Thursday, February 14, 2008

For the love of blogging


The past few days have really reminded me why I love blogging.

I hate to admit it, but I was feeling a little overwhelmed over the weekend (I wasn't alone; my friend and fellow blogger, Carrie, was having similar thoughts).

Maybe it was the crazy weather (Friday was in the 70's. A few days later, the temp dropped into the teens. Today started out with ice and snow flurries, but has since warmed up to a sunny 50 degree day) or perhaps another mess up in the kitchen (at least it resulted in this lovely strawberry cherry dessert, pictured above, alongside the Valentine's message to my hubby I had printed in the local paper years ago) that took its toll on my confidence. Whatever it was, I'm glad to have gotten through it.

I feel recharged, getting my vitamin D naturally (that's sunshine baby!), and ready to conquer another culinary task in my kitchen. This one will be simple, as it is my holiday, too. I promised Matthew his usual cooked (for real; he only does the raw thing one night a week for me. At least that is a step in the right direction) panini sandwich (it's a Valentine's tradition for him; I won't be eating any), but he assured me that the starter and dessert could be raw.

Now, this blog won't be too long, because I've got to get to work preparing for this evening. However, I just wanted to thank everyone for appreciating my blogging.

Of course, I am referring to all your kind comments, but I'm also grateful to those who have mentioned me on their sites, too (you all know who you are; I'd make a list, but I don't want to miss anyone).

Most recently, G and K of Meow Mix in the City (so sorry to say it, but my sister had a hamster by that name when we were little) posted a heart-shaped version of my Trawfoils on their new site (please take a moment to welcome them to the Blogosphere). Look, the cookies even come in chocolate.

Carmella and Heathy (I just adore passing on the spotlight to others, although these two already get their well-deserved share of the limelight) have even posted their personalized touches on some Rawdorable treats. If you have tried and photographed some, give me a shout out as to where I can find them pictured. I love seeing how you make these recipes your own.

Lucky me, I got some more ingredients from NaturalZing in the mail this week. They totally brought a smile to my face, by drawing big hearts, inspiring words and "Shannon Rocks!" across the top and sides of the box. And, I was also happy to find a Raw Cacao & Wild Blue-Green Algae Mayan Spice Wild Bar (say that 10 times fast) inside with my order. Jeff (one of owners) was telling me about them at the Green Festival last fall. I can't wait to try it.

But, not today. I've already eaten a ton of chocolate goodies. I started the day out with a Valentine's green smoothie, followed by a lunch of fresh fruit and cookies (I raided the freezer for the last couple mallomars and some Rawgalongs), and I'll probably close out the evening with yet another cocoa-containing delight (I guess I don't plan on sleeping tonight).

I'll leave you with this song, which always makes me think of my hubby when I hear it (long story, but it was playing on my way home from the grocery store this morning), and my morning smoothie recipe.

Valentine's Green Smoothie
As much greens as you can handle (I add a lot)
2 frozen bananas
a couple handfuls of frozen cherries
a couple handfuls of frozen raspberries
some frozen strawberries
a generous scoop of One Lucky Duck Chocolate Truffle Butter (a gift from my man)
a dash of cayenne (now that's hot)
a little spice is nice (cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, etc.)
enough water to get it all going
whatever else you supplement in your a.m. beverage (I added bee pollen, a probiotic, wheat grass and spirulina).

Blend all ingredients until smooth and Enjoy!

By the way, I also wanted to show you this cool shirt Jenny made in my honor. It's a Rawdorable Mary Ann (if you've read this post, you'd understand). She's so talented :-)

Oops, I guess this post did get a little lengthy. Happy Valentine's Day!

9 comments:

Jenny said...

Happy Valentine's Day beautiful girl!! So glad you've (dareisay it. . . "got your groove back"??) although to be perfectly honest, i don't think anyone could tell you sort of lost it!

I'll post a photo of the flowering tea, yummy appetizers and melt-in-your-mouth ice cream dessert. . . until then enjoy your own cacao goodies and i hope your night is perfectly lovely. . . maybe a bit naughty too?!!
xx jenny

Charis said...

Lovely post, as usual. Tomorrow you can check my blog as I'll definitely comment on your incredible donuts!
Happy Valentine's Shannon! We love you!!!!!

Unknown said...

i just made your v day smoothie from yesterday and it is yummy! i had to sub some frozen peaches instead of raspberries, and i put a little too much cayenne. my husband said it'll burn my face off, or something but i'm going for it! thanks for a great raw blog!

shannonmarie said...

Jenny, I did lose it a little, but it's back now. Hopefully, nobody noticed.

Can't wait to see the flowering tea photo. My friend used to work in an antique shop that served it, as well as other traditional tea time menu items. I was mesmerized by the way it bloomed.

Charissa, I saw your donut post. It's so cute. Thanks for the mention.

Ami, sounds like the smoothie heated up your holiday. Take it easy with the cayenne. I hope you liked it anyway. I'll try it with peaches next time I make it.

Colleen Miller said...

I'd love to get that Strawberry Cherry dessert recipe - YUM 0!!!

Unknown said...

i LOVE that shirt!!

shannonmarie said...

I posted the dessert recipe today. Sorry for the delay.

Alissa, I'll pass the compliment along to Jenny.

Gigi said...

Thank you so much for posting that about our website. That was so sweet. it really put a smile on our faces!! YOu really are an inspiration to all us.. I cannot say enough how amazing your recipes look.. and keep checking back.. WE should be updating real soon.. :) :)

shannonmarie said...

Don't worry. I'll keep checking back :-)