Yay for a fantastic Week!

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Hey everyone,
Here is a little poem, updates, and raw food inspirations for the day!

Falling for you...by Rawkn Yogini
Falling for you was easy
Seeing those eyes shining and lit up was a gift for my heart
Your smile is a beacon of light on my stormiest days
Hard times and frustrations are my soul mourning for complete joy and ease
It gets easier each day with you by my side
My love gets stronger each moment
I can see a glimpse of our life together...speechless


So...this week work and yoga have been the majority of my time.  However, the job search continues.  Raw food is at the forefront of my life right now with Green smoothies for breakfast and very little craving for cooked foods.  Friday i'm getting my hair done then going to portsmouth with my love <3 Saturday is spring water collecting and family visits and Sunday is double date to the movies :-)  This means that I have two days to be productive and get my work done so that I can enjoy my fabulous weekend to come.

If you want to stay raw and not be hungry...eat breakfast. If you eat breakfast you jump start the metabolism and have less of a chance for overeating or being Staarving later in the day! A green smoothie is perfect!! Try it for a few days ...what do you have to lose?


Much love,
Rawkn yogini

PS...day 6 of my yoga challenge.  Tomorrow I will chat about Plateauing and how to jump start your metabolism as suggested by a friend!

Shining Bright and Being the Light!

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Hey there everyone,
Today is a very special day.  A day of pure awakening.  Every once and a while I read something or experience something that reminds me of my true path.  Raw Sangha community at rawsangha.com has been a pure inspiration to me.  Watching videos and reading Brother Echo's articles is fantastic.  Watching his journey to raw foods makes me smile and remember my first experiences with Raw foods.  I forget a little bit what that honeymoon phase is like.  Today is the first of the month of October.  Soooo many things to celebrate in my life.  A one month anniversary with an incredible boyfriend and passionate man named Jesse.  Thank you for all your love and support!  It is also the kick start of a 30 day Bikram yoga challenge.  And in nearly 2 weeks I will be celebrating a birthday~  I have a fabulous education in nutritional sciences, a fun job at Hannaford working with fruits and veggies all day and terrific family and friends who are always there for me! 
This month is about cleansing and cleaning my mind, body and spirit.  With 30 days of yoga, 100% raw food diet and with green smoothies every day!  Not to mention more sleep and water!

Please feel free to join me at my "21 Day Raw Food Challenge" group on facebook to receive free recipes, nutrition advice and inspiration on your journey. I would love to answer any questions you may have!

Much Love,
Rawkn Yogini

At the Heart of it All

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Hey there yogis, foodies, and friends!
Today I'm feeling a bit poetic and lyrical so I'm going to share a piece that I have written to express my current feelings and emotions.

At the Heart of it All
You provoke these feelings, feelings that are even hard for me to subdue
Even in the chaos of the day, the pulse and beat of your heart finds mine
I smile for no other reason but to see you smile back at me
It's hard to sleep when I feel as though my reality is better than any fantasy or dream
My chakras open up to your energy
No person or thing is perfect and I'm at peace with that
My positive powerful soul has been truly awakened

The Green Juice is back and so is my best friend!

Yay,

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So excited because my best friend came home from South Carolina on Tuesday and I seriously felt like my other half was back!  I picked her up from the airport and came home to a scrumptious dinner by her mom.  She made me a great salad with a ginger sesame viniagerette while everyone else had potato salad and cheeseburgers!  Seeee how sweet and receptive other people can be toward your lifestyle.  Yesterday, I watched Eat, Pray, Love.  The movie was very inspiring and made me realize that we are all searching our whole lives for our ultimate purpose and that purpose may even change and evolve just like relationships, our cars, our homes and our clothes!  Don't take life toooo seriously because just when you think things are "on track" we get sidetracked or go onto another path that we never could have planned for!  Be spontaneous.  The only true reality is love and family!
And!  To top off all of those great ah ha moments, I'm sitting here-finally with a green juice.  I've only been thinking about it for weeks.  Don't know why I didn't make it.  It literally took me less than 5 minutes! It's super delicious.  It makes me feel more alive!

Have a fantastic Day,
Rawkn Yogini

Being outside makes all your worries disappear

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Hi there,
Today I'm talking about being outdoors and how it makes me feel.  When I step outside onto my deck or to take a walk with my dogs I immediately feel a tingle, a rush of energy and love.  The sun and the smell of nature really do fuel my mind, body and spirit.  Add a best friend to that experience whether it be sitting on a beach, taking a nature walk or hike or just sitting outside chatting over iced tea and your heart will be filled with so much love and excitement.  Once I go outside on a beautiful day I feel like a little kid that doesn't want to be dragged inside to do anything else.  Even now, typing on my laptop, I'm sitting outside on my deck enjoying the sound of my dogs walking around, smelling and exploring every acorn, leaf, squirrel scurrying away.  Their tails are wagging for me to give them a treat or give them a rub behind the ears!  My best friend is on a much needed vacation in the Carolinas visiting her grandparents and I can't stop thinking about how much fun she must be having but how I can't wait for her to come home so we can go to the beach or have a  fiesta outside on my deck!!  Enjoy nature and enjoy the love in your life.  We all have happiness within us.  Love is the spark that ignites happiness!!!

Namaste~
Rawkn Yogini~

Little Sprouts!

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Hey there!
I'm ecstatic to share my recent plans for the future.  I've decided to go back to school to become an elementary school teacher and Bikram yoga instructor.  I really look forward to making a difference in children's lives.  I want to help shape their little minds and bodies to become healthy and happy and vibrant adults.  I look forward to becoming a yoga instructor as well, which not be for another year while I work and go to school to make some money to afford the tuition which is over 10,000 dollars!  Doing what I love it priceless however and I'm very excited about these new adventures.



Now for more information on sprouting and how to do it.  It is sooooo easy.
1. Take beans such as mung beans or buckwheat to start with since they are in my opinion the easiest to sprout.
2.  Place beans (one type) in a bowl of water and cover with a napkin or wax paper just to keep out the bugs.
3.  Soak them overnight.
4.  In the morning when you wake up, pour entire bowl into a mesh colander or strainer.
5.  Rinse off the beans and shake till they are somewhat dry with a little moisture.
6.  Place beans back into bowl without adding water and let sit covered for two days.
7.  Rinse and strain and place back into bowl about twice a day.  Sprouts will have tails that are about 1 inch long.
8.  Store them in the fridge for about a week.

Eat sprouted mung beans on top salads or use to make hummus.  Sprouted buckwheat you can use as a base for granolas or raw breads!
Let me know if you have any other questions...

Seeing Step Up 3D tonight...woohoo
Peace~

Concentrated Nutrition!

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Hey y'all!
Today I'm going to talk about concentrated nutrition such as sprouts and juices.  Other concentrated forms of nutrition could also be dehydrated and dried foods such as raisins and even herbs. 
Concentrated nutrition is basically just getting as many nutrients as you can in a small package/quantity. 
When we eat concentrated foods our body doesn't have to work as hard at processing lots of food. 
Don't get me wrong, eating a huge salad with lots of water and fiber is good for our digestive system BUT our bodies won't be able to absorb all the nutrients because all that fiber actually pulls some of the vitamins and minerals with it.
When we drink *JUICE* with no pulp in it our bodies are able to take in ALL the nutrients and energy without almost any energy being put in by our digestive systems therefore our bodies will run faster, more efficiently, and will have time to clean our bodies and heal from diseases.  You will notice that after just a single day on juice that you will have brighter eyes and clearer skin!  You can easily incorporate juice into your current lifestyle.  Having FRESH unpasteurized juice as a snack or meal is an amazing thing!
*SPROUTS* are also packed with nutrients.  They are a living food!  A seed that could grow an entire plant is being sprouted so that the seed wakes up and starts to grow.  You are eating a new plant with just one single sprout.  Make yourself a sprout salad with different sprouts and you are eating sooo much nutrition in such a tiny amount. 

When we eat the energy of plants we feel alive!

Start living!
Rawkn Yogini~
Not sure what fruits or veggies to juice or you don't know how to sprout?  Stay tuned...

I want some Energy!

Are you in need of some energy?
Do you constantly suffer from fatigue throughout the day?
Are you unable to complete simple tasks without feeling like you need to relax or sit down?

Well...
You may be suffering from a nutrient/vitamin/mineral deficiency.
Believe it or not if your body isn't getting all the vitamins and minerals that it needs you may feel tired and lackluster
The solution is to get more greens and Fruit.  Greens are amazing because they are extremely high in many minerals and vitamins and protein that your body needs to rebuild cells and tissues and to keep your electrolytes balanced
Add dark leafy greens to smoothies by creating the following combination:

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1-2 cups of spinach

1-2 cups of water/coconut water as needed to blend

1 ripe banana
1 cup of berries or other fruits
Voila you have a yummy green smoothie.

Another way to get more greens is on pizza, soups, cassaroles, and of course salads.

You could also be lacking in energy because you actually don't have enough energy or fuel (calories) coming in.  EAT MORE!

But don't eat junk...eat juicy sweet fruits with natural sugars that will provide sugar to your cells and your brain!
Make yourself a fruit salad before work or school or just pack a few pieces of fruit to enjoy throughout the day.  Eating three meals is not the way to go if you want continuous energy.  Eat small frequent meals to keep your metabolism up and your energy soaring

Pumped!
Rawkn Yogini

PS...A post about juice and sprouts for concentrated nutrition coming tomorrow...stay tuned!

Does Yelling get another person's attention?

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I often wonder why people yell at one another when they are having a discussion or argument.  I feel that when someone yells at me or yells something they want to convey to me I completely stop listening or respecting what they have to say.  I simply say, "This person isn't in a calm enough state to even have a worth it conversation and I certainly can't handle all of this forced energy upon me".  Maybe some people enjoy yelling at another person and even like being yelled at but if you don't like being yelled at but you enjoy dishing out to others maybe you should rethink your behavior and approach.  Are you also saying things like "This is the way it has to be done!" or "I want things done my way, and you don't have a say in it" or are you even giving out threats and ultimatums like "If you don't do it like this then you can't do _____ or you will lose my respect or you will tear apart/poison ___" 
The very moment someone starts uttering things like this to me, I lose all respect for them.  Add a raised voice and voilent expression and maybe even violent body language and you are dealing with full on abuse.

You don't  need to stoop to their level.  Calmly and without hesitiation walk away.  They don't want to listen to you anyway!

Protect yourself especially your strong and positive heart and soul,
Rawkn Yogini~

A Release From Reality~

Hi there,

We all want some sort of release from reality.  After seeing the movie inception and the Matrix several years ago, I'm starting to question what reality really is.  As we dream, we create ideas and situations that sometimes confuse us when we wake up to the point that we say "Was that real or was that just a dream?" I once heard the quote "Love is the only reality" and I think  I now completely agree.  Feeling love really awakens you and brings you back and holds you in tight to the world you live in.  When I do yoga, I quiet my mind and let my body and soul listen to the cues and escape from reality.  For 90 minutes, I have no other responsiblity besides listening and moving.  When people take drugs and alcohol they do them to escape from reality.  I wonder why we can't always be in a state of enjoyment with no reality...

Maybe it's all a dream...

Rawkn Yogini

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The Universe: Can you control your fate?

Hey there everyone!
Today is Thursday and it's another fabulous week for me. Yoga every day so far and Loving the challenge of it! Coconut water, cold shower and a fabulous walk with my dogs is a routine that is sticking like glue after yoga...wouldn't change a thing! If you haven't tried coconut water...get some, soooo yummy!

Today I wanted to chat about whether or not we can control our fate and how I feel about that.
Ever since I was young I have always contemplated my destiny or my fate. It has been my on going faith in a higher power that is guiding me along my journey that has helped me to accept the not so fun moments that I may stumble upon. So I may have dislocated my knee in high school while dancing 2 hours a day during the week but guess what...I was pushed toward a different passion...yoga! During physical therapy I was given exercises that were "yoga inspired" that I was told to do after every session. After a while I thought to myself, why don't I try some yoga classes? It's lower impact and I can still enjoy graceful and strong moves that remind me of dance. It was love at first sight!
You see...life has road blocks, I believe, so that you take a detour to get back to what you really were meant to do!

Another story of mine is that...My mother was diagnosed with cancer when I was in college. Originally my dream was to be a psychologist or a physical therapist because I really wanted to reach out and help others going through mental or physical ailments. When my mom got sick I made a 180 turn toward Nutritional sciences, something deep deep down inside of me said...this is where you will find the answers, take a chance! So I did, I switched my major and decided that Nutrition was the key to longterm health...even before I knew much about it!
Now, my mom is cancer free and I have achieved the health and life I never dreamt of. During a yoga class I learned about raw foods from one of the other students (an accident?..I think not!). This changed my life. Eating vegan changed my perspective and raised my conciousness about our environment and the treatment of animals and eating raw helped me realize that foods are best when they are pure and unchanged.

May your journey continue and remember that even the saddest times are a gateway to your true destiny of pure bliss and contentment~

With Faith,
Rawkn Yogini~

Unleash the Real You!

Hey there everyone!
I want you all to know that I love you all for exactly who you are! We are all works in progress physically and emotionally but our souls are genuine, free and pure.

Don't be afraid to be different because being different means that you are not altering yourself. By spending all your time and energy trying be someone else, how can you fully learn who YOU are and how to better YOUR life?!

This is a short post...but I just wanted to say it...

I love you,
Rawkn Yogini~

Why do Humans dominate over other living things?

People may think I'm strange for giving up all meat, fish, poultry, dairy products, and eggs but today I was fully reminded why I made that choice after seeing an interview with Ellen Degeneris about why she became a vegan nearly 2 years ago. I may care deeply about my health and spirituality but this decision that I've made to become a vegan goes far deeper than that. I put a V next to my name on facebook not to be cool or be part of a cult of crazy extremists but because I can not be selfish and ignore the cruelty and pain that animals must endure so that I can eat. With movies like Earthlings and Food Inc. out there and books like Fast Food Nation and the China Study we can not ignore the implications of eating animal products. The Earth is made up of three things Nature, Animals and Humankind. Why is it that Humankind feels that they are entitled to dominate and use all other parts of the Earth as if they were their own? I cherish even the bounty of nature to supply me with vegetables and fruit. With each bite I think about when and where that fruit or vegetable was picked and how much work went into growing and harvesting that food. I myself, own a garden and know how difficult but yet how rewarding that time and energy is when in the palm of your hand you have the most magnificent gift that nature has provided for you. When you glance down at a steak, you most certainly make a disconnect from where it came from, how that animal was treated and how it was killed. Because how else would you be able to fully enjoy eating it. If you aren't aware of how animals are being treated you need to open your eyes. Animals are not given proper space, food, water, and treatment. They aren't born to live, they are born to die. When you eat something with a heart, a pulse, a brain, you are eating their thoughts, pain, anxiety, and fear. Many animals in factory farms never see the light of day, they never experience love, they don't know what peace and the absence of fear is. I pray every single day that someone out there awakens to this reality because with one less person eating meat and animal products that means numerous animals are saved.


Praying for a better tomorrow,
Rawkn Yogini~<3

Best Friends~

OK...so food, exercise and spirituality are all amazing aspects to superb health but...Love and friendship are also what can make or break a life that otherwise seems so perfect. You can have the perfect body, be connected to G-d and eat all whole foods but what does all that mean if you don't have a single soul to share it with? There is something so amazing about having a friend, a true friend. Someone to share your experiences with. Someone to laugh and cry with. Someone that tells you that you are beautiful and perfect just the way you are. Passion and love are also very important to feel complete. Sharing your heart with someone means fillling your soul with warmth. You don't NEED to have someone else to feel loved because you are a positive and powerful soul but doesn't it feel nice to have someone to share life's challenges with? And not just anyone...not just the idea of love or friendship but an actual person, a face and a soul that you deeply care for. Their name brings you joy when you say it. Their smile lights up your darkest days. Their voice invokes calm and peace. Best friends are soul mates...lovers will come and go but best friends are forever. Thank you to my best friends Elle and Mark for always being the loves of my life; you will never know how much you mean to me.

Hugs~
Rawkn Yogini~
PS...for all of those wondering how I'm doing with yoga this week...5 days so far and I'm still going strong.
The raw food of the day is KALE...to find out more about it, visit the "21 Day Raw Food Challenge" group on facebook.com!

Fragrant and Delicious

Hey there,
Do you know how to pick 'em? Fruit I mean. Do you know how to pick fully ripe fruit when you go to the grocery store or farmer's market? Here are some tips for picking the best fruit you can that is high in water content, sweetness and nutrients. More bang for your buck.

1. Pick a fruit that is heavy for its size.
2. Choose a fruit or vegetable that is the color you think of it as. Pineapple should be yellow, tomato should be red, etc.
3. Smell the fruit or vegetable. Does is smell sweet? Does is smell like it's going bad or fermented?
4. Make sure that fruits and vegetable that are supposed to be soft are soft and fruits or vegetables that are supposed to be firm are firm. Cucumbers are firm whereas peaches are soft.
5. The true test will be when you take a bite and the juice runs down your face or it is crisp and delicious. Everytime you hit a home run you will remember exactly how that fruit felt, smelled and looked and you will be sure you pick another good one next time around too.
Enjoy,
Rawkn Yogini~~~

Animal Instincts

Roarrrr,
Powerful, strong, and fearless. That is a true animal. You envision a swift gazelle, a courageous lion and a grizzly bear when I say that but...Do you think of a yoga lady or a graceful ballerina?! probably not.

However, we are all animals with animal instincts. Even emotional and sensitive women have the instincts to power through a difficult situation or stand up for themselves. How else would a simple house wife lift up a 1,000lb car to save her children? Women are sensual and sexual beings just like men, they just aren't allowed to express that unless they want to appear "slutty". Take charge of what you want ladies! It's ok to be sexual, powerful and strong! Watch out men, a new generation of women are emerging. To win us over you better step up your game because we love the chase just as much as you!
And ladies...you are all the love you need. You don't need a man to have love in your life. I guarantee you that your best friend will support you through almost anything and love you for who and what you are. Cherish those friendships and have fun! Go out, dance and sing the night away while the men watch and wish you would stop loving you and start loving them!

Shake that yoga booty and enjoy that yummy smoothie.

Enjoy femininity which doesn't have to mean weak, submissive, and naive,
Rawkn Yogini~

New Week and New Adventures!

Hey there everyone!
Rawkn Yogini is back back back! Another fabulous day of yoga and raw food! I went to hot yoga this morning then came home to work in my veggie garden and farm stand hop just in time to come in for a big salad for lunch! Fresh cucumbers, zucchini, tomatoes, string beans, arugala, bib lettuce, avocado and some apple cider vinegar and hemp oil=YUMMO!

My challengers at the 21 Day Raw Food Challenge on facebook are spending this week drinking smoothies every morning. Super hydrating and mineral and nutrient packed breakfast to start your day off right. Make it green by adding some lettuce, kale or spinach to your fruit smoothie and Enjoy the extra kick of protein and chlorophyl. And...each day on the group wall I post a raw food of the DAY! Join Today!

Stay tuned as I share my yoga journey and job ideas with you....
<3 Love,
Rakwn Yogini~

I did 5 Days of yoga this week!

Wow,
I have so much to share with you all this week.
The rawknyogini is back in action! Raw goodness and yoga are a staple in my life again and it feels soooo good.
Bikram oh how I missed you. The sweat, the heat, the pain, the deep breathing, the cold shower after class, the feeling of euphoria the minute I step out of the room! If you haven't done yoga or Bikram yoga you need to get yourself to a studio as soon as possible. Your life will never be the same.
And...as far as love and friendship goes, I'm a rich woman. I spent this week doing yoga with a friend all week, went to Boston a couple times with one of my girl friends and hung out with one of my guy friends too!

I realized the other night while talking to one of my guy friends that we are all so hung up on finding someone to love us or to love back. So much so, that we completely neglect ourselves and tell ourselves that we will be miserable if we don't get the affection and acceptance of someone else. A girl had broken his heart into little pieces. Worst of all she created a string of lies that led him into believing that she felt more for him than she did. HONESTY. We need to be honest with ourselves and ask first, "Is the feeling in this relationship 100% mutual?" then if you aren't sure you need to ask the other person. If they say "I don't know" that is an indication that they don't feel the same way. Wouldn't it be great if we could all love ourselves? I think once you love yourself you are able to open your heart for another soul to inhabit because I really believe they can feel the fullness and warmth of your soul and want to be apart of that.

Mission pour moi (for me) this week is to LOVE myself and I think eating raw and doing yoga is a great step in the right direction.

Come join me~
Rawkn Yogini*

The Yoga Addiction Continues

Hi there everyone,
I hope you all are doing very well. Eating raw, spending time with friends, planting in my garden and exercising are a few of the really fun things that I have had the priveledge of doing everyday!

Today I am going to Bikram yoga after about 2 months of not going. I'm a bit nervous. My ego knows that I'm not as good as I once was by any means! I know it will be very challenging. The heat is something that I'm no longer used to and so are the postures. Having to focus my wandering and spacey mind for 90 minutes is making me feel crazy! LOL!

Why Bikram yoga?!
It calms my mind
I feel strong and powerful
Detoxifies my body
lengthens my joints, muscles and ligaments so I stand up a bit taller
I feel graceful
It gives me a sense of community
Glowing skin
Toned muscles
Mental Focus

Never before have I done exercise where I acheived all of these in a 90 minute class.

So yeah I'm nervous...let's just put it this way i'm wearing capris and a tank top instead of my usual bootie shorts and bikini top. I need some security blanket!

Wish me luck
Rawkn Yogini~

Day 1 of my Juice Fast/Cleanse

I'm here...taking gang signs and f bombs left and right (literally) from the people who love me.

I'm wondering where misery comes from. Every time I go for meditation I hear that we are all powerful and positive beings and that is really what our true nature is. Now this makes me wonder how we can behave and think so negatively. And i'm not just talking about when we are in our bedrooms with the lights off before we go to sleep, I'm talking during the daytime with sunshine and birds chirping a warm breeze and vibrant food and life all around us. How then can we act to viciously toward one another? Do you find yourself in a fit of rage and anger toward others? Do you ever wonder where that comes from? Why you act that way?

I ponder that all the time...and I think I know what it is. It's fear. We are all terrified. Full of anxiety, constant fear and pain. Why and about what?! I fear feeling alone, I fear feeling smothered, I fear someone yelling at me, I fear the future, I fear negativity, I fear physical abuse or pain...do you fear?

So how can we change this in others? We can't, we can only change ourselves. Do not be angry when someone yells at you. Do not try to mock them or hurt them to defend yourself. Simply be there. If they continue to harrass you, ask only one question, "what is it that you fear?"

Then hold on to your seat or plant your feet on the ground...the answer will not be what you expect I guarantee it. Then ask, "This pain, where does it come from?"

Hold your head up and nod only occasionally...you may bring a storm or a flood of emotion but stay strong and be you. It's ok to say no. There isn't simply right or wrong there is good better best. What might be good for someone maybe be best for you and vice versa...Listen to you...dig and find that positive soul.

you may start a revolution of honesty and positivity....

I'm waiting for you---
Rawkn Yogini~

Day 30 of Raw and Living Foods

Hey there everyone!
I have been on a little break from blogging because I've been super busy getting my life together! I am feeling fabulous and have been exercising for at least an hour every day on top of being more active for the rest of my day. Jump Roping, Cardio Dancing, weight lifting, yoga and mat exercises! YEsss...I said the magic word. Yoga...it is back in my life!

With my increase in exercise has come a much larger appetite (true hunger) and a need for more foods that have protein and complex carbs. I've started to include some sprouted grain breads and some soy products to my diet in order to cut back on the the amount of fat I was eating as a raw vegan. For example I have gluten free oatmeal with chopped up fruit such as strawberries, blueberries and banana and some almond milk. For lunch I have a large salad with sprouted bread with hummus and tomato on it.

I think I feel better saying that I'm a health foodist than a raw foodist because raw food is not always the best choice. Eating a cup of almond butter and dates is no where near as good for you as some brown rice and steamed veggies. It's taken me a while to work on my all or nothing attitude because I like a challenge. But I've learned a lot about myself. I need complex carbs because simple carbs make me feel loopy. Eating 4 bananas makes me feel crazy and bloated but instead i'm having sprouted grain bread with almond butter and banana and I feel much more grounded and satisfied.

I also balance my meals as much as possible with CARB, PROTEIN, and HEALTHY FATS.

If I balance my meals I feel much more fulfilled. I do well with protein and carbs but not as well with fats so I need to limit them because they really slow down my digestion. Of course, I'm not perfect and I'm still working on this.

What do you eat when you are exercising regularly? What low fat raw foods will sustain me for long workouts and before and after.

Live Long and Prosper,
Rawkn Yogini~~

Challenge Shmallenge!

Hello there!

I'm truly blissed out on raw foods and the energy I finally have BACK! 23 Days raw and it feels awesome.
My challenge group was incredible and I know I could not have done it without their love and support...thank you everyone!

Tomorrow begins a new adventure of raw. I've decided to try and do a week long green smoothie detox. I will be drinking only raw green smoothie with fruit, veggies and water blended up. As well as tea and extra water. Hydration, giving my digestion an easier time, High greens and energy is what i'm aiming for!

I will post pictures, recipes, ideas, stories and improvements that I see each day.

Are you with me?
Rawkn Yogini

Day 19...YEEHAW

It's Day 19...I made it this whole raw food challenge so far without eating dairy or processed foods. I slipped up once by eating roasted veggies but I still feel good about that. It is part of the journey of one meal at a time and one day at a time. It's more about health food diet than raw food...because I could have eaten an entire jar of almond butter I was so hungry and emotional so instead I decided to have some roasted veggies...I think that's a better choice.

Today's Challenge was to get some sunshine so I sat outside while having my lunch and did some gardening!!

I've been doing the 5 Tibetan Rites every morning and some leg exercises and ab exercises as well!

How are you all feeling?!

I also finished moving out of my apartment yesterday which is a huge accomplishment now the fun part of unpacking begins!

I'm off to make my brother some food and get ready for some food shopping~

Rawkn Yogini~~

Day 15....BIG TRANSITION

Today I started to move out of my apartment. I did a lot of packing on an 85 degree day! I got so much done though which is very exciting. Tomorrow I'm going back to do more...putting the stuff into my bedroom after packing it up will be the hard part! Today is day 15 of the raw food challenge and it's easy peasy! Can't wait to see more changes from this journey...I definitely have seen some changes already. My complexion is smooth and bright and my energy is much better. I still need to get back into shape because doing all this work is making me realize that I need to build some endurance and weight lifting abilities! I just started doing weight lifting, ab exercises and the 5 Tibetan Rites!

I just wanted to check and see how the rest of you are all doing...I hope you are all doing really well!

Come visit me on facebook @ The 21 Day Raw Food Challenge!

Rawkn Yogini~

Day 13 and tomorrow marks 2 weeks RAW!

2 Weeks ago...I was tired, sick, depressed, and anxious...I felt like something was wrong...
It was...I wasn't eating enough raw foods but more importantly I WAS eating cooked and processed foods like sugar and dairy which were very addicting.
I was telling my challengers today that raw food is not a fad because once you start eating raw your whole life changes. So if you aren't willing to experience a huge shift then you should start out slow. Slowly adding in more and more raw at a comfortable pace.

If you go raw overnight you take the chance of backsliding because of extreme emotional and physical detoxification of all the cells of your body. Stored emotions that had been suppressed with heavy toxic foods are suddenly looking you square in the face and you must now deal with them. A wise guy named Philip McCluskey said that it's best not to try to overanalyze these emotions but to just release them and let them go. That is not any easy thing for most people. When we are fearful we often retreat...and in this case into a bar of chocolate or a cup full of greek yogurt. This time going raw I did not think...I can't have ____. I said I choose not to have it and I am doing this for my health and myself and not anyone else. I also allowed myself to eat when I was hungry even if that meant eating 3 bananas and almond butter! With my dad saying "why are you eating all those bananas?" as he's eating a backed potato loaded with cooked veggies and 2 cups of shredded cheese melted on top with a piece of fish and a box of raisinets for a snack afterward and an hour later looking for more.

I'm really enjoying this journey and I'm thankful for the support I have from my friends @ 21 Day Raw Food Challenge on facebook!!!

With all my heart,
Rawkn Yogini~

The End of Day 11!

Hey there friends!

Well I didn't get done what I had planned on getting accomplished but that's ok! I helped my mom do some cleaning around the house, sorted some mail and bought a cute dress and shoes for my honors convocation tomorrow which is a ceremony where I will receive an award for academic acheivments throughout college :-)

These past 11 days have been easy at times and hard at others. It seems that when I'm around love and I am kept busy it is easier for me. It's when I'm sitting at home and thinking...gee I wish I could eat_____ or i'm tired of eating____, I start to feel sorry for myself and there is like a downward spiral of negativity...eeekk! I'm learning a lot about myself. I feel better inside when I look good on the outside. Hmmm. I feel better when I've done my hair or painted my nails or put on some cute makeup or earrings. This might all sound superficial but I believe we all deserve to feel beautiful on the outside just as much as the inside. I really feel that raw food does just that. You are healing from the inside out. Your body is clean and so you look more alive and vibrant and beautiful on the outside. Thank goodness for that...because I would love a good makeover ;-)

Thanks for sticking with me everyone! I won't let you down. RAW all the way baby! With you all to support me of course.

Tomorrow I have created a challenge for my group and I to

#1 Conciously drink more water

#2 Wait at least an hour after waking before eating breakfast

#3 Don't eat anything after 8pm at night

You can do it!!!

Rawkn Yogini~

Day 10!

Hey there foodies!

Today was a busy day! My last final exam of my undergraduate education! WowWw....so cool!
I did some packing at my apartment then went to the health food store and got some kale, bananas, dates, and mangos...haha I know interesting combo but you know what!? That would make a pretty awesome green smoothie! I love sharing with all of you and also learning about your lives too! I feel so much calmer and clearer mentally and physically and emotionally.
Lots more packing tomorrow all day! Perfect thing to do on a gloomy, rainy day! Play some great music, light some incense and do some cleaning! Getting rid of physical clutter really does de-clutter your mind!

Well I'm off to bed for another busy day tomorrow!

My challengers are doing a fun little challenge tomorrow...giving 5 compliments...pour some love on someone and it will come right back to you...dripping like honey!

Good Luck~
Rawkn Yogini~ <3

Day 9 of the 21 Day Raw Food Challenge!

It's day 9 of the challenge!

I cannot believe how many people are joining each day! I am so proud to be the leader of this amazing group! Making fabulous changes in their lives.
Is there any such thing as a mistake? I don't think so. I really believe that everything happens for a reason and even when a member of my group said that she "slipped up and made a mistake" eating a snickers bar...I think that is all part of the journey. It taught her to always be prepared with raw goodies and the guilt is worse than anything!

You are all making excellent changes for yourselves and should be very proud!

I have a super busy day! Walk with the dogs, more packing and hopefully some yoga and bike ride in there somewhere. Join us in the challenge...we are still waiting for YOU!

Have an inspiring day!
Rawkn Yogini~

Day 8....WOW!

Determined to make a change :-)
Amazed by all the love and support!
You can do it too!

8 days into this awesome journey

Wonderful foods and recipes
Owning up to my weaknesses and accepting them
Welcome to the challenge!

Yes I'm feeling a bit cheezey this morning! And I don't mean smothered with gooey, stick to the roof of your mouth velveta either!! I just want to let you all know that the light at the end of the tunnel is shining brighter each day! It is definitely getting easier and I think I'm in love with the 21 Day Challenge members. The numbers grow each day! I really want to start videos to share my knowledge and ideas with others...what do you think?!

Today I don't feel any serious emotional anxiety or stress despite the fact that I have my last final on Wednesday, I've lost my cell phone, I'm moving out of my apartment on Saturday and graduating from college! Ha...piece of cake!

There are so many wonderful, talented people out there. Artists, poets, musicians, engineers, doctors, lawyers, carpenters, painters, mothers, fathers, botanists, farmers! The list goes on but it just goes to show how different we all are but many of us share a common tie that joins us together. We all want long, healthy, vibrant, and fulfilling lives!

Why are our supermarkets filled with cardboard boxes, cans, bags, and containers that sit on the shelves for months without any signs of spoilage? How fresh do you think you will smell and feel if you neglected to get up, move around, and take a shower for months? That's right....FUNKY!
Now imagine what they are putting in the food you are eating...chemicals and poison to preserve them and keep them "fresh". In fact your food might be made entirely out of chemicals! Try looking at a mountain dew can! So even if raw foods seem too extreme to you...make sure you are looking at the labels. If the ingredient list is a mile long with a ton of words you can't pronounce then put down the yodels and funnybones...because they most likely are making you sick! Whole foods such as fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, and even organic fresh meats are better than anything in a box...even if it says the words "healthy", "fat free", "natural", "excellent source of..." and shocker "ORGANIC" or "GLUTEN FREE". Just because something is organic doesn't mean that it's not filled with stabilizers, sugar, flour and saturated and trans fat! Organic just means that when they were growing the food that they didn't use pesticides. Keep reading the labels. My friend was a big fan of Newman O's (like oreos) and they recently started putting corn syrup in the cookies instead of natural cane sugar (to me however sugar is sugar) and she wrote them a letter and decided to stop buying them! Gluten free is another thing to watch out for. Many of the products have gels and gums to hold the product together and often disguise the terrible mouthfeel and taste with sugar and saturated fat!

With awareness comes empowerment. You dictate what you will and won't eat so tell your local supermarkets and health food stores what you'd like them to carry! They care! Give brands and ideas! They want your business...they want your money...make them work for it!

Haha...that's my rampage for the day!
Rawkn Yogini~

Day 6 :-)

Hello Everyone,
Today is day 6 of the 21 Day Raw Food Challenge! My group on facebook is doing so well. We have come across a lot of detox symptoms..physical and emotional. But we have eachother and that makes ALL the difference. I don't know what I would do without them...and yet they say that they are so thankful for me :-)
Simultaneoulsy I have been having physical detox such as skin itching, body odor, nose running, and gas
As well as emotion detox such as anger, anxiety, frustration, sadness and fear!

One of my friends on the challenge has experienced a lot of the same symptoms as me. Doing something for yourself is often looked at as selfish but don't we deserve to treat ourselves well? I have always fallen victim to putting myself last on the list. Make my brother lunch when he gets home from school, come home to take care of my family when I should be focusing on school, coming home to spend time with my family instead of spending time with my friends..etc. I made those choices and I definitely don't regret them! I made them because I love my family but I need to learn how to love myself.
Last night I woke up from a nightmare because I was crying in my sleep. I woke up in fear and with anxiety. My dream was about not being satisfied with myself and my decisions!
That just shows me that this challenge is very good for me! No one else in my family is following it and yet...I will not give up because I know this is for me and only me! People have been bulleying me my whole life telling me that something that I've done is not cool, normal or right. It started with 3rd grade, when I was bulleyed for being too quiet and being a geek, it continued in high school when my ex-boyfriend put cinnabon frosting all over my car on New Year's Day and now it is myself, telling myself that I'm not worthy of vibrant life and health!

That is CHANGING!

I have always been different. I have always wished in some ways to be different. Well I have accomplished that. While the rest of the people that I became friendly with are having college celebration parties with drinking and drugs...I am sitting here reflecting on my life, hoping to make a change that will better my physical and emotional health!

Thank you for supporting me
Rawkn Yogini~

Day 5...Really Ready to Thrive

Hi all,
I am so glad that I got over the..."Raw food is so hard...hump"
It's almost too easy. Yummy! Love it!

Busy day today! Scary and emotional day I should say. I am ending my college career after 4 years and now it's time to move back home and figure out what i'm doing with my life!
Today I have exactly one week to clear out my old room (furniture from when I was 5 years old and papers and books from around that time too) and make room for new furniture, my awesome queen sized bed and new decor!! Not to mention I have to pack up all my college stuff from my apartment. The closet will be a killer. I'm trying not to use food as emotional support today. I'm going to honest and real and cry if I need to! I don't always have to be strong, showing weakness can be good right?

I hope you all are having great success today! I will keep in touch!
PS...bowel movements are awesome with raw foods...if you suffer from constipation then eat some!!!

With love,
Rawkn Yogini~~

Day 4 of the 21 Day Raw Food Challenge...Have you picked your own edible wild grasses and weeds? I have!!

Hey there,
I'm sitting here after the most productive morning in a while. Getting dressed, taking a walk with the dogs, taking a bike ride, watering all my plants, picking wild edibles (YES I did), cleaning up the house and making a GREEEN juice!

Oh yeah I said it. I picked weeds (Dandelion) from my lawn and grasses from my backyard and ATE them. I learned how to pick wild edibles by a video on the the raw food world tv show. google it, it is awesome! My energy is soaring from just a couple sips! It just shows me that humans are meant to forage for wild foods to sustain them not buy foods at a grocery store!!! The juice is very strong but I will be getting used to it because i'm looking forward to many more days of picking my own food..so cool!

The challenge is going VERY well! I've had some emotion detox so far. Yesterday I could see as plain as day that I use food as a crutch! It hit me while sitting in the family room. I had eaten hours before and yet I was Not hungry and I felt completely satisfied and yet something felt empty almost as if I wish I were hungry so that I could eat and supress feelings that I was having. Instead of eating I looked within. I asked myself why I was feeling vulnerable.
What I discovered was a little scary but enlightening...
I think I like when things are easy, calm and stagnant though for so many years I fooled myself into thinking I was one that loved adventures and change!
I like being in a rut...doing the same things every day because I feel SAFE. Even the friends I have are the same friends I've had for at least 4 years. I don't put myself out there because I'm afraid of rejection. I need to love myself more and not say...well i'll love myself when ____(fill in the blank). Each day I will not self loath myself or make comments in my head to put myself down. When these thoughts pop up I will replace them with positive ones! I know that I have had many years of abuse. Some say that abuse must be physical but I have grown up with a lot of emotional abuse.
My dad always would try to shield me from the world and from anything new, different or difficult. He would say things like, "It's too dark to drive now", "You can't handle taking that many classes", "That is too extreme, don't try that", "I'll bring you there, you'll get lost", "Don't apply for that job, it's too hard". I formed a lot of anxieties as a child and into adulthood. Fear seemed to paralyze me and guilt would bulley me.
My mom would always encourage me to try strange and wacky things. Even things I felt very uncomfortable doing. I'm sure now you can see the pull of war in my mind and soul. She also was always looking for something better, because to her the present was never good enough. She went on so many quests to find her perfect diet or her perfect body. Determined that by hating the current she would be rewarded with a fantastic future.
I guess you could say I now have a little of both of these views. It isn't always easy to tell myself that it's ok to try new things and not to be afraid of change but also that I am beautiful the way I am and that I don't need to change myself to please myself or others!

I am a success! I am wonderful! I am strong! And....SO are YOU!

Have a great day!
Rawkn yogini~

Day 3 of the 21 Day Raw Food Challenge!

Hi Everyone it's day 3!!!

I can hardly believe it..the days are flying by. Just made a list this morning of how I feel and in just 3 days so many things have improved. Mental clarity, energy, my skin, sleeping really well, I had swelling in my joints that is going down, and I feel...Happy! Such a great feeling!

I invite you all to join the challenge...do yourself a favor and join the group on facebook that way you'll have support and inspiration from people going through the same things as you and offering you suggestions!!! You don't have to pay anything...it's totally 100% free. I am not trying to sell anything or committ you to a cult! I'm trying to be healthy and take you with me so that we can share vibrant health together! Click here to join...

I think i'm in love with Banana Ice Cream...how do I make it?

**I take super ripe (ones with lots of brown spots on them) bananas, you can usually even get them on clearance at the grocery store (cha-ching!)

**Then I peel all of them and cut them into chunks

**I put them into a plastic freezer bag or glass container and put into my freezer!

**Once frozen, usually over night, I put them into the food processor or blender and blend until creamy and smooth!!! I don't add any water, sugar or anything!

The best thing about this ice cream is that you can eat it every single day and feel good about it! Even children and babies can have this and love it!...heck you could give it to your dog!!!

It is that simple....enjoy!!!!

You could top it with sliced strawberries, blackberries, blueberries and even soaked and sprouted nuts and seeds but I like mine plain...it's that good!

Come join the fun...click here

Rawkn Yogini~~

Day 1 of the 21 Day Raw Food Challenge

Dear Challengers!
Don't forget to join the group on facebook so that you can add to discussions and get awesome recipes and tips! Today is day 1 and meal 1!!

I don't feel deprived...I feel relieved.

Raw foods are what my body wants and needs when I truly listen to it! I'm sure you and your body will feel the same.
Take it one meal at a time...and eat as much raw food as you like! Stop dwelling on calories, protein, carbs, and fat. Focus on filling your tummy till you feel satisfied and happy! Raw foods are high in nutrients, water, fiber and energy...which are all the keys to making you feel satisfied! Enjoy each juicy crunchy creamy bite and share your experience with others!

You deserve to look and feel your best.
No one ever said making a change was easy. But with the support of new friends, old friends and family we can all revolutionize food, emotions, love, passion, and our energy levels not just as individuals BUT as a nation!

Thank you for all of your support, loyalty and love...not just today but always.

Rawkn Yogini~
Don't hesitate to e-mail me if you need support...we all do! afk6@unh.edu

21 Day Raw Food Challenge

21 Day Raw Food Challenge begins tomorrow Monday, May 10th 2010!It takes 21 Days to make and break a habit. Why not make some new habits that are healthy and exciting enough to tell your friends about? Especially when you see how amazing, energetic and pain free you will be in less than a month! Who knows maybe you will want to keep this up for a while longer than the challenge!
Let's take this one meal at a time, one day at a time together...Find The Group on Facebook called 21 Day Raw Food challenge!
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=120537161304895&ref=mf

Myself and other raw foodies share some of our recipes, shopping lists, tips for getting started, as well as some of the challenges, cravings, trials and tribulations!

Join today!
Any Questions or need a nutrition mentor...e-mail me at afk6@unh.edu
I believe in the best in you!
Rawkn yogini~~

May 3rd....A new day...goal setting

Hello all,
I'm still here for you. These past couple months have been very challenging mostly emotionally. Coming off a juice feast was one of the hardest things that I have ever endured. Sure you think to yourself, "This chick hasn't been exposed to much!". But the truth is that I guess I never really allowed myself to feel the fear, pain and anxiety of those hard times until the finale of a month of bliss *juice feasting*. During this time...my mind was completely clear and calm, my relationship with food and health was renewed and I felt Very in control. Upon ending my juicing I felt the complete opposite of every euphoric feeling previously mentioned. I felt sad, depressed, an unimaginable appetite, out of control emotionally. I no longer had a motivation to help others on their health striving journeys because I had strayed so far from mine. I struggled to eat raw foods when all I could think about was eating the "wrong thing". Who can live like that.

Well I got sick...really sick. My stomach was bloated, gassy and filled with the indigestion I had prior to eating raw. Cravings for unhealthy foods were coming on me that I didn't even like before at all! I got a cold. Sneezing and coughing and my eyes were watering. I laid in bed thinking about what had led me to this point. It was very clear...you are what you eat...or what you don't eat. You also are your emotional and physical health as well. And even walking or admitting that I had no energy was a chore. I was embarassed. Just a couple months ago I was the beacon of health, love, peace and I looked great.

I'm sick and tired of feeling sorry for myself so I'm starting from square one. I have learned a lot from this humbling experience. You can not take anything for granted.

Here is my plan:
Week one:

Goal 1: Drink 2 glasses of water when I rise in the morning-have next to bed
Goal 2: Take a walk in the morning around the block and back-have socks and shorts laid out near my bed in the morning
Goal 3: Drink 2 glasses of green juice everyday-make sure I have all my veggies cut up the night before
Goal 4: Talk to someone I love on the phone once a day when I get home-have my cell phone charged and ready to go
Goal 5: Make an effort to look my best everyday- shower and put on makeup


I hope you won't give up on me because I won't give up on me or you!!
Rawkn Yogini~

What are your goals?? Make them acheivable. And remember it's easier to add something in then take it away. Notice I didn't say..."stop eating almond butter"

Day 4!

Spectacular Day!

Jumped out of bed early this morning with tons of energy! Where did that come from?! Class at 8am! Alert and excited for my day! I stepped outside and knew that it would be a good day. It was already warm and the sun was shining. I decided that today I would take yoga! Such an amazing relaxing and yet energizing class. Took a walk in the sunshine! I practically skipped down the street fueled by the light and energy of the sun! Went home to make a juice and worked on some hw and then took a weekly pottery class with my mom! My work was a disasterpiece! It was my first time on the pottery wheel and let me tell you it's not as fun and romantic and EASY as it seems in the movie Ghost!

LOL...anyway I have a big day ahead of me tomorrow so I should go get some shut eye...I will sleep well tonight!
Rawkn Yogini~

PS...I'm feeling juicier than ever ;-)

Juice Day 2...Again?

Hello Y'all,
Juice Fast number 2...and it's day 2. Forgot how amazing I feel on Juice...so much energy!! It is 9pm and I just broke out into a spontaneous dance party and advanced yoga posture series in my living room!! So much fun! My mind is very clear and my eyes are already sparkling! My mom joined my juice fasting party today so today is day 1 for her. One of my friends is joining me on Tuesday! But the point that I want to make with the juice is that you are not thinking about food or juice while you are juicing...it's like you have to say...hey "I think I should make a juice, my energy levels are dropping". You will have the energy to wash your car, clean your house, go to school, do hw, go to work, do yoga or sports on juice!
I will keep you posted on my progress. My goal is 30+ days on juice this time! Pictures to follow...are you anxious?

Spring is coming...it was 55 degrees today (haha it felt like a heat wave)...my outdoor pool will be opening before I know it and I'm anxious to slip into that bikini and get a much needed tan!!!!

Also I will provide juice and raw food recipes as requested! Soon to come are....spiralized zucchini noodles with alfredo sauce that even a hungry MAN will enjoy and be satisfied with. I personally love this recipe!
Plus I have some tips to come for eating raw food or juicing on the road or when you take a vacation!
Stay tuned!
Rawkn Yogini~

Just Do IT!

Wow,
I have so many things to do this week! Are there enough moments, seconds, minutes, hours to get it all done? Tomorrow I have an action packed day. First I'm taking a meditation class at the crack of dawn at 6:00am. I need it!! Then exam on campus. Then yoga around 9am. Class 11am till 6:30 pm. I really don't like sitting in class all day! But I'm going to take a long walk during my lunch break!!! The weather is getting warmer and I can use all the Vit D I can get!!!

I'm studying and reading for class right now but I thought I'd give you an update on my past weekend adventures!

Thursday was a crazy rain storm!! I had class alllll Day like I do tomorrow! The streets were flooded and I came home soaking wet! The rain and wind were so strong that it sounded like a hurricane; I thought the roof to my apartment was going to blow off. I lit some candles as the lights started to flicker and sure enough. Bye Bye Power! Two cold nights in an apartment with no electricity and running water=seek refuge. That's what my family did. We packed up a car with fruit, veggies, kale chips and trail mix and took our 2 dogs and family 6 hours towards my Aunt's house in NY. Thank goodness for hot showers and warm beds!!!

Now...I'm back to my apartment now that power has been restored. Now it's time to get my butt into gear. Just 2 weeks till Spring Break which is Amazing. 2 more weeks of school work and I will have a week of freedom!

What are you doing for Spring Break?!
Rawkn Yogini~

This Just Feels Right!

Hello again,
I thought I'd share with you some fabulous insight that hit me today! Why do I love raw foods and juices? For the same reasons I love yoga and dancing and spending time with friends or family; they make me feel oneness with the world. Since I started with the raw foods and juices I have let myself be sad, lonely and vulnerable and I have allowed myself to truly find out who I am and what it is that I need to be happy. With life we are faced with tremendous stress both physical and emotional, some are positive and some negative! Your car breaks down (why me?) You have 3 projects due the same day (why me?) your friend stops talking to you (why me?) You make a fabulous new friend (oh wow!) You hear your favorite song on the radio (lalala) The sun comes out while you are walking and warms your face (ahhh). As you can see we are all faced with challenges but remember we are positive powerful souls with so many wonderful blessings but yet we "choose" to dwell on the negative.
Let's try for one day to see everything for what it is and let it go. Don't hold on to negative thoughts. Acknowledge all thoughts and situations and let them go. You may however hold someone you love a little tighter or sip your favorite juice a little slower or turn up the volume of your favorite song a little louder or smile a little brighter knowing that one positive person can change the world!
For one day...let's all be more aware!


With Peace and Awareness,
Rawkn Yogini~

My next Raw Adventure

Crazy week!

Well I have much to share with all of you. I was called for an interview at a raw food restaurant in Newburyport, MA. I was very excited and when I got there with my shiny beautiful resume the manager said that it was the nicest resume he had ever seen. He immediately offered me to come in during the week to train and learn more about the job. I was extrememly excited! He told me to wear the "uniform" which was all black. I got very into this.. wearing a skirt with leggings and a cute top with boots! I looked adorable and felt on top of the world. I would be working at a raw food restaurant and sharing with others my passion, love and enthusiasm for raw foods. Dun Dun Duh....
When I got to the restaurant, the manager directed me to where I should put my jacket and purse downstairs where all of the other employees keep there things. We walked back up to the restaurant-me now wearing a black apron around my waist and feeling very "official". The mananger sits me down and tells me that I am "st-ah-ging". HUH?!
It was a "tryout" to see how I would do working there! I didn't have the JOB!? NOPE!
3 other girls came in to drop off resumes while I was there. What ever happened to going for an interview and getting a job?!
Anyway I was there for other 3 hours and NO Customers walked through those restaurant doors. That alone should have been an indication that this just wasn't right for me. I felt used! I didn't get paid and I wasn't offered anything to eat. All the dishes were prepared with gluten, soy, miso and nuts. Not allergen free that's for sure. They wanted me to come back another day because no one came in to the restuarant-I wasn't thrilled!

The very next morning I got a call from a Health food store that I had put in an application to over a month ago. They had already found someone for the job that I was applying to a month ago but the owner said that she was very interested in having me work there so she had asked if she could call me if any job opening came up. I was disappointed and didn't really expect to get a phone call in the next lifetime. Hearing the owners voice on the line, the day after such a disappointing day really lifted my spirits. It felt good to know that someone out there was thinking of me!!
Yesterday I went in for an interview...and fingers crossed they will call me in the next couple days.
This whole thing got me thinking. G-d is the only one that knows the story of our lives and he must have a very crazy sense of humor and imagination to create such a roundabout path for us. I now am feeling the good vibes of this next adventure!

All my internship applicaitions are sent out and in April I will know what next year will be like!..

Remember to follow your heart...and even when things seem terrible, it may be a lesson and an indication that fabulous things are in your future~~

Much Love and Faith <3
Rawkn Yogini~

Back at School and Missing the Juice

Hello all,

I can't believe I did a 30 day juice feast! I also can't believe how long ago that was! Boy do I miss it! Now I'm back at college and my apartment finishing up my LAST SEMESTER of classes! I'm almost done with school. So many cool things have happened in the past month. I went to see Daniel Vitalis and heard him give a fantastic lecture on medicinal herbs and plants, how to forage and find your own food and why everyone should get their own spring water!!!
Guess what...I did it! I found two springs in NH. One in New Boston which was quite the adventure to find since New Boston is a very small rural town and I also found one in Exeter which I now go to every week. Now I only drink Spring water! Did you know that all tap water or water that is sold must be chlorinated to kill bacteria. We are drinking a swimming pool!!!!! AHHHH!
I'm totally loving this water!! Go get some...it's free!

Well time for me to go back to class...more to come later
Rawkn Yogini~

Juice FEAST Day 29 and Huge CHANGES

Hey there everyone!
I bet you were thinking that I had given up this juice feasting quest! Not even close! Still juicing strong! My days are action packed and I hardly have time to sit for 5 minutes to write a post or catch my breath. I have been working on a lot of projects around the house with my mom. Painting our bathroom, cleaning and redecorating our living room, buying a suit for my brother's semi formal dance, colon hydrotherapy sessions, cleaning the basement, cleaning my room, taking a trip to NY! :-) So many blessings! This past Wednesday I journeyed with my mom down to NY to pick up my Grammie. She had been in the hospital like I had told you about a month ago and she was released after finding out that she suffers from a very common yet serious disease called diverticulitis. Basically it is a disease where you are plagued with herniations along your colon wall that cause pain and bleeding when irritated or inflamed. She was staying with my Aunt Beth who worked during the day and therefore wasn't able to monitor my Grammie's diet. Also, the holidays became very difficult for her when she was "tempted" into eating heavy meals such as lasgna, beef roast, candies and cookies, and even chinese food! By the time we came to get her she was violently ill. She was throwing up and told us that she felt as though she was dying. We didn't know what to do. "Should we bring her to the hospital?" we thought. We decided to monitor her for a few hours instead of taking her back to the hospital and...By the end of the night she was thankfully feeling better and we were able to take the 5 hour car ride back home. We decided that we would put her on a transitional diet with only whole foods and raw foods. NO wheat, dairy or refined sugar! So far she has been on this diet for about 5 days and she already looks and feels better!
ME?!
I feel incredible, my skin looks radiant and I feel light and airy. I feel so spiritual almost like I'm in a perpetual mediation. Pictures to come!!
On Friday, we brought my Grammie for a haircut and shopping for new clothes because on Saturday, mom and I gave a PROFOUND presentation during a monthly living and raw food class that we go to on JUICING and juice feasting. We made a delicious "GREEN LEMONADE" and explained how amazing our experiences have been. Everyone was blown away. They couldn't believe how amazingly different the two of us looked and sounded. The teacher of the class and his son are actually starting today on a juice feast of their own because of our our presentation and encouragement. We aso explained how we cook and prepare food daily for the rest of our family without tasting a thing! Here is the yummy recipe that we shared during our presentation!
Green Lemonade Recipe
1 large handful of spinach
1 lemon, peeled
1 knob of ginger (1 TBL)
1-2 small apples
1 Romaine heart

Juice, serve and enjoy!

Today is day 29 and I am very sad to be coming to the finish line. This may sound crazy but I am toying with the idea of continuing this feast. I want to take each day at a time but I do not want to give up this freedom and detox that I have been having!

With love <3>
Rawkn Yogini~