Still unfinished, but lots to say!!

Raw Birthdays...

Well, even if I haven't worked a stitch on the website as a whole, I can still blog about what is going on!  Saturday was my birthday, and my second birthday raw.  My first birthday was a bit sad, as my friends were moving to Alabama and I didn't know another soul who was raw.  The reason for that is another story all together.  But my friends that were leaving within the next month were still thoughtful and considerate and made me this lovely little raw birthday cake out of Larabars.  Now Larabars are "technically" raw, but they are mass produced by the General Mills company, bought from a small independent raw founder. So, I consider these my junk food. Very easy to grab one and go...but definitely not a part of my regular diet.

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Anyway...back to the story. My friend's had invited me over for a goodbye/birthday party and I received some cute gifts, but my favorite was my "cake".  They had taken two Larabars, sliced them thin and layered a cake for me.  Very cute, not entirely raw but an A+ in the creative and thoughtful category. :)

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This year I am a billion times more confidant creating some raw delicacy for myself. With my friend's help I made a wonderful birthday cake. :) It actually should be considered a pie, but it's my birthday!  I took my usual to-die-for Lemon Meringue Pie and she cut up the fruit and I decorated it all pretty.  I even added candles and was able to celebrate with a new "sister" and family. My daughter even had a piece and licked her plate clean...now that is what I call success!  I had fun making it, and eating it.  We all had a slice and I enjoyed the rest of the pie for my dinner. :)  Yum! 

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Grocery Shopping

My fridge/counters are stock FULL and I am still planning on going to ANOTHER farmer's market tomorrow evening! People always ask me how much I spend on groceries, thinking it is an astronomical amount considering the cost of produce (especially organic).  I would say for me and my daughter (now mind you, I eat ALL the time because my metabolism is outrageously high), I spend around $250/month.  I'm pretty sure that's cheaper than what I spent before.  I went to Sprouts today (awesome grocery store, by the way) and picked up lots and lots of food...then I went to the farmer's market tonight and was able to get FREE green onion tops (he was going to throw them away! For shame!).  I still have tons of food from earlier grocery trips. Now I go to the store at least twice a week (as I can't buy in bulk because it'll spoil, not to mention I have a small kitchen to work with), however my trips are quick and to the point...no impulse buys and I know exactly what I want.  At Sprouts I buy mainly conventional produce with organic apples and pears (the most reasonably priced), and then at the farmer's markets it's all organic.  So slowly I'm switching over...but It's slow going.  The amount of food I eat...if I went completely organic, it would double my bill. 

I had SO much food in my fridge I had to take some out.  There are some onions, tomatoes, carrots, and zucchini on my counter awaiting some fun creation.  A few days ago I made a pate (that I ate on sliced tomatoes, yum!), that I will eventually make into patties and dehydrate into little burgers. I could add some flax seeds to what I have on my counter, blend it all up and make crackers.  Hmm...sounds like a good idea. :)  See!  You helped me decide what to do!

I also prepare food for Bible Study every Friday evening.  Last week it was salsa and guacamole, with cut veggies, but I've done wonderful dishes like Stuffed Tomatoes and Pesto Cucumber Rolls smothered in Bruschetta.  That $20 I spend on everyone is well worth it to see them eating wonderfully healthy food for the three to four hours we spend together.  It's also my way of tithing...God has given me this knowledge, these gifts, and this money to serve Him.  What better way than to feed his warriors as we prep ourselves for battle with His Word?! :)

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