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So excited that the Raw Mom Cooked Dad program is starting tomorrow!!  It's still free to sign up!  Please join me!

Enjoying a wonderful fall day.  Packing, packing, cleaning, more packing...I'm sure you get the picture. LOL

Today I am thankful for dear friends who take time away from their family to help us more some big stuff today!

What are you thankful for today?

Hugs
Doll

Moving and releasing...

 Also posted HERE

I apologize for my absence this week.  Not totally unavoidable.  My head has been somewhere else.

We're in the process of moving AND downsizing!!  We're going from a 3 bedroom with 2 dens to a small 2 bedroom apartment with a sun-room.  We're saying good-bye to the pool, the garden and the yard and saying hello to a lower rent, lower utility cost, up-keep-free home with a smaller footprint.

Now, moving for me is not new.  I've rarely gone more that 3 years in one place.  Some moves have been out of necessity.  Others, out of desire.  This one is both.

As Nick takes things to the curb along with his *Free sign, I'm feeling sad.  A number of things we've stored over the last 3 years have been our Christmas items!  Since they've been in the basement they are now filled with mold and mildew.  That's one of my major allergies and something I cannot tolerate.  So, those items are going to the trash bin.  No one should ever deal with these things.  Once covered in mold and mildew they become somewhat toxic and I just don't feel right in sharing them with others!

So, in saying good-bye I'm releasing.  Much of the release comes in the form of stuff but also as emotion.  Some sad tears and joyful ones are being shed today and I'm sure over the next week there will be more.

Have you ever felt like this?  I don't often get fully attached to my home or my stuff but for some reason this move is harder for me.

Don't get me wrong, the new apartment is awesome.  Cute, small, bright and in a small area that is surrounded by a "summer" community.  Being on an in-land lake brings in vacationers, cottagers, campers et al.  I love it!  As with the pool I am totally drawn to the water!  It calls to me.  Whether I'm in it, on it or just looking dreamily at it, I am there.

I know this post has nothing to do with my weight loss journey but since I am releasing in other areas of my life I thought I'd share some of what's going on with me.

We're heading into Thanksgiving Weekend and I am filled with such gratefulness for the abundance in my life!  I have family, friends, work, fresh food and water and a great place to live.  Definitely a time to clear the clutter, inside and out, so that I can focus on giving back!

Happy Thanksgiving to all my Canadian family and friends!

Hugs
Doll

Sunday's thoughts

I'm taking today as a quiet and relaxing time for me.  With all the hustle and bustle of packing and getting ready to move I really just need moments to sit with my feet up.

I am definitely over-whelmed AND my desire for bread and bread products is getting stronger.

I have these questions go through my head...will one warm biscuit really hurt me?  How about just 1 piece of pizza?

Ummmmm...well of course I KNOW the right answer to those questions but am I going to listen to the answer???

This journey of mine seems to come in fits and spurts.

Raw food, vegetarian, low calorie, gluten free, dairy free, healthy fats, lots of protein etc.  I'm sure you know what I mean.

So, what is it that I really need??

A great euphonious in every box

Any one have a good answer?

Let me know your thoughts.

Enjoy the day!

hugs
Doll

Raw Mom Cooked Dad!

Join me for this great series of interviews!

Check out my new blog here:  Raw Food in Ottawa

Still here and Gluten Free

 (Posted earlier today on my new  BLOG)

Yes, I'm still here.  Since our decision to move, confirmed by putting a deposit down for the rent, my life has been somewhat of a whirl-wind of activity.  Adding cleaning and packing to my list of daily to dos seems to have stretched me just a wee bit!

First, I am now 30 DAYS GLUTEN FREE!  That's the longest I've gone without breads etc.  I'm really proud of this accomplishment and am moving forward to the next 30 days!!

One of the things I've found helpful is to plan, plan, plan!  I'm the kind of person who needs options.  When my body is yelling at me to have some bread my brain needs to click in and reach for the rice crackers!  Having those in the house has saved my gluten free goal on more than one occasion.

I'll break down the scenario for you:
1.  I'm tired (and cranky)
2.  Body says:  get me some bread
3.  Brain takes over
4.  Rice cakes, rice crackers, rice torillas come to the rescue
5.  Still tired but feel good about my choices

Scenario #2

1.  I'm upset and/or hurt
2.  Body says:  get me a bagel
3.  Brain takes over (now becoming habit)
4.  Rice cakes, rice crackers, rice torillas come to the rescue5.  Still a little upset and/or hurt but feeling great about my choices!

Scenario #3

1.  I'm really hungry
2.  Body says:  get me a sweet, rich, chocolately brownie!
3.  .....  Get the picture??

The last 30 days have certainly taught me that

• I can do this
• I am in control
• Consistency pays off in big ways!

Are you consistent in some areas of your life?  Does that work for you?  I'd love to hear your story.

Have a great day!

Consistently gluten free,
Doll

Sunday's Video Blog

Go here to see the new video post: 

http://www.livingfoodsottawa.com/blog

Hugs to all
Doll

Weekly Video Blog #3

Here's week 3 coming to you! :)


  Enjoy your week and your own journey on whatever path you are taking!

Hugs
Doll

Today's Post

My current blog post on Raw Food in Ottawa.

Hope your week has been wonderful so far!

Hugs
Doll

Weekly Video Blog #2

I made a big error in the video...oh no! My actual weight today is 245.8!!! Ok...so now it's in print. I've told the whole world. There are times in my life when being brutally honest is necessary. This is one of those moments. I'll post my measurements tomorrow.

Stacey, over at the Green Smoothie Blog, and I have been blender buddies for quite some time now. We're keeping tabs on each other and holding each other accountable to the process! Thanks Stacey!

Thanks for watching and reading. Please leave your comments. I'd love to hear from you.

Sending love to all!

Doll

Saturday's fun!

http://www.livingfoodsottawa.com/blog Follow me here :)

Friday Fun!

Here' you go: http://www.livingfoodsottawa.com/blog/

hugs to all!

A move and a change

Slowly I'm gong to be moving my blog to my new website's blog. Go here: Raw Food in Ottawa to see today's post!

Change for me sometimes happens very quickly...other times turtle slow. This move feels good. Let me know your thoughts.

hugs
Doll

Wonderful Wednesday!

....and it is!!

It's warm, windy and wonderful!

I've decided that I'll do a video on Tuesdays, to keep it new and fresh.

Progress with this kind of a lifestyle change may be slow from time to time and that's something I need to accept. Weight will melt away, inches will decrease all the while my staying power will increase.

Ok...so I need that statement in the present tense!

Weight is melting away; inches are decreasing all the while my staying power is increasing.

There, much much better! I need to see all of this as happening NOW not in some far off future!

One of the many steps I'm taking is in retreading old recipes and making them tasty, fun and raw!

This is what my raw-nola looked like when it was finished dehydrating. So yummy!!

I've always enjoyed morning cereal and have been searching for just
the right combo that would work for me and my feisty taste buds.

This along with some fresh almond milk did the trick.

If you want the recipe leave a comment on the blog and I'll send it along to you.

Wonderful Wednesday? Around me today the green garden, brilliant morning glories, and sparkling pool all put me in that wonderful space in my head!

How about you? What makes today wonderful for you?

Til tomorrow,
Doll

Day 1 - my Video Blog experiment

This is my very first video Blog. Not sure how I feel about putting myself out there like this.

The goal? To keep me accountable! This is so important! Knowing that I'm doing this each day and being totally open and honest about the process means I have to follow the plan that's before me.

So, the plan:

1. Follow a healthy eating pattern (types of food, when I eat, how I eat) Tera, my dear friend at The Raw Divas is going to keep me on task and authentic! I'll be buddy-ing up with Stacey during the 21 Day Green Smoothie Detox.

2. Get physical! With Jenn's help I know that I can become the active person that lives deep inside. (Jenn is a trainer at FLEX, at the Brookstreet Hotel in Kanata. She's a real sweetheart and will keep me on track!)

That's the plan in it's simplest form. I'll break it down more as we go along. Let me know your thoughts on the video.

Til tomorrow.

Hugs, light and love,

Doll

Look what's coming.........

Keeping peace on the plate...

Mom, Katie and Brad, Nick

The Happy Couple, Payson girls and Mom

It's Monday!!

Been working today and getting The Raw Divas Facebook Fan Page active. You can see that I've added the button to my side bar.

Do you ever wish you could add a side bar to your life?

How about a side bar for....

1. See how I'm doing today?

2. What's my energy level?

3. Am I available for your Wedding?

4. Am I really connecting with my life?


The buttons, pictures and fun could go on and on...unlimited possibilities.

Guess it's like the endless voice mail loop. Press 1 for, press 2 for...etc.

What do you think?

What would you put on your side bar?

Have a great one!

Hugs
Doll

The happy couple

Today is Katie and Brad's special day!! There's been lots of planning and love gone in to their wedding and I wish them much love, joy and happiness.

Pictures to come soon!!

Hugs and love to you both!

A special dinner

From time to time when I put dinner on the table Nick immediately grabs for the camera to get a picture. How our food is presented can definitely make a difference in the ambiance of dinner. This was our dinner earlier in the week.

There's nothing special about this meal other than the fact that it looked great!

A bed of fresh greens topped with a fresh tabouli salad. I had to improvise. I had a half a cucumber, (the other half froze in the fridge!), a couple of small pieces of tomato (I'm cleaning out the fridge), and a couple of spoonfuls of corn relish. Fresh mint and parsley from the garden was quickly chopped and mixed in along with the juice of 1 lemon. Voila...dinner is served.

Simple, quick and tasty.

Do you improvise with your recipes? I would love to hear from you.

From my garden

This picture doesn't do justice to the intensity of the colours. They are beautiful! (and tasty)

A page from my journal....

July 27th 3:45 pm

I've been reading Eat, Pray, Love by Melissa Gilbert. (been a very long time since I've read a novel of any kind) (I'm committed to finishing this book before the movie is released)

Check out the book club video HERE





In the first 3rd of the book she shares of her journey to Italy where she learns the language and enjoys the food.

I'm beginning to see that in many ways that's where I've been for the last couple of years. ( not physically but figuratively) Not just eating for the sake of eating but really enjoying every morsel. I love food. There's just no possible way around that. The textures, tastes and sensations speak to me.

From meats to pastries and everything in between, I am continuously drawn. Doesn't matter that I've been on a mission to lose weight or to clean up my food choices. Doesn't matter that I know the calories are high or that the salt is too much. It just continues.

Well, I think and feel like I've reached the turning point. As I finish reading the chapter "Eat" I now find myself thinking that it's time for the "Pray" part of my life to take over.

I'm at a crossroads. There is the possibility for some major changes in my life and I am determined to enter this next phase with the intention to pray.

No longer do I wish to eat myself through each day and night. The anger and frustration will come to me as is a normal part of life and growth, but, bread, chocolate and ice-cream will be part of a "normal" diet and put on the shelf as if precious and cared for--to be used for sustenance and nutrition.

Make sense? I really don't know what the world will bring to me but I do know that prayer and meditation will see me through.

PS
Boy that was a long post for me. Thanks for hanging in to the end.

I would love to hear what you do in your life when you find a bump in the road or things aren't quite what you dreamt them to be. Comments? Suggestions?

Day of Rest

Saturdays are my days of rest. As a church musician Sundays tend to be filled, busy and wonderful. Today I've spent time in the pool and have planned my menus for the day. It's going to be hot and sticky so perhaps a walk through a mall would be good. Some place cool and where I can breathe easily.

I have yet to release the weight that I want to but there is nothing stopping me except for myself. Once again I need to get out of my own way!!

Hoping all have a joyed filled day rich in family, friends and blessings!

Hugs
Doll

Blessings today:

1. family
2. home
3. friends


cross posted from http://wintention.ning.com/profiles/blogs/a-day-of-rest

Do you believe?

Check it out and let me know what you think!

hugs
Doll

A bear in Stittsville

What a nice surprise tonight. This was taken about 2 miles away from home. (on the other side of the freeway!) Just never know where delights are going to come from.

hugs

April fun

Life gets crazy busy for me this time of year.

Tomorrow evening is our spring time concert featuring the Goulbourn Jubilee Singers and the JJ's! Songs about home are both touching and wonderful.

No stress...ha! Performance anxiety runs high.

Food? Let's not talk about it, OK?

I'll check back in later.

Til again,
Doll

Indulge....

I'm really excited about Angelina's new recipe book! I've tried a couple of them. Absolutely wonderful!

Introducing: The Decadent Gourmet

Let me know what you think. What is your favorite recipe?

til later,
Doll

Back yard in spring!

The sun is setting creating a beautiful colour in the sky! This is how my day ended. Calm and serene!
I'm looking forward to a week continuing in this way...with me at peace with all that surrounds me.

til again,
Doll

New and exciting

Image by Thai Jasmine via Flickr

I'm really excited!! I've set up my very first Green Smoothie Workshop! (outside of my group of friends) AND created a new website for myself. This is definitely a work in progress. Not sure how far I'll take it or how many re-creating moments it will go through but at least I've started.

I keep talking about how I want to coach people and help them transition to a healthy lifestyle but talking about it ain't going to get it done sister!! Working with The Raw Divas has given me such confidence and joy for life! Thanks muchly Tera!
So, I've started.

Keeping my fingers crossed won't get the work done but I know how to do the work. I acknowledge my life and successes...this is one of them! Off to enjoy a late night salad! Greens, here I come!


Enjoy your week everyone!

Check out my new site here: http://livingfoodsottawa.com

Let me know what you think.

til again,
Doll

My WISH...

is for you to join me! This is absolutely incredible.

Sign up for FREE this week.

I'm already planning out my weeks so that I can listen to everyone!

Hugs
Doll

Re-boot

Image by london via Flickr

Ok...here it is Tuesday and I've re-booted my week. Monday never happened. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it!

The church family musical that we've just started production of is the story of Jonah. We're calling the God of Second Chances!

Well that's what I like about my life. There is always a second chance...over and over and over again.

I made some commitments to myself that have just not happened. I've been doing a pretty good job of beating myself up however. Is there a gold medal for that? I'd be sure to win that competition, hands down!

Enough already! My Olympic challenge is no complaints! Doing pretty well with that although I think my challenge should have been no negative self talk. What do you think?

My meals are planned for today as well as my exercise. Now, if I could just get rid of this migraine!

More tomorrow about second chances. Have a great one dear friends!

Til again,
Doll

It's Friday!!

and not the end of my week!

Not sure there is an end to my week this time around.

I'm happy to be busy on Saturday playing the piano for a terrific community choir. We're having an annual winter retreat day. Time filled with singing, laughing and learning.

This evening I'm treating myself to time with a dear friend. Pool and sauna here we come!

Sunday? Church, meetings and more...

My days are full. I am learning to embrace the richness of each and everyone. I have purposely filled my google calendar so that I can see where my time is going. I need to face this busyness with strength and joy. I no longer look at my full day and panic. I am facing what I fear. I am confronting what stirs my anxiety.

This works for me..well at least during this testing stage. Once more: my life, my decision!

My food is nutritious and balanced. I will move my body in the pool and get my heart rate poppin'. I'll spend time with a friend and catch up on some much needed girl time.

Sounds great doesn't it!!

Have an absolutely amazing weekend everyone!

til again,
Doll

My Journey Continues

Image via Wikipedia

For those of you who have been following my blog for a while, the next few weeks may seem like a bit of a departure from what I normally write. I'm digging deeper into what makes me, me. I'm looking into the heart and mind of what makes me tick. As my weight loss journey continues I realize that I need to understand more of the reasons I eat what I eat and when. Emotions come into play in a very big way with me. I've always known this but have tried to skirt around the situation. Regardless of what food pyramid I use or whose specific plan, none will work until I gain control of my emotions and thoughts.




This morning I'm looking at what I hear inside of my head. Am I really listening? I am a Christian believer and believe that God has a purpose for my life. (it's not my intent here to "preach" but to share some of my thoughts..your belief in a higher power may most likely be much different that my own or you may have no specific beliefs at all)

When I am called to "go" or "do", do I respond? I guess that's the real depth here. When I feel my passion, when I have the constant prattle in my head, do I respond?

I do believe that each of us have desires and passions to be our best self. I know there are times I just do not listen; I do not respond.

For today - this day, my intention, my purpose, my passion is to listen and to feel.

My light is shining. Right now the path is clear. I will go. I will...


**** the food pyramid above does not totally reflect my current food plan LOL I am enjoying about 75% raw foods (greens, fruits etc.) AND am wheat and dairy free for Lent

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Searching for a Sign

Image by jcarlosn via Flickr

From "The Sign of Jonah" *

"I am searching for a sign that there is light and life and love at the end of this tunnel".

As I search for light in all it's forms I release those negative parts of me that hold me back. That's mostly me. It's my attitude, self-centred, unlovely, self. These all create shadow around who I really am. They dampen my joy and hold me back from achieving; from sharing. Can others truly see my light? How brightly does my inner star shine?

Over the next 40 days, in my spiritual practice, I intend to pull up the shades and awaken to the beautiful, loving and caring person I know I can be.

Do you have things that hold you back? What's covering up your light?

* taken from The Sign of Jonah by Peter Mead. Creative Communications for the Parish www.creativecommunications.com

WISH is coming!!!

Tuesday is over....

Image via Wikipedia

and I've kicked it into gear! Boy oh boy! Time for me to fess up. My physical activity has been next to nothing. This week I made a commitment to do some cardio every single day and this time I'm following through!!!!

Monday I went to the pool. Did 20 laps! Go me. Saturday was 16 so I increased a bit.

Today I got up a bit earlier and spent some time on the exercise bike. This evening I did 5 min on the mini tramp. Good for me eh?

My day started with a green smoothie. (bananas, romaine, strawberries and celery) Good for me! Good for anyone.

Whew! It's been a busy one and I'm ready to find my pillow.

Hump day tomorrow. I wonder what surprises are in store.

til again,
Doll

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It's Monday!

Image via Wikipedia

...and I'm running out the door. I have a few errands to run then into the pool I go! Gotta love a good soak.

On this Diva's grocery list:

lots and lots of greens
cucumbers
zucs
carrots

bananas
grapes

and maybe something exotic! LOL

til again,
Doll

Life is good! I'm on my way to becoming who I am. What about you?

Knock, Knock....

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

it's spring! Oops! Just kidding. We had a full day of rain yesterday but then woke today to see this white fluffy stuff again. LOL I knew it wouldn't last but just the thoughts of warmer temperatures stirred my heart.

Yesterday I got back up on that horse (figuratively) and started back to a fitness routine I had a couple of years ago. Go me! I let it go way too long. When I realized that I was only getting in 1500-2000 steps each day I realized why the heck I wasn't losing weight! My goal this week is to reach 3000 each day with a slow build to 10,000. I know I can do this. As my weight continues to creep up I'm feeling like I need to take back control.


Remember I said earlier that my focus this year is BALANCE? Well that means in my physical activity as well. I can no longer sit around and whimp and whine about it.

Join me in finding balance. How do you maintain and sense of stability and an even keel in your life? I would love to hear your thoughts.

Off to enjoy some lunch, do some work and then work out baby!!!

I'm skipping through the snow today. Nothing is going to hold me back. Watch out world, here I come!!

til again
Doll

W.I.S.H. is coming.....

Ask me about it...






March 8, 2010

Guilty free....

Image by eszter via Flickr

You know, giving myself permission to enjoy the luncheon yesterday has totally freed me. So much so that today I felt no obsession or craving for anything. I am balanced and fully in control. Amazing how letting go of the guilt can make such a difference!

I've enjoyed a salad with fresh sprouts, greens, tomatoes and avocado. I had some raw crackers that I enjoyed with some hummus. Definitely enough for me.

I did have a couple of small pieces of dark chocolate and am currently enjoying a decaf. hazelnut/chocolate tea. I added a wee bit of raw honey and it's good to go!! Actually quite tasty.

My day has been full and rich and still have much more to do.
Til later and again,
Doll

One of those days, one of those feelings

Image by DIGISEA via Flickr

Ever had a day inwhich you'd really like some evidence that there is more to this world than the four walls around you? Or, that in the manner of what happens in the next few moments or hours, unless life and death...really isn't life or death in magnitude!

So...totally not on program I thoroughly enjoyed lunch out with a friend where we ate some heavenly Italian food! I did NOT over indulge and we both passed up on dessert. I felt full afterwards but not stuffed.

So does it hurt my detox process? Probably set it back some but in the scheme of my life, this is not tragic, traumatic or life threatening. Now, of course, over the span of a few weeks, months and yes years, this could be quite sad indeed. But to have one lunch like this really is not a big deal.

I enjoyed the company, the ambiance and the food! Life is good. I am getting stronger and better every day. Raw or not, meat or no meat...many calories or few, I am in control of my life. It is my decision.

Today I choose a different path. Tomorrow??? The intention is set for a great and wonderful day! How about you??

Let me know what's on your mind.

Hugs til again,
Doll