A SUPERFOOD UNLIKE ANY OTHER

It's not very often I take time to promote products and webinars on my blog, but I just can't help myself on this one!  

I recently came across a FREE online webinar discussing the many health benefits of micro-algea, and I honestly have to say the information is PRICELESS.  

I've always understood their role in health, but I had NO idea just how powerful micro-algae are!  Lets just say they were routinely used to treat children of radioactive poisoning in the aftermath of Chernobyl.  That's beyond incredible!  I can't recommend this information enough.  

♥ MicroAlgaeWebinar ♥

In a world where superfood trends come and go, there's only a few ancient superfoods that have withstood the test of time.  If you were to include just ONE superfood staple into your diet, miro-algae would be it.  They are truly in a league of their own.  


Please take a moment and watch this FREE online presentation, and pass it on!  Best part, they've got some amazing recipes in there... yum! 

♥ MicroAlgaeWebinar ♥

Here's one of my favorite recipes using micro-algae spirulina.  I drink it like a shot first thing in the morning, right after my green juice.

Spirulina Spritzer 

1/4 cup (2 oz) coconut water kefir

1/2 tsp spirulina powder
Squirt lemon or lime juice

Stir in and dissolve the spirulina powder in a small glass of coconut water kefir with citrus, and enjoy!


The carbonation from the fermented, probiotic-rich coconut kefir is just divine!  It's a nice complement to the mineral-rich spirulina, which is masked by the fizzy kefir and citrus.

TIPS FOR AN ECO-CHIC WEDDING

Ladies be prepared, unless you're planning a backyard wedding, going eco-chic will likely cost you a pretty penny!  Not that there's anything wrong with a casual low-key wedding.  In fact, I almost wish I would have gone with a small outdoor theme after the stress of planning mine!  Lol.

It's frustrating enough couples have to face outrageous wedding mark-ups;  add a "green" label on it and you may expect a significantly higher price tag.
  
This is not to say that going eco isn't worth the money or the effort.  On the contrary, with a little extra time and careful planning you can wow your guests with a stunning eco-friendly event.  Just keep some practical tips in mind. Here are a few things I made sure to include to make my BIG day eco-fabulous!

1) Electronic invitations and thank you's! I used Pingg.com for a clean, professional look.  It comes with an option to digitally open your invitation from an envelope - super cute!  Plus, you can upload your own designs.
  
2) A wedding website for all the details and info your guests will need.  Here's my personal wedding website that included much of the necessary info without having to mail out instructions.  MilaHugh.weebly.com

3) Electronic gift requests. Wedding registries are overrated!  Who needs all that stuff?  We opted for a honeymoon gift fund that our guests could contribute to online!

4) Handcrafted candle holders! I made the most adorable little candle holders using recycled honey glass jars (see photo above).  Unfortunately they never made it to my wedding (lets just say mom didn't like the vintage theme I was going for).  Needless to say, they're currently up for sale on Etsy.com

5) Handmade favors.  It's always more personal when you can make something for your guests.  But if time and money is an issue, do what I did... use reusable spice jars filled with your favorite dried fruit.  I used unsweetened, organic dried cherries!  Yum.

6) Locally owned and operated businesses with environmentally-friendly practices.  Even if you can't afford a specific "green" product they offer, it's nice to support their efforts anyway.  For instance, booking with a flower boutique that offers both conventional and sustainably grown flowers - you may not be able to afford the sustainable option but you appreciate they offer it.

7) Venue and caterer with a zero-waste policy (this typically includes a recycle and compost service).  Many venders I spoke with who offer this service don't even charge extra for it - BONUS $$$ points!

8) Reusable rentals (linens, plates, silverware, etc).  Yes, this adds serious dollars to your event, but I can't imagine all the waste without it.  Of course, you can always use compostable plates and silverware.  I've seen some elegant options out there!

9) Botanical hair and beauty salon with natural and organic products.  This one can be tricky and costly, but worth it if you can afford it.

FOR THE LOVE OF RAW CACAO

A Box of Chocolates?

Why not make your own, with love!  Treat your lover to a RAW cacao Valentine's delight. Learn the art of handcrafting your own raw chocolates and infused cacao treats!  Find out how at www.raw-radiance.com


Valentine's Chocolate Truffle Mousse

(from the Raw Chocolate & Wine ebook)


1/2 cup cashews (soak 2 hrs)
1/2 cup raw cacao powder
1/4 cup water
2 medjool dates, pitted (soak 20 min)
1 Tbsp raw honey
1 Tbsp melted coconut oil
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch Himalayan salt


Soak cashews, rinse and drain.  Next, soak pitted dates in 1/4 cup water (do not discard water).  Blend all ingredients thoroughly, including water from dates, until smooth and creamy!  Add more water if needed for desired consistency.  Serve with fresh strawberries.

MY WEDDING PHOTOS!

Alexo Photography: www.alexostudio.com 

FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/AlexoPhotography

RAW CRANBERRY SAUCE (2-ways)

Cranberry Sauce (Chunky Variation)

3 cups fresh cranberries
1 heaping Tbsp raw honey 

1/4 orange, peeled and seeded
1/4 tsp cinnamon

Process thoroughly using a standard food-processor.   

*Note:  Orange adds a floral depth, but can slightly overpower the cranberries.  Juice of orange carries a milder flavor profile but would result in a runny sauce. 

Cranberry Sauce (Pureed Variation)

3 cups fresh cranberries
4 medjool dates, pitted 

1/4 cup juice of orange
1/4 tsp cinnamon

Soak dates in orange juice for 10 min to soften.  Transfer dates (with juice) into a high-speed blender.  Add cranberries and blend until smooth and creamy.

MY NEW WEBSITE IS LIVE

The brand NEW Raw Radiance website is officially here... and it's LIVE.  ♥ www.raw-radiance.com ♥

LAUNCHING MY BRAND NEW WEBSITE

I'm back, and ready to launch my new RAW RADIANCE website!  The official release date is coming up in just a couple of days on Nov 22nd, 2011.   

The website has been in the works for some time now, and I'm happy to say it's finally here!  Although ironically, the completion of the site has come at an interesting time in my life.

In case you're wondering what in the world I've been up to over the past few months, I have some exciting news!  I just got married ♥  

Hugh and I were engaged in May and jumped head first into planning our eco-inspired 11.11.11 wedding.  (Details and photos coming soon!)  

So not only have I embraced a new chapter in my life with my new husband, but I've also been contemplating a new direction for Raw Radiance over these past few months.

After much thought and some soul searching, I've decided to shift my focus and broaden my message to encompass the bigger picture of health.  (Of course I'll still share my raw recipes!) 

Moving forward, I'm hoping to put a stronger emphasis on spirituality and lifestyle, because there simply isn't a one-size-fits-all diet, and health is about so much MORE than just what we eat!  It is equally about what we think, how we feel, who we surround ourselves with, and the environment in which we choose to live.

In the upcoming weeks and months I'll be sharing more on my new philosophy for living a healthy and vibrant life.  Until then, please stop by and check out my NEW website on all things raw food, launching Nov 22nd, 2011.

With love and radiance, 

Mila