Birthday Magic

The earth completed its 33rd rotation around the sun carrying my human presence yesterday.  Ignoring all real responsibilities, Steve, the kids and I piled into the car and made the trip to Purgatory Chasm for a day hike.  It was perfect.  The kids were in awe of the chasm and we stripped off our shoes as we walked lightly through the chasm walls, starting my new year with grounding and peaceful energy.

We finished off the day with vegan dinner and dessert with my Dad, Aunt and Grandparents.

Gratitude for the sunshine, fresh air, trees and an amazing family.

Nourishing Yogis

Tonight was the final class in a six week Yoga Teacher Training that Steve was blessed to take part in.




I was able to connect with the group in the method that I know best.  Through food, of course.

Steve and I were able to create together, three nourishing meals for the Yogis-in-training during this time.  I find that my true bliss is found when I am able to prepare loving, healthy fare for grateful folks.  And this group radiated gratitude.  For that I am grateful.

Tonight was the third and final spread that we presented, and we included a bit of our favorite dishes, which I would love to share with you this evening.

Before I introduce the food, I must fill you in on my current internal journey.  I have been rediscovering chakra work on a whole different level than I have explored in the past.  I have been working through sound, movement and meditation in healing these seven energy centers in my body.

Two weeks ago, when last we prepared food for the class, inspiration arose and I realized that I could add food as another element to that healing. And so I have.  I have been integrating my chakra knowledge with my food intuition.  I am creating my own combinations, rather than taking them from someone else's research.  I have to say that I am quite enjoying this.

So with that being said, I would like to present to you, my sevenfold, high raw and organic, divinely inspired, Yogi celebratory feast.

Root Chakra: I AM SUPPORTED Quinoa Salad

Sacral Chakra: I FOLLOW MY PASSION

Cucumber Canapes with a macadamia nut puree

 and Balsamic Figs

Solar Plexus Chakra: I MANIFEST MY OWN DESTINY

Freshly squeezed Lemonade with Agave Nectar

Heart Chakra: I EMBODY LOVE Spicy Greens Salad

Throat Chakra: I SPEAK TRUTH

Holy Basil, Thai Basil, Nettle, Peppermint Elixir

Third Eye: MY FAITH IN SPIRIT IS BOUNDLESS

Chocolate, Strawberry, Vanilla, Irish Moss Parfait

Crown Chakra: I AM BLISS Brazil Nut Ganache Truffles

Namaste

ॐ 

Re-Establishing Rhythm

After Gathering of the Raw Foodies, the kids and I began our two weeks of vacation madness!

Monday morning we loaded up the car and hit the road, sans Dad. While Steve embarked on his fourth week of a six week Yoga Teacher Training, we journeyed northward to our annual vacation destination.

Santa's Village, and the festivities at Loon Mountain Filled our days. And I was fortunate to have some special bonding time with my mother and sister-in-laws which doesn't happen enough.

We headed back home to unpack, nourish the yogis in the teacher training with a raw food spread (complete with an Irish moss mousse, of course!) and then we were off again!

This time to Sleepy Hollow, NY, to visit our best friends. We explored, played on the farm and I got some Sister time, which I desperately needed.

After 11 days of non-stop activity, Mom declared the rest of the week would be mandatory days of rest. Minimal chores, no school work, and car rides only if necessary.

The next 5 days were incredible R&R; yoga classes, a farm visit and a child-free double date with My Mom and Step-Dad. This was all intertwined with intense outbursts, insane messes and numerous tantrums (Yes, myself included :-) as we settled back into home life.

I woke this morning at 5am to settle back into my mama routine, meditation, mama yoga followed by kid's yoga and green juice. Irish Moss mousse is setting for snack and dinner is marinating.

The kids are finishing up some quiet work while mama processes just how important it is to get away, have fun, enjoy friends and family. It is just as important to take that time, as much as needed, and LET GO. To be in the moment and honor the rest that we ALL deserve.

Now off to prepare for our most exciting, student chosen, unit on India. TOTALLY digging this unschooling thing!

Power Up With Minerals

Its been quite a bit since I've posted to my blog, as we've had a very full summer. We've been focusing on bringing more balance into ourselves, opening to the flow.

Among many other things, Steve and I have been experimenting with easy ways to bring minerals into our very busy lives. We know that a wide variety of minerals and nutrients are so important to our wellbeing. How do we encourage the family to get these vital nutrients into their beings? Especially seaweeds and greens. We've begun a class on what we have learned works for us. The fine folks at The Gathering of the Raw Foodies III and The ClearPoint Center were kind in letting us present our findings and we would like to share that information with all of you.

Following is the five part video series from the class we did at ClearPoint. Take from them what may benefit you and please leave what you do not vibe with. We plan on continuing to develop this class, so if you have any thing to add that may enlighten us please share!

In Bliss and Sunshine!

Gina