Here's a pic of me 100% raw for one week. My hubby is sitting next to me...we are at his Palm Harbor Homes awards banquet.

We had lots of fun. I had forgotten that it wasn't last night that took me off 100% raw when I gave into temptation and ate two Newton O's and a cup of soy milk...it was actually at the banquet. I had 2 glasses of red wine, and ended up eating a small amount of cooked veggies, which was on top of a bed of white rice. I got the vegetarian meal. I did not eat the rice. It looked really gross, and the cooked veggies were actually not very good. I did eat two salads though, which were great!

After the banquet, we went to a blues bar and watched a live blues concert. It was sooo fun. It was at Antone's in Austin, Texas. Really neat place. I like how they don't allow smoking in the clubs there.

I also had two more glasses of wine while we were out having fun that night. It actually felt really good to get out and let loose. Me and Chris don't get much time together...so this was a real blast.

The next day, I felt a little tired, but I didn't have a hangover. After 4 glasses of wine you would think I would! I don't really ever drink, so I was surprised!

Well, I'm back on 100% now. I had a cup of coffee this morning, which made my throat feel yucky. I don't like feeling like I need to cough for two hours straight...which is what coffee makes me do. Next time I need a pick me up, I will have some almond milk ready, and will make myself a cacao drink.

I am really happy with the way I'm looking and feeling. I plan on staying 100% from now on. Last night the reason I gave into the cookies (which were organic by the way) was because I have been craving something cooked and chocolaty ever since I went all raw last week. I gave in, but I feel good about it. It was only two...and they were satisfying. I need to have some raw dehydrated treats around so that I can snack on them for dessert when I want...when I want something heavier.

My stomach has been so empty feeling though... I feel like I'm starving half the time!! I will be happy when that feeling goes away.

Well, I hope your day is fabulous. I know this was a long post...but I have much to say. Next time I will blog about the wonderful synchronicities and sweet emotions I have been experiencing. Until then, have FAITH<3>

~Tawni

I Started Eating 100% Raw Today.

Today I started eating a 100% raw food diet. No more occasional refined sugar treats, cooked veggies, pasta, breads, etc. I have learned that all of these give me gas that just plain stinks, they make me feel crazy, and they give me zits!!

You know, my excuse a lot of the time was the expense of eating all raw. Now, I know that eating raw, the Universe will supply me what I need, because I'm eating stuff that is saving the planet. Mother Earth knows what I'm doing, and she loves me for it. I can just feel the good vibes coming from her now.

I plan to put up some before and after pics soon...I have been 80-98% raw for a while now, but just realized that all those small amounts of cooked just didn't do me any good. I'm so glad I'm making the change.

I've noticed an edginess about me this evening though...and an intese hunger in my belly...but I'm not giving in. I'm finally doing this for me, no matter what ANYONE THINKS OR SAYS!!!!!

Yay Me.

My Little Princess

Well here's a pic of my princess Kaya, at her 7th birthday party. She got just enough toys, not too much. Her birthday was March 21st, and we had lots of fun.

One of the gifts she got was this butterfly fake candle holder. The candle has an on/off switch on it...pretty cool. My grandma gave it to her to use as a night light. (Which would save a lot of electricity if she would use it! She likes to sleep with the closet light on.)

I remembered that I said I would post a pic...so here she is, the beautiful shining light that she is. It is such a joy to be a mommy.

Hellooooo!

It has been a couple weeks, and what a couple weeks it has been!

Last weekend was my daughter's birthday party. She turned 7 on Saturday. It was a lot of work...I made raw flax crackers and guacamole, as well as romaine lettuce wraps with guacamole, tomatos, and clover sprouts that I had grown. I was so busy that I forgot to take pictures of the food! I got some of Kaya which I will put one up of her soon.

Two Wednesday evenings ago, I was on Blog Talk Radio, on a show that my friend Carol has, called Earth Angel. The interview was called Raw Foods for Beginners. If you'd like to check it out, here is the link:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Earth-Angel

I didn't cover as much as I wanted because the call was only one hour, but the listeners said they enjoyed it and got a lot out of it. Carol said she would like me on the show again soon!

I will post a bit more about my daughter's party soon, with photos.

Right now I'm planning to build a square foot garden in my back yard. Yay! I will keep you posted on that, too.

TTFN!

~Tawni~

I Received the Kreativ Blogger Award...

On January the 18th, my friend Amanda (who has the blog, Here Goes Everything, My Raw Food Experiment) nominated me for the Kreativ Blogger Award. Wow...I wasn't expecting to receive such an honor only after a couple months of blogging! I know I am a little behind on all of this, but working with the soldiers everyday along with the other yoga classes I do, has really left me barely any time to think!!

Now, I get to tell you 7 things that I love and nominate 7 other people for the Kreativ Blogger award.

So, here are the 7 things that I love...

1.) My daughter, Kaya. She is more of a little soul sister to me. She makes me feel like a kid again and I look "down" to her for what I really truly need in life. She provides so much joy to me that I could practically live off of it!! No one could ever replace her cuddles and laughter.

2.) My husband, Chris. He is my soul mate. He walked into my life when I least expected anyone to. He is my anchor in this world, and keeps me grounded instead of flying away and losing my head! I am truly thankful to have such a sweet man in my life.

3.) My dog Angel Feather...she is a long haired, white chihuahua with brown spots. She's got green eyes. I love how when I take her for walks it renews me and makes me appreciate life so much more, and when we play how it lifts my spirits. She even cuddles me while I do yoga.

4.) My yoga practice. I learn so much just from the stillness I receive from practicing. It even helped me quit smoking, and I am developing a new type of yoga...which I'm not sure what I am going to name yet, but the best name I can give it for now is Earth Yoga, because it has a lot to do with speaking to the Earth and consciously being aware of your connection to it.

5.) Walking outside...I love nature, especially when it's warm and breezy. Walking, jogging and running outdoors in the warm sun makes me feel so alive! Any form of excercise really makes me feel good, whether it's inside or outside, though.

6.) Hot, steamy baths. I love to soak in the tub everynight before bed, and any other time I can sneak one in. It relaxes me and takes away the stress of the day.

(I believe that the anal recycling that I do makes up for the water usage.)

7.) My friends. Although they are few and far between, they are so inspiring and keep me lifted high. I wish I could spend more time with them (or at least meet the ones that I've never met in person ;)) but I know that God willing, I will. And by the way, my friend Jesus is always with me, whom I am very grateful to. He teaches me daily and I am happy to let Him work thru me.
I would add more, like the fact that I LOVE RAW FOOD. You can't tell much about that from my blog, because I don't blog much about it...I am working on that part though.

Now, here are 7 people that I choose to nominate for the Kreativ Blogger Award...

1.) Rachel Rose's Blog: Raw Food Tales. I met Rachel on Give it to Me Raw, and she and I got to meet in person at the Raw Spirit Festival. She is such a delightful being to know, and I feel blessed to have gotten to meet her. She has some really yummy sounding recipes on her blog.

2.) Jennifer Elliot aka Solstice's Blogs, Conscious Evolution. I've known Jennifer for 4 years now, and we have become so close...yet we are so far away now because she lives in Washington. But it's nice to read her blog...it is very spiritual in nature...and about the struggles and great transformations and discoveries that an awakening indigo child has gone through.

3.) Lynn Forster's Blog, Word Twisting. I picked Lynn because she is such a unique being. She is someone whom else I've known a while....actually a long time!! Over ten years. She shows beautiful pics of things that she's made (she does fantastic knitting. She knitted a bag for a tibetan bowl she gave me. I LOVE it!!)

4.) A girl named Liz's blog, Raw Vegan Foodie. She has such a vibrant, colorful blog with endless recipes, photos, and how to's about raw foods. A must see for people who want a creative way to express themselves with their food. She's also an aunt that babysits bunches, so she knows just what to do for the kids.

5.) Taste Memory is another winner. She's one of my friends on Give it to Me Raw. Looking at all her beautiful bright food photos makes me salivate. She has exquisitve artistic photgraphic ability, and her food looks AMAZING!!

6.) A beautiful woman named Solla's Blog: Heavenly Raw. She's also one of my friends on Give it to Me Raw. She is an Icelandic Raw Food Goddess, and every word she writes is full of love and gratitude.

7.) Although she already has already been nominated, I am picking my new friend Amanda, who nominated me. She has this amazing blog

called Here Goes Everything, My Raw Food Experiment. I honestly really love reading everything she has to say. She is so on top of it! I wish I had the time and dedication she has to keep up with her blog, which I believe she writes in every day.

Thanks again, Amanda!

The Moon and Venus Tonight (At least I think that's Venus)

I was out in the backyard a bit ago and saw in the corner of my eye, the magnificant moon, with Venus next to it. At least I think it's Venus. It's a very bright star.

When I finally looked at them head on, they lit up a little brighter, then went back to their normal brightness. I think they were saying hello to me!

I believe that all this work I'm doing in getting in touch with the planet is making me more conscious of the stars, moon, and universe around me.

I used to look up at stars and see them do the same thing, twinkle at me like they were saying hello. Deep inside I knew they really were, but consciously I just thought "maybe it's just my imagination, or maybe it's just a coincidence. Just maybe."

But the moon and Venus look like they are mixing their energies together. It is amazing. They have an aura of light that surrounds them both, encompassing them both and bathing them in the same light.

I'm sure this means something astrologically. It would be really neat to find out what. I think I will look it up now.

How to Say Hello to Earth Mother

Hello Dear Friends,

Today I'd like to share something that I've been sharing with my yoga students, that really does work.

I am teaching how to say hello to Earth Mother, or Gaia.

First, you think the words "Hello Earth Mother", then you take a deep breath, then when you exhale, pull the "Hello Earth Mother" down through your body through the bottom of you if you are sitting, or through your feet if you are standing.

Then, be still and see if you can feel something come back to you.

My experience with this is a cool, energizing feeling rising up from the Earth, coming up into my body and around me, and going all the way up to the top of my head.

This I believe is Kundalini energy. The Earth Mother Energy meeting with the Father Sky Energy.

It is so amazing when you do it.

Now that you know how to say hello to this beautiful, breathing and alive planet we call Earth, who takes care of us unfailingly with food and shelter, we can now keep in contact with her.

We are all ONE. <3>

I hope you enjoyed the lesson, and have a beautiful day!