Hi Friends! I want to wish everyone a Happy and Safe Holiday Weekend! What are your plans? My plans are to be with my family, and to work. On Labor Day Weekend. Oh the irony is not lost on me with that one. But it’s all good. Working helps pay for vacations and new bedroom sets.
From my last post, I wanted to thank everyone who chimed in about our Day at the Racetrack.
We had a great day. It was fun being with my family, outside in the fresh air, and watching the horses. It was interesting to hear everyone’s take on if you gamble or not. Not a lot of heavy hitters in the gambling department as readers. Not surprised. Most of us would rather spend our hard-earned money on nut butter and chia seeds than frittering it away!
I do respect everyone’s opinions on gambling, horse racing, and in life in general I believe I am very tolerant and accepting of everyone’s life choices and life path and although this post was ripe for criticism as EarthMotherInTheRaw pointed out, so I was glad everyone was respectful. Thank you!
And the question of Everything in Moderation, or Not? It seems that most of you do try to use that strategy as much as you can, but everyone has their own line in the sand for things that in your world are black and white, such as no sugar, no animal products, no TV, no gluten, no cigarettes, etc. but that you try to not stress out over things. Good! Which that was my intention with the Chill Out a Bit expression.
Kenzie said:
“I like the “Chill out a bit” mentality way better than moderation. Sometimes I think people can think of moderation as “its ok to have chocolate today, vodka tomorrow, a burger the next” and that’s where I think moderation gets confused. That’s not moderation… that’s indulging!”
And Ela said:
“Everything in moderation: it makes so much sense, _most of the time_. But all allergies and food intolerances, as well as anything else with ‘rules’ around it, are on a ‘sliding scale.’ My husband’s daughter has to avoid gluten too, but she can eat some occasionally without too much trouble, but if I eat a tiny bit by accident I’m sick for days! Or some people have an anaphylactic reaction – not much room for moderation there! I tend to think that outside of those kinds of situations, you’re completely right – at least some of it is about attitude, and if you’re enjoying something, mindfully, then there’s some good in it.”
Moving On…
Today I want to Highlight Some Recipes that I think would be fun to bring to backyard BBQs or those last Pool Parties of the season. I am selecting these because they are fairly temperature stable (i.e. softserve’s great but you can’t bring that to an outdoor party) and also things that will appeal to vegans and omnivores alike. You don’t have to tell them it’s vegan. God forbid they thought they were “eating healthy”.
These recipes show that high raw, vegan, gluten free food can taste great and be easy to make!
Dips:
Crackers & Chips:
Entrees:
Spiralized Zucchini Pasta with Diced Veggies and Peanut Sauce
Wraps:
Fresh Vegan Spring Rolls and 2-Minute Peanut Sauce
Desserts:
Raw Vegan Chocolate Mousse
High Raw Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Balls
I’ve never met anyone who hasn’t liked these. I’ve been told at least a couple hundred times by readers they’ve made these, and always with rave reviews from everyone who samples them.
No-Bake Vegan Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Balls (with a High Protein Option)
No-Bake Vegan Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Balls (with a High Protein Option)
Tip of the Day: My Kroeger Herb Natural Supplements Give Away for 2 Winners!
Weekend Breakfast, Snack, or Dessert: Vegan GF Cinnamon Raisin Banana Oatmeal Muffins
1 Bowl & Spoon, No Mixer Required. 5 Mins to Prep!
And if you need more Recipe Ideas, Check out my Recipes Tab (which was updated recently and I am maintaining no matter what since I never want to have to overhaul it like I just did!)
Questions
1. What are your weekend plans?
As I said, working, and I would like to get out and do something extra special and fun with Scott and Skylar but so far, nothing set in stone.
2. Do you have a Favorite Holiday?
Now that Fall is upon us, we’re in store for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Years, and it seems a holiday or special occasion every 6 weeks or so! My favorite holiday is probably Easter but not for religious reasons. Just simply it’s in the spring, it means summer is coming, the Easter Bunny is fun, and I don’t know, fun childhood memories.
3. Do you care about Holidays?
I really don’t get too wrapped up into holidays. I don’t stress or obsess about them, that’s for sure. I try to not let any one single day get too “big” or have too much significance. It’s just one day and I try to not to put too much importance or effort into having it be “perfect”. We all have memories of our moms or grandma’s stressing out creating the “perfect” holiday meal. Why? It’s just one meal, one day, tomorrow will be a new day, and another meal. But I am not saying I don’t like holidays, of course I do! Being with loved ones and having good times, that’s what life is all about!
4. Best thing you’ve done or eaten today?
Me = a nice run with Skylar in the jogging stroller on a 76F and sunny, crisp, with a slight breeze, day. A Perfect Weather Day! And we are off to run some errands now.
Be safe, have a great weekend, unplug and disconnect from the cyber world this weekend everyone, live your real life, and I am going to do the same! See you back soon!