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

Moving forward...

Image by Neil via Flickr

Am I happy today? You betcha! down 1/2 pound since yesterday. LOL Ok, so it's not 5 lbs but enough of a change that I'm happy.

Losing weight for me has become an obsession and one that I really need to work on. I haven't been able to figure out when you cross the line between healthy concern for ones weight and what's over the top!

I'd love for someone to walk me through this. I'm not sure whether it's a good thing or something of therapeutic value that I'm working for an online community of great women whose biggest focus is on food. By the way, I LOVE MY JOB!!

Many times I think it helps to keep me real and honest. Other times it's more that I'm drawn deeper and deeper into the obsession spiraling downward.

Last winter Tera, www.therawdivas.com, did an entire 90 day "don't obsess about your food" blog post series. I know that this obsession is not unique to me and yet there I times I feel like I'm the elephant in the room with a topic no one wants to talk about.

I don't need a food plan friends, I need a good therapist!! Recommendations? LOL

So, I'm moving away from obsession to balance.

My mantra this year is balance. Balance in ALL things and in ALL areas of my life. Definitely balance in my food is top of the list but I guess what I need is balanced thinking about the food choices I make. Nothing radical here, just me being me.

I want to be a well-rounded individual. (rounded might not be the best choice of words there) I want my focus to be on family, friends, food, exercise, internal joy, music, fiber work and play...! All of these in balance, with me tossing the balls into the air in a set pattern that works for ME! Is this possible? I believe so. Might take some work but it's the kind of work that I'm ready, willing, and able to do.

Here's what I plan to do today to get started:

1. clean my fridge (how can I eat a balanced diet with old yucky stuff in there)

2. get on the mini-tramp! (need to get the lymphatic system working as it should)

3. call some friends and set up some tea time (choose a date)

4. stay connect with my family (calls and email)

5. schedule time for music composition (I have a dead-line!)

Have you created a list for yourself today? If so how does it feel for you??

I'd love to know how you are all doing. Stay in touch, create joy in your life and smile 'cause you never know when someone's watching you!

Hugs and love,
Doll

Day 2

Image via Wikipedia

So far so good. Day 2 is moving along well, just as it should be. Way too much snow though. I had no idea how much had fallen since the night of the 31st! Wow! It all looks so beautiful but not nice to get around in. The roads are slick but so far everyone is driving appropriately.

Ok..enough of the weather. Guess I'm like most Canadians in that I like to chat about the weather.

Actually the weather really does effect how I feel. I try not to let it happen but with little success. When it's cold and dark I tend to want to stay indoors, nest and snuggle. I hunker down.

When it's bright, sunny, even a bit cold, I have more energy and joy.

May be it has some scientific basis...the moon, the air pressure etc.

What ever the cause is I know I AM in control of my OWN life and I make the decisions.

So through whatever weather patterns are coming my way in 2010 I am committed to standing firm. I am happy and am resolved to be my personal best.

Off to enjoy a green smoothie and figure out how much fun I can have playing in the snow!

til again,
Doll

2010

Image by DeusXFlorida via Flickr

A new beginning!

I think it's wonderful that each year we can start over. The truth is that each day is a new beginning. This year my approach is different.

No resolutions or commitments to huge changes in my body. My weight loss journey has taken me up, down and up again. One might think it's frustrating. I will confess that it's easy to see it that way.

This year is about what I can add to my food plan to make it the best for me. This is not about what I can't have or what is not good for my body. My focus is positive. My life is about balance....in all things!

What am I going to do today to make myself the very best I can be?? That's the ongoing affirmation for 2010.

My focus is on see the best in me and by taking the best care I can of this body that I have been blessed

Never saw the sun.....

Nothing but blue skies will I see!

Frank at some of his best...BLUE SKIES

I just couldn't resist!

Or if you prefer Ella...try this one!

Happy New Year!

til again,
Doll

for Hearth and Home

Merry Christmas and All the best for 2010!
Doll and Nick

It's Anniversay Day!!

Image by Beverly & Pack via Flickr

I'll take a break from writing about my raw food journey for today......

This month has just flown by!! I have a much quieter week ahead of me but for today I'm excited to be celebrating our 4th wedding anniversary. We were married at about 7:45 pm AK time, on the 21st. The shortest day of the year. This marks a huge turning point for anyone living in the far north. There is such promise with the return of the light. Where many count the days to Christmas, I count the days til Spring!!

My time in Alaska was wonderful. I enjoyed the long days of summer and the beautiful sight of the Northern Lights! I miss the lights! Even if we could see them here in Ottawa they would not be the same. Gone are the nights when I would stand outside in the bitter cold starring straight up at the night sky watching the curtains of colour dance across the sky. Perhaps another trip is in my future. The Aurora Borealis calls to me.

As for today? I'm off to share a wonderful afternoon and evening with Nick. The pool and movie sounds good. A nice long soak in the hot tub perhaps!

Enjoy your celebrations as this week moves closer to Christmas! I know I will.

Til again,
Doll