Where in the World is Elena?

Sheesh! I just realized I have not posted in over two weeks! 

I have been super busy with photographing weddings, wrapping up the remodel on my Mom's house [still a little bit to go], working hard, and planning activities for the Fall.

I was hoping to offer a couple of cooking classes in Longview/Kelso, WA in the month of August--we'll see how it goes.  If I do it will be the last offering of classes for this year altogether.  So, if you are local to Cowlitz county and interested, shoot me an e-mail. 

Meanwhile I am running off to work on more projects.  

Talk to you soon, lovely people! 

You Can Have a Cookie and Eat It Too {Life in my House}

We had a VERY adventurous weekend.  You can read about it HERE.

The highlight of the whole week, though, happened yesterday... when we least expected it.

Yesterday I heard giggles in our kitchen.  I listened intently to find out what was going on.  Turned out that my niece and nephew came over—their little aprons in hand—ready to bake cookies… if they could find someone willing to do so. Uncle Demetrye, of course! The man has his own recipe and they love him to shreds.

He simply could not resist them—he donned his Home Depot apron on and off they were to bake chocolate chip cookies. I grabbed my point and shoot to eternalize those precious moments.

And here is the final product:

Looks good, doesn’t it?! We got to eat it while, after talking uncle Demetrye into more mischief, we played the Mexican Train.

{Silly Faces}

{Staring Contest}

{sibling love}

{the boys lost and had to do the dishes ;)}

Every moment we have is a gift.  Our families and friends are the reason we have such moments altogether. Why else would God so graciously give them to us? To mess our perfect plans, of course; to show up when we least expect them and while doing that create the most unforgettable moments.

Now, go capture yours! And treasure them too.

Cookie Dough Vegan Ice Cream {Raw}

If you are working on losing weight you have to drop a lot of unhealthy habits, but you still want to indulge some of the cravings.  If you are like my husband you like sweets... no, you LOVE sweets an cannot imagine your life without them.  Well, you are in luck!  Eating healthy does not mean depriving yourself--deprivation is for serial dieters.  We, on the other hand, eat as much as we need and treat ourselves to yummy desserts all the time. 

Interested?

Here is a quick and simple ice cream recipe that is Weight Loss approved. 

Cookie Dough Banana Ice Cream {Vegan} 

2 LARGE servings, or 4 smaller servings

• 5 ripe frozen bananas
• 2 large handfuls raisins [make sure to get the ones that are sugar, chemical and oil free]

Preparation

• Blend both ingredients in a food processor until smooth.  You might have to stop a couple of times to push the mixture down to the blades. 
• Serve immediately, or freeze in a Popsicle for for later indulgence
• You can also add frozen strawberries, dates and other wonderful guilt-free ingredients. 

Enjoy guilt free summer dessert!

How to Win the 3-Day Green Smoothie Cleanse eGuide

Wouldn't you like a chance to get the 3-Day Green Smoothie Cleanse eGuide for free?  Well, here is your shining moment!  

If you want 30+ green smoothie recipes, list of ingredients with suggestions where I get some of my favorite foods and other great tips that will help you detox physically and mentally AND lose weight, you have a chance to get it totally FREE!

If you are on FaceBook, all you have to do it LIKE the Back to Eden page. Once we reach 250 fans, one lucky fan will get a copy of the eGuide. It's that simple!

RULE: you have to Like the page and LEAVE A COMMENT on the page to be considered for the drawing!

Once we reach 250 fans I might feel like doing the giveaway again at 500 and 750 fans ;)

So, get to it!

Vegan in Longview {WA}

The big weekend has come and gone. We spearheaded a novelty in Longview, WA--introducing Vegan, Vegetarian and Gluten Free options to the population that flocked to the lake Sacajawea to celebrate our nation's Independence Day. Unheard of? Yes, in Longview! Here the obesity rates are reaching 80% and veganism is still widely unheard of and is perceived as a cult rather than a dietary lifestyle.

We even offered GREEN SMOOTHIES this year!  Can you believe that?  Talking about novelties... I offered samples to anyone who would take one [if I had time for it, as we served literally THOUSANDS of people over the 3 days].  Green Smoothies were a hit!  I even had repeat customers.

We also offered veggie wraps and a carrot salad--both amazingly delicious.  And now the Russian Food booth will be known not for its delicious Russian offerings but as a pioneer of health food in Longview at the celebration of the 4th of July, which I count as a great victory. 

Here are a few shots from our fun filled weekend made up of long days [I think I averaged 13-14+ hrs of working the booth every day]. 

and here I am in action, making a batch of Green Smoothies with my faithful VitaMix

 [photo is courtesy of Bob Ward]

Thanks goes out to everyone who came out to support us!

To all of my new friends from this weekend--stay tuned--I will soon be offering a couple of cooking classes to inroduce you to all of the wonderful benefits of a plant-based diet.

3-Day Cleanse Guide Scheduled to Release-Get Your Copy

Once in a while we all need a good internal scrub. If you have been feeling sluggish, foggy, low on energy or gained a couple of unwanted pounds you might agree with me.

There is no easier and quicker way to clear up your mind , give yourself a bust of energy, and kick off your weight loss than a short term [3-Day] Green Smoothie Cleanse.

I created a downloadable e-guide filled with instructions, ingredient list and recipes to help you kick start your journey to a healthier you.

The Guide will be released 7/5/2010—in time for post Independence Day celebration cleanse. You can pre-order your copy NOW!

$7.00

See what others said about it and about the Cleanse at the STORE.