Coconutty Almond Butter Dessert Bites

I just made no-bake Coconutty Almond Butter Dessert Bites that will knock your socks off!!!  It didn't take me as long as I thought it would.  They're simple, nutritious and soooo delicious! They're vegan and paleo friendly too.

I am recovering from lumbar spine surgery and one of my church members brought me these with a meal for my dessert. She was kind enough to print me the recipe. Yesterday I had enough energy to go to the store nearby and buy all organic ingredients, with the exception of the almond butter. It was $3-4 off on sale so I went for that one!

It is so simple! This would be a fun recipe for kiddos to help out with too.  Here are the ingredients you will need:

12 pitted dates
2 1/2 Tablespoons almond butter
1/3 cup of shredded coconut (toasted is the best)

First, pit and dice your dates and place them in a bowl.  I then put the shredded coconut on top of the dates, followed by the almond butter.  The recipe said to mix the ingredients and then form balls with a teaspoon, so I tried to mix it with a spoon and it wasn't that easy so I washed my hands again really well and mixed everything with my hands. 

Next, I placed a little bit of coconut on a small paper plate to roll them into after forming them.  This wasn't on the recipe, but I added it as I LOVE coconut and anytime I bake items like this you typically roll them into something.

The last step is to place them into the fridge or freezer to set.  I put mine in the freezer for about an hour so I can enjoy a few of them.  Then, I store them in the fridge.

The final step is to savor this deliciously decadent nutritious treat! 

Original recipe  modified slightly credit goes to AllRecipes.com.

Enjoy and post your comments below or on my Instagram.

Hugs & Aloha,

Jenny

Gingery Kale Egg Drop Soup

Want a quick, filling and budget-friendly yummy meal? It doesn't look like much, but my tastebuds are dancing with joy!

Bring to a boil 4.5 cups of chicken broth.  While that is stewing you add the following:
✔Hand torn lacinto kale  (without the spines)
✔Grate fresh ginger over the broth
✔ One can of drained garbanzo beans

✔On the size scramble 1-2 eggies
Finely dice green onion tops

Once the broth boils stir in one direction  whole slowly pouring the scrambled eggies into the broth. Turn off the burner and throw in the green onions and season with a dash of soy sauce.

Whala! Quickest dinner almost ever! Enjoy this budget friendly nutrish and delish soup.

One Pot Onoliciousness

Ono is the Hawai'ian word to describe delicious grindz  (food). Tonight I made a healthy, ono, affordable din dins. 

Ingedients:
✔ Coconut oil
✔ 3 summer squash
✔ 1 jar of spaghetti sauce (or home made)
✔ 505 Green Chili Sauce
✔ Lean ground turkey (I got mine from Costco and it was organic)
✔ 1.5 cups of garbanzo beans
✔ avocado

Tools:
✔ cast iron Dutch oven
✔ vegetable spiralizer (purchased from Amazon about 5 years ago)
✔ spoonula
✔ cutting board
✔ knife

First, I threw a tsp or two of coconut oil. Next, the whole container of ground turkey in with 3 TBSP of the 505 Green Chili sauce. I browned the meat and cooked it thoroughly. Next, I added the garbanzo beans and the jar of spaghetti sauce.

In between the stirring, I was cutting off the ends of the summer squash and spiralizing them into noodles with the largest noodle size grate.  I then threw the noodles in the Dutch oven, gave it all a good stir and put the lid on for 3-4 minutes.

I garnished the onoliciouness with avocado. I would have used cilantro too if I had it.

I hope you enjoy this affordable, healthy and yummy meal!

Hugs & Aloha,
Pineapple Jenny

Living One Spoon At A Time

Most people have no idea what true fatigue is. I thought I did until I was faced with acute and chronic pain, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome after a serious back injury.

Fatigue is like the elephant in the room. It's always there zapping my energy, it's like a silent leech. I type this as a healthy outlet for myself and to give hope to others.

I'm grateful for my faith in God, my Doctors, my family, my positive optimistic disposition, my amazing friends (new & old) and supportive colleagues. I'm also grateful for alternative therapies such as physical therapy, acupuncture (HUGE help), CBD oils, magnesium and the many alternative modalities I've encountered in the last two years. 

Today was a difficult morning for me, so I decided to live one spoon at a time. Sometimes you just have to put one foot in front of the other.

Journaling and reflection has proved a VERY healthy outlet for me too. I can remember in the beginning (when my sacrum was collapsing, I had a hematoma and newly herniated discs and one painful disc extrusion) that I was in so much pain that I couldn't even formulate written phrases. So I gave myself permission to celebrate what I could and couldn't do....I made a good 'ol fashioned list. I drew a line down the paper and I put "I can" in one column and on the other column I put "I can't". I gave myself permission to celebrate what I could do (including get mad or cry) and I wrote basic things. You see at that time I literally couldn't put my underwear on. I had to use a dressing stick.  Although that was hard to admit, it allowed me to accept where I was and now it allows me to celebrate how far I've come.

The biggest challenge is that although I don't look sick, I have several chronic conditions. Most days I do my best to push through it, but it wears on you. 

Why the spoons you ask?  Well Christine Miserandino came up with a great theory, called "The Spoon Theory".  Here is a wonderful article on what it's like to experience a chronic condition which explains "The Spoon Theory". Thanks for reading!

Have an aloha filled day!

DIY, Give it a Try!

Today I made my own anti-bacterial foaming hand wash. I used my doTERRA OnGuard foaming soap dispenser. All of the igredients I used are items I had on hand in my home already, which are listed below.

✔Dr. Bronner's unscented liquid castille soap
✔ distilled water
✔ doTERRA OnGuard CPTG Essential Oil

I eyeballed this recipe based off of aome other info I read online. I put about 2 TBSP of Dr. Bronner's  (I'll use less next time), 10 drops of OnGuard and then I filled up with distilled water almost all the way to the top (to allow room for the top).

The result is wonderful hand soap that didn't cost me a thing extra, because I had all these goodies on hand. My next adventure will be dish soap for hand washing dishes.

Happy mixing!

Aloha.

It's Back

On Good Friday I spent half of my day in the emergency room. One of my spinal epidural steroid injection sites got infected with cellulitis. That was 11 months ago.  I missed Easter and spent all weekend in bed.

Alas, here I sit with the same infection at the same site, maybe 4mm shifted. It's now Monday and I'm back in the E.R. on my third type of IV antibiotics. I'm fearful yet I have moments of calm. I'm waiting for a contrast MRI to make sure there isn't infection in my limb or spine.

I'm so tired of being in pain everyday I could puke. I don't know why God continues to allow all of these painful and expensive things to happen in my life.  I don't get it, but I trust Him. 💓 💓 💓  I can say that I've learned to ask for help, that it's ok to say no without explination. I've learned who my friends are. I've seen God sustain me when I know I can't get out of bed. I've experienced grace and mercy here on earth. I've seen the good in people.  I've seen people be insensitive and judgemental.

Most of all I cling to this verse, hoping God wI'll usee me.

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

Romans 8:18 NIV

http://bible.com/111/rom.8.18.NIV

Cultivate Gratitude

Over the past week I have been encountering many situations that require perspective, prayer and reflection.  When we widen our lens and view in life and consider the fact that we have a say in how our day goes.  We have a say in how we react to what occurs throughout our day.  We have an opportunity every morning when we wake up to say I choose to be happy. I choose to make tomorrow a great day.  Stress is merely a perception.

Personally, scholarly, financially, relational lyrics, healthwise and professionally I have had some crazy days lately, but yesterday I took a walk when I was feeling like a teapot that was about to whistle.  I sat down, grabbed my cell phone and looked up positive quotes on Pintrest. I took some deep breaths in and out and I thought about basic things that God has provided me with. Food, shelter, clean water, a job, family and friends who love me.  I struggle with anxiety and depression, but this week has been a tough one and I lost my sunshine a little bit. However; I'm a from believer in putting on the right bandaids to cope until you don't need them anymore. Do what you love! Color, go for a bike ride, do yoga, journal, call a friend or ask a friend to go on a walk with you.

Life is full of ebb and flow. No one ever said it would be perfect. There are so many things going on globally, nationally and locally. If we focus on all of the negativity the media feeds us, it is easy to get bogged down. Seek balance.

I challenge you to put on the bandaids. Seek balance. Make time for you and practice self love, it is not selfish to take care of yourself spiritually, physically, and emotionally.  Find your constants. Constants are things you choose for you like every day I will ____________(fill in the blank).  

Hugs & Aloha,

Pineapple Jenny

Always Be Kinder Than You Feel

Every one is fighting their own battles. Even when you don't feel it, shine bright!

Life is full of so much "stuff". Bills, work, school, carpool, daycare, more bills, car accidents....you name it! 

Remember that tomorrow is never promised. Moments make memories, memories make a life, a life full of memories is a legacy.

What are you doing today that can make you 1% better than you were yesterday? Was it simply changing your perception? Was it opening the door for an elder? Was it smiling at a stranger? 

Go on that walk because you're worth it! Go to the gym, because YOU'RE WORTH IT! Start a new book, because YOU'RE WORTH IT! Go back to school, because YOU'RE WORTH IT!!!

Sometimes life can bring you down, but it is your choice to choose to become bitter or BETTER!  Make the choice to become better every day.  Wake up with a purpose and shine bright!  Live aloha and pass it on.  What you do TODAY, can improve all your tomorrows.

Believe in Aloha

A design from our friends at Project Aloha

Happy Aloha Friday!!! The aloha-spirit is more than just a few words.  Aloha means so much more than hello, goodbye and love.  

Here is a great article about the Aloha spirit.

A, ala, watchful, alertness 

L, lokahi, working with unity O, oia'i'o, truthful honesty H, ha'aha'a, humility A, ahonui, patient perseverance

For me the aloha spirit is a way of life.  It is a way to spread positivity, love others and unite with others.  I nevva evva leave home without it!  Have you ever had a stranger smile at you while crossing paths on the sidewalk?  It can be something as simple as that!  In the spirit of Valentine's day, I challenge you to smile at at least one person each day this weekend whom you don't know and hug someone you do know!

READY.............SET, GO!!!

Suffering in Silence....The Journey to Me Again

This past few years have been the most challenging of my entire life.  I have had one thing after another happen in life. Mostly health challenges cause by not taking care of myself.  I was (am) very depressed and hiding it and I neglected myself in every way. Nutritionally, spiritually, financially, relationally, emotionally and physically. The result of my actions or lack thereof resulted in a knee injury, a painful emergency appendectomy, and then the grand daddy of 'em all my back injury in May of 2014. Since that day I hurt my back I have not faced one day without pain, inflammation, challenge and emotional pain.  Almost a year ago, I was officially diagnosed with chronic pain (DUH!), fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

God literally had to put me flat on my back for months in order for me to slow down and listen to HIM.  I would practically crawl to work and come home to crawl into my bed I was in that much pain.  My PM&R doctor (who sees patients all day that are in extreme pain) told me that I have a really high pain tolerance.  I withdrew from social activities because I literally could not muster the energy to do regular tasks.  I was in a new job and I am blessed to still have it.  I withdrew from friends because I did not want to complain or bring them down.

I decided to fight based on many circumstances in my life. I have learned so much from this season.  I've learned my short comings, my strengths and that I am not super woman (dangit!). I've learned that I cannot count on many people, but that it's important to ask for help.  It is ok to say that you "have plans" or say "no" and not give a reason why.  Achieving balance is so important when facing a chronic illness or auto-immune disease.  I am a helper by nature and a people person so I like to help others.  Through all of this I have realized things I knew in my head, but I do not think I knew at my core in my heart.  I know now that you must first love yourself enough and take care of yourself so that you can fully love and help others.  

I found an amazing supportive community online, MyFibroTeam full of others who face chronic debilitating, life-changing pain every day like I do.  They even have an app too!  This community has served as a wonderful outlet for a plethora of resources.  There is space to ask questions, understand what others face, celebrate victories and share tough days with people who truly understand and do not consider you a complainer or a whiner.  I am a sunshiny person who always looks for the silver lining, but this has really affected my entire life and sometimes it is VERY difficult to even get out of bed due to the fatigue and pain I face everyday.  The most challenging part of many chronic illnesses (such as mine) is that we "do not look sick".  Please let me advise you to NEVER, EVER, EVERRRRRRR say such words like this.  Or things like "just drink an energy drink" as they are very disheartening for the warrior fighting just to do simple things like get out of bed and shower.  I ask that you read this quick story about a day in the life of a chronic condition sufferer written by Christine Miserandino called "The Spoon Theory".  Thus the term spoonie was born for those who suffer from chronic pain or a chronic condition.  A medical doctor of a fellow "spoonie" said that it would take a normal person staying up for three days straight without any caffeine to even begin comprehend (not fully understand) the amount of fatigue of someone with chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia.  

Most days I smile through the pain and I can fake it, till I make it.  Often times I cannot do this though as I literally wear my pain on my face and my heart on my sleeve, although I try not to.  Many have asked how I am and how my back injury and healing journey is going so I decided it would be healthy for me to put my journey to words.  My only hope is that I can provide one small glimpse to others who do not face chronic pain or chronic health conditions into just how challenging it is and encourage those who do face chronic conditions to press onward.  I know that others have it MUCH worse than I do and I realize that and I am grateful for that everyday (almost, everyday).  

What I have learned and lived the most in the two years is that it is ok to ask for help. It takes a stronger person to admit that they need help.  I learned that I am very stubborn and hate asking for help. I like helping others and myself.  When my back pain and mobility was so limited I could not even do basic things like put on my chonies, take out the trash and tie my shoes.....I mean come on people!  A 30-something year old should not have to use a dressing stick!?  I learned humility is one of the hardest things to have and gain.  I was honored to have a Pops (my dad) who would come over on his way to or from work to scoop the kitty box, take out trash, take my laundry home to have mom wash it and help me with whatever else I needed.  I was blessed to have a Mama who would wash my laundry for me, help me with basic tasks like grocery shopping and even rent a dressing stick and pick up stick so I could care for myself.  Let me tell you being single and all alone is more apparent when you are literally stuck in bed in so much pain that you cannot even think straight.  I swear my tears were even crying ha-ha.  Through this time I almost lost my job (a new job that I had only a couple weeks when my injury occurred), I have lost friends, gained copious amounts of medical debt.  All of these setbacks never prepared me for what I would and am still learning.......That is that God was trying to teach me much more than humility and to slow down and completely trust HIM with all things big things AND small things!  

I had a wonderful physical therapist and team who helped me seek holistic ways to reduce my pain.  I began with simple stretches as my mobility and range of motion were not great.  I was very out of shape, especially in my core.  I have a wonderful Naturopathic MD that I see and he helped me through a lot of this.  Even my spine doctor would praise the things he had me doing proactively to try to combat the pain, FMS and CFS.

What worked for me may not work for others, but I know for me it was a trial and error process. I did everything that I could and tried everything that I could to gain wellness, or as close to it as I can.  I did all of my physical therapy homework which mostly consisted of core-work and stretches.  I began an anti-inflammatory eating plan and incorporated Herbalife into my nutrition.  I also incorporated doTERRA certified therapeutic grade essential oils into my daily lifestyle.  I miss the things I used to love like cycling, running, swing dancing (lindy hop) and much more, but I am finding comfort and pain relief from yoga!  So I am grateful for what I can do.  I also have a beach cruiser bike that I can ride now.

I have had days where I feel great and then the next day (or even the same day) I feel awful.  So I have to really live by the spoon theory, rely on God and listen to my body.  It really is like a roller coaster.  

If you are still reading.......THANK YOU!!!  Thank you for reading my story.  I really enjoy Hawai'i and the aloha spirit and I have tried my best to not let this change that about me.  I want to give a shout out to all my friends, family and church family who have stuck by me, prayed and helped me.  And to those who gave to my GoFundMe page to help me with alternative treatments such as acupuncture instead of harsh chemical medications like Lyrica or pain medications.  I still plan on getting prolotherapy once I save more money for it.  I have gained so many new friends throughout the past two years and deepened friendships that I had.  As hard as it has been I am grateful for the lessons that I have learned and the life lessons I have learned through this season.

Stay tuned for more healthy, aloha spirit filled posts and healthy inspirations.  Mahalo nui loa for reading.  

Hiatus

Wow!  I have not blogged in ages!  I have had a lot going on.  I have been learning so much lately.  God has been humbling me in so many situations and circumstances.  One of which is my health.  This continues to seem to be an uphill battle for some reason, but I shall conquer and push through and get back to where I used to be.  The lessons I have learned along the way and the people whom I have met have been priceless!  

In a world full of so much negativity it is very easy to get bombarded by what others think, the business of life, chasing the "American Dream" and whatever other pipe dreams.  We are all individuals with dreams, goals and aspirations.  It is very important to live them out according to your purpose, not what you think others should or would want you to do. I came across a few quotes in typography recently that hit me harder than I had anticipated.

Change is so eminent, but growth really is optional.  John Maxwell hit that one on the nose!  We can let life happen to us, or we can go out and achieve our dreams.  God gives us free will and if it is within His will and we work hard and be diligent with the gifts, talents and abilities He has provided then the sky is the limit!  When we sit in a comfortable spot and just exist we do not allow change to happen.  When we face our troubles and struggles head-on we truly learn and grow from them.  I wonder what the world would be like if we all would seek more and ask more questions and as Oscar Wilde puts it live!  Could you imagine?  So I ask you this; what have you done differently lately?  Have you tried anything new?  Have you extended a favor or even a smile to a complete stranger?  

I tend to struggle so much with negativity, depression and anxiety.  However; I genuinely am a happy go lucky goofy person.  It is all about taking time to sit back and reflect on what is really important.  When you change your perspective it molds your attitude and your attitude affects your every action and perception.  I love this quote, "Be the change you want to see in the world." Mahatma Gandhi.  

For those of you who know me, I am obsessed with all things island and I have been called an island girl at heart.  So I prefer this version too, which I saw on Pintrest and I cannot wait to make one out of pallets.

Mahalo for reading my reflections today and I hope to post more.  I have been working full time and in school and have had a lot on my plate, but through all of that a transformation is happening.  I am so blessed to have the people in my life that I do and the simple things like clean water to drink, a roof over my head, clothes on my back and friends and family who love me.

Hugs & Aloha!  

Arthritis = Booo!

Today I am a little bit sore from riding my bike yesterday.  I walked for 50 minutes today after work because I was out of daylight.  It's the small victories that we have to celebrate sometimes.  My knee was killing me from step one.  My fitbit read a mere 690 steps when I went for my walk.  I just kept going.  I had my headset on and I was talking to a friend the whole time.  I ended up walking much farther than I thought I could or would.  Then I was so close to getting 5,000 steps in that I decided to go another lap around the neighborhood.  As I write this I have almost 6,500 steps in for today.  I didn't ice when I got home which I will probably regret for the next three days or more.  I've been really swollen in both knees (and retaining quite a bit of water) and in a lot of pain on my really bad knee.  It's not fun, but it's somehow motivating me.  I want to punch arthritis in the face these past three weeks!  Sometimes it is so frustrating because I really want to attain maximum health as I have had in the past, but my knees won't allow me.  I have always been so athletic and it has been so humbling to not be able to run, jog or do many active things I love.  Things as simple as bowling...what a piece of humble pie when I found out I couldn't even do that!  God has a plan and he has taught me so much and will continue to teach me and guide me through my healing journey.  It's frustrating not being able to do things my mind is finally wanting to do, but my body won't allow me.  I'm finally climbing out of this valley of depression and on to new adventures.  Sorry for the slight negative vibe here.  I usually like to post really positive and encouraging things!  I'm positive I will beat arthritis! :)  Never give up!  Hugs & aloha <3

Ch-ch-chia

That catchy products of the 80's was more than a fun plant.  Chia seeds have emerged in recent years as a renewed interest super food.  Chia seeds are full of micronutrients.  They were used by ancient warriors in South America long ago and they have made a come back as runners and athletes fuel of choice. 

Chia gel is easy to make and fairly inexpensive.  It fills you up, adds omegas and its gelatinous structure helps with detox too!  I love putting them in my green smoothies.

I tried a raw organic cherry chia seed kombucha yesterday. It was actually good! I'm not a cherry flavored anything fan, unless they are real cherries, but this was yummy. To top it off, I had energy, got my fair share of omega 3's too! Did you know chia seeds have three times as much omegas as salmon does?

So sing the chia song and do a happy dance with all your renewed energy from your new friend the chia seed.

Melting Away

Well, I am still going strong.  Adding more exercise and new all vegan recipes this week. It's weird this week all of the sudden inches are melting off. It's great to see my body responding so well!

I have had some temptations this week, but I have remained strong.  I missed eggs this week, but every time I am tempted I think of the poor male chics that are thrown in the garbage or ground alive because they are not valuable to the egg industry and I quickly don't miss eggs. 

Feeling Great and Losing Weight

Well, here I am on day nineteen of my 100% vegan journey.  I am feeling great!  Some of the benefits I have notices are the following: I am sleeping better, I have more energy, I feel better emotionally & physically, I dont feel bloated anymore, my conscience is clear that I am not supporting cruel industries, and my family is eating more produce as a result!

It is really weird to me how I suddenly found a whole new willpower. It took strength to pass up certain things in the beginning.  I struggled with cheese, bacon and eggs the most in the beginning. Now as time has gone I have had a paradigm shift. It is almost like I don't view those things as food or even an option anymore. My feeling better physically and in my conscience combined with the education I have been providing myself through articles online, magazines, books and documentaries have made a huge difference.  I find myself wanting to share with others my newly found and renewed knowledge with others.  I just can't ignore what I knew before this vegan pledge and what I now know in addition to that.

Some of my favorite things to eat are black beans, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, cilantro, bananas, brown rice, muesli, almond milk, figs, apples, carrots, spinach galore, kale, soups, oatmeal.  Below are some pictures of my nummy foods. 

I am finding it like a fun and positive adventure instead of a negative challenge to find ways to eat vegan while out in public and asking questions of my server as well as researching online too.  I look forward to having my own place again so I cqn entertain friends and family and be able to prepare my vegan recipes and shock and awe them with the deliciousness!!! 

Until next time...live aloha.

Three in the Bucket

Whelp three days in the bucket and I don't feel deprived, hungry nor have headaches.  :D  I have  been about 50% raw though, not fully but I am eating fully vegan and loving it.  I actually slept really hard last night once I finally fell asleep.  I have been struggling with insomnia a lot lately so I was up until 2am last night but I slept really well once I did go to sleep.

So the other day I was on Pintrest and this get well gift idea actually disgusted me.  They are cookies shaped like pills in a mason jar with a pretend rx label.  I get the sentiment and all that and it's a creative idea; however the fact that our society, pharmaceuticals and western medicine have brainwashed us. 

Hippocrates put it best when he said "Let food be thy medicine."  I am trying and testing this theory out myself.  I get a lot of headaches and instead of just popping pain killer I stop to think about it and sometimes document my headaches and migraines. 

Well, thanks for taking the time to read this.  This year is off to a good start for me and I hope the same is for you.  Attitude is everything!

Hugs & Aloha!

Self-Care

I am not one for New Year's Resolutions, but rather goal setting.  This year as of January 1st I took the thirty day vegan pledge at The Vegan Society.  They match you up with am mentor if you like.  Mine has already emailed me and she is fabulous and local too!  Many have asked me to keep track of my journey and post pictures and recipes so here I am.  :)

Today is day three of my vegan journey and I feel great so far.  I am not hungry, nor have I really had any cravings.  I found will power from somewhere and I do not know where!  On New Year's Day I was even able to pass us one of my favorite (old favorites) soups that my mom makes.  It is a fabulous pumpkin soup recipe from Paula Dean, but it has bacon grease inside the soup and is topped with bacon too.  I might try to toy with this recipe and make a vegan version of it.  Anyone reading this that has a substitute for bacon grease please feel free to suggest. I was thinking coconut oil.

I have been on a healthy journey as last year I found myself at my heaviest, with a knee injury that really knocked me down and on seven months of short term disability  medical leave.  I found myself having a pity party, depressed, down, hopeless and feeling trapped in my own body and mind.  With God, prayer, self-realization and a good friend from middle school who works at a gym I have slowly but surely climbed out of the pit of depression that I was in. Don't get me wrong I still struggle with depression almost daily, but I am doing far better.  

Self-care is not a thing that our society, especially in the U.S. supports.  People may act like they do or even say they do, but don't you recall hearing "she is selfish" or "he is selfish".  To me being selfish to a very small degree is healthy.  You must make sure that you love yourself enough to take and in some cases make time to care about yourself and for yourself.  Some examples of what I am referring to are prayer, sleep, spiritual well-being  mental health, journaling, simple things like brushing and flossing, eating right.  There are so many small things that we put off daily for ourselves.  If we take care of our temple we are able to love others more readily and help others when called upon.  If we are unhealthy and unhappy how are we going to be a blessing to anyone?

All that to say, I have never been consistent at blogging, but I have been asked by some friends to document my thirty day vegan journey with pictures, recipes, honesty and encouragements   So here I am writing away for me and for you.  I hope you enjoy my thoughts, tips and realizations.  I will do my best to post something daily be it a picture, thought pattern or realization.  Blessings to you!

Hugs & Aloha!  <3   

God Given Talents

I have been feeling really convicted about my talents the Lord has given me that I am wasting away. I really love my jewelry making and art creations. I have not been truly pursuing them actively. Right now I am rehabilitating my knee and it is a fine time to make more jewelry.

A pair of earrings I made from upcycled zippers

Now I just have to await the arrival of my tools and beads in a few weeks in the moving truck.  Good thing I have blogging, books and one knitting project.  Or else I might go mad. My jewelry website is here and my Facebook page is here.  Check it out and like my page!

Another little ditty I made

What talents do you have or dreams that you have that you have not been pursuing?  Or have you even thought of this?  Are there things that you love to do that you have put aside because they are "too hard" or you don't know where to start?  Let me hear what you have to say!


Thanks for reading!  Aloha.

A Fresh Start

Well, I am back!  2012 has been a tough year for my fitness and health overall.  Physically and mentally.  I plan on blogging more often, although I only have five followers now.  That really does not matter, perhaps someone will read this and it will benefit them.


Anyhoooo, what have I been up to?  Whelp as you know from previous posts I have been struggling with my weight and health.  Since trying to gradually change my lifestyle back to the healthy one I once knew.  I re-joined Weight Watchers in February and did astoundingly well.  I was eating a high raw diet mixed with fish and chicken.  I lost about 15 pounds in 2.5 weeks.  I even lost weight on a cruise!  While on the cruise I had a flair up and both my legs were swollen (mostly towards the last three days).  After much pain, a night in the ER, countless tests the ER doctor was perplexed and he was not a young guy either...Eventually we narrowed it down to my left knee.  I have been faced with a knee injury since the end of February.  


Prior to the knee injury I had a physical with my doctor to which he declared me obese.  Yes, I said it, OBESE.  "OMG!  Seriously?" is what I thought to myself.  Morbidly obese, yup me.  I NEVER in a million years would have ever pictured me in this place.  Because my BMI was so high and due to practice protocol, my doctor had to write me a referral for a Bariatric surgeon. I told my doctor I didn't want it and that is when he told me he had to write it for me.  So I literally that day went straight to Weight Watchers where I weighed in at my all time high.  When I got home I put the referral smack dab on the handle of my fridge door.  How did I get here?  This is not a picture of me, but it is a picture of the typical american.  More than one third of adult Americans are obese 35.7% to be exact; according to the CDC's website.

Sadness will not go away if you eat more

So after the cruise, I had lost weight, but I was sent to physical therapy for two months.  I went through pain that could have been a lot worse I am sure, but it was the worst knee pain I had ever felt, well really it was my whole leg as I had hurt tendons in my calf and ankle too.  I was on modified bed rest for quite some time as they thought that I had blood clots.  I had been through physical therapy in recent years for my other knee, but it was never this bad.  Truth is my body was crying out for help then four years ago.  I didn't listen to the call then, but I sure am now!


All that to say, here I am five months and some change later having gained more weight then where I started.  I have moved to a new city to live with family since I have been on medical leave for so many months and the lease was up on my apartment that I could not pay for on my own.  So, I packed up gave some stuff away, sold some stuff and journeyed to Phoenix to be with family.  I have been here for four and a half days now.  Sadly I caught some sort of stomach bug before leaving and was really nauseous days before leaving for the road trip with my two kitties in the car and my mom.  It seemed to have subsided and then flared back up again.  I am eating really bland food now and on August 1st I started fresh.  Since I cannot eat veggies or fruit right now (besides bananas) I am taking a multi-vitamin, calcium, probiotics and an omega.  I have not missed a dose remarkably!  It has always been really hard for me to remember my vitamins much less twice a day.

There is much controversy over taking supplements versus eating fresh (or raw) fruit and vegetables to gain nutrients instead.  I for now am going to take them until I can incorporate more of the yummies in the pictures below into my daily routine.  The supplements I take are from Melaleuca, The Wellness Company which have Oligofructose Complex for maximum mineral absorbability and antioxidant protection (ask me how to order these!).

Yummy in my tummy!

Each day there are little conscious decisions I make to incorporate vitality and health back into my life.  One of them is choosing products that are safe for me, my family and the environment.  Cruelty free is key too!  Each day is a difference and I know I can do this, I just have to take it one day at a time instead of looking at the overall amount of weight I need to lose.  So reach one, teach one.  Encourage someone today to make a positive change in their life.  One of my favorite scriptures is Philippians 4:13 which says "I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength.".  I am going to have to really lean into that this next year as I work hard to take some serious weight off.  So stay tuned for my adventures of fun, fitness cruelty, and plateaus.  Thanks for reading!  Much Aloha!   

Tantalizing Tart Juice

I just had a juice experiment turn out very yummy!
Ingredients:
Ginger root
1 medium to large jicama
2 fiji apples
1 green apple
2 large minneola tangelos
1 lemon

First I juiced the citrus with my citrus juicer, next I juiced the ginger, jicama, then apples. Threw it all in a large bowl to whisk and now I am slurping it down in my mason jars.