For my Fun-Filled Friday and this entire weekend, I'm going to do something fun that I rarely get to do. What is it? It's nothing...literally NOTHING! What's the fun in doing nothing? Well, to be honest I think it's impossible to do nothing. If you decide to stay in bed all weekend, doing nothing, you are really doing something--staying in bed all weekend. Right?
So, what will my nothing include? Who knows! That's the beauty of doing nothing---I have no preset plans, no expectations of myself or others, nothing at all! I have lots of things to do, of course, but I'm not doing any of them this weekend (no working on Pure Jeevan activities, no cleaning the house or doing laundry, no working on the computer, no organizing future plans/activities, no fancy meal preparations, etc.).
Did you know that approximately 70% of your muscle, 80% of your blood is water, and 85% of your brain is made up of water? When we are born, we are nearly 90% water by weight, and as we age we lose more and more water (think of a grape slowly shriveling up into a dried raisin).
If you consume 100% fresh raw foods (with none that have been dried or dehydrated in any way), your body is receiving the cleanest, most pure water possible and you probably don't experience a lot of thirst. The less fresh foods an individual consumes, the more their needs for water increases.
There's an old saying that "What Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas." But we're not ones for keeping secrets. So, here's the low-down on Wendi and KDcat's time in Sin City -- straight from Wendi's travelogue, once again!
We drove to Las Vegas from California, and loved seeing the change as our surroundings became a desert. The snow-capped mountains are such a beautiful contrast in CA, but especially here in Nevada where it's so dry and hot!
This stop was longer than expected, since we decided to change our schedule a bit in order to get some more relaxing time in--and also to allow KDcat to have some fun that didn't involve raw foods or Pure Jeevan activity. ?We decided to hold off on visiting a date farm and the grand canyon (two activities we'd had planned for this leg of the trip) until Jim could do those things with us as a family. We especially missed him during this part of the trip, because he's always wanted to see what Vegas is like in person.
Read more: Las Vegas, Nevada: Relaxing Times and the Raw Scene at Go Raw Cafe
In a previous Take the Time Tuesday entry, we introduced you to three fantastic raw food snack companies who have offered to donate samples of their products for our upcoming retreat. If you haven't heard about the 3-Day Raw Food Spiritual Retreat, yet, there is still some space for you to join us from May 23-25, 2008! We ve set this retreat up so that it s as affordable as possible. There s a significant savings if you sign up early, too, so be sure to check it out!
Each individual attending the retreat will receive a gift basket filled with delicious raw food treats from some truly fantastic companies. Keep an eye on the retreat page to see other companies that will be sharing delicious raw food snacks with those attending the retreat! Today, we'd like you to...
Here's a picture I took at Portland's Saturday Market last week. We've been pleasantly surprised to find that artichokes grow rather well here in the Pacific Northwest. We don't recall seeing them much back East, but many of our neighbors grow them (both for the artichokes and, I suspect, as ornamental plants).
I suspect that some raw foodists tend to overlook artichokes because they're so traditionally linked with the image of something steamed, stuffed with breadcrumbs, and drizzled in butter -- so, "cooked," "breaded," and "dairy" all together in one recipe! Being half Italian, I grew up eating them this way. My mother almost never said "artichoke"; she always called them an Italian word that sounded like "ga-GO-che-lee." ?She made them just a few times per year, and they were always a huge treat (and we'd often fight over the hearts -- by far the best part!).
Today, we'd like to take the time to introduce some raw athletes who continually inspire others. There is a huge misunderstanding about the need for protein in our bodies, especially within the world of competetive sports. Many believe that without large amounts of protein we can't be strong, we can't build muscle. Raw athletes are proving that a vegan diet not only supplies enough energy to sustain the human body during competition, it also allows them to many times outperform competitors who are half their age.
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Who Would Win Read more: Take the Time Tuesday: Raw Athletes
I need fast & easy meal ideas (esp. breakfast & dinner) -- time is a luxury I don't have (taking 18 college credits, internship, PT job and I started a natural perfume business!). By the end of the day I am so exhausted that I'd rather not eat than go in the kitchen & try making somethin raw. If you're dealing with exhaustion or fatigue, we'd like to direct you to a recent blog post discussing the subject. As for time being a luxury, we address that, as well, in the same post. You'll always hear the same thing from us about limited time in relation to your diet: Make the time! Your overall health is what's most important in life and it's imperative that you arrange your life so that you have plenty of time to not only prepare healthy meals, but to also eat them in peace without feeling rushed. With that said, it's also important to realize that eating healthy doesn't need to take hours out of your life. There are plenty of raw food recipes that are not only quick and easy, but also packed with nutrition! We'll share, below, some links for some of our favorite recipes that are quick, easy, nutritious, and delicious! These recipes are located here on our blog.
Last week for Take the Time Tuesday, I introduced you to a resource for meeting others in your local community. Today, I'd like to introduce you to an amazing place to meet others all over the world who are interested in raw foods! Take the time to meet...
I met Dr. Doug Graham in person at the Raw Spirit Festival. He has a soft, gentle voice but his message is anything but soft. He's straight-forward about diet and health being intimately related. Dr. D. invited me to be his guest this past Saturday at a doctors' convention where he boldly stated to his audience of doctors: "I'm probably not going to make you all that happy with the things I'm going to tell you." There he was, standing in front of a room of doctors who have taken an oath to harm none. These doctors were there to learn about health and nutrition, but I don't think they had any idea about what they were going to learn from Dr. D. "What I say may fly in the face of what you've been taught," Dr. D. admitted. Many of the doctors leaned forward a bit, eyes and ears a bit more open at the thought of hearing something radical.
I was just thinking about a particular phenomenon, but don't know what to call it. This is something I used to notice mostly after watching movies, although it's something that happens all the time in life -- and I think it does in fact relate to diet, so I'll share. Here it is: Ever leave a theater after viewing a particularly uplifting film Recall what it's like for a moment. You walk outside, maybe with friends or family, still filled with that magical feeling of having visited another world, or having been moved beyond words, or being filled with inspiration. There's a glow about you, and the air seems sweeter as you stroll out to your car, absolutely care-free. You spin around as you walk, laughing with your friends, joking and hugging each other, engaging in imaginative conversation all the way home -- and the spell lasts for a good long time thereafter. Oh, I love, love, love great movies!!! Read more: Pure Jeevan Adds Depth to the Phrase "Watch What You Eat"
Jim here... Today is April 25, 2009 -- Wendi Dee's Birthday!!? She's asleep now. It's 1:30 in the morning & I've been up for hours assembling something stunningly amazing to share with you. You see, this year, I asked some friends, family, and foodies to take a page of a sketchbook and offer Wendi some Happy Birthday wishes -- and then send it back to me so I could bind it all into a large book!? WOW!!! WOW!!! WOW!!! Check out the response from 40+ people from around the globe. It's a little overwhelming to see this much positive energy in one place. What a momentous day she's in for in another 5 hours or so when she gets up and is greeted by such a surprise! If you'd like to say Happy Birthday, just leave a comment here! Thanks to everyone! Clarifications: (1) Yes, as some of you may have guessed, Wendi's body has circled the sun more than 25 times. If you visit the site, I explain what the "25th" birthday means a little more. It's basically about the amazing power of raw foods. (2) No, I didn't send messages to David Wolfe, Gabriel Cousens, Woody Harrelson, or other raw food celebrities Wendi isn't friends with. However, if they are huge fans of Wendi's, they are more than welcome to contribute via email or comments! LOL ;-) Original CommentsBelow, we have included the original comments from this blog post. Additional comments may be made via Facebook, below. On April 25, 2009, wrote:
Happy 25th Birthday Gypsy!!! On April 25, 2009, wrote: Happy Happy Birthday Wendi.............wishing you al the happiness your heart can hold, on this special day of birth and always...........you inspire so many!!!!! On April 25, 2009, wrote:
Happy Birthday Wendi! On April 25, 2009, wrote: wishing much peace, love and joy to you on this special day... Happy Birthday, Wendi! On April 25, 2009, wrote: Happy Happy Birthday, Miss Wendi Dee! I hope your day is a joyous as ever. ;) On April 25, 2009, wrote:
Very, very Happiest of Birthdays, Dearest Wendi. You give so much of your essence and touch many souls. I wish you a day that is beyond beautiful and filled with joy and blessings as you embark on another wonderful adventure around the sun. And love LOVE love abound...always. xo On April 25, 2009, wrote: Happy Birthday lovely lady!!! I'm sure you'll be glowing all day! :) On April 25, 2009, wrote: Seesmic video reply from Disqus. On April 25, 2009, wrote:
That is the best present ever! On April 25, 2009, wrote: Happy Birthday Wendi. Thank you for being such a light in the world. On April 25, 2009, wrote:
Happy Birthday Wendi! On April 25, 2009, wrote:
Hey Girl! Happy, happy day to you and thank you Jim for inviting Bo and I to be a part of this special day! On April 25, 2009, wrote:
Hey Girl! Happy, happy day to you and thank you Jim for inviting Bo and I to be a part of this special day! On April 25, 2009, wrote:
Happy Birthday Wendi GIRL!!! On April 25, 2009, wrote:
Have a wonderful amazing Day of Incarnation, the sweetness of your eternal spirit always shows! On April 25, 2009, wrote: I'm glad to know Wendi's birthday was as special as she and her family are. And I love the phrase "Wendi s body has circled the sun more than 25 times." I'm gonna try to remember that one for birthdays!! On April 25, 2009, wrote:
Not even having met you, Wendi, I can always feel your love for others online. Thank you so much for all you do for others. You are a true jewel in this world!! On April 25, 2009, wrote:
May this be the beginning of the happiest birthdays of your life. On April 25, 2009, wrote:
Happy Birthday, Wendi!! On April 26, 2009, wrote: Happy Birthday, Wendi! Thanks for all the gifts you've given us!! XOXOXOX On April 26, 2009, wrote:
Hi Wendi ~ I'm sending HUGE birthday wishes all the way from Washington State! I hope you have a wonderful day! On April 26, 2009, wrote:
Wendi have a blessed day as you have so blessed others.Because you have sown so On April 26, 2009, wrote: let your light shine and radiate in every nook and corner of our beloved planet and beyond, and let me whisper happy birthday in your ears,thank you for being here On April 26, 2009, wrote: Happy Happy Birthday Wendi!!!! On April 26, 2009, wrote:
Happy, happy, happy birthday Wendi Dee! On April 26, 2009, wrote:
One happy birthday is never enough, here is another one :) <3 On April 26, 2009, wrote:
Wendi, On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Happy Birthday beautiful Wendi!! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Ulol, my love!!! *blows kisses* On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thank you so very much, Mary!! It was THE BEST birthday EVER!! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thanks, Sheryl! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thanks so much, Carlos!! Thanks for being a special part of my birthday gift, and for saying Happy Birthday to me on your blog, too! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thanks so much, WendiLou!!! It was The BEST birthday EVER!! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Blaq Berry!!! You are always so loving to me. *hugs* Thanks for your sweet comment. :-) Thanks for being such a special part of my birthday gift! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
I've been glowing all weekend, Rawbin!! It was THE BEST birthday EVER!! It lasted all weekend and continues through today as I read and respond to all of the love-filled comments that have been shared with me. :-) On April 27, 2009, wrote:
My first video reply on the blog!!! I LOVE IT! I LOVE YOU!! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
It really IS the BEST PRESENT EVER!!! Jim says he's screwed for next year--no way to top this one! ;-) On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Elizabeth! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thanks so much, Melissa! Thanks for making my birthday celebration continue through Sunday, also! You are such a dear friend to me. On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thank you, Revvell and Bo!! I LOVE that you were both a part of my gift! It has been THE BEST birthday EVER! It's one I'll NEVER forget! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thanks so much, P. Lis!! Thanks for being a part of my gift, also. Jim said he was impressed with your artwork--he hasn't seen your paintings, yet, I told him! You are truly gifted! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Jill! Thanks for such a sweet comment. It was THE BEST birthday EVER! I can't even imagine a better one in another incarnation! :-) On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Oh, it WAS!! It was so very special Allison!! Thanks for being a part of my gift! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thanks so much for your sweet comment, Jenny! You are very welcome--I love helping others. On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Fatima! This was definitely the happiest and BEST birthday, ever!! Thanks so much! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thanks, R_Eli! I had a fabulous birthday!! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thanks, Jacki! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
More birthday wishes from Debbie! Thanks so much!! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thanks so much, Diane! It was surely a blessed day for me! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Anasha! Thanks so much for your beautiful birthday wish!! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thanks, Vebanmimi! I had a wonderful day!! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Sheila! Thanks so much! I had the BEST birthday EVER!! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thanks for all of the birthday wishes, Joanna! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thanks, Dianne! It was a fantastic birthday!! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thanks so much, Tina, for your sweet comment! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
The pleasure was all mine, I hope you pass that Birthday love down to all the future generations.. are you listening Kat ?? On April 29, 2009, wrote: You're very welcome. It was our pleasure and what a GREAT idea Jim had! |