Summertime Antics

Hello my lovelies!!!

Are you enjoying this crazy summer? Anywhere from excessive rain to excessive heat is on deck depending on where in the U.S. you live. Oh well, what are you gonna do? I'm just making the best of it. If you're reading from outside the U.S. how is the weather where you are? What have you been doing with your summer?

Since my raw journey, I've only kept it about 50% raw versus the 75% I was hoping for. However, it's a journey, not a destination for me. Some days, I only feel like eating raw and others I find myself wanting steamed veggies, rice, beans, almond milk, nuts, etc. I just listen to my body and try not to be so hard on myself. I must be doing something right since I feel great and people continue to trip out when they find out how old I am. I'll leave that discussion for another time.

I've been so busy this summer that it is flying by and I haven't even had a vacay. Poor me, right?
Well, I have been able to have family come visit me here in ATL. It's been a revolving door: my sister and her kids, the bestie, my fiancé's mom and all his friends for his 40th birthday celebration...whew! Lots of fun, and I did get to share some of my vegan recipes and lifestyle with them. Some of them were even receptive!

That, along with my 30 day raw vegan challenge encouraged me to finally make a huge decision in my life. I'm officially (as of yesterday) back in school to be a Health Coach!!! I'm beyond excited to be able to eventually start my own business with my own clients who are interested in a healthy lifestyle that not only includes nutrition, but also physical and spiritual health. It's an amazing program through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN), and I finally feel like I'm no longer a "misfit" in my environment! Joshua Rosenthal and the educators/coaches are amazing! I'll be sporadically posting about my journey since being back in school (in addition to work, family, social obligations) will take even more of my time. Can she blog any more sporadically than she is now? someone is asking. I see you, and I appreciate your sarcasm! And, yes...yes I can. It will all be for a great purpose, though. You'll see.

So here's a peek at some of my summertime antics so far:

1. Started a Veggie Garden!

I've planted Roma and Beefsteak tomatoes, green beans, 2 varieties of cucumbers, herbs such as cilantro, oregano, and thyme as a starter. Each packet was $1.29 or less, and the "wooden" raised bed planter I found on amazon.com, $70.64:

 "Raised garden bed with dimensions of 42-Inch by 84-Inch by 8-Inch high. Product has a patented corner system. Made from recycled plastic and wood. Product does not require any tools to assemble, assembles in minutes."

2. Homemade Pizza

When my youngest son wanted pizza for dinner one weekend, he didn't know I would get inspired! The top pic was a completely vegan pizza made with a whole wheat pizza crust from WalMart, around $3 for 2, pizza sauce, vine ripened tomatoes, kale, onions, spinach, cilantro, oregano, sea salt, and pepper. The veggies were sautéed in EVOO and then placed on top of the sauce and crust. Baked for about 15-20 minutes. OMG!

The bottom pic is a cheese pizza that is obviously not vegan, but prepared the same way, topped with a Italian cheese blend and baked with a Boboli cheese pizza crust for the kids. They loved it.

I have only made a frozen pizza one time since making homemade. Try it! Easy and so much more tasty.

 

3. Out and About

I rarely get any "me time", so one day in the beginning of summer I stole away for an hour or so to Oriental Café in Austell, GA for lunch solo. I had spicy schezuan tofu with noodles & veggies,  and seaweed salad. Lunch came with soup and I had hot and sour. Delish! All for about $12 with tip. Peace and quiet...you know what I'm about to say...Priceless!

Out with my bestie in Buckhead club hopping. The Rose Bar treated us very nicely ; ) Then we went to the Havana Club. No further info on our night will be provided. Ha ha.

I pulled out the same black strapless lace dress from my "Date Night" post last year. I accessorized with huge square hoop earrings that I've had forever, a faux croc Nine West clutch, $19.99 (?) at Marshall's, and a purple and gold beaded cuff bracelet from Charming Charlie's in Douglasville's Arbor Place Mall, $10 

Tried Hookah for the first time that night at the Rose Bar...Skittle Flavored. This is the face that resulted. Hey, it's all natural herbs right?? It was fun, but I doubt I'll be a repeat customer. Not really into smoking of any kind. Fun, though-and only twenty bucks.

4. New love

One ridiculously hot day in June, I stopped at a store  for a drink while on the road and discovered Vita Coco pure coconut water with pineapple. Can I say I was hooked? Soooo good. This is the only flavor I have tried so I can't speak for other Vita Coco flavors. I can generally take or leave coconut water, so I was surprised at how much I loved this one. They tout "all natural, super-hydrating, fat-free, cholesterol-free, nutrient-packed, potassium-stacked..." on their website. They also state they are vegan and kosher. Although doing some research, I found that the company settled a $10 million class action lawsuit back in 2011 for supposedly having less nutrients in its water than they claimed. Yet, they have a ridiculous following and were recently featured in Health Magazine's "Must Eat List". Check it out here.

I bought mine for about $1.69

Oh, that nail color? I get that question all the time and I still don't know. It's gel polish...and when I sit down at the Nails & Toes salon, I ask for color #8. Glad to help!

So that's a tiny bit of my summer so far! Tell me what you've been up to. I wanted to also say RIP to one of my favorite uncles...Uncle Joe, who passed away last month. Miss you and love you.

While on that topic...please RIP Trayvon Martin. You have no idea the movement that will be started because of this travesty. I truly believe your death will not be in vain <3>

Next month I will be interviewing "Vegan Mommies" for this blog. I would love to know how you got started in veganism and how easy or difficult it has been to raise your children vegan. Leave me a note, or email me at misshova2012@gmail.com

Can't wait!!!!

Until next time,

Love &Happiness,

 

 

 

Nikki