Cheez-Its (Raw)

I really like cheeze-its, but haven't eaten them often since I lived at my parents house. They don't exactly fit into a healthy lifestyle. and we only purchase food like that for junk food nights.

ANYWAYS....

I found a raw recipe for cheez-its on a forum I read with RAVE reviews. I haven't tried them yet. But, will let you know once I do. Probably tomorrow.

1/2 red pepper
1/4 cup water
1 cup truly raw cashews, soaked
1 TBSP tahini
2 TBSP nutritional yeast
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp onion powder
1 clove (1/2 tsp) garlic
2 TBSP lemon juice
optional: diced jalapeno

blend all ingredients in blender or food processor. Add diced jalapeno if desired. Spread thinly on teflex dehydrator sheets. Dehydrate until crispy then break into cracker-size pieces. Also makes a great nacho cheese dip if you don't dehydrate it.

Chocolate (Raw??)

So, this was delicious. I guess you were supposed to put it in the freezer, but I just ate it up with a spoon warm. ooooh and when you were supposed to put a cup of the ingredient in, I just put a tablespoon. (because, well, there is only one of me and if it was yucky, I didn't want to waste ingredients.)

1 cup coconut butter
3/4 cup carob powder ( I bet raw cacao would be even better)
4 Tbsp agave nectar ( or more to taste)
2 tsp vanilla (next time I will use orange, mint would be good too)

Put coconut butter in a bowl and place in another bowl of hot water, stirring until liquified. Stir in other ingredients until smooth. Pour onto a parchment paper lined cookie sheet and pop into freezer for 5-10 mins. Alternatively, you could put mixture into little molds.

**I also used coconut oil instead of butter and put orange rind in it. Seriously YUM!! Not saying it is GOOD for you. I don't really know, I would have to do too much research.

**The tiny amount I made was around 200 calories. Maybe I'll look up the exact number and nutrients later.

I got the recipe HERE!! from the Sunny Raw Kitchen

**ooh and the picture is NOT what I made. But IS from the same site and is kinda similar. :)

Fun, Eh??

Rollerblading and jumping on a trampoline??? Hopefully my workout interests reflect the message, "young at heart." I know it is weird, but oh well. HOW FUN!



Here is the generous wife tip.

Be aware of your husband's energy level and be extra helpful when you know that he's running low.

If someone is too tired to give you a smile, leave one of your own, because no one needs a smile as much as those who have none to give. Author Unknown

Be generous! Lori <><

A Reading Date

Soooo much happened yesterday. Ok, maybe not a lot, but more than the usual day.

1) I WORKED OUT: Haven't done that in soooo long (really!). Someone asked me what I did the other day to stay in shape and I couldn't even respond because it was sad.

2) I FELL WHILE WORKING OUT: Yes, for cardio, I rollerbladed. I thought I would be really cool and do some big hills. Well, while moving towards the big hills, I reached a slight decline and some cracks in the sidewalk and BAM!! That's right, I fell hard. I scraped up my butt and felt like crying. BUt, then I got over it. I changed my route and dida loop around my apartment complex several times. I also went again today. I know I look ridiculous because I brake the entire time downhill and step carefully over the train tracks and BUMPS, but I don't care it gets my heartrate up and is fun.

3) MEXICO WON!! YAY!!! Oscar wore his Hecho en Mexico shirt especially for the game.

4) LAKERS WON!! We went to one of Oscar's co-workers homes to watch the game. I was so excited to be invited, but oh my goodness. Cussing like crazy. Seriously, F-words up the yin yang. For whatever reason I am such a snob and really do associate cussing w/ low class (even though most of these individuals were college educated and had good jobs - possibly everyone). I realize that was pretty bad of me. And I thought about how Jesus reached out to the lowest class and least educated and Paul talks about making people comfortable in their setting and culture. I need to work on that. I felt like I was just pretty quiet and trying to be nice. This group had a lot of personal jokes and a lot of people who were really good at talking and telling stories. I probably said 3 things the whole time. Oscar was AMAZING though. He seriously fits in everywhere. He knew so much about sports and the game and just started being his fun self.

That's pretty much it.

Here's our Generous Wife tip for the day: I like this one.

Set up a "reading date." Take turns reading things that you find interesting to each other. It might be a favorite scripture or quote. Perhaps share a passage from a favorite novel or a bit from a news article. Share why it is special or of interest to you and share your thoughts about it. (Paul and I sometimes do this with movie dates as well. We share what part of the movie stood out to us and about anything that seemed profound or had truth in it.)

The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches, but to reveal to him his own. Benjamin Disraeli

Be generous! Lori <><

A Christmas Love Letter

Christmas in July??? Well, I think it is time to start planning Christmas gifts. (CRAZY, right?)

We have often been the Christmas Eve shoppers (in the past), but this year I am starting today. I think that is the best way to get thoughtful gifts.

I am going to suggest to Oscar that we prescribe to the love letter idea below instead of material gifts for us. We always do big things for the Birthdays and a little less pressure around Christmas time is good. I think it will help us avoid being materialistic.


"A friend of mine and her hubby started a tradition a few years back when funds were tight. They exchanged love letters in the place of gifts. They were so blessed by the practice that they continue to do so each year even when there is money for additional gifts. Why not start such a tradition in your marriage?"

Every time we love, every time we give, it's Christmas. Dale Evans

Be generous! Lori <><

Applaud his Integrity

So, the second smoothie we tried was really yucky. I guess that is what you get though by trying new things. :) Some hits, some misses. I won't give you the recipe, because, well YUCK!!

Oscar finished his finals and is on his little break from school. He still works at 5:30am every morning, but today is the first day where that is all. He has the rest of the day to do whatever he wants to (without a car that is).

Here is our Generous Wife tip today:

Having integrity can be quite challenging some days. There are plenty of opportunities to cut corners, tell white lies, etc.

When your husband has said or done something that shows integrity, be sure to compliment him on his choice to do the right thing. It's encouraging to know that someone noticed and it's nice to be appreciated for making those hard choices.

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Be generous! Lori <><

Yummy Raw Smoothie

Soooo the smoothie that I thought would be yucky is absolutely delicious!!! I think it is the cinnamon and ginger which really makes it yum. BEWARE: it is an interesting taste though. Not what you would expect at all.


Supposedly it is supposed to help with the symptoms of PMS. The raw food solution website says, "Oranges are known to improve the health of the blood vessels of the uterus. Spinach is a great source of magnesium which helps to reduce muscle cramps. Cinnamon helps to keep the blood sugar levels stable to reduce cravings for carbohydrate foods."

Now, I don't have PMS right now, but I do like it. Here's the recipe from the rawfoodsolution website

Ingredients:
Serves Two

2 oranges
2 bananas
4 cups spinach
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon ginger
2 tablespoons bee pollen (optional)
2 cups water

Method:

Place all ingredients in blender and mix until smooth.

**I added 1 1/2 tsp of agave nectar as a sweetener. Oscar likes protein shakes in the morning, because he runs, so I ground up 3 tbsp of hemp seeds to add 28g of protein.

1 serving w/ hemp seeds
calories: 336
carbs: 59
fat: 8.5g
protein: 12.5

1 serving w/o hemp seeds
calories: 216
carbs: 54
fat: 1g
protein: 4.5

**benefits of hemp seeds (other than Oscar's huge need for protein)
Rich in omega-3, omega-6 and omega-9, contains all 10 essential amino acids, high in anti-oxidants

Random Can Be Good

Just wanted to update everyone. I am completely over my post San Marcos depression. So much so that it is almost hard to relate to. (Interesting, as that was just 24 hours ago).

I am happy in South Pasadena and off to my regular explorations of the novel. So.... while Oscar is off working, I am labeling a container for "Organic Flaxseeds." That's right. Raw diet, here I come.

Not 100% raw. In fact, right now, I am simply experimenting with some of the recipes. Last night we tried an avocado smoothie (which I felt was pretty atrocious - Oscar liked it) and this morning banana, orange, spinach smoothie. It sounds just horrible. But, I'm trying it anyways. At the worst, I'll just drink it and it will be good for me and just not my favorite mixture.

The only things that I purchased that are atypical for our grocery list are: Organic flaxseeds, hemp seeds and agave nectar. I also bought a spiraler last week, but I am returning it for a dehydrator.

Here is the Generous Wife tip:



Remember that bumper sticker that came out a few years back?

PRACTICE RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS AND SENSELESS ACTS OF BEAUTY

That's not a bad idea. You don't need a special occasion to do good. Just do it and bless your husband with the spontaneity and generosity of what you do.

... be rich in good works ... be generous ... 1 Timothy 6:18 NAS

Be generous! Lori <><

A Bit of Order

This past weekend was one of those weekends that makes you wish it wasn't Monday. It was wonderful. And it is difficult to be back in South Pasadena (this place that I love).

Oscar and I were pretty busy this weekend. We went down to San Marcos for a Birthday party on Saturday and a Graduation party on Sunday. In addition to the parties, I got a chance to get together with old high school friends, Kristen & Jordan (separately).

I felt pretty alive, social and active. Part of me mourns that that part of my life is gone. Part of me is disgusted with myself that I haven't created a new replacement for that life. Although, I'm not living in the past, I'm def. not putting myself out there in the present or setting up connections for the future.

While I may be maintaining a home and spending my time doing some great things (like building a strong relationship for Oscar). I know there is much more I should be doing.

In summary, this weekend was good because it made me remember what I had and yearn for it again. In a different way, however, it was a difficult reality to face.

To be continued...


On another note. I love the following generous tip:

Find or make a gift that will help your husband organize an area or make a place for an item that he loses easily. For example, buy dividers for his drawers or buy a stick-on holder for his glasses (for a reading or desk area). Look at "his" areas of the house and try to come up with an organizer that will help in those areas where he struggles with order.

Remember there's no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end. Scott Adams

Be generous! Lori <><

First and Last

The last words heard at night and the first words heard in the morning can effect your overall day-to-day attitudes. Make a point of saying kind and encouraging words to your husband at those times.

The tongue has the power of life and death ... Proverbs 18:21a NIV

Be generous! Lori <><

- Lately, I've been interesting in exploring the raw food diet. I'll keep you updated. :) I think I'm going to buy a food spiraler today. Not sure, but maybe.

- I saw Oscar overwhelmed for one of the first times in my life last night. He mentioned to me the burden of providing for us and studying for finals. I was so proud of him!! Can I mention that he goes running almost every single day, many times more than once a day, sometimes more than twice a day. I need to figure out how to get some of his motivation.

- I got my eyebrows threaded last month and the women doing them told me I need to let them grow in more (like near the middle) Let me tell you it is excruciating seeing the random hairs grow in and not be able to pluck them.

Ok, those are my random thoughts for the day. I think it will be a beautiful one. Wherever you are, the beauty of the day really relies much more on how you see it than anything else.

Love you ladies!~

Indoor Picnic

Invite your husband to a private indoor picnic. Spread a comfy blanket (a few pillows are nice too) and set out an assortment of goodies. Make sure that the room temperature is comfortable. Add a little romantic lighting and some nice music to set the atmosphere. Dessert can be with or without clothes.

A smiling face is half the meal. Author Unknown


Think generous! Lori <><


- I thought this was a fun tip. I still haven't done it. But, I want to. Right now I am on the phone with the IRS - blah. waiting, waiting, waiting. Our federal taxes were rejected. I think it's because Oscar's last name is different on his school forms/vs. social security card. oh well.

- Every day lately has started cloudy and ended up very hot. For some reason this annoys me. I think I will survive though.

- I published my first article on Demand Studios and it didn't go in for a rewrite, which I guess is pretty common. I was happy about that.

- We are going camping this month. YAY! And to Sedona next month. busy busy.

Signing off,

Generous Wife

Awww, sooo much to blog about. I may be going back to Weekly Updates if I can get my act together.

One of the groups I'm apart of online posts Daily Generous Wife Tips from this BLOG!

I absolutely love the majority of them and feel myself wanting to share the tips. I love the quotes at the end.

**This is obviously a stock photo from Jupiter Images!!

Dress Tease

Posted: 12 May 2010 02:30 AM PDT

My husband sent me a tip idea ~ the reverse strip tease. You could dress yourself for your husband in a soft sensual way (perhaps before going out for the evening). You could even dress each other (and then perhaps undress each other later).

A dress that zips up the back will bring a husband and wife together. James H. Boren

Be generous! Lori <><"

**I plan to post more of these. They have some really cute ideas and then great ideas for romance. And who couldn't use more romance in your life.

Speaking of romance. Or should I say, speaking of Oscar. He got attacked by poison ivy a couple weeks ago and it looks horrible!!! Blisters, pus - it looks painful, but he says only itchy. I looked it up online and it says it may take 8 weeks to get over it. BLAH!

Good news, he is almost done with FINALS!!!! And today is a work day. Yup, that's good news. :) Happy Monday all!!! And by all I mean Tammy & Cheski.

So, Oscar asked me to watch this show with him....

I shouldn't have survived (or something like that)

And you would think it would end happy. NOPE!

The scenario was a group of 15 year old boy scouts who got lost during a heat wave at the Grand Canyon. First leader passed out from heat stroke. The second leader had to stop with a group of the boys. Three of the other boys go ahead to find water. And the one who shared his water with everyone else and was optimistic and was the first to volunteer to hike out of the way to find water for the others died.

Yes. It was a miracle that any of them survived, but this was just very sad. They had people from the troop talking as adults while actors did the re-enactment. And I had a bad feeling because that one guy wasn't shown as an adult. But, I thought it would end happy (especially when they were found by off-duty paramedics and doctors kayaking by). BUt, no....he died.

And I'm crying. And Oscar doesn't seem affected. He is trying to cheer me up though, maybe that's why. He's making jokes and he told me he didn't know he would die. :(

Let's Make a Baby

Oscar woke me up this morning by saying, "Let's make a baby."

So, I knew he was kidding. But, I think we've both been thinking about it as our financial future starts to look a bit more stable.

That's RIGHT!! This year is the first year since we've been married where we are really making some progress on gaining financial stability. We made some goals at the beginning of the year to prepare for baby and it is really interesting how they are falling into place.

We are looking at realistically getting a bigger apartment at the end of the year, a new/used car and a nice deposit for a down payment on a house... eventually at least.

We are also getting closer to paying off student loans. Did I think this would ever happen? ummm, I honestly wasn't sure. And I'm still not sure. But, it's looking good.

I think I am counting my chickens before they hatch JUST a little bit. But, baby in near future is becoming a bit more realistic for us. Which is exciting.

This morning I was reading in John and came across a description of the rebirth.

John 1:13 "They are reborn! This is not a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan - this rebirth comes from God."

...resulting from human passion or plan

That is how every single baby to ever live on this earth has been made: by human passion, plan or a combo of both (I'm sure)

To end this baby post, here is a video of a touching song sung by Miss Celine Dion.



oooh and the car we want to get, maybe in October ??