Monday, July 19, 2010

"Cheesing" it Vega-style


Leave it to me to title a post with something that make no sense, yet somehow sums it up just right. The only "cheese" here is regarding the ridiculous grin on my face, and no, I'm not sporting it in "Vegas," as I really did mean to type "Vega."

This is me finally meeting Brendan Brazier in person. You may recall my various posts about him and Vega, most notably, the interview, where I mentioned my phone cutting out on me at the end. Thank goodness I got the chance to apologize face-to-face and clear my conscience. He seemed okay about the whole thing; I just hope he doesn't secretly think I'm crazy or something.

Anyway, this is just a quick update, as I still have no plans of going back to my usual blogging schedule. Enjoy these few photos from the book signing event and lecture, where I actually got my mom interested in what Brendan had to say, as well as picking up some convenient Vega products (she really liked the Complete Whole Food Health Optimizer in Vanilla Chai for a quick breakfast on the go). I also really dug the dressing on the mixed greens served up in sample cups ... no cheese needed in this one.


On another note, I'm excited to say my hubby and I will be celebrating our 9-year wedding anniversary on Wednesday. Hayden will be turning 11 months on that day, as well. As for Jacob, I plan on including him by recognizing his 11 months of being a wonderful big brother. I really think he's getting the hang of it :-)

Friday, July 2, 2010

Blue skies any time, rain or shine


That's what my parents will be able to enjoy, simply by stepping onto the patio beneath their deck. Now that I've stopped blogging (well, sort of; I did promise to update you on my painting project), I finally found the time to start their beach mural.

I'll make this short and sweet (seriously, I mean it, unlike my last post) with just a few pics and a quick recipe on the fly. I had to keep myself both hydrated and energized throughout this task (didn't want to stop for lunch; thankfully, my mom got the kids fed), so a smoothie was my best bet.

I brought the greens, nuts, seeds, powders and spices, while my mom allowed me to raid her stash of frozen fruit (she tosses all her extra ripe stuff in the freezer for smoothies; nothing goes to waste). Thanks mom.

Anyway, here's my crazy concoction that got me through the first two painting phases. It looks like the sludge left in the cup used to clean the brushes. At least it doesn't taste like it.


Painting Sludge Smoothie
1 1/2-2 cups cold water
1 small head of romaine lettuce
3-4 stalks of celery
2 frozen bananas
handful of frozen pineapple chunks
handful of frozen strawberries
handful of raw almonds
1 scoop plain Sun Warrior rice protein powder
2 Tbsp. hemp seeds
2 Tbsp. cocoa powder
1/2 Tbsp. lucuma powder
1/2 Tbsp. mesquite powder
1/2 Tbsp. maca powder
1 tsp. spirulina
pinch of sea salt
pie spice, to taste
cayenne pepper, to taste

Blend all ingredients until smooth. Pour into a very large glass (you may need to refill it a couple times), and sip slowly as you get your work done.

Hopefully, I'll be able to post another progress update in the future. I hadn't planned on working on it again until Tuesday, but the forecast has the temp around 98 degrees that day. I wonder if I can get back over there today (it should be only about 80 degrees), which is my dad's b-day. Happy birthday dad!