Friday, July 31, 2009

RAW LOVE

CAN YOU FEEL THE RAW LOVE??

Lovemore co-founder, Andrea Crossman, has been plugged into raw foods since June 1st of this year. She took the plunge into living foods when she joined the Raw Food Rehab Experiment at the time I was looking for volunteer guinea pigs for my research project. Andrea hopped right in line when she learned that the project included a program of raw foods, detoxification, healing, and weight loss. You can read a firsthand account about Andrea's experience thus far on the popular raw lifestyle blog, We Like It Raw. So far, Andrea has already dropped 25 pounds in just 9 weeks!

More about the Raw Love T-shirts
So, Andrea & I, having the entrepreneurial spirit that we do, came up with a plan to partner together to create something that we're super excited about. These Raw Love, Earth Love shirts will be printed entirely in water-based inks. That means the print will actually dye the fabric and the final product will have much more of a handmade and vintage feel than what you see here.

As always, Lovemore believes in giving back, so $1 from each shirt will go to charity. Andrea & I are still working to chose the non-profit that's just right, and I'll will update you here as soon as we know our gift recipient.

Lovemore is offering the inaugural batch of shirts at a very special price as a thank you to the world of raw foods for bringing a little more light to into their world at Lovemore central. These Raw Love t-shirts are for anyone who appreciates the glow-getting qualities of raw healthy foods, and were created in honor of the life transformations that have occured within Raw Food Rehab for the past 2 1/2 months.

Before the tees can go to print, we have to have 52 orders, including a minimum of 12 of each style. So if you want to get in on this great opportunity, it's really important that you place your order ASAP and that you also share this info with anyone who you think may be interested. That can include your family or friends, your blogs (your friend's blogs!), Twitter, Facebook...anything! And those folks all get the special price of $27 ($7 off the regular tshirt price)--which is a pretty good deal for an eco-fabulous tee that is super soft and flattering.

THE DETAILS
When you place your order you will enter all of your information--credit card, address, etc--but you won't be charged until Lovemore ships your tee. We will do our absolute best to turn these around as quickly as possible, but a reasonable expectation is 4 - 5 weeks after we hit magic number 52!

SHIPPING
USA – flat rate of $6, FREE shipping on product orders over $150
Canada and Mexico – flat rate of $12
All other international locations – flat rate of $15

SIZE CHART
Be sure to consult the size chart as the shirts run 1 - 2 sizes large for women, because they're unisex-y! ;)

3 different designs are currently being offered and each is offered in 3 different t-shirt styles. Pretty cool, don't you think? Click this link to take you directly to the Lovemore web page.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

BLISS FEST in VIDEO REVIEW

Here are a couple of videos from the Kansas City Bliss Fest from this past Saturday. The first clip is from The Raw Food World TV Show as Matt Monarch interviews Tim VanOrden and I. I show up at about 5min. 30 sec. into this video:


This is a video taken by yours truley, capturing some of the events of the day:



Here is a photo roll of my hotel, The Q Hotel & Spa, a lovely dinner at Bluestem, and a few highlights from BlissFest.

Friday, July 24, 2009

What's Your Mental Chatter Telling You?

Most of us are in constant mental chatter. We talk to ourselves all day long and, and unfortunately for many of us, this self talk can often be negative. It can involve guilt/shame about our past or fear/anxiety about our future. This negativity can destroy any seed of hope that we may otherwise have in striving for our dreams. The reason I bring this up is because I caught myself in one of those negative thought cycles yesterday as I was shopping for clothes. Anybody else relate to how looking for something flattering to wear can stir up negative self talk like nothing else?

Over in my Raw Food Rehab group, we've already discussed in some detail that our actions are inspired by our thoughts. If we can change the way we think, we can begin to change the actions we take. Practicing positive self talk can help us set in motion actions that will bring us greater rewards.

I've had the followings information stored in my computer for awhile and after yesterday's shopping meltdown, I decided I needed to take another gander at the seven steps to positive self talk. (the following steps were originally from the website Pick The Brain) These steps help to rid inner conversations of negativity and replace them with empowering thoughts. If I needed a refresher, I thought your might like to read them too:

1. Eliminate Internal Negative Chatter

The first step is one of awareness. It will be hard to make a change to positive thinking without being acutely intimate with the thoughts that run through your mind. Recently, I was amazed to discover deep buried emotions from negative thoughts that I had for fewer than 10 minutes. Without awareness, I would have carried the hurt and anger inside. Awareness helped me to bring them out to the open for me to deal with.

Undoubtedly it will not be easy to make a switch if you have a long history or negative self talk. Your talk became negative over the years due to various factors. For instance, if your first grade teacher repeatedly told you that you were “stupid”, you might believe it to be truly the case. You would find that your inner chatter would often be filled with talk of “I am so slow” and “it is so hard to learn”. If you constantly tell yourself such negative stories, your actions are going to reflect your low self esteem. It will be difficult to get very far if you are always putting yourself down.

A common negative talk involves telling yourself “I can’t”. When you say to yourself “I can’t” or “it is too difficult”, you are creating a resistance. Having such a mental block will prevent you from achieving a task you could otherwise succeed at.

Anytime you catch yourself saying “I can’t…”, turn around and challenge your own claim with, “Why can’t I?” Research shows that most geniuses became the people they are also because of the hard work they put in. So if you would like to be successful, you need to start saying “I can” a lot more.

A great method that I have also found useful is to say “Cancel Cancel” each time I find myself saying something negative, whether in the mind or verbally. The method works if you sincerely have the intent of becoming a positive thinker. (This is when we should just hit the reset button!)

2. Positive Affirmations

Affirmations are positive statements of a desired outcome or goal. They are usually short, believable and focused. By repeating them over and over again, you build inroads into your subconscious mind, opening up the possibility of a new state of thoughts.

An important step when repeating affirmations is that you need to read your affirmations aloud with feeling. The mere reading of the words bears no consequence unless you put some emotions behind them. Of significant fact is that your subconscious mind takes any orders given in complete faith and after repeated self talk. So the daily practice of repeating affirmations is important.

Initially you may feel skepticism toward the statement of your positive affirmation. However, if you follow this simple set of instructions your skepticism will soon give way to a new set of beliefs and then crystallized into absolute faith. (I know this seems awkward and even silly, but I think it is a VERY HELPFUL practice.)

3. Positive Scripts

One thing that you may observe is how easy it is for your mind to build negative thought upon negative thought. The chatter not only does not stop but it spins a drama that traps and limits you.

From now on, regularly do this exercise instead. Spin an uplifting story that runs like a movie script. Some visualization will be helpful. You build on a story with a positive outline. The longer you can tell this story to yourself the better. It is also best if you can make this story one about having all your goals achieved. When you do this, you start to internalize your goals and dreams, as if they are something that you have already achieved.

4. Replace Negative Influences with Positive Ones

It is important that you identify external negative factors in your life which may be holding your thoughts hostage. For instance, your mental state can become toxic by being around friends who have a negative, jealous or resentful nature. If you are not vigilant enough, you will start to adopt their thoughts as your own. Hence, be alert to what your negative influences are. If they come from certain friends, limit your exposure to them as much as you can. Refrain from discussing your plans with people who will be unsupportive or sabotaging of your dreams and goals. Power seeking, controlling people can be one of life biggest emotional vampires.

Instead surround yourself with thoughts and actions from people who will empower you.
From being uninspired and de-motivated, you will begin to feel uplifted and driven to greater self growth. The positive energy that they vibrate will start affecting the self talk that you engage in as well.

5. Present Tense Messages

You may find yourself daunted by the many things you need to do in order to reach your goals. It just seems overwhelming to become the success that you secretly desire for. Your mind gets caught up in an endless stream of worry.

What may be helpful is to concentrate on steps you can take in the present. If you find yourself becoming stuck, stop and say, “What can I do right now?” Change your internal talk from a future anxiety ridden one to one that is about the more manageable present. You cannot control what will happen in the future but you can take the necessary steps now that will build a better tomorrow. Taking the necessary steps require you to focus your thoughts and inner talk on Now.

6. Confront Fears

Fear is often what holds you back from your success. You are scared of taking chances because you fear losing the security that you enjoy now. You try to convince yourself that you are happy in your current state when in fact, you are not. Your self talk may sound positive in your attempt to lie to yourself. But somehow, there is an inner knowing that you are short changing yourself.

Ask yourself what you are afraid of. What can be the worst that can happen? Take a step-by-step approach in breaking down your fears and see if there is any way round to looking at things more positively. When you confront your fears, you will often realize that the worst case scenario is not as bad as you think. In fact, the benefits of change are worth the risk. Your inner talk begins to change at this point.

7. Focus on Enjoyable Moments

It is much easier to have a positive attitude if you focus on the enjoyable moments in life rather than the difficult ones. While there will inevitably be challenges, you need to remember that life consists of ups and downs and the good times are forged through the bad.

So choose to fill your mind with positive images and thoughts. Make it a conscious habit. Simply bring your mind back every time it goes astray in its thoughts. For a start, if you can be grateful for what you have presently, your self talk will also change to be in alignment with one of joy. A state of gratitude does wonders to your psyche.

Conclusion

Replacing self talk from a negative to a more positive one is not going to happen overnight. If your mind has ingrained habits of thinking negatively, it will take some work and time. However, if you find yourself often struggling, unable to achieve your goals and talking yourself down, then you should grit your teeth and commit to the process of change.

By following the above tips to positive self talk, you will experience marked improvement in the quality of your life. The rewards are plentiful with greater happiness, peace and joy. Best of all, you feel empowered. With the change in energy, you are more likely to reach your highest potential and achieve success.

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Ripe Peach Rawk-A-Thon


Yesterday I felt the hard press coming at me from the kitchen. 1/2 bushel of perfectly ripe peaches were demanding my immediate attention. It was therapeutic to switch gears and go get creative in the kitchen after weeks of having my laptop as my constant extra appendage. As promised, I tried to come up with several newish recipes on how to use the peaches. All three dishes turned out surprisingly well so I wanted to share the recipes with you here.

Penni's Peachy Salsa
4 ripe fresh peaches, peeled & chopped
1 med. lime, juiced
2-3 heirloom tomatoes (I used golden/red zebras from my market)
1/2 small sweet onion (could use scallions)
2 jalapenos, seeded & minced
2 Tbsp cilantro, chopped
1-2 tsp raw honey (use less if your peaches are really sweet)
1 tsp rice vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
pinch Celtic sea salt

Combine all ingredients and allow them to sit in an airtight container in the frig for an hour or two. Should keep a few days in the frig.

Peach Crumble
1/2 cup almonds
1/2 cup pecans
1/2 cup macadamia nuts (next time I'll used sprouted oats)
1/2 cup coconut
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice
1/4 tsp sea salt
6-8 ripe peaches, peeled and sliced
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1/2 cup maple syrup

Put the nuts into a food processor and pulse until well crumbled. Add in 1 - 2 Tbsp coconut butter, pulse. Put ingredients into a large bowl and add coconut, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt, folding the ingredients in well.

In another bowl place your prepared peaches and add maple syrup, blending well.

in a square glass baking dish, pour in the peach mixture first. Completely cover the top with your crumble mixture. Place in a warm dehydrator for a couple of hours before serving, if desired. YUM.

Easy Peach Sorbet
6 cups perfectly ripe peaches, peeled
1/2 cup raw agave nectar

Liquefy the peaches in a high speed blender. use a strainer or a nut milk bag to remove any impurities. Return to a clean blender pitcher and adding the agave nectar and some crushed ice. Blend to combine and chill.

Pour the chilled liquid into an ice cream freezer and run for about 20 -25 minutes. This might be the best thing I've ever tasted.

Don't forget KANSAS CITY'S BLISS FEST is this Saturday. I'm speaking at 1pm and I sure would love to see you there!!

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

RAW BLISS FEST - KANSAS CITY

I am delighted to be a featured speaker this coming Saturday at.....

KANSAS CITY's 2nd ANNUAL BLISS FEST - a Conscious Lifestyle Celebration

Where: July 25, Noon - 7pm
English Landing Park
Parkville, MO 64152

Tickets $5 Gate
Kids Under 12 FREE

_______________________________________________________________

I hope you'll consider joining us for a full afternoon of.......

Music ~ Food ~ Speakers ~ Demos

Live Music by The Midwest's Hottest Live Band! - SEED LOVE

also featuring DJJabberock & Miss Conception

Speakers:
Tim VanOrden
Angela Stokes
Matt Monarch
Penni Shelton

Dr. Kat Bowie: The Melding Process

And...
Jane Van Benthusen - cancer survivor

(I'll be taking the stage at 1 pm...If you are there, please make it a point to come find me! This should be an awesome event!)

Food Demos by Dotty
featuring raw cuisine by
Frederic Patenaud
Ronnie & Minh

Vendors
Lemons in the Kitchen
Bonheur
SOLFüD
Green Street Goods
Body Ecology
Sonrisa Salon & Day Spa
Cradle of Love
GreenAcres Market
Nature's Pantry
Sun & Moon Yoga
The Raw Food World Super Store
Gratitude KC
Kangen Water
Healing Touch & Rhythmic Medicine
Radiant Health Chiropractic
Earthwise Center For Sustainable Life Skills
Juice Plus
Living Greens
Mystic Tonics
Face Painting Paradise
Hoops!
Perfect Water

Kids Tent!

Farmer's Market

RAW BLISS FEST SPONSORS
Main Street Parkville Association
Evolving Magazine
Sonrisa Salon & Day Spa: http://www.sonrisaday...
GreenAcres Market: http://www.greenacres...
Eden Alley: http://www.edenalley....
Uptown Theater
TRANSFORMATION INITIATIVES
Frederic Patenaud, DVD Series: http://www.fredericpa...
Ronnie & Minh, DVD

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Video Review of the 43rd Annual Porter Peach Festival

WARNING....THIS POST SHOWS MEAT......


Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending the 43rd Annual Porter Peach Festival. Of course, I HAD to bring all of you along with me!



What a HUGE slice of Americana and S.A.D going on at this Festival. It seemed like it was more of a MEAT Festival than one that glorifies peaches, but I guess that's how most events like this are. I can tell you right now it was Nascar, Budwiser LOVING crowd....LOL!

I'll be making a number of peach recipes this week and I'll be sure to share them with you all.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Robin's Story

artwork by SherriK

This letter came across my desk today from Robin in Little Rock, Arkansas, one of the members of Raw Food Rehab. Stories like this inspire, encourage, motivate and they are why I continue to do what I do so passionately:

"Hi Penni.....I started out with this raw food experiment just wanting to feel better and especially, to lose weight. I felt like the extra weight was just dragging me down. I felt uncomfortable in my skin, and embarrassed about how I looked.


I'm only at the beginning of week 7 and I’ve already lost 15 lbs. (Actually 16, I lost another lb since Sunday.) It’s really hard to believe. Yet I expected it in a way, knowing if I really stuck to it, the weight would release. What I REALLY didn’t imagine was how much better I would feel. The weight loss seems now like icing on the cake compared to the other changes I’m experiencing.


I was having numerous pre-menopausal symptoms that were becoming more and more uncomfortable and unsettling, but since June 1, things have been perfectly normal and regular. My moods have been really stable, which is a real breakthrough!


I’ve had skin issues most of my life. I’m very fair complexioned with very sensitive skin. I’ve had problems with acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. My nose constantly had this crustiness that would peel off. That’s gone, and it’s just smooth now. I spent a lot of time on make-up. I now have no blemishes, no eczema or psoriasis and the rosacea is mild. I actually am not sure if the redness is due to that, or just being out in the sun a lot. I don’t have weird skin anymore! I go a lot of days without makeup. I actually have run out of my foundation make-up completely and just wear eye makeup and lipstick when I do wear makeup.


About 3 weeks into this, my husband started commenting on my skin. He couldn’t get over how smooth and soft it had gotten all over. He sure likes the softer lips, too! I’ve been using coconut oil quite a bit, and sometimes I cut some aloe vera from the plant on the porch and rub it on.


I’ve had depression problems since I was a teen. I was told by doctors that I would have to take meds for the rest of my life, but I would always stop because I didn’t like the side effects. I did discover several years ago that exercise was my key to removing that dark cloud, so I’ve tried to maintain an exercise program for that reason. I usually stop at some point every year for some reason, like a trip, or get really busy. Then, it’s hard to get back into it...I know many people have this same story.


This year, I stopped exercising in March, so I started back in June along with the raw food. Before that I was really feeling down and depressed and doing a lot of self-loathing. I was sleeping a lot, as much as 10-14 hours a day. I was trying to sneak a nap in everyday, and I’d still be tired.


After starting Raw Food Rehab, I felt better after a week, and then much better after 2 to 3 weeks. And now, I have no symptoms whatsoever. My thinking is positive. I can concentrate. My thinking is clearer than it has been in years. I sleep 7 or 8 hours now and get through the afternoons just fine. I have plenty of energy to get through the day. Even my nails are smoother (I had ridges), my hair is fuller.


The biggest change is that somehow, this is changing me spiritually. I do believe that body, mind and spirit all work together and when you improve in one area, it feeds into the other areas. I feel closer to God, and I have faith that everything’s going to be okay, no matter what. I’m enjoying the journey right now. Not worrying about what’s already happened, or what might happen later. Just enjoying life as it is right now.


If that’s not enough, my marriage has improved. I don’t think I need to explain why, as the reasons above state it all. I am excited that my husband is doing his best to go raw now, and has lost a few lbs. He’s diabetic, so I wanted to do this as much for him as for myself. I just wanted you to know that this has changes my life and I don’t know how or if I could have done it without you."


Robin, thank you so much for your willingness to share your story with the readers here. Blessings and continued good health and vitality to you!!

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Who Are You Blaming?



Some of you may already know Lauren Nastasi. She is a GORGEOUS woman, writes for Kris Carr as a "Crazy Sexy Blogger," maintains her own inspirational online health journal, Ginger Is The New Pink, is on Twitter and she lives with Crohn's Disease. Lauren has graciously agreed to share her most recent story with my friends at Raw Food Rehab:

"I went to my doctor yesterday, he is a chiropractor who also works on holistic and homeopathic care. This was my 3rd time seeing him and I seem to be progressing greatly.

Yesterday, he asked if I was religious and I said yes and I told him I was a Catholic. He held my arm up and told me to keep it straight while he pushes down and try not to let it fall (we do this exercise with a lot of different questions). He asked me if I have faith in God healing me, my arm went slightly down. Then he asked if I feel hurt by God putting Crohn's disease onto me and my arm went straight down. I told him that when I get really ill the first person I blame is God. I curse yell and scream with the whole "WHY ME?" or "What did I do wrong to deserve this..!" He told me to work on forgiving God and let him forgive me. In Mondays session with him he told me to walk around saying "I am worthy" in my head. I've been doing so and I feel great. So now on Wednesday he added "I am worthy of forgiving God, letting God forgive me and being loved by God." I have been saying this constantly and I feel like a weight has been lifted off of me. I deserve to be loved and healed by God.

I also tend to over eat, we are working on this as well. I have my goal number which he told me to put around the house and remember it in my head by saying "I am worthy of weighing X.." Also, he told me when I feel the need to overeat to lay down on the ground, bed, wherever and breath in and out slowly repeating "I am worthy of being thin." Although I have only started this on Monday, I have noticed a huge difference in my thinking, I really believe it will help me."


Thank you for sharing your very candid story with us Lauren. I am so blessed by your journey of healing. Plus you too have a dog named Ginger.....Love you to pieces!

Monday, July 6, 2009

Someone You Should Know - Jen Hoppa

I first met Jen Hoppa last year at a Real Food Tulsa meeting. Since that time, Jen's enthusiasm, zest for life and delightful humor has become a treasure to me, always brightening my day. When I first meantioned to Jen that I was going to be writing a Raw Food Cleanse book, she squealed with enthusiasm and asked if she could be a guinea pig on my Raw Food Program. Little did she know that comment would take on a life of it's own and be the very beginning of what is now known as Raw Food Rehab.

Not only has Jen become impassioned with the raw food diet, she's got her parents, Bill & Katy, on board and feeling the radical raw love! If you haven't checked out Jen's YouTube page, you're in for a treat. She and her parents have recently returned home from their "Raw Family Roadtrip," so on her channel you'll find cool videos including some from their wonderful, raw-inspiring and heart warming vacation. Here's just one part of their New Mexico Vacation:


Although Jen's parents missed the cut off to join our big raw experiment by hours, they have been unofficial members since the beginning and Katy and I have even been staying in contact with their stats via Facebook. The last 5 weeks have been very significant for both Bill and Katy as they are experiencing dramatic improvements in their health, weight loss, new levels of energy and endurance and a highened sense of overall well being. They have been living this experiment together as a family and it has brought a new facet of bonding in their relationship with their daughter. Oh yeah, I almost forgot to mention that Jen has suddenly lost any excess weight she might have had 5 weeks ago is even getting random guys hitting on her outside of grocery stores.

Hoppa's, thanks for being such a great example to us. We want some of your special love and unique family energy to fall into each of our lives today!! Real Food Tulsa, RAW FOOD REHAB and I SALUTE you (and Bill's "soul patch"). RAWK ON!!

Saturday, July 4, 2009

The Canebrake - My New Muse

Gordon and I had the pleasure of stealing away for 24 hours to celebrate our 6th wedding anniversary. We drove 45 minutes south east of Tulsa to The Canebrake. I am not exaggerating when I tell you, it was the very best place EVER!! Everything about this pastoral, eco-friendly hideaway made for a very memorable time for us. The ONLY downside was that we couldn't stay longer.

Upon arriving we decided to thoroughly check the place out. Here is a glimpse of what we found:

The Canebrake uses natural, organic and locally sourced foods whenever feasible. The kitchen
recycles and uses their cooking oil to create bio-diesel fuel. Their menu changes seasonally and its offerings include vegetarian fare, (including a few raw friendly dishes which may expand over time), organic Oklahoma raised Bison, hook caught and sustainable seafood, and everything is made from scratch. I don't have to tell you that this Real Food girl felt right at home. When the sous chef, Danny Savale, came to our table to check on our dining experience, I told him that I had officially arrived at the pearly gates of culinary heaven!
Our dinner began with a tropical, seasonal fruit amanse (I have no idea how to spell this) to cleanse and prepare our palates for dinner. (YES!) This delicious fruit salsa contained fresh pineapple, melon, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeno and was served with tri-color corn chips.

Since it was our anniversary and because Thursday evenings are half price wine night at the Canebrake, we decided to live it up. I ordered a split of Veuve Clicquot and Gordon ordered a bottle of a delicious, cellar cooled Petite Sirah from Napa Valley - Pennywise.
My dinner:
Locally harvested and Biodynamic Salad with tomatoes, strawberries, red onion and bell pepper with a creamy miso ginger dressing.And yes, I got off the raw food train for my entree, but I have zero regrets! The Eggplant Parmesan was a masterpiece. Pan fried Parmesan & Asiago cheeses encrusted local eggplant, accompanied by a fresh house marinara, served over a bed of seasonal, very lightly steamed vegetables, sage, pearl onions and a wee bit of spinach fettuccine. This dish made me want to cry it was so good.
Gordon's dinner:
My beloved carnivore began with a Fried Oyster Jubilee. Cornmeal & dill breaded Gulf oysters were served with a house remoulade sauce over a traditional Caesar presentation.His entree was Kobe beef, seared and served over seasonal lightly sauteed vegetables and pommes frites. Gordon said the pan gravy reduction brought it all together for an orgasmic taste sensation.And if all of this food debauchery wasn't enough, our delightful server, Joy Harrel, tempted us with the best dessert menu I've ever seen. Gordon had a Rhubarb Phyllo Crisp with homemade ginger ice cream. There were no words, only moaning as he finished the last bite.And feeling a bit embarrassed by my evening's gluttony, I opted for a scoop of Lemon Verbena Sorbet. It was insanely good.The restaurant is open Wednesday through Saturday for dinner from 5:30 - 9 pm (and lunch if you are a guest). And also for the much touted Sunday Brunch from 10 am - 2 pm. Reservation are recommended. (918) 485-1807.Besides being a heavenly retreat for a hard core, healthy foodie...The Canebrake was also built with sustainable construction methods, has geothermal heat & air, solar hot water, recycled insulation, shredded denim insulation, low wattage halogen and compact fluorescent lighting, American clay plaster walls, and it contains no volatile organic compounds.

Gordon with Lisa, the main Yogini & co-owner of The Canebrake


Their Eco-Chic Boutique offers organic cotton, bamboo and hemp clothing & accessories. Handmade purses, glassware, jewelry and hats along with yoga props, fair trade organic chocolates (I gotta get them selling raw chocolate!!) and organic beauty products and candles were just some of what made this such a hip little shop. To order on of their Okie Yogi/Namaste Ya'll Tee's just give them a call!
Next time we visit, we're each planning to schedule one of their fabulous massages. The Deer View building houses both couples and individual massage rooms; offering Sweedish, Hot Stone or Deep tissue bodywork.As a guest at the Canebrake you can do as we did and simply unplug from the Matrix. We
attended two classes in the unbelievable Yoga Barn which offers daily classes to their guests and the local community. There is also 5 miles of hiking trails (LOVED!)....
.....or you can play in the "Adult Sandbox." This retreat facility appeals to the individual as well as those planning an event for their organization or company. The Ropes Course looked very intriguing to me. Very nearby there is also golf horseback riding, shopping, and fishing/boating on Ft. Gibson Lake.

I could go on and on about the rest of our stay, but I would really like for you to simply experience the Canebrake for yourself. Check them out on the web or you can follow them on Twitter. Whatever you want, they will do for you....it's totally my kind of place.

Big props to Adam (who actually recognized me from my blog when we arrived), Chelsea, Kristie, Joy, Tracy, Danny, Curt, and Sam & Lisa Bracken, the owners. You guys rocked our world (and made us feel like rock stars).We can't wait to come visit you all again soon, Ya' hear?!

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Fighting My Fat Demons

(WARNING....I AM REALLY RAW in this post, I hope I don't offend anybody, but I just had to get this off my chest.)
I know most of you don't know what all we've been up to in the Raw Food Rehab group. So I thought I'd share today's discussion thread and video with you. I have a feeling you might need this message just as much as I needed to deliver it:


Just so you guys get the clear picture, here is the beautiful couple that own the Yoga Room, Tom & Nicole Tobias.I WILL NOT DIE of embarrassment if I go do yoga with these people. They WANT me to be the best I can be. For years I have allowed my own fat demons to dictate my life. They say, "You can't go there, people will notice how much weight you've gained." "OH, you can't go to that cocktail party, what if so & so is there, she'll give you the stink eye when she sees how much weight you've put on." And then, "You better just stay home because NOTHING looks good on you....even black makes you look fat at this weight."

The one thing I've learned is that SuperHeroes like my friends Tom and Nicole, fight and conquer their demons. People like David Wolfe, George Malkemus, Kris Carr, and Philip McClusky have kicked their fears, doubts, disbeliefs and diseases to the curb. They are overcomers.

Well, FAT DEMONS, listen up....I'm turning the tables on you TODAY! Me and about 100 of my closest friends are fed up with you and your antics. You better be afraid, cause we're coming at you...kicking your asses and calling you by name: Goodbye FEAR, later UNWORTHINESS, so long GUILT & SHAME, you are outta here LAZINESS & EXCUSES. You have no place in Raw Food Rehab or in any of our lives ANYMORE.

Who do you need to single out, call out, and kick out of your life today? Go ahead, call them by name right here and now. As the Director of Raw Food Rehab, I stand strong beside you, agreeing that we're not going to take the torment or believe these stinking lies anymore. Come on Rehabbers, help me out....who else do you have hanging around that needs to go??