Cleanse Thy Body: Juice Feasting & High Vibration Food

I hadn't realized that my diet for the past few days has been primarily red and green until i uploaded all the foodie shots from the days previous.  I'm on a juice feast, and red and green seem to be the name of the game.  For the past three days (and still thriving) i've consumed massive amounts of enzyme rich juice throughout the day, a satisfying smoothie in the late afternoon, and a raw dinner.  I feel TOP NOTCH with boundless energy and my body feels light and free.  My food seems to be either green from detoxifying chlorophyll or red with blood purifying beets.  HOLLAH!

I stick to my 3 meals / 2 snacks a day schedule, so a typical juice feast day looks like this:

morning: juice
mid-morning: juice
lunch: juice
mid afternoon: smoothie
dinner:  raw salad
dessert: fruit or nut based smoothie

I drink until i'm satiated.  I don't let myself get hungry.  At the top of the day i press out 64 oz (two large mason jars) of juice, and make about 25 oz of a smoothie.  Dinner has been greens from the garden with any other veggies on hand and a veggie based dressing.  Dessert is either fruit or a nut based smoothie, which i've found really satisfying.

Scroll through for a sample of juice feast days, and recipes.  Each image will have a caption with recipe.

Rock on in your sexy God Pod!

Potassium Broth and Basic Green Drink

Potassium Broth (red): 2-3 potatoes, 2-4 carrots, 2 beets, 4-6 stalks celery, bunch of parsley, optionally ginger and garlic.  Scrub all produce well but don't peel if it's organic.  Slice or grate the veggies and add to a soup pot. Fill with purified water and bring to a boil.  Reduce, cover, and simmer for 1.5 hours.  Strain the veggies out and discard or compost.  Enjoy the broth which is rich in minerals and electrolytes.

Basic Green Drink:  celery, kale, lemon, and apple

spinach salad with mixed grated veggies & beet orange dressing

Beet Orange Dressing - blend 1/2 a large beet with a peeled tangerine and a nub of ginger.  Add a little water to get to the consistency you like

Basic green drink with extras.  Beet Carrot Spinach Smoothie

The green drink had a few extras:  some cuc's, some chard, & some broccoli

The Smoothie is half a large beet, a few carrots, a couple dates, a few fistfulls of spinach and enough water to blend and thin (probably around 12 ounces of water).

Rancho Food inspired:  another beet dressing

I ate at Rancho Foods in Ocean Beach this past weekend.  For those of you 'picky' or 'raw' san diegan's, they have a salad bar with 2 or 3 raw dressings.  I chose the beet dressing (obvi, i have a love for beets).  It was beet, EVOO, ACV, agave, and sea salt.  To make it cleanse approved, i took the salt out and used date instead of agave.  It was equally as delish!

Beet Dressing:  1/2 large beet (these beets i'm using are pretty insanely large), 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil, a couple dates and as much water as you need to thin to your liking (about 1/4 - 1/2 cup)

As you can see in the pick the dressing was smooth and creamy - DELISH!  I love it so much i could eat it with a spoon!

with less water, a thicker version

The next day i made it quite a bit thicker.  Just as good..with a little more texture.

Our Amazing Garden Fresh Greens and the thicker beet dressing.

Our garden is thriving!  We've got tons of kale varieties, spinach, and some crazy edible weeds!
Today's smoothie had some of the garden spinach in it:

1 pear, 3 stalks celery, 1/4 avo, fistfulls of spinach, water, ice

I didn't take a pic of the yumma-lish nut based smoothie i had last night for dessert.  It was SOOOO incredibly decadent.  It looked something like this, but not so orange tinted:

i think this one was cashew, carrot, date, pumpkin pie spice, water, ice??? can't remember if banana was in there.

Nut Smoothie:  1/4 cup raw cashew, 1 large ripe banana, small dash of vanilla, a sprinkle of cinnamon, a few ice cubes, and 6 oz water.

Happy Feasting!!!

Mac Strobe Cream vs Topshop Skin Glow

The reason i decided to do this little comparison is because i know that strobe cream is quite expensive for what it is, but it is a nice little product and i'm sure that many people would like the effect for a little less money!

First of all, what are either of these good for?!

Well, they are both a medium-thickness cream, though mac's offering is a little thicker than the topshop equivalent. They both look lovely under or over foundation, but if i'm using either of these i usually skip on any foundation, just use a little concealer.

They're light reflecting creams, liquid highlighters really though strobe cream (hereafter s.c) claims to awaken, brighten (no shit sherlock, its an illuminator!) and de stress, it also claims to be loaded with vitamins. In all honesty i apply these after my moisturiser anyway so its not as if that is a major selling point! And i haven't noticed any difference in skin hydration or any sort of long term glow from these vitamins.

(strobe cream on left, skin glow on right)

While they both apply smoothly, the s.c does have a slightly richer, more velvety texture, the s.g is a little more watery when blended in.

At £20.50 for the Strobe cream it isn't cheap as i said earlier, but you do get 50ml which lasts for ages, and it has a 24 month 'life' so you will get your money out of it, unless you use it excessively then it may well work out at less than £1 per month.

The topshop Skin glow is less than half the price of s.c at £10 but you only get 30ml, almost half the mac, so i suppose you really are getting what you pay for!

Worth noting is that s.g has a pump, while s.c requires squeezing, and its quite a thick tube meaning it isnt always easy to squeeze the right amount out!

(strobe cream on left, skin glow on right)

As you can see, the strobe cream has a more light, golden sheen, while the skin glow is certainly close to my skin tone (NW 20), they both have pink elements, though i feel s.g has a deeper, warmer pink, making it more suited to warmer skin tones, they do also have a 'dark' version for ladies with deeper skin tones. I definately think for more yellow or cool skin tones s.c would be more suitable, but it's worth giving the s.g a go!

Overall, if you have a little money burning a hole in your pocket, strobe cream is a nice product which will last you, if you want a similar effect for less, skin glow is also nice but more watery, which some people i'm sure would prefer, having said that strobe cream is also available as a lotion.

Hope this was helpful, let me know if you've tried either of these!

Comping and Lighting Test

This is the first test shot for Jenny's "The Little Helper" project. I lit, rendered and comped the shot. Don't really know what else to say.

Scripting!!!

Only a few month ago I wrote my first script. 6 lines of Python script, that prepared an object for the horrible Shatter effect in Maya. Since then I learnt quite a bit more and I'm currently writing a mel plugin, that "erodes" or "crumbles" nParticles based on locator positions. I've figured out the math behind the expressions for those effects and I'm writing the interface. It's already a good 10 pages full of script and I'm not even half way there.

Meanwhile I could use my new scripting "skills" to write a little shading network for Craig. His project is in 3D but the look is supposed to be 2D. Mayas Toon Shader would be brilliant, but the problem is that it is kind of hard to use textures. Mayas Toon Shader is basically a ramp shader with multiple color inputs controlling the highlight/shadow, based on the brightness of the object. So I used the ramp shader as well. I used one texture that's connected to multiple color inputs of the ramp shader. The main texture is connected straight to the first color input. The shadow textures on the other hand, are the same texture but with a multiply/divide utility node inbetween. Custom made attributes on the shading node control the darkness of the shadow, cause they control the multiply node. Simple math: if you multiply an image by anything smaller than 1, the image get darker.

The script is on creative crash for free download: http://www.creativecrash.com/maya/downloads/shaders/c/ps_toonshader

And that's how it works:

First a window pops up. The Browse button will let you load a texture. The Shader and Texture Name is editable (the default is the name of the object + Shader and Texture. That would be fine, unless the name is not unique, but the script warns you for that anyway). The checkbox lets you decided whether you want to use 1 or two shadows (2 is default).

The Toon Shader button runs the action!

The ramp shader has all kinds of options to play around with (specularity, reflection, incandescence etc.) You can also play around with the position and the interpolation mode of the shadows, to get a new look. Two custom made attributes, called shadow 1 and 2, are added to the attribute editor of the ramp shader. Both control the darkness of the shadows.

Two test renders:

First: two shadows (unfortunately the shadows are quite dark, but believe me the texture under the shadows is the same as on the highlights)

Second: One shadow. The interpolation of the shadow is set to none.

Powered By Veggies: What I'm Eating Now.

I'm in the midst of leading a 30 day challenge at Sculpt Fusion Yoga.  I can't express how excited I am about this incredibly inspiring and open minded group, their enthusiasm is contagious!  As part of the challenge we are about to embark on a 7 day whole foods supported cleanse.  Taking out gluten, soy, dairy, salt, sugar, processed foods, canned foods, caffeine, alcohol, and chocolate may not sound like much fun, but there are so many incredible, flavorful, and high powered foods that don't contain any of these ingredients.

Here are a few that i'm really into right now...

Green Juice!!!  I should wear a shirt that reads, "Powered By Veggies".  This is my moto.  I am a vegetable machine, and these green juices and smoothies are my ammunition.   I'm loving drinking this simple green juice each morning that gets my vegetable machine engine gunnin'!

1 or 2 small red apples, lemon, celery,  kale, nub of ginger: all through the juicer.

Papaya!!!  Any reason to eat papaya is a good reason to me!  Here are a few good reasons why you might start lovin' on some papaya too!

*Papayas are a rich source of antioxidant vitamins (vit C, A, and E)
*Full of carotenes, flavonoids, B vitamins, folate, pantothenic acid, potassium, and magnesium.
*They contain the enzymes papain and chymonapapain which help in protein digestion
*Papaya aides digestion, prevents constipation, lowers cholesterol, prevents formation of urinary stones, and prevents infection by parasites. (the seeds taken with honey are known to expel worms. Used in this way you would chew and swallow a couple teaspoons of papaya seeds after your meals). Click here to check out this old blog i posted with a recipe for carrot papaya juice.  It's super slammin'!

Sah - WEEEEEEEEET!

High Raw Veggie Salads!!!  Lunch is typically a high raw veggie salad much like the past two blogs i've posted.  I'll often add a little steamed sweet potato, steamed veggies, legumes, or just some fruit to my salads.

 

 

Grounding Foods In The Evening!!!  My dinners lately have been more grounding cooked veggies and roots.  Last night was bok choy cooked in a small amount of ghee and garlic with steamed sweet potato and broccoli (sorry no pic, devoured happily without thinking about photos).  I've also been diggin' on lentils lately, spicing it up with garam masala, cumin, raisins, sweet potatoes, and whatever veggies are on hand.

thinly sliced kale, cauli, broccoli, sweet potato, raisins, green lentils

Bring a 1/4 cup of green lentils with 1/2 cup of water to a boil, turn to low, cover and set a timer for 30 minutes.  Add the raisins, cumin, and garam masala.  At about 10 or 15 minutes in to cooking add the sweet potato (the smaller you chop it the quicker the cook time), and in the last 10 minutes of cooking toss in any additional veggies.  The greens can wait til the last 5 minutes, they wilt quickly.  Tada!  Need more flavah??  Add some more spices or use fresh cilantro as a garnish.

Just a quick one

Hey guys, i hope you're all well?

Just wanted to once again say sorry for my absence as of late, seems i do more apologising for not blogging than i do actual blogging, I've just been super busy, but hopefully everything will slow down a little now, i even have exciting news, our flat for next year is all sorted so i can just relax! It's so nice to start looking for bits for next year like bed sheets, bedroom furniture etc

I've tried the boots 5 day detox recently, and while i think it was good the after effects weren't so great, i might post a little review of that! I've also started swimming with Yaisa which i'm really enjoying!

I hope you're all well, will hopefully have some kitchen wares from csn stores to share with you all soon too.

Tabitha x

Color Me Happy: A Rainbow In My Bowl

 Lately i've been using my food processor like a mad-woman and working in somewhat zombie mode when i'm hungry:

Enter Kitchen.  Grab veggies from fridge, Slide Food Processor into arms distance, insert shredding disc, push veggies through.

Within minutes i'll have grated a huge shredded veggie salad with little effort, and within 5 minutes from the start to finish i'm enjoying a delicious and nutrient rich lunch.

So today was no different.  I'm in a pinch for time...need to leave for work but i want to bring something healthy for lunch, and i have less than 10 minutes before i have to be out the door and i don't want to leave a huge kitchen mess for Boyfriend to walk in on.  Revisit zombie mode:

Grab veggies from fridge, Slide Food Processor into arms distance, insert shredding disc, push veggies through. 

Being pinched for time I dressed it with only lemon, flax oil, and nutrition yeast not thinking it would be so stellar,  but to my wonder - it was!  Plus i was able to rinse my food processor out, compost my scraps, rinse my cutting board, and leave the kitchen clean before i jammed out the door.

Super Duper!!!

So if you like the taste of nutrition yeast like i do, then this one's a real hit.  Easy, requires little prep, and super savvy for you clean eatin' fools!  Add your favorite legumes and color yourself happy too.

Rainbow Bowl:

shred any veggies you have with a shredder/grater attachment in a food processor, my dish included:

2 small radishes
2 small gold beets
1 zuchini
1 large carrot
approx 1/4 - 1/2 cup cauliflower
1/4 cup shredded cabbage (cut by hand instead of with food processor)

into this squeeze a fresh lemon, a drizzle of cold pressed flax oil, add 4-6 Tbsp of nutrition yeast, and 1/2 cup garbanzo beans.

NUM!!!!

January Staples

This is a collection of some of the bits i adore at the moment, as i find it really interesting to look back at how much ones taste changes.

So without any ado;

1.

I've been really enjoying this eye palette from guerlain in bronze, though i definitely think its more olive.

2.

The state of this shows you how much i love it! It's by benefit, and it's the 'brow zings' in medium

3 & 4.

Some of you may have heard of the Lush colour supplements? I bought mine about 3 months ago, i love the fact that it's mostly natural and doesent feel too heavy on my skin.

And of course, my favourite lash blast, this one's in black-brown but i currently have 3 on the go and a couple unopened in a drawer. The best mascara, in my opinion...

5.

YSL face powder in rose beige i believe, i love this because unlike alot of pressed powders, i find this actually provides a good amount of coverage, and plus i love the design!

6.

OPI Nail varnish in 'Vodka and Caviar', i bought this a fair few months ago, and at the time felt it was too bright for me, but recently ive fallen back in love with it, definitely a classic.

7.

I actually bought this by accident, when describing a product i'd forgotten the name of to the sales clerk, i ended up with this, initially i was annoyed, but i used it for the first time a couple weeks back and it really is beautiul.

8 & 9.

Last but by no means least beauty wise is the origins youthtopia eye cream and a perfect world moisturiser, i've changed my skincare regime recently as i've began getting a breakout of sorts on my jaw, so i decided to try some origins products, i also bought a face wash and a charcoal mask, and i must say i love them all, i still have the rash/breakout but its much better and much less noticeable.

10.

And for number 10, it's nothing beauty related, but lord knows i'm addicted!!

Sims 3, where have you been all my life?!

Anyway, i hope you are all well and that you've got lots of sale bargains!

Tabitha x

Post Holiday Revival: 30 Day Challenge, Detox, & Cleanse Approved Recipe!

You survived the holidays with minimal body damage done, and have made a few new year resolutions.  Perhaps one of the resolutions is to take better care of yourself, your body, your diet, or to lose a couple pounds.  Maybe it's just to be 'good' in january to help the body process some of the acidity from all the holiday spirits and foods.  This is all fine and well, but who is holding you accountable for your resolution?  Have you created a time-line and plan on how you'll meet your goals?  Have you set stepping stones along the way that will track your progress?  Have you thought about how you'll even get started?  Consider starting your year with a 30 day challenge to yourself and detox.  It's said it takes 30 days to make or break a habit.  Take the next 30 days to challenge yourself to dig deeper into your yogic journey, to add in variety to your workouts, to start hiking with friends, to embrace a whole foods diet, to start and write daily in a journal, and to take the time to lay out your plan of attack to reach your goal(s).  To help you in your challenge, I'll be hosting 3 two hour nutrition lectures at Sculpt Fusion Yoga in Carmel Valley on Sundays January 9, 16, and 23.

Some of you reading this might have already started your personal challenge, or are shifting into detox mode, and for those of you who are, you'll be pleased to know the recipe i'm posting is Cleanse Approved!  This recipe has no dairy, salt, soy, gluten, sugar, or processed foods.  It's also RAW, VEGAN, and will take about 5 minutes to make if you have a food processor.  While it's even better with Tamari (salt), you can omit it and still create a delicious cleanse approved lunch.

Veggie Wraps:

3 large purple cabbage leaves to use as your wraps

½ cup florets broccoli

½ cup florets cauliflower

1 small carrot

1 zucchini

chopped red onion to your liking (a couple tbsp)

1/3 - 1/2 an avocado

½ a lemon squeezed

cumin to your liking

drizzle flax oil (about 1/2- 1tsp)

drizzle Apple Cider Vinegar (about 1/2- 1tsp)

optional drizzle of  tamari (1 tsp), omit tamari if you are cleansing to avoid salt

Put all the veggies (except cabbage, onion, avocado, and lemon) through the food processor with a shredding disk.  Toss this into a bowl, add the chopped onion, and dress with the ½ lemon, ACV, flax oil, cumin, tamari, and mash in the ½ avocado.  Scoop into cabbage leaves and roll up like a wrap or taco.

YUM!!!!!