My daily raw...what's happening?

Hello everyone! Hope all is well and blessed. A lot has been going on these days. I have been working on my website, Raw-Riffic Food adding lots of new content and resource links. I also created a new blog through WordPress, Raw-Riffic Food Recipes. I decided that I wanted a separate space for my recipes that could also link to my site. It's pretty cool, and I've already gotten a several hits.

I also have been doing a lot of reading and research, and listening to every podcast and web-show on raw food and the raw food lifestyle as possible. I'm learning quite a lot! With all this activity, plus my usual involvement with my son and his extra-curricular activities (band), as well as full-time work with Wisdom (makers of the first GRAS stevia sweetener - and the only one that is truly 100% natural, using pure water extraction - no chemicals whatsoever), I haven't had much time to create any new and exciting recipes, or blog about my personal raw journey. So here I am tonight, making an effort.

On the book front, I have sold several of my books, "Raw-Riffic Food's 101 Super-Charged Juices, Shakes & Smoothies" through the help of my husband. He has been showing it to people at his local gym. I may even have my very first demo through a contact from his gym. I'm waiting on my books to arrive before we can commit. So, that's pretty exciting for me!

Which leads me to another fun and exciting adventure. My co-worker Chip, is loaning me his Vitamix 5200. Wow! That baby rawks! I can't believe what a difference it makes in my smoothies and nut mylks! It is awesome! I truly hope to have one of my own someday. But for now, I will enjoy every moment I get to use this loaner. I will have the "Chipster 5200" for at least another 5 days. I will try to get my hubby to video tape me using it. It will be my first video clip to post (if we do it).

I also have been tasting and reviewing a variety of raw chocolates with some non-raw foodies at work. I had purchased quite a variety over the past few months just so I could taste them and share them with others, and give my opinion of them. There are quite a few yummos out there!

On another note, I have had so much raw chocolate over the past two weeks, that I am starting to really understand what Paul Nison is saying about it. Don't get me wrong, I will forever love and enjoy "raw" chocolate! But I definitely feel that raw chocolate is so potent - it is very much like a drug. I think it does have some benefit, but it's not something to take lightly or to consider the cure-all superfood. It's super alright - but in definite moderation. I'm starting to feel that way about my favorite Kombucha too. Since I don't drink anymore, or drink coffee, these two things really get me high when I have too much! I can sort of handle them on a daily basis for just a few days, then it starts to take it's toll. However, I could get away with having raw chocolate every day, as long as I make it using a small portion of chocolate. But having a whole bar every day leads to more within the day (it's addictive to me), and then the next thing you know I have had way too much! I am truly a raw chocoholic! No doubt about it! More to come on this subject.

Some of my reading has included books on the subject of the law of attraction - which I'm really into these days. It's really changing my life, and helping me have a new perspective. One that's closer to how I felt and lived when I was a young girl. There is definitely something to be said about being clear with your intention and being positive. It's outstanding!

Well, that's just a little glimpse into what I've been up to. Hope to write again real soon! Till then, take care! Peace! :)

- Debbie

Raw chocolate...addictions and affections

I know it's late, but I felt like sharing with you what fun I had today as it relates to my experiences with the raw food community -- even during a busy and stressful week at work. I recently have been obsessing over raw chocolate and how many raw chocolate bars there are on the market, and which ones I prefer. So, I decided to purchase a variety of well-known raw chocolates from around the globe.

I recently ordered one of each kind of chocolate that Shazzie (detoxyourworld.com) has to offer, one of each kind that the Raw Chocolate Factory (featured on Raw Reform/Raw Success) has to offer, several from Kate "Magic" Wood, and several from gnosis. I even have the three chocolates from Righteously Raw, and Wild Bars. Some I've tried before, and some I haven't. I'm still waiting for a few to arrive before I do my ultimate taste test, and blog review on them. I'm excited - cause I loooooove chocolate - Raw Chocolate that is! :)

Yesterday I received my Shazzie chocolates...beautifully wrapped, and fragrant too! I but doubles of one flavor, so I ate it immediately -- oh my gosh! This was super super good!!! :) Shazzie's online store also provides the best customer service -- and they are across the ocean! Super nice!

Well, besides chocolate bars, I decided to make my very first purchase from One Lucky Duck. I ordered raw chocolate sauce, and raw chocolate chip cookies. Oh my gosh! This was such a special surprise for me! The box came with the cute duck label. Inside the box was my packing list folded, with a hand written "Thank you" and a smiley face. That was so special...but wait there's more. Then there was a cute sample piece of raw bar inside a little baggie with a pretty ribbon tie. This sample wash delish! But wait, there's more...then there was pretty pink tissue paper that lined the top of my products, which were also carefully wrapped. Once I got to the goodies I couldn't believe how beautiful that product packing is in real life! Well, I tried to refrain from eating my cookies, but I broke the package open immediately and ate two...wow was this ever so RAWSOME! I mean these were the best raw chocolate chip cookies ever - better than any baked cookies! And fresh, and just oh so yummo! I had to write them and let them know how pleased I was. So I did. Guess what, Sarma herself wrote me back within an hour or so and thanked me for the nice email. Wow! It was super -- really super terrific!!! :)

Well, I have to tell you the sauce is incredible too! I tried some tonight, and I ate two more cookies...gonna have to order more!!!

Oh, I also received my gnosis chocolates. Beautiful, and waiting for me to eat! But I have to be patient you know...I want them all at the same time...

Tonight was fun, cause Bunny (Raw Fu) had a Raw Fu Chat. Although I got on over an hour late, the short time I was on was fun! I got to briefly chat with lots of my Raw Fu friends! It was great! Hope we get to do this again real soon!

Well, I should probably go for now. I'll give you the links to the various sites mentioned tomorrow. I need to get to bed!

Peace! :)

- Debbie