More Plant Based Learning

The first day of spring!  Wahoo!  A beautiful, sunny day, and I think there is hope that we managed to get through this crazy winter.  Then again, maybe not so crazy... more like the past 5 years of winters all at the same time, given that the winters over the last several years has been very mild and almost non-existent.  I guess we are just not used to the white stuff and all this cold.  None the less, I am happy to see bits for ground peeking from under the snow and the ice.  The birds are singing first thing in the morning too!  So even with the excitement for the official first day of spring, I am feeling a little drained and very tired. 

I spent 12 hours in front of my computer (not straight, but 12 hours nonetheless) working on skill learning.  I decided to delve into some web site creation using the Google website tools.  It was an arduous learning curve, but I think I am making some headway.  I created a web site for one of my desktop publishing clients (actually, my only client at this time) just to see what I came up with.  The site is still a work in progress, but after 12 hours, it looks not too bad.  No, it is not an elegant or especially awe inspiring, but it does convey all the information my clients' restaurant needs to share on line.  I would love to find other websites made with the Google website software so that I could see what exactly it is capable of.  But for now, Red's Pancakes to Cupcakes can tell the world a little bit about themselves, make their menu available on line, tell the world where they are located, and post announcements for those interested in subscribing to them. 

Last night, I finished playing around on my pet project around 11, made my youngest a huge packed lunch to take with her to her rugby tournament in Oakville, tidied up for the night and went to bed.  Do you think I could sleep?  I flipped and flopped till way past 2 AM (probably all worried that I wouldn't wake up on time).  I tell you 5 AM came way too early... and a grumpy camper I was this morning bumping heads with my not a morning person daughter who needed to be at the school for 5:50 AM to catch the bus to her tournament.  Back to bed for a couple of hours and now I am feeling a whole lot better... that and I started my day with some liquid green with EXTRA leafy greens because I really need them today.  Thank goodness for Liquid Green!




1 English cucumber, 2 apples, 1 celery stalk, kale & spinach

I am half done my green juice and feeling a whole lot better.  Next up, my green tea! 

So the last few days in my conscious effort to incorporate even more plant based foods into my diet I tried a vegan Alfredo Sauce and I have to say WOW! My oldest daughter sent me a link to A Spoonful Of Sisters Blog for this recipe and I have to say I couldn't believe it was so tasty.  Who would have thought that cauliflower and cashews could produce such a creamy sauce.  I served mine over whole wheat spaghetti and added sautéed mushrooms and steamed broccoli. Have I already said WOW?!   It wasn't the prettiest of presentations, but I was SO hungry I had to be super fast.  I will definitely be making this again.

Vegan Alfredo on whole wheat spaghetti... YUM!

 Along with being conscious of what I put in my body, I have been working towards cleaning up our personal items like cosmetics, creams, soaps etcetera.  My most recent discovery was the use of unrefined coconut oil for my hair.  My oldest has been using it in her mane for many months now and so I thought I would give it a whirl... after all, what harm could it do since I actually eat this stuff too! 

I scooped out a hefty tablespoon of the oil, let it warm and partially melt in my hands, and then massaged it into my scalp and hair; I tied it all up with a clip and let it sit for an hour.  You might find that it even makes your hands feel better too. I shampooed, gently toweled my locks and then drip dry styled to let my curls do what they want.  OMG!  I couldn't believe that my hair didn't feel like the usual course hair.  It even stayed soft and touchable for the next few days too.  I read that you should do the treatments every time you plan on laundering your hair for a few months to make sure that the hair is thoroughly moisturized and then one can cut back the treatments to once per week or month, or to whatever schedule works best.  The eco-holic inside me is thrilled and my hair is thrilled... a win/win I would say!  I will let you know how it works out.  This morning is my 3rd treatment this week and I am thinking that this is such an amazing discovery...  and speaking of my coconut oil hair treatment, it's time to wash it out. 

Have a glorious day!