Raw rah ah ah ah...

Just a quick raw dinner post, bonus points for those who read the title to the tune of Lady Gaga's Bad Romance!


I'm in my second week of eating mostly raw. Its been pretty easy so far. I think allowing myself to eat cooked food when I want is helping. I have been enjoying coffee still, about 3 cups a week which is far less then I normally have. The boyfriend and I also met up with his sister and bother in law for happy hour during the week, where I did order the hummus plate. I stayed away from the pita bread but happily ate all the raw veggies with the hummus which I am sure wasn't raw. Saturday the boyfriend and I went out to breakfast to a non-raw restaurant where I ordered the organic oatmeal with bananas and raisins. And Sunday a group of us once again did happy hour where I put down two glass of their house red. So a few non-raw meals in there but I don't feel one bit guilty about it.


Thursday I made these stuffed mushrooms





They were very easy to make. I drizzled olive oil over the mushrooms with a little black pepper and let them sit a couple minutes. Then they were filled with a pistachio pesto I made and put into the dehydrator for an hour or so. Once out and warmed they got topped with some roma tomato and basil. Yum.

My own Project 10 Pan

I follower a few You Tuber's that vlog about beauty related things. I get a lot of inspiration from them, tips and reviews on products before I buy them. It’s become a habit of checking out the reviews before shelling out any dough. And it has really save me a lot of product disappointment and brought to my attention some new products that I may have never found before. One You Tube guru who goes by the screen name lollipop26 started a project she calls Project 10 Pan. Her guidelines were that you use up ten products until all that’s left of them is the metal pan you find at the bottom of eye shadows, compacts and the such. During the project you cannot buy anything new, once you have 10 items completely emptied then the boycott is over and you are free to buy at your discretion. These ten items do not have to have a pan; it could be lip gloss, lipstick, foundations, ect. The whole point of the project is to help you get a hold of your spending habits and consumption. I know I own 20 or so lip glosses. Do I need that many? No. Will I buy more without a hesitation? Of course. Its completely unnecessary, and frankly I am tired of trying to find space to store all of it. No one needs this much product. I am the only one to blame.

I have started my project shortly before leaving for my vacation and decided to share it with you. I have set up a few guidelines that are a little different, here it is. My buying boycott is on all products, not just makeup. So that also includes hair, face and skin products. Things like body lotion, I have many half full bottles sitting around and still continue to buy more. Maybe it was on sale or just smelled so good I had to have it. No longer will this be the case. I will use what I have and only repurchase once I am completely out, therefore the boycott will also not end with just ten products. This rule will go for shampoo, conditioner, body wash, facial masks, basically everything. There will be a few exceptions, for example eye shadow. I will always own more then one eye shadow. But going forward I will only repurchase ones I am out of that I use on a regular basis, such as Kid by MAC. I use it almost everyday; it’s a very neutral brown that I do not have a dupe for. However I have many purple eye shadows that only get used every once in a while. So next time I see a pretty new shade I will not buy it, instead I will wait until my current ones are used up and then decide if I need a new one. Is this making any sense?

Step two in my Project 10 Pan is to replace my used up products with a new more eco friendly version when I repurchase. While I would love to just dump all of my current supply and go out and buy all new organic, sustainable and natural ones I can’t. Besides the fact that it would be very wasteful it would also be very expensive and very opposite of the whole point of doing a Project 10 Pan.

So here I am very patiently waiting, using up my mass supply before buying anything new. I will keep you posted on the project and invite you all to take stock of what you own and maybe start your own version Project 10 Pan.

Maui and the Raw Revolution

Wow, I meant to post so much more this week then I did. Well that happens, I guess it is taking me a bit to get back into my normal schedule. Maui was amazing as it always is. It is so beautiful there, I really love the up country side you definitely get the island feel there more than anywhere else. The weather could have been a little more on our side but there isn’t much to do about that, we still made the best of it. We saw some sights; I went golfing with the boyfriend one day and mostly laid around on the beach.


Not the worse place to have to hang out during a round of golf.




The Bamboo Forest driving up country.




Some of the amazing views on the road to Hana.




The State Park and Black Sand Beach, where we had a picnic.




Our last sunset at the beach across from the condo we stayed in.




This may seem somewhat cheesy but being in Maui always makes me want to take in the purest forms of food. I also met up with my Hawaii host family that I stayed with this summer and they are always a big inspiration for me in how they live their life. They live in a very conscious way, being very aware of the choices they make and the impact those choices have not only on the earth but also for their bodies. Coming home I decided to put more effort out and try to make all choices more consciously for my own body and the earth. I have decided to go about this with a couple goals I hope to reach.

One- Eat a raw diet.
My original plan was to just set the goal to eat raw for one week, and its already Friday! It really flew by and I didn’t once feel I was struggling with it. I am really surprised by that and completely content that I am doing so well. I love raw food, I could go on and on about how amazing the food is, how good you feel eating, ect, ect. I will spare you from that. In the past my struggle with going towards a raw food diet was never eating the food, it is always the preparation it took to have a variety of things to eat. And in the past when I didn’t preplan a meal I wasn’t satisfied grabbing for some fruit, a handful of nuts or some raw veggies. I would always just eat something non-raw. This week I did prepare a few things but for the most part I have been happy with just doing with what I had. I only made one meal this week that took a little more preparation and an extra batch of seed cheese. Other then that I have been completely content snacking on raw fruits, veggies and nuts or whipping up a quick dressing for a salad or a raw soup. I have also been making many green smoothies. And now that the week is up I am just going to keep it up. If I really feel the need for something cooked I will go ahead and have it. The thing with living a raw food lifestyle is there are no rules. It’s a personal choice. Nothing is set in stone and you can decide what fits best for you. If living 100% raw is making you miserable why do it? I just read one book that said they only recommend eating 60% raw to get all the benefits and anything above that is just doing your body a favor. And than there are always the extremist who will say its all or nothing. You just have to listen to your body and live within the goals you set for yourself. In fact I think that’s a good way to live your life in all aspects not just food.


If you aren’t familiar with raw food you should really see what its all about, or invite me over to cook (well…uncook) you dinner. I am getting very good at preparing foods that are beyond delicious but my knowledge on the nutrition, science and all that jazz are a little weak. That’s part of my goal too, to gain more knowledge. I want to be a source that people can come to if they have questions about it. I have been checking books out at the library left and right and trying to absorb all the knowledge they hold. I think learning more has helped in wanting to have this raw food movement be part of my everyday life. So my journey into a raw food life style has begun, and I think it's sticking.


If you think I’m eating carrot sticks and lettuce all day you are wrong. I love food way too much for that. Tuesday night we had stuffed peppers with mole sauce. And the other day for lunch I had a veggie sandwich. Pretty normal stuff right?


Lovely Stuffed Peppers.





We even had some pretty good organic red wine with it.



Veggie Sandwich on Raw Bread.





Ok, so thats goal one in a nutshell. More post on my other goals that are in the works to come shortly. Promise!

I'm Home, somewhat reluctantly.

Sorry for the week of no posts. I love that in my mind everyone is waiting by their computer screens diligently refreshing the page hoping for a post when back in reality you may not have even noticed I was gone.


So new post are coming soon. I have a few new goals that were inspired by my vacation, and also a few goals that just need to be done like it or not because that's life. I promise these new posts will be up soon!

TSA Approved Packing Mastered- Beauty Products

The Enemy- 1 Quart Size Bag




The Mission- Pack all essentials into the single quart sized bag for a 7 day trip. (Warning: for some this post may not interest you. It may be a big bore. But if you are nosy like me and enjoy knowing how other people pack this is for you!)

I have gotten this down to a science. I try to never check a bag if possible, and now with the newer charges for checked or extra baggage its even more of an advantage if you can get around a checked bag. But what really sealed the deal for me was a disaster at LAX. I was on a trip with the boyfriend; we left PDX, flew to LAX, stayed over and then were to leave LAX the next morning to Mexico. Well our alarm didn’t go off and we got to the airport a bit late and the line for international flights with checked luggage was HUGE. The line went out the terminal and continued down the sidewalk, it looked longer then an American Idol audition line. We couldn’t believe it, we double-checked several times to be sure we were in the right line, unfortunately we were. We weren’t going to make our flight and with the next flight out not for a week (the down side of flying into a very, very small Mexican airport) I had only one option- lose the checked bag. We left the line, found a quite spot and I tried to cram as much from my checked bag into my carry on. What happened to the checked bag you wonder? I ditched it, with half its contents still inside. I left shoes, clothes and products. I took out the most important stuff but it just wasn’t possible to fit it all. But we did make our flight and had an amazing time in Mexico. So after having to abandon a lot of belongings I decided I never wanted to have to check a bag again, and traveling light is just so much easier.

Here are a few tips that have worked for me, and allowed me to manage to stay within the dreaded quart sized bag. I start by mentally going through my day and only pack the things I actually use on a daily basis. It’s hard when packing for me to not load up on too many items. While grabbing my daily products I’ll notice others and think I need them, even when I know I probably won’t use it. So sticking to daily use products only is sort of a no brainer, but its key. Second is to pack as many solid products and less liquids. Since the restriction is only on liquids changing products to that of a solid form and packing in a separate case is the best tip. Here are a few that really save me space;

Body Wash < Bar Soap

Lotion < Solid Butter Bar

Face Wash < Cleansing Towelettes

The next is something everyone knows about- travel and sample sized items. Make friends with the people at the beauty counter so they will happily load you up with samples, usually for free! I put everything into smaller bottles or containers that I currently only have in full size on hand. Here is my fully packed baggie:





I cut down on the number on products by packing products that can serve as two or more. Like the solid body butter bars, I also use them on the ends of my hair as a smoothing gloss and defrizzer. And when traveling to a more tropical destination where my hair can get dry from swimming, sun and other elements I pack a heavier leave in conditioner to replace the two bottles I would normally use- a daily condition and a hair repair treatment.

And then make up; again take solid products over liquids. Such as a compact foundation instead of liquid, powder eye shadows over creams and lipsticks (yep, not a liquid) over glosses. The lipstick was a big space saver for me in the tiny quart size bag. I typically have several lip glosses on me at all times. I like to have a nude, soft pink and a brighter shade at the very least and usually have more then that. When I realized that I could pack as many lipstick as my heart desired I was very pleased. My trick is to bring just one lighter nude/pink gloss and then several lipsticks. That way I can change the color of the single gloss by layering whatever lipstick underneath to get a look as if I brought millions of glosses.

When traveling with carry on only I also hugely downsize my makeup. I stick to a very simple look of a clean fresh face, some liner and mascara. For night I just add some blush, a brighter lip and a more dramatic eye by applying a heaver liner or a winged/cat eye. Here is what does double duty for me:

Concealer- also use for eye primer and base

Bronzer- also use for eye shadow to define crease.

Lipstick- also use for blush

Face highlighter- also use to highlight brow bone and inner eye corner


Here's what I plan to bring.

Face Items


Face Scrub- I must when in a more humid place, and helps to keep break outs in control.
My Current Skin System- Cleanser, Toner and Lotion
Aveda Balancing Infusion- A spot treatment
Eye Makeup Remover
2 Single use pore cleansing mask- Easy to travel with and needed as my skin is in a bit of a break out frenzy. And with the sun, saltwater and travel I will need this twice a week.


Hair Items



2 sets of Shampoo and Conditioner- Given these for free at Trade Secret. I will be able to get at least 2 uses out of each, then can just toss the foil leaving less to pack home.
2 small jars of a leave in treatment- For when the beach makes my hair dry and tangly.

And Lastly



Mini Toothpaste
Mini Hand Sanitizer


Here are the rest of my products that can go in their own bag as they are all solids.



Cleansing Towelettes- Beach days I don't plan to wear any makeup so these are good to wipe down with when feeling sweaty. Ew.
Bayer- Hopefully won't be needing this.
Solid Perfume- Smells amazing, and something nice to have that I don't have to worry about spilling.
Floss- Well, you know.
Dove Beauty Bar- A very moisturizing body bar. And non-liquid, yay!
Deodorant- Again, you know.



Solid Body Butter Bars- I will be packing two!


Makeup. Being that I am going somewhere very low key there isn't a need to bring a lot. In the baggie I have put all my liquids;



Clear Mascara- I use this as my only brow product, and feel put together with just this, mascara and some gloss.
Mascara- Both normal and waterproof.
Gloss- My single lip gloss coming to Hawaii, in a natural soft pink.
Concealer- Face the facts, sometimes you just need this.
Chapstick- My current favorite Cherry Carmex with SPF

The Solids




2 Blushes- A powered highlighter from Smashbox and a check stain from Tarte.
1 Shadow- Just in case, a perfect highlight on inner corners or brow bone.
Solid Gel Liner- In black. This stays put in sun, water and sweat.
Bronzer and Powder- Essentials
2 Lipsticks- A pinkish nude and bight pink lavender.
Powder Brush- Will use for both powder and bronzer.
Liner Brush- Well, for liner.
Blush Brush- Works well for face highlights, blush and contouring with bronzer.
Tweezers- Just needed.


That’s it. Maybe it seems like a lot to some but I get this all into 1 plastic quart size bag, and 2 small makeup bags. One bag contains just the makeup and the other products all fit in the other. It ends up being very light. Hopefully you weren't too bored with this post, I am always interested in what people pack and how to get the most in a small space. And if you were that's okay too, it kept me from trying to count down the hours until my flight. Tomorrow I will be on to packing up clothes, another mastered talent!

Hi, I’m a Bargain Shopper.

Its true, I just can no longer bring myself to spend a lot on clothing. There once was a time that I would, buying $200 jeans wasn’t a problem. $90 top who cares? Well I care now. I would buy these more expensive items and then feel incredibly guilty when wearing them, and then later feel enraged when seeing that the item didn’t hold up in the wash. Maybe I would feel different if the money spent didn’t seem like a lot of money to me, but it is. And the more I think about it the more I feel its just stupid to spend that much on a piece of clothing that next season I may never wear. Maybe that’s part of it, I am fickle when it comes to my clothing. I love it one day and I am over it the next. And it’s a big deal to be over something I shelled out a lot of money for. I love shopping, for me it’s my me time. I prefer to go shopping solo, take my time and go only to the stores I want to go to. It’s sort of peaceful for me and I really truly enjoy it. My loves; TJ Maxx, Nordstrom Rack, Forever 21 and pretty much any sales rack. Yes. I love that I can find in season trends that cost a fraction of the price of the coveted item I am currently seeking. I don’t think you should have to pay big bucks to feel good in your clothes. In fact I think if you can turn a $10 top or $30 jeans into an outfit that looks current and are able to make it look like you spent ten times more then you are that much more of a fashion maven. Be Proud! It’s such an amazing thing for me to see a piece in a magazine and then find something similar at a much lower price tag. It’s the ultimate shopping joy, and a challenge I am always up for. Now I don’t always find everything I am wanting but I do pretty well. Here are some of my current finds.

I have been wanting a faux leather motorcycle jacket for a while now. I have been seeing them in every magazine and blog I read(which is a lot). I love how they change the look of more feminine pieces or can turn a pair of jeans into something polished and modern. With spring coming I have been loving the of the moment grey, beige and taupe ones. Especially the ones by Balenciaga, seen here. Well really I tend to love anything Balenciaga. This one retails at $2,595.







Here’s the version I found. Up until now I haven’t found one where both the fit and faux leather were up to my standard. This one fits the bill and I found it marked down several times and took it home with me for only $20. The fit is just slim and contoured enough to where I can still move in it but not to the point it looks frumpy or too large. And the faux leather is soft and very supple and already has a sort of worn in look. I am hoping to make it look a little more worn in, not sure how to achieve that just yet. And the color is a gorgeous grayish taupe.




I also picked up this black lace t-shirt for under $10, such a deal. The fit is amazing its very lose and will look good with a slim fitting tank under it.




Here is an example if I were to dress it up.




But I really prefer it in a more grunge look. Like this;



And plan to find shorts like this to wear with it. Love.



I also picked up some new sunglass for the vacation…leaving in 4 days!!



But I am absolutely dieing for a pair of these Thierry Lasry Velvety Sunglasses. Which Nicole Richie seems to be loving too. They are handmade in France and sell for $450 a pair. I am on the search for a much much cheaper dupe. Wish me luck.

Healthy Junk Food- Burgers

A current favorite lunch is a Boca burger. If you haven’t tried one you should. They are by far my favorite faux burger patties. If you like the original Grardenburger these are nothing like them, so don’t try to compare them. I loved Gardenburgers too but the original version contains cheese, their answer to that was the Gardenvegan, which I despise. Some may like it, I do not. Gardenburger does offer a few other flavors that are vegan but that is not what this post is about.

Here are the nutritional facts for one Boca patty, as you can see it looks good. Low fat, low calorie, tons of protein!



I use my bread I posted about instead of a bun to cut calories; another good option is to wrap it in a few lettuce leafs. The other additions are up to you. Lately I have been going very all American. Lettuce, tomato, vegan cheddar, ketchup and my favorite a vegan version of the Bugerville Spread. Which is a mix of vegenaise, yellow mustard and diced pickle. I think the Bugerville Spread uses sweet pickle, I always use dill. Burgerville also puts in sugar, ew.

So there it is, this definitely doesn’t taste like healthy food.