What My Birthday Says About Me

Birth date	12th June
Colour	Mauve, Lilac
Number	3 ,33 ,21
Stone	Topaz – A protection stone and said to exude unconditional love
Flower	Cherry Tree
Pet	Siamese Cat
Career	Humanitarian, Pilot, Sound Engineer
Key Features	Thoughtful, Lucky, Buoyant
Naturaly good at	Cheering people up
Character	You always see your glass as half full rather than half empty. So even though you are quite lucky you count your blessings and believe in the power of positive thought. Other people can get quite irritated with this sunny disposition but it serves you well and you do help those around you change so keep it up.
Life path	Your strong belief in the power of good can have a big impact on those around you. You would make a good motivational speaker or life coach so perhaps think about heading in this direction. You are a tonic to most people so don’t let those touched by grinch fool you.
Love	Sexy and sassy you are usually lucky in love as long as you love yourself. Your adorable and positive and anyone would be happy to be your lover. Avoid cynical people and all should be well. Your birth number numerology is linked to lucky Jupiter so choose a cheerful Sagittarius who also has the spark of Jupiter and all should be well.
Best present	A Ride In A Hot Air Balloon , Sunflowers

5 Tips for Staying Vibrant and True to the Natural You This Summer

1. Purification through water: Drinking water has numerous awesome health benefits to keep us looking and feeling our best. Since a large percentage of our bodies are made up of water, it is no surprise that consuming it will only benefit us. One of the signs of dehydration is dry, wrinkled skin. By consuming enough water we will bring moisture back into our skin, giving us that youthful glow. Other benefits of consuming water include proper organ function, boosted metabolism, aided digestion, and detoxification. It is recommended that we consume at least 8 glasses a day. If you are in a warmer climate or have a workout routine causing you to sweat, consuming more water is highly suggested. I recommend drinking a glass of water first thing in the morning, before consuming anything else. This will help kick start your digestive system and give everything a nice balance. Adding a little lemon to your water will help alkalize the body and detox the organs. Sprinkling a little Himalayan Pink Sea Salt in your H20 will give you a boost of 84 trace minerals and nutrients. The salt will also aid in lubricating your intestines. 
2. Eat your greens: Dark leafy greens are packed with vitamins K, C, E, and B, minerals such as iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and even Omega 3s. Dark greens also contain phytonutrients including beta-carotene that aids in protecting our cells from damage. Protect and restore your skin by eating meals, juices, and smoothies made from dark greens such as Kale, Collard Greens, Spinach, and Swiss Chard. How our skin appears is a direct reflection of what is going on inside your body. Healthy glowing skin is a sign of great nutrition and hydration. 
3. Coconut Oil: Well hello best friend!  Coconut Oil has many uses for our skin and can be used as a makeup remover, a moisturizer, wrinkle cream, a conditioner, shave cream, and a natural deodorant. Since our skin is our largest organ, and absorbs whatever we put on it, I say if it's good enough to eat, it's good enough for our skin. Coconut oil is also Anti Microbial and an Antiseptic which means it has an effect on skin conditions such as acne, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, and other conditions. Coconut oil is nature's way of externally nourishing our skin for a true, vibrant you. I also put a Tbs in my morning smoothie to help lubricate my intestines and speed up my metabolism.
4. Electrolytes: Electrolytes are responsible for regulating our body's hydration, blood pH, blood pressure, and rebuilding muscle tissue. When you hear the word electrolytes you may automatically think of a sports drink, but I am going to offer natural alternatives. Water acts as the primary carrier for electrolytes, by drinking enough water, we are consuming electrolytes. Adding salt and citrus such as oranges, grapefruits, lemons, limes, and tangerines will enhance your electrolyte intake. Coconut water is great source of electrolytes and a convenient post workout drink. Here is a quick natural electrolyte recipe: 
• 1/4 Cup Lemon Juice
• 1/4 Cup Lime Juice
• 1 Teaspoon Himalayan Salt
• 1 Whole Squeezed Orange
• 1 Liter of Water 
5. Exercise: We all know by now the many benefits of exercise. 30 minutes a day helps boost our confidence, lengthen our lives, improves our over all health, allowing for a more vibrant you. It has also been proven that exercise is an effective anti depressant. Find a regimen that works for you. I encourage Yoga, Cardio, and Strength Training. 

Raw Vegan Chocolate Cashew Cheesecake

Ah Summer! The time of social gatherings and food, bbq's, and parties. If I was going to bring something to a party, I would choose a dessert, and not just any dessert, a high-vibe dessert!

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

2 Cups Raw Almonds

1/2 Cup Dates

1/8 Tsp Fine Sea Salt

Super Yummy Filling:

3 Cups Raw Cashews (Soaked 6-8 hrs)

1/2 Cup Raw Cacao Powder

3/4 Cup Melted Coconut Oil

1 Tbs Vanilla Extract

1/4 Tsp Fine Sea Salt

1/2 Cup Pure Maple Syrup

1/2 Tbs Cinnamon

1/2 Cup Almond Milk

Dash Cayenne (because I can) 

Directions:

Prepare the crust by putting almonds and dates in a food processor. (I used the dry blade on the vitamix and made it in two batches for ease) Process until well combined. Line the bottom of an 8-inch spring form pan with plastic wrap or parchment paper. (Using coconut oil will work as well, and a pie dish will make do) Press crust evenly on to pan, and place in freezer to set while you prepare your filling.

Place remaining ingredients in a high powered processor or blender. Blend until smooth. Pour filling into set crust and place back in the freezer over night to let it all set up. Remove from from freezer 1 hour prior to serving. The coconut oil is what keeps this cake firm so it should always be kept cool. Since soaked nuts are good for about one week, the cake should keep in the fridge for the same amount of time. Otherwise keep in freezer. Top with your favorite fruit or nothing at all. Enjoy this delicate chocolate, vibrant cheesecake! 

Vibrant and True to the Natural You!

Spaghetti Squash with Sunflower Seed Alfredo

Creamy Caper Sunflower Seed Sauce Over Spaghetti Squash

I haven't had an Alfredo sauce since I went vegan over one year ago. Today I decided it was time. Since I was experimenting with sunflower seeds, and discovered how amazingly creamy they become, I knew I could create a palate pleaser. Spaghetti Squash is a great alternative for pasta, leaves me feeling lighter than if I had eating a heavy grain or rice. This dish was an all around winner, and will make a comeback soon.

1 Medium Spaghetti Squash

1 Cup Chopped Tomatoes

1 Cup Chopped Asparagus

1 Clove Garlic Minced

3 Tbs Olive Oil

1. Cut squash lengthwise and remove seeds. Steam for 20 minutes until flesh pulls apart with fork.
2. Lightly saute tomatoes and asparagus in olive oil and garlic.

Caper Alfredo Sauce

1 Cup Soaked Raw Sunflower Seeds (Soaked 6 hours and drained)

1 Tbs Nutritional Yeast

1 Tbs Apple Cider Vinegar

1 Tbs Lemon Juice

1/2 Tsp Salt

1/2 Tsp Pepper

1/2 Cup Water

1 Tbs Olive Oil

1 Clove Garlic Minced

1 Tbs Capers

1 Tbs Italian Seasoning

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth. 
2. Toss with Spaghetti Squash.

Spinach Florentine Stuffed Phyllo Dough

Cheesy Stuffed Phyllo Dough

Today I felt inspired to create a florentine phyllo dough pastry. This was my second time working with phyllo dough and I say it takes practice. Half of my package got destroyed, but this is a learning experience for me. You could make do with tortilla shells or even trying a croissant if you desire. I enjoy the light crispiness of the phyllo, and need my practice. You can find it in the freezer section by the pie crust usually. The cheese substitute I used is sunflower based, and after being trapped and simmered in the dough, tasted just like cream cheese. I impressed myself and now have the idea to make jalapeno poppers in the near future.You can't see it, but trapped behind all that delicious spinach is creamy cheese, tomatoes, asparagus, mushrooms, and capers. Can you say, "Yes Please!"

4 Phyllo Dough Wrappers (If you find this too thin, may use 8 and double them up)

2 Cups Thawed Frozen Spinach (Drained)

1 Cup Chopped Tomato

1 Cup Chopped Mushrooms (Any Variety)

1 Cup Chopped Asparagus

1/2 Cup Capers

Olive Oil for Basting Dough

1. Fold Phyllo in half and lay on a dry flat surface.
2. Bast with a small amount of olive oil.
3. Assemble 1/4 of the ingredients including cheese sauce.
4. Wrap like burrito.
5. Baste outside with olive oil, flipping over to cover entire pastry. 
6. Preheat oven to 350 and bake for 20-30 minutes, until dough is flaky. Flip over half way through. (Handle with a spatula, this dough is fragile.)

Sunflower Seed "Cheese"

1 Cup Soaked Raw Sunflower Seeds (Soaked 6 hours and drained)

1/2 Cup Filtered Water

1 Tbs Apple Cider Vinegar

1 Tbs Lemon Juice

1 Clove Garlic

1/2 Tsp Sea Salt

1 Tbs Nutritional Yeast

Blend all ingredients together and portion inside phyllo dough with remaining ingredients.

Getting Enough Iron on a Plant Based Diet

It may be easier to for the body to absorb Iron from animal products but that doesn't mean that you will be deficient. By eating a varied plant-based diet, you should get the necessary amount of Iron needed.

Here are some Iron rich foods:

• Legumes: lentils, soybeans, tofu, tempeh, lima beans
• Grains: quinoa, fortified cereals, brown rice, oatmeal
• Nuts and Seeds: pumpkin, squash, pistachio, sunflower, cashews, unhulled sesame
• Vegetables: spinach, collard greens, swiss chard, kale, broccoli, tomatoes
• Miscellaneous: prunes, raisins, nutritional yeast, blackstrap molasses, spirulina

Easy Veggie Fajitas and Rice

Quick and Easy veggie Fajitas and Rice

Serves 4
Fajitas:
2 Red Peppers Sliced
1 Onion Sliced
1 Pkg Mushrooms sliced 
1 Bunch asparagus chopped
2 Tbs minced Garlic
4 Tbs Coco oil
8 Tortilla shells

Saute all veggies in coco oil until slightly soft. Season with salt and pepper. Warm up tortilla shells. For a little extra protein add refried beans or black beans. You can ever use a vegan nacho cheese, which I was slacking and didn't make today.

Rice:
1 Cup Brown Rice
1 3/4 Cup Veg Broth or Water
1/2 Cup Canned Crushed Tomatoes
1 Small Onion Chopped
1 Can Corn
1 Tsp Cumin
1/4 Tsp Cayenne
2 Tbs Minced Garlic
2 Tbs Coco Oil
Salt and Pepper to taste

Bring broth to boil. Stir in rice, cover tightly and cook for 45 min. Saute garlic and onion in coco oil in a separate pan. When rice is finished stir in all ingredients. Simmer for a few minutes to warm everything. With the rice I would have added cilantro and jalapeno, but I used what I had. It was still tasty. This was a simple and satisfying meal. 

When making recipes I try to use whatever ingredients I have in the house. Please feel free to be inspired by my creations, and then make your own. I think spinach or kale would have been great sauteed for the fajitas too.