tomorrow, it's sure to be a doozy for the 11th day of raw Christmas! love deb
On the Ninth day of raw Christmas, my monitor gave to me Nine Ladies Linking! These are my top favorite raw girls on the net, although I must say it was very hard to choose just nine! So if you are not on this list, please know that I love you too.. I need a list of at least 20 or more to cover all my raw lovely ladies!
In No Particular Order, Nine Ladies Linking.. for your Raw Pleasure:
My pal B, what can I say? She writes about so many relevant topics in addition to being a wealth of raw nutrition knowledge. Maui Hawaii Photo by Bueller Don't miss her photos,
this girl has talent to spare! Bueller Loving My Collard Wraps!
Love That Penni!Va Va Va Voom, that rubyvroom is a looker! And a talented raw chef, writer, etc etc etc. I just love her style and sense of humor. Watch as she meets her match in this short video! Hat's off to you Penni, I love all you bring to us raw kids!
She makes me laugh, she makes me cry, she is just a force to be reckoned with.. what was it like before she was visiting me every day? I just cannot recall, seems like Bunny has always been there.. just love her!
Raw FU!!!!!!!!!
you must join so you too can feel the force that is Bunny Berry.
Here's to YOU Mrs. Rawbin-san What can I say about a lady who sends me a video of her as Pippi Longstocking, complete with the horse? I just love her spirit, Rawbin is one energetic gal. I always know she will have a funny story to tell or a raw food tip to share. Just love you Rawbin, you are a ray of sunshine in my life!! Rawbin You Look Amazing You Raw Goddess!
Shannonmarie: Sure to Delight, Every Time Kids, let me just tell you, if you can resist the amazing creations that Shannonmarie comes up with, well, we need to talk..creative, inspiring, yummy and just gorgeous. Yep, that's Rawdorable! And it's creator too! Thanks for all the joy you bring, all year long!
OMG, This Is Crazy Delicious Looking, Rawdorable too! 6. Kristen's Raw: Kristen Kristen Knows Her Raw! I know, I know, all these ladies are so beautiful and that glow! Kristen is a glowing guru, with many raw ebooks and now a new book on going raw with success. Kristen has an enthusiasm that is hard to match, helping others whenever she can and making sure that raw looks good.. boy does it! Kristen, you are such an inspiration, you go! Kristens Raw Lasagne, YUM
7. Punk Rawk Labs: Alissa Strawberry Tort by Alissa, WOW! Not only is Alissa a raw cook with mad skills, she is a punk rock girl with her own band! We met online but I feel like I know her as a friend. She offers great insights and ideas on raw and healing. Go visit her kitchen, you will be so happy you did! Love you girl! Alissa Rawks the Raw!
The Lovely Wendi Dee If you need a reason to go raw, watch this heartfelt video by Wendi Dee, warning, have your tissues nearby!
So what are you waiting for?? Get your butt over to Pure Jeevan and change your life already! Wend Dee, I salute you for being a radiant, beautiful soul who is always there with "twinkle dust" and good things to share. Much Love!
Carmela of Sunny Raw KitchenFrom across the chilly border in British Columbia, Carmela is a bright light of raw love, just a creative genius with food! Her sunny raw kitchen is filled with delights and when raw goddess healthy visits, oh my, it is just too amazing for words!Spinach-Mushroom Pockets by Carmela
Find Carmela and Raw Goddess'es ebooks at the sunny raw site. Thanks Carmela for your talents and your light!
There you have it, Nine Ladies to Link to on this Ninth day of Raw Christmas.. there are so many more, if you have a fav, please Share! If I did not write about you, don't worry, I will soon!
I am a 52 year old work at home mom to 3 kids: a 4 year old whippet fur person, a 10 year old and a 20 year old stepkid. I was diagnosed with CLL aka Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia in april 07 and was on a mostly raw food diet since Oct 07 till
June 09, then added grass fed bison, wild caught salmon, raw dairy etc, to make it all better, or at least not let it kill me!
Four Years and holding so far so GREAT!
.. nor do I play one on TV.So when you read this blog you take full responsibility for your use or interpretation of the information it contains.
Anyone who has a health challenge should consult a physician.
I am assuming that you are an adult and can make your own choices. This blog was solely created as a record of my journey and is not a guide for anyone else's life. If I inspire you to improve your health, that is a wonderful bonus.
K.I.S.S. Keep it Simple, Silly! 
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