Hump Day of a Holiday Week. Does that make Hump Day sound any better? Nah. Not really. So what’s happening in your world? Are you wrapping presents like a banchee? Or baking up a storm? Speaking of baking, so glad you enjoyed Shannon Marie’s holiday high raw all vegan dessert recipes yesterday! Everything from Cinnamon Mocha Crinkles
To Raw Nog Creams
To Raw Ginger Creams
Shannon Marie of Raw Dorable is a creative baker like no other!
As the super lovely PB & Jenny said, she needs her own Food Network show, and I totally agree!
Thanks again, Shannon Marie for guest posting…muah!!!!!
But let’s move onto what I’ve been up to in Aruba. We actually went out for a Sunset Drink!
Except check out this drink menu. It was soooo extensive…
The Vodkas
Specialty martinis
I ordered a couple bottles of Veuve. Kidding.
But the Lover looked good
And so did the Milky Way Martini
And so did the Milky Way Blended Drink. Move over Frappucinos, there’s a new blended Oreo Sheriff in town!
Then there were the Top Shelf Options. I’m all about pimpin’ up my ride drinks Cadillac style.
In the end, the choices overwhelmed me. So I didn’t even order. I know, lame, huh??!!! You may recall me talking here about why I haven’t drank in four years. I really want to break my dry spell. But I am kinda scared to even drink! I hate that hungover feeling, that next day what-was-I-thinking-feeling, and I know that one drink will hardly send me over the edge…but then again, after being squeaky clean for four years, ya never know!
I lived vicariously through Scott’s drink. A Madras Tini.
And they don’t skimp. There was a flask brought for seconds.
And Skylar got into the the mixed nuts.
A chick on a mission for her salted nuts. Do not get in her way!
Here’s some pictures of Skylar and I at the Radisson. Damn sunset lighting. I thought sunset lighting was supposed to be flattering according to the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition Photographers….But it’s dark! Sorry bout that!
A little brighter
The Radisson had their open-air lobby decked out with a holiday scene. Cuteness! They must have known we were coming.
And after all that non-drinking, I came home and made appetizers. You can see I really slaved over these. Mary’s Crackers in Black Pepper flavor that I brought with me
and some pineapple salsa I found. I hate salsa’s that are loaded with sodium!!! Spicy is cool, salty is not. This one is perfect!
And you may recall that I mentioned it was Scott’s Birthday a few days ago? Well, he ordered baked ziti and some chicken parm from an Italian restaurant like I mentioned he would be. $25 bucks for that pasta & chicken parm. He said it was fine, but like a 6/10 fine. I added the salad. It totally makes $$ sense to cook rather than go out, if you can!
For my dinner and Skylar’s too, kale, brock, cauli, cukes, and sugar snap peas with Homemade Vegan Slaw Dressing.
Never. Get. Sick. Of. This. Meal.
Hope you’re not yet either.
For Dessert, I broke into this Lindt Swiss Bittersweet Dark Chocolate Bar that I found on one of my many Island Grocery Store Runs
Smooth, and the perfect barely sweet with a little bitterness. Nice.
Yoga Today is Hanumanasana (Monkey Pose, or the full splits). A wonderful hip opener and way to stretch our your hammies, quads, and hip flexors.
Tip of the Day:
What’s your favorite drink? You can say water. You can say Coca-Cola. Do I hear coffee from the peanut gallery? Or, based on the drink menu pics above, what drink would you order?
Do you drink alcohol? Why or why not? Would love to hear your take and stance on the libations! I mentioned some of my choices and rationale here, and the Cliff’s Notes version is that between being pregnant, extended nursing, taking care of a small child with a hangover not sounding fun, and knowing my body operates and runs smoother and cleaner when the strongest stuff I put in it is coffee, that’s kept me away from drinking. But a Pina Colada is sounding mighty good about now! Lots of you chimed in before, but I would love to hear what your New Year’s Eve, or Christmas Eve/Christmas, plans are regarding indulging in some bubbly, wine, or something a little stronger. Do tell!
Stay Tuned For Some Cool Guest Posts, the Give Away Winner on Friday and Trip pics (unless you’re sick of ’em and please tell me!)…
Skylar is SO cute!! Hope she feels better soon.
I'm also a big gum chewer, those flavors look great! Thanks for the reviews.
Have a great night !!
wow those cookie dough balls look amazing!
I am grateful for time at home today. Love being with my family-husband and puppers.
OH my gosh did I ever used to chew gum. Before I gave it up (pregnancy I guess) I was a big Orbitz fan. The flavor lasted forever and I liked the fruit AND mint combo. sweet AND refreshing.
I JUST last week bought a new pack. WHY? Because I ran outside without carrying a water bottle and I needed something to keep my mouth from drying out. So I have a tupperware now that is filled with a pack of gum and some jolly ranchers (and even that is scary to me) to be eating dumb candy like that. I take two and ONLY for my run. It feels like I am peddling crack now. haha
it's odd to be chewing gum again( but only on the mas)
Sorry Skylar is sick…poor bubbas.
I know you will get her back to her ole self soon.
Gratitude is always on the forefront of my mind, especially when I feel I want to feel sorry for myself about my job I don't love or any other "thing" I don't like in life. It's all just a crazy perspective. I am totally gratefull for all that I have, and my health, and love and great people in my life (and yes too due to blogging for sure) that was the single biggest surprise this year.
I am dying to make the peppermint pb cups (without the peanut butter)
and the coconut in them. Still drooling over that. Typically now, i make balls too. Just a few ingredeints in the mini chopper and roll em up and freeze em. They last me a few days. it's my "break in case of emergency"
Happy Wednesday. Tomorrow is my workday FRIDAY, so I am greateful for that!
xo
OH my gosh did I ever used to chew gum. Before I gave it up (pregnancy I guess) I was a big Orbitz fan. The flavor lasted forever and I liked the fruit AND mint combo. sweet AND refreshing.
I JUST last week bought a new pack. WHY? Because I ran outside without carrying a water bottle and I needed something to keep my mouth from drying out. So I have a tupperware now that is filled with a pack of gum and some jolly ranchers (and even that is scary to me) to be eating dumb candy like that. I take two and ONLY for my run. It feels like I am peddling crack now. haha
it's odd to be chewing gum again( but only on the mas)
Sorry Skylar is sick…poor bubbas.
I know you will get her back to her ole self soon.
Gratitude is always on the forefront of my mind, especially when I feel I want to feel sorry for myself about my job I don't love or any other "thing" I don't like in life. It's all just a crazy perspective. I am totally gratefull for all that I have, and my health, and love and great people in my life (and yes too due to blogging for sure) that was the single biggest surprise this year.
I am dying to make the peppermint pb cups (without the peanut butter)
and the coconut in them. Still drooling over that. Typically now, i make balls too. Just a few ingredeints in the mini chopper and roll em up and freeze em. They last me a few days. it's my "break in case of emergency"
Happy Wednesday. Tomorrow is my workday FRIDAY, so I am greateful for that!
xo
I love gum.. but I'm not supposed to be chewing it due to tummy and jaw issues! no fair :(
i love that you prefer balls. it makes me smile.
yay for that ice cream – i haven't tried the tempt stuff yet, but i am totally going to give it a shot.
and my fave gum ever is extra peppermint. you just CANNOT beat that minty goodness!
Thanks for the shout-out! :) I feel like a crazed fan of yours because I already made another one of your desserts today!
I'm grateful for my health, my friends, and my family today (and everyday)
LOVE LOVE all the beautiful, colorful fruits and veggies! (yes, I get excited by produce?)
I have tried those crackers before.. not bad.. kinda like SunChips, I liked em!!
I cant chew gum (TMJ).. I used to inhale that Wintergreen stuff though when I was in High School.
Get better soon Skylar!! I am a new follower of your blog and just love it here!
I am thankful for my wonderful children and my husband who helps me be a better mother as well as does the dishes everyday! ahaha!
There is so much I am thankful for that I really need to to do a blog with a list.
How exciting for the birthday girl! And I always had my birthdays with only my family, and I never felt deprived. ;) Let her do basically whatever she wants on her special day!
My idea would be to go out and buy her one a pretty birthday balloon grouping (think princess, Barbie, etc.) and surprise her with it! They usually have them at party suply store, floral shops, and even grocery stores. My mom did that for me one year when I was little and I still remember it!
xxoo
Heather
I like a wintermint altoid- not too strong, but perfectly minty!
I'm grateful for the sunshine today, and that I skipped school to play around in it– in the winter you've got to do what you've got to do to get out there!
Can't wait for pics of the party! I hope Skylar feels better soon.
Favorite gum. Hmmm. I don't chew any so can I answer Xanthan? :-)
mmmm CHERRIES! love them! i havent had any in ages either. not since summer. agreed~ ew to mushy fruit. and that is a KILLAH deal on strawbs. i wanted to get some yesterday but they were 5 dollars. no thanks. love all your fresh purchases! and hooray for the birthday girl~ the big THREE!
I used to be a big gum chewer, but I cut it out and honestly don't miss it! I find if there's a pack in my purse, I'll chew it within a few days, but if I don't pick any up, I don't miss it! When I did chew, it was orbit or 5, all the way!
I find that my favorite birthday celebrations are the small ones with people that I care a lot about. Happy birthday to your precious little girl!
I know you aren't 100% raw and don't plan to be. But, have you ever tried oat groats? I use them, but I was thinking about going back to rolled oats (when I can't find oat groats). Are rolled oats as easily digested? I am really doing this whole raw thing for optimum enzymes and digestive help. Any info that you know or come across would help! Thanks! :)
Bummer Skylar isn't feeling better! If you need a raincheck on tomorrow I completely understand! I love extra strawberry banana (I may or may not be chomping on a piece right now!)