spring baby shower

these gifts were created for my bestest friend missy's baby shower held yesterday. the baby bunch bouquet idea was originally sparked by bitt when she posted a picture of one on her blog. (what would i do without my blogging buddies?!) i was so happy to later find a video which shows how to make them.

they are adorable and fairly easy to make. i couldn't find a plain pink or white matching layette set so i used white onesies. 

when deciding what to put in the pot above i emailed kristen from kristen's raw and asked for her help. she immediately responded with great ideas and recommended i check out earth mama angel baby. i'm so glad i did! they sell their toxin-free products at my local vitamin shoppe, and i chose milkmaid tea, angel baby bottom balm, and new mama bottom spray. (i really wanted to get her the booby tubes but they were all out). missy likes tea so i also picked up some yogi mother to be, and in the back of the pot i added my favorite earth- and animal-friendly soap, mrs. meyer's geranium scented.

missy requested that her guests bring their favorite childhood book to start baby marlie's library. i brought one of my favorites, shel silverstein's where the sidewalk ends. using scrapbook paper and decorative hole punches, i made bookmarks for everyone to share a message or inspirational quote for marlie to read as she grows. 

baby marlie is expected may 13th. i'm so excited to be aunt kelli to another precious baby girl!

happy spring!

image from desktopwallpaper-s.com

we're enjoying perfect weather here for the first day of spring. today we're working on the garden and getting our bikes tuned up. tonight i'm going to a vegan potluck with my friends and former vegan cooking class instructors carol and lisa. today's also carol's b-day - HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAROL!!!

i hope you're all enjoying the first day of spring! it's finally here - WOOHOO!=)

blackberry pistachio ice cream

blackberry pistachio ice cream

3 frozen bananas, broken or chopped in chunks

1/4 C shelled pistachios

8-10 blackberries

in a food processor, blend bananas until smooth, creamy and light. (i've tried this in a blender and the result was not as fluffy.) you may have to stop a few times to scrape down the sides, and if your fp is like mine, you may have to hold the lid on. add pistachios and blackberries and pulse until chunky but incorporated.

the pistachios added a nice crunch, but the flavor was not really there. since i love pistachio flavored ice cream, i'm thinking of getting pistachio oil for next time.

though my next adventure is to try and create my old favorite, vanilla ice cream, with some vanilla bean i recently picked up from whole foods.

what is your favorite ice cream flavor?

pear-berry parfait

 

this treat was made for a long overdue visit from our dear friend, Yahya. in a sense, Yahya's words served as the spark which has fueled my journey of conscious eating. he introduced me to Keith Exum's Alkaline Foods Cookbook, and with that, the journey began=).

yahya's friendship is truly a blessing in our lives, and what better way to show him our love and gratitude than raw dessert?!=)

  

pear-berry parfait

(serves 3)

simply layer the following:

*chocolate cream

*pear puree (one pear blended with a tsp of lemon juice)

*blackberries

top with whipped cream or coconut cream for added yumminess.

during his visit, Yahya shared more knowledge with us, introducing us to The Yoga of Eating. so far i like what i've read, and will share more when i'm through reading. (if you've read the book i'd love to hear your thoughts!)

(which reminds me, Earth Mother from In the Raw is hosting a raw food recipe book giveaway!)

=)