Though I may be just slightly biased, my younger sister ought to be recognized as the most thoughtful and coolest aunt (and sister) of the year.

Much to our surprise, we were gifted an incredibly creative and awesome gift this holiday season– a Zoku “Quick Pop” Maker from William Sonoma.

The Zoku Quick Pop Maker is a fabulous little kitchen appliance– relatively simple to use, a surprisingly easy clean-up, and an exceptional way to make desserts both healthful and fun for the whole family–it has been a hit.

We managed to recreate a pretty rockin’, dairy-free version of Zoku’s Fudge-sicle recipe. If you don’t have a Zoku, it’s all good (it will just take a lot longer to freeze). Simply freeze your mixture into a plastic cup and eat with a spoon, or, for a “cooler” idea? Pour mixture into an ice cube tray and freeze overnight.  When you are ready, add these baby fudge-sicle cubes into a cold class of coconut, or almond milk.

Sinful Fudge Popsicle Recipe

The original recipe called for milk, cream, and sugar… so we made necessary adjustments.

Yields 6 Zoku Quick Pops:

• 1 cup water, brought to a boil on stove top, and then removed
• 1 tbsp raw coconut butter (Artisana)
• 3/4 cup dark chocolate chunks, or chips, added to water and stirred until smooth

Let mixture cool for 10 minutes

Add:

• 20 drops Alcohol Free NuStevia
• 10 drops Vanilla Alcohol Free NuStevia
• A sprinkle of celtic sea salt
• 1/2 cup cold Unsweetened Coconut Milk

Stir mixture and place final concoction in fridge to cool if using Zoku. If using something else, add immediately to your final freezing destination, and place into freezer.

While the design of Zoku may be slightly flawed– I have yet to witness a popsicle miraculously “freeze before my eyes”, I had no problem popping the beautiful gadget into our freezer for an accelerated frozen treat. We then stored the “extras” in the freezer. Translation: We stored the ones that were not being eaten, while we whipped up another batch.

No complaints here!

On another note: I mentioned last week, I am taking part in the Naturopathica Challenge. This has been a unique challenge for me. I am hardly one to use multiple products on my skin. I am a minimalist. I am a firm believer that diet is the main component to a beautiful complexion, and products are supplemental. I did however mention that finding the Naturopathica Skin care line has been the “icing to my cake.” It has been!

The new Regimen Kits, designed for Age Defense, Normal to Oily, or Normal to Dry skin are a wonderful way to let your skin “taste test” the extraordinary benefits of truly all-natural skin products. If you have been using anything other than natural products on your skin, the positive results will be astonishing.

Creamy, smooth, and delicately aromatic, my favorite products  have left my skin supple, soft and hydrated. What has really appealed to me, however, has been the noticeable decrease in inflammation. My skin has become the ideal canvas for whatever makeup I choose to apply– and lately that has been very minimal. 

I still have days to go before I give you my personal and honest favorite products, but I just got word that Naturopathica is offering insiders the opportunity to win a pre-Valentine’s Day massage, or facial, at a Naturopathica partner spa near you (up to a $200 value). 3 Winners will be announced on February 10th! Just in time for the Hallmark Holiday.

• Each winner will also receive an all-new Regimen Kit (like the one I am sampling) - customized for Age Defense, Normal to Oily, or Normal to Dry skin.
• When you sign up, you also automatically get 20% of your next order, and free shipping with orders over $75.00. Plus, and I love this part, with every order you get 3 product samples of your choosing.
• Sign-up for their Valentine’s Day offer and get your 20% off.

I will be back with more updates from my Naturopathica product testing…

I cannot wait to start sharing all of my skincare secrets with you this year! (and these secrets are unrealated to products).

~ – ~

Have you ever tried Naturopathica products? What products do you use now? What is your skin type?

Ever tried a Zoku Quick Pop Maker? Have ideas for healthy recipes!?

]]> http://diaryofanutritionist.com/2012/01/30/healthier-fudge-popsicles-dairy-free-and-delish/feed/ 2 pureblissnutrition Picture 12 IMG_1204 IMG_1213 30 day Image-Normal To Dry Regimen Kit Picture 14 http://diaryofanutritionist.com/2012/01/24/beautiful-skin-and-the-naturopathica-challenge/ http://diaryofanutritionist.com/2012/01/24/beautiful-skin-and-the-naturopathica-challenge/#comments Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:43:43 +0000 pureblissnutrition http://diaryofanutritionist.com/?p=3354 ]]> Beautiful skin begins within.

Your body’s largest organ; the condition of the skin is entirely indicative of the internal health of the body.

Diet, Medication, Lifestyle, Stressors, Supplements, and “allergies,” all affect the body’s internal pH, create balances and imbalances (in all areas of function, including hormonal), and invite, or ward off illness, bacteria and yeasts.

In sum: A zit is not just a zit. A wrinkle not just a wrinkle.

Fighting Toxins with Toxins. 

That being said, the skin also absorbs an upwards of 70% of what is placed on it.

It is quite a paradox that we would attempt to tame sensitive skin, heal blemishes, and reverse aging, with ingredients that are not only irritants, but also something we’d never knowingly want our bodies to absorb.

Unfortunately, the majority of products claiming to be “natural” are still ridden with “natural” fillers that are irritants.

There are no set guidelines for defining what it means for a food, or product, to be “natural.”

The products I thought would be beneficial, left me hesitant to use (or recommend), uncomfortable with the ingredients, and not overly impressed with the results.

Wanted Holistic Skincare

Beauty cannot be found in a bottle, but if were– that bottle would be blue. 

Founded by Barbara Close, the Naturopathica brand emerged from Close’s desire to help people achieve a greater well-being, holistically. A clinical esthetician and herbalist, many of the ingredients in each signature blue bottle are local, or organic, and combined with “ingredient choices” that, their website explains, “have been endorsed by clinical studies featured in prominent medical journals.”

The Naturopathica website offers a highly accessible , time-saving “A thru Z” glossary of each ingredient used, and each product is clearly labeled based on the ingredients: vegan, organic, etc.

My excitement and passion for Naturopathica grew to great heights when I tried one of their enzyme peels. Not only did I notice a significant difference in the appearance and texture of my skin the next morning, I was in awe with how wonderfully delicious and authentic the product smelled. It was literally was like the difference between a home-baked pie, instead of something from a can. 

When asked if I would take their “Challenge” and try one of their new skin regimen kits designed for 3 common skin types: Age Defense, Normal to Dry, Normal to Oily– I answered with a resounding, YES!

Much like the passion that radiates from the holistic company itself, my skin immediately noticed a difference when I switched from my other “natural” moisturizer, and unexciting skin-care regimen.

Products included in my “Normal to Dry” Regimen:

(Wording taken directly from Naturopathica):

Morning Recommendation:

• OAT FACIAL POLISH: Soothing Oats and Jojoba Beads gently sweep away dry, flaky skin, removing impurities and leaving the face soft and radiant
• BEECH TREE & GINSENG DAILY MOISTURIZER: This nourishing moisturizer blends antioxidant rich Beech Tree and Goji Berry with a firming complex of Ginseng to help protect skin from free radicals

Evening Recommendation: 

• CHAMOMILE CLEANSING MILK: A soothing blend of German Chamomile and Rose gently cleanses and calms dry, sensitive skin leaving the face smooth and soft
• PLANT STEM CELL SERUM: An ECOCERT certified organic concentrated serum, designed to significantly slow down the aging of cells due to inflammation caused by UVA photodamage and oxidative stress

Day 2 of the 30 Day Skin Transformation Challenge and my skin looks and feels silky smooth. The little makeup that I do wear went on effortlessly, and there was no such oily residue, or stickiness to be rendered with– something many of us, having suffered from skin blemishes in the past, commonly fear.

My experience with the Naturopthica line has been like the icing to my cake. While my diet worked wonders on my complexion, their products have taken my skin to a new level of beautiful. I only wish I knew of this wonderful little secret when I was fighting off the stressors of my big Wedding Day a few months ago!!

Coupled with a naturally cleansing diet and lifestyle, I will be recommending and endorsing the Naturopathica product line as a means to achieving optimum spa-like results, without concern for unnatural ingredients, irritants, pricey spa services, or questions regarding company policies, and standards (phew).

Looking for a fresh start to 2012?

Boost your confidence with a healthy lifestyle and get free shipping on your first Naturopathica order. Regimen kits are priced at $65.00 (4 deluxe trial products). 1/2 the price of a spa facial. 

Type CODE: NY2012 at Checkout.

Expect me to become more passionately involved in Skin Care in the year 2012.

~ – ~

~ – ~

ON ANOTHER NOTE:

P.S. Congrats to my four lucky winners of my NuStevia Contest who are ready to omit the sugar for a better body and beautiful skin. 

Winners please contact me! 

Dona: ” I want to try NuStevia because I have a sugar allergy and want to not have to give up everything sweet.” …

Tamara: “I’m a huge anti-sugar girl. That stuff is BAD!!” …

Deborah: “I’ve been interested in trying NuStevia as a sugar replacement. I have used Truvia in the past as a way to wean me off the poison that is Splenda but wasn’t quite sold on it.” …

Alana: “I want to try NuStevia because my husband and I have two children of our own and many more in our life that I want to encourage to eat well. I have seen first hand how sugar addictions can control a person’s health and mental state. I’d love to be able to free them of that roller coaster!”…

Ladies! Please email me your shipping information so NuNaturals can get your winnings in the mail! Lauren@inpurebliss.com

Instead of this…

Try this healthier alternative to chemically altered sweeteners…

Last chance to enter to win this sweet deal!

I am loving your comments.

But just like any drug, my bliss and sugar high always brought me lower than I started, and yearning for more.

Of course, at a young age, we do not make this connection. As an adult, we attribute these feelings to being “normal.”

Had I fully realized the actual detriments of my diet, however, I would have saved myself a lot of trouble.

My constant insecurities were generally along the lines of stubborn baby weight, (which was more like a puffiness I never could sweat off), and later down the road, hormonal imbalances, acne, anxiety, and depression.

There were many things about my genealogy that were imperfect and contributing to my predicament, but I was never able to fully accept that DNA was the root cause for my problems, and where diet was concerned, there was not one piece of information I read that did not contradict itself. Fats, low fats, low calorie, sugar-free, exercise, pills, medications, and beauty products all seemed to be the “solution”—or never-ending solution, that is.

It was all absurd.

Regardless of whether I feasted on regular sugar, or the diet stuff, my body, moods and skin were left in a constant limbo. Neither “regular” or “diet” products contributed to my well-being, and instead: stressed hormones, left me sleepless, or exhausted, and unable to stay away from sugar without feeling like I was missing out, or depriving myself.

I had no idea that, aside from the other “food,” and processed and refined flour I was also enjoying regularly (which converts to simple sugar also), sugar was not just something that would tick off the dentist, but rather— poison me.

Sugar, refined, processed, and the diet stuff too, all leave an acid “ash” residue in the body. That is, after the body has used, or most likely– been unable to use for energy, the “waste” residue remaining lowers the body’s internal pH. When the body is “out of balance,” it invites bacteria, yeasts, and weakens the immunity. These yeasts (like Candida) which further contribute to the problem, thrive on sugars, refined foods, and foods that are not readily broken down (ground chicken tacos with cheese, etc.). These imbalances, or toxins, affect everything from our complexion, and weight, to our body’s ability to fight against aging and disease, as well as find happiness.

While I would be lying to say that the removal of sugar itself is the answer to everything (baked potatoes and rice are converted to sugar also), it can be extremely difficult to get that jump-start on a healthy “diet” without feeling deprived, or remorse for the attachment you had to some foods, when you decide to cut out the “bad”– cold turkey.

I certainly had emotional attachments to foods, and food groups, but one of my biggest issues was leaving alone the sweeter things. I liked life sweet.

And low and behold, I still do… because life is meant to be sweet.

Though I consider the best source of sugar is via carrots (juiced, or raw) and beets (juiced, grated raw, baked, or roasted), this would be like suggesting everyone use bicycles as their main mode of transportation.

Healthy,

Beneficial…

and… Unrealistic.

I get my fair share of carrots, but in between, I have to say I am still a fan of stevia. Stevia, an herbal sweetener, is very low calories and highly concentrated making it sweeter than sugar. While I would not go as far as to check it off as a “miracle food,” I do think that it is a great alternative to highly processed and chemically altered sugar, and faux-sugars. It is also extremely helpful in transitioning to a lifestyle focused on whole foods.

I must say that I am loyal to NuStevia because I know the product fairly well, and have been using it for 5 years now. While I now stray away from most powdered sweeteners, as I do not love the additives that prevent the stevia extract from caking, and such, I absolutely love the liquid versions that NuStevia has to offer (it also comes in an alcohol-free version also– I like these best!).

(With all of the brands of Stevia making it to the market, I also like that NuStevia is not owned by our dear “friends” that also happen to mass produce sodas).

Which is why I am always excited when NuNaturals asks me if I would like to hold a NuStevia giveaway.

Of course!!

Why?

I like this brand for their honesty, and taste. I also enjoy it in many of my recipes, and I want you to be able to enjoy it also.

How to win?

Just comment, tweet, Facebook, and get the word out. Then come back and comment below to let me know that you did! Why do you want to try NuStevia? Have you ever tried Stevia before? Are you excited to try it for yourself and your family? Any recipes that you would like to enjoy?

~ FOUR (4) WILL WIN! ~

4 readers will win a box of 50 NuStevia white packets, and 1 Liquid Vanilla NuStevia (my fav product!).

If you like life sweet, YOU WILL LOVE NUSTEVIA.

Can’t wait to hear from you all!

In addition: SAVE MONEY!

Save 15% on your entire order when you type in the code: BLG0612 at checkout! and receive FREE SHIPPING to the CONTINENTAL U.S. on all orders TOTALING $35.00, and over, AFTER this special discount.

Contest starts now! Winners will be announced on Monday, January 23rd, 2012!

It would be like selling cigarettes in an pulmonologist’s office…

or selling kittens in an allergist’s office (sure, they may seem sweet and comforting…).

Add to the mess: The other vending machine.

While you are feeling lousy, or waiting around with the many that already feel lousy, you are also going to need to grab an inexpensive beverage to wash down, or “hydrate” (ha!) yourself from all of the salt, processed and refined flours and sugar.

Out of 30 rows of beverages, only 2 can be considered a genuinely healthful option.

That is less than 1%!

It does not stop at the hospitals and health care provider offices. Oh no, we start them much younger than that. Schools, even many of those considered to provide the best of educations, offer fund raisers full of processed “goods” and encourage kids to eat with their families at the surrounding fast food restaurants that coincidently help to support the schools.  YIKES!

What’s up with that?

How are we letting ourselves get pushed in this direction!?

We can take little steps in our own household to make changes, and it is the perfect time to announce the Zevia winner! Thank you so much for everyone that commented! Our winner is:

I see Zevia at Whole Foods and always want to try it but I never have enough space in my tote. I ride the subway and can only carry so much. I would love to open my fridge and see all those amazing colored cans next to my bunches of kale instead of the nasty “cola” my husband brings home from work. Over the years, I have done a pretty good job transforming the way my family eats but they are not budging on the soda! Not yet anyway. Yummy Ginger Ale!

I love love love your blog and have made almost everything you posted!
Your soups are my Fav!

~ – ~

Thanks Scout! I so hope your hubby loves these! Please shoot me an email with your contact information and your prize of Zevia will be on it’s way! Wahoo!

Stay tuned… new contests and awesome discounts coming this month! 

]]> http://diaryofanutritionist.com/2012/01/12/hospital-vending-machines-whats-up-with-that/feed/ 2 pureblissnutrition Vending machine stocked with candy bars, chips, and gum IMG_0792 Picture 1 http://diaryofanutritionist.com/2012/01/11/green-smoothie-recipe-for-kids/ http://diaryofanutritionist.com/2012/01/11/green-smoothie-recipe-for-kids/#comments Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:01:51 +0000 pureblissnutrition http://diaryofanutritionist.com/?p=3318 ]]> I mentioned that the kids were interested in eating healthier in 2012. On first hearing this I was very impressed (maybe even flattered) by this notion. I wasn’t really sure what they meant by “healthier” however, until the oldest suggested that he would like to start juicing. This meant that the youngest boy wanted to follow suit (and for once I actually liked this brotherly competition).

You are what you eat.

So it began– In the mornings I have been making juice for the three “men” in my life. While this may seem like a wrench in my morning routine, when a family eats healthier as one unit, it is amazing the positive energy, and overall healthier and happier outcome that will result. 

What can I say… I love my husband and my three children. It also allows me to meet a few of my family goals for 2012– “set a healthy example for the family, and encourage them to enjoy (and notice) the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.”  

Smoothies and Juice

Smoothies and juice serve different purposes. Juice will literally infuse the body with living enzymes, vitamins and minerals when enjoyed on an empty stomach. It is energizing, cleansing, blood-building, and requires little to no energy to digest.

Smoothies can be beneficial too however (depending on ingredients), and our youngest little guy loves these icy treats when he can get them…

This time around, however, they’ve been upgraded with greens! Behold! 

What’s he got in his smoothie?

Yields 2 cups.

• 1 handful organic spinach
• 3 rinsed romaine leaves
• 1/2 organic fuji apple
• 1 frozen (really ripe) banana
• 1 ripe banana
• 1/2 cup cool water

This smoothie was made possible by our amazing Vitamix –an incredibly generous wedding gift from my “adoptive-family” in California). Thank you.

WIN FREE ZEVIA!

LAST DAY!

One last day to enter for your free rainbow-pack of Zevia. Zevia is fun for the family and friends you want to help reach their 2012 resolutions, and give up the regular and diet sodas for good. I am absolutely loving the comments! Post here!

Bold colors, and close enough quarters are responsible for that intimate, and original feel, and also distinguish this restaurant from the traditional dark Dallas décor.

Set in the Knox-Henderson area of Dallas, and nestled between The Pearl Cup (another hot spot), and a vintage furniture store, “We are 1976,” “The V Spot” has found the perfect “character” location and is exactly what this carnivorous city needs.

Straying away from soy imitation meats, the menu is authentically “fresh” vegan. Instead of soy patties and tofurkey, “V” offers house-made gnocchi, portabella burgers with caramelized onions, and other such Mediterranean themed dishes like their Italian nachos. It is a far cry from the leaves of lettuce, and fake queso outsiders seem to think all vegetarians and vegans dine on.

(Shown: Massaged Kale Salad with Avocado)

While it is certainly not the most “healthy” of menus (fried portabella fries are still fried….), and the service has not exactly been perfected (we found this to be true the second time around), it is a beautiful concept, and hopefully will attract those hesitant, or pessimistic of dairy and meat-free cooking.

I am optimistic about the V-Spot. 

(shown: Portabella Mushroom Fries with jalapeno ketchup and honey mustard mayo) 

We need more “plants” in Dallas and I am hoping this type of meatless cooking sheds a new light on a plant-based lifestyle.

(Shown: my special order of a Portabella Mushroom burger, hold the bun, and a special side on curried veggies… as you can see I really liked the ketchup)

(shown: our friends and my husband shared the Italian Nachos– I sneaked off with their “spinach, olive and mushroom dip”). 

(shown: husband chose this house-made )

What made this “date night” even more great was the company. We don’t get out as often these days, and even though my husband is a stickler for perfection and service (as he should be, he is in the industry), I am always happy to be able to share a conversation with the people I love conversing with.  It was fun to try something new with a few of our favorite friends, and I was very appreciative that they would be willing to take the chance.  Also, make a note to BRING YOUR OWN (Alcoholic) BEVERAGES– if that’s your thing. We enjoyed our wine.

CONTEST… Win something… sweet and bubbly! 

FYI: I am loving the entries for the Zevia contest. Thank you for taking the time to enter. It is awesome to hear what would be your favorite flavor, and who you’d like to share the goodies with! Keep them coming! Enter the contest here. I will announce a winner this week!!

And in theme with our Vegan restaurant review, did you know Zevia uses Vegan ingredients? That was a bit of a relief. You never know these days…

Happy 2012 again!

This is a busy week… I think 2012 is going to be a great year!

Even as a young girl my dad taught me to sit down and visualize what I wanted for the New Year. Of course, as a adolescent, my goals were something like: “Read x number books, get on the honor role, make straight A’s, save x amount of money, become a famous/model actress, and so forth.” But I was still very young (7^th grade) when my personal goals sounded also something like: “get in shape, and have clear skin.”

I wish I had had some direction, or someone to tell me that all of the soda, and processed foods I ate were only harming my body. Add to that: all of the diets I tried later on, (and there were plenty), that never were the solution.

It was only during my last years of college that I began to combine my education, with my fascination for science and human anatomy, and apply it in a way that would naturally (and more effortlessly) heal what had been a great source of pain growing up.

This year, my goals are much more perplex, in the sense that reading a certain number of books for the year of 2012 is not going to be my biggest feat. Some things never change however. On my document creatively entitled, “Lauren’s Goals for 2012,” health is still of utmost importance to me (maybe in a different light…). I have plenty of those little, almost “silly” to some, nutrition related goals for myself (i.e. add less sea salt, chocolate is a treat—not a snack, avoid canned foods, enjoy a diet lower in sugars (even when they are “healthy” sugars, etc.), continue to drink more green juice, and focus on a living, plant-based diet that is right for ME). The goal has always been about feeling good, but this time around it is not just about me. This time around I have walked into a ready-made, and pretty fantastic family.

~ NEW YEAR ~

~ NEW GOALS ~

Bring on the New Year and I was pleasantly surprised… the kids have asked me how they can start eating more healthfully!! For the record this does not mean: “going vegan,” or “forbidding certain foods.” It means having healthier options and smarter alternatives at home (And if you like soda… you will have a chance to snag a cool prize, scroll down to win our family’s favorite alternative to regular and diet sodas).

What I am learning now, more than ever, is that relationships of any kind can require give and take.

Adjusting… transitioning… learning… (woo, “I work out…”)

This applies to our bodies. We cannot constantly give into our wants (notice I did not say needs)…

or somedays I might be having chocolate for breakfast. :)

But we can compromise and find better alternatives. So we try to do as much of the good as we can, with plenty of the “better” than ( fill in the blank ).

The kids can make their own choices when they are not with us.

And they do. 

In our household, sugar, even natural sugar, becomes a factor that must have its limits. Sure, a second, third, and fourth cookie may taste terrific, but the aftermath… not so much.

The body may think it wants the processed stuff, but it most certainly does not need it. That being said, it is not all “broccoli and lettuce leaves” from the get-go, or ever. 

“Transitioning” into a healthful lifestyle is key. When we are hyped up, and used to receiving (and CRAVE) processed foods, sugars, caffeine, candy’s, and sodas to curve cravings, or lift and sustain our energy and moods—the idea of taking these things away, can actually completely turn one off to a better lifestyle. Why do that?

CONTEST! 
WIN YOUR VERY OWN CASE OF ZEVIA. 

It is for this reason that I really enjoy offering Zevia as another option for avid “bubble seekers,” looking to transition into a more balanced lifestyle. While clearly “no carbonation” is far better for digestion, and zero processing is better overall; Zevia is considerably more natural, and far less “addicting” (in the sense that the kids don’t go bonkers and need more) than their highly processed, (and beyond artificial) opponents. Which, by the way… I spent 10 minutes on Coca-Cola’s website only to be led an obscene amount of directions and then finally to where they list their ingredients for Sprite Zero: Carbonated Water, Citric Acid, Natural Flavors*, Potassium Citrate*, Potassium Benzoate* (to protect taste), Aspartame*, Acesulfame Potassium*

It was easy to find the Zevia ingredients: Citrus Grapefruit: carbonated water, erythritol*, citric acid, *stevia extract, grapefruit oil, medium chain triglcerides*, orange oil, lemon oil, lime oil.

*For more information on their ingredients, check it out. While I do not think stevia or erythritol are super products, I do think they are healthier replacements for mass produced and highly processed corn syrups, refined sugars, and artificial ingredients. I personally use stevia. I like my life sweet, and I make no apologies.

While soda will never be a health food in my book, no one every said you couldn’t have fun. Our kids love Zevia. The introduction of Zevia into our household has completely cut the question: “Can we get a soda?” from their vocabulary of requests. It quite cool! We have Zevia weekends, and when they are having a party at school, they get to grab their favorite can of soda for their lunch box (currently root beer is the favorite).

***** We were so fortunate to have Zevia sponsor the mixers at our wedding and now I want to extend the offer to one lucky reader. One of you will win a 24-special rainbow pack of all of their assorted flavors. You cannot buy this assortment anywhere else. ******

~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~~

Want to win? It’s easy! Just make a comment below:

Why do you want to try it? What would be your favorite flavor, do you think?

Or… if not for you? Whom? It could be for a friend. A coworker. Are you throwing a party? It could even be for your kids’ classroom! (Which I need to do because they seem to think… I won’t go there). Contest starts today, and ends on January 12^th. So tweet it up. Have a little fun. 

I’ll contact my random winner the following day. If you entered awhile back, enter again! More comments, tweets, fb shares the better.

Happy Thursday!

Check back tomorrow…

I should have packed snacks, as what I thought was a 45 minute drive was actually a trip out into some Texas farmland… a place called Glen Rose, Texas. In the midst of the goodbyes, hugs, and trying to capture, in my mind, and heart, everything that had taken place– I was married– I never gave much thought to where I was being taken for a two night post-wedding getaway.

Our luxurious wedding weekend had flown by, and now I found myself 100 miles away, tired, hungry, and uncomforted by the surrounding darkness in unfamiliar territory. The last living thing we had seen for miles was a cow and it was pitch black…

When we finally arrived to our destination, I found myself wanting nothing more to enjoy the romantic dinner I had dreamt of… but instead, discovered that I was at a beautiful, but uncharacteristic venue– Rough Creek, a luxury wilderness resort and what also seemed to be hunting lodge?

And so I thought…

Clearly there had been some mistake. Why would my new husband take me to a hunting lodge? It was now beyond dark. We were in an isolated cabin. I nearly fell over at the sight of my shadow in tears.

Bewildered, I was taken to the restaurant, grumbling yet still hopeful that there would at least be broccoli on the menu.

Seated in the warmly lit restaurant, I was grateful for the understanding and pleasant staff. No one batted an eye when I explained that I would seriously be happy with a salad and a large platter of steamed vegetables– please hold the beans, rice, grains, nuts (the usual foods one would assume I would eat regularly). Little did I know I was to be served an impressive six-course tasting menu, and quite possibly the most outstanding and healthful vegan cuisine I have ever experienced.

Before my eyes, several dishes, consisting of locally grown, vegetables, herbs and spices were presented in front of me. Each more unique and mouthwatering than the previous. I would go back for the (just for) food in a heart beat (and for the record, my husband enjoyed his non-vegan platters also).

These pictures can hardly depict the incredible flavor I had the opportunity of enjoying.

Amuse bouche– micro greens and a rich balsamic with fresh strawberries (which, for the record, B enjoyed for me).

outstanding smoked flavor, this crisp romaine was divine and topped with their signature  bruschetta– bursting with the bold and salty flavor of capers and complimentary fresh tomatoes.

loved, loved, loved this! al dente curried cauliflower, wilted balsamic swiss chard, and incredibly vibrant caramelized onion. An uncharacteristic blend of fearless flavor.

An exceptional ratatouille dish in rich olive oil, topped with local greens, and partnered with fresh artichoke, this dish was the comfort food for an already exceptional experience.

On our last morning at the lodge, we were greeted by the head chef. I was not at all surprised to learn that his staff had spent a considerable period of time in Santa Barbara, where they had been recognized for their vegan and vegetarian tasting menus. Of course this made much more sense to me. Each of the exquisitely plated dishes had been perfectly balanced, uniquely flavorful, satiating, warming, and completely without any animal products, grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, or the like. Even some of the best chefs struggle with vegetables (especially veggies without butter). I had been in absolute heaven.

But still, a hunting lodge you say? Ah, yes. Rough Creek is a beautiful and peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Dallas. Removed from everyday stressors, it was almost too perfect listening to the gentle drumming of the rain as it poured over our cabin. With the cabin door open in the morning, we could see the deer peacefully graze in the fog, and I loved knowing that these stunning animals had acres of land to safely enjoy. Finally, we were in nature!

Decidedly cell-phone free, there were plenty of activities to appreciate, including clay shooting, a spa facility, gym, petting zoo (haha), etc. We went on an hour long guided horseback ride into the dry terrain. The views were stunning, and it was beyond refreshing to be in such a real environment, so different from the strips of highway, concrete, and buildings that is Dallas.

I am not too easily surprised these days, but this was a wonderful, and out of the ordinary gift. I would hope to go back soon.

I should not take for granted that my husband loves all animals. This was a “friend” he found as we explored the grounds below the restaurant. The little guy was kind enough to let us take his picture, though he was clearly not a part of the petting zoo area.