MOVING—Temporary absence

Hello, friends. As you know already, my hubby and I are moving to Ohio this week. I am working like a mad woman packing up our belongings, marking boxes and taking deep breaths in between.

I did not think that the time will fly this quickly and the reality of leaving family and friends here is starting to hit me. In 6 days we will board the plane and will land in Columbus. But for now I have to breathe, breathe, and breathe deeply. [this morning my lovely Mom already had a crying moment and it was so hard to get through it… what am I going to do when we have to say goodbyes?]

Meanwhile, our mover is coming this Friday to pick up our things, including my PC [ouch!]. So, if you try to get a hold of me in the next week and hear nothing back, fear not—I will get back to you as soon as we settle in and unload. First things to get set up will be: our bed, kitchen and computer ;) [in that order]. I will take my time with everything else [NOT!].

If you are in or around Columbus, hit me up and we will arrange a meeting!

Talk to you all next week!

 I learned that chopsticks can be used in more than one way ;)

Meeting with a friend in Seattle for teary goodbyes :(

Biggest Winner Challenge Update {Weight Loss with Plant Based Living}

Good morning, loves!

I hope you have not forgotten about our BWC {the Biggest Winner Challenge} participants! I just received an update from them.

Our three [3] month challenge was completed in the beginning of August.  The first month and a half we met on a regular basis [weekly], thereafter communicating through e-mail.

The whole group: Diana, Dan and Barb, did fantastic.  They have gotten rid of numerous physical ailments; we discovered that some of the ailments were caused by gluten intolerance in Diana and Barb.  Barb went on to confirm it with her physician as well.

Now, are you ready for the weight loss total?  Drum roll, please...

In 3 months our participants have lost a combined of 76.5 lbs!  Diana lost 44 lbs, Dan 10 lbs [he does NOT need to lose any more!], and Barb 22.5!!! Isn't that fantastic?!  They had lost [and will keep losing] extra weight and gained so much: better health, better sleep, better mental function, etc.  They truly are THE BIGGEST WINNERS!

Congratulations, Diana, Dan and Barb!  You did what you thought was impossible and I am so proud of you!

I am hoping to still get a couple of quick interviews with Diana and Barb before moving out of the state.  when I do I will make sure to post them here for your enjoyment.  If you have any questions for any of the participants, please add them in the comment section.

Mango Peach Smoothie {Vegan} on a Hot Summer Day

While I was wediting [a photographer's way to say editing a wedding ;)], I had a craving for a smooth, cool, sweet drink.  In a minute I whipped up a delicious smoothie that I absolutely must share with you.  It does not only taste good, but it is great for you!  Loaded with enzymes, minerals and vitamins it will satisfy you and help you achieve better health at the same time. 

Mango Peach Smoothie
serves 3-4 people

Ingredients

• 1.5-2 cups filtered water
• 2 ripe oranges, peeled and seeded
• 2 ripe peaches, pitted
• 1 large ripe mango, pitted [I peeled skin as well]
• 2 tbs raw honey

1. Blend until smooth
2. add 2 cups ice and crush in a blender

Enjoy!

I Am Now Sweet {Ripe Organic Fruit Storage}

I spent most of the day peeling ripe organic fruit so it can be frozen to be used later on, when the season is over. I got a huge box of oranges, peaches, mangoes, cantaloupes and other delicious fruit. While I was peeling and cutting the juices were running over my hands and, I think, it marinated me ;), so I am pretty sweet ;)

Have a fabulously sweet Sunday!

{how about this sweet looking honeycomb? ;) local and organic!}

Our Breaking News: WE ARE MOVING!

Well, the title pretty much said it all. Yes, it is true, and it is finally official--my sweetie and I packing, as I am typing, and getting ready to make the big move! On 8/31 we will board a plane to relocate to Westerville, OH.

We are sad. Most of my family lives in or around Longview, so it will be very painful to leave them. We also had met wonderful people while here: clients, friends, church family, co-workers, and have been influenced by many in a wonderful way.

But we are also excited about what the future holds for us. Columbus and the metropolitan area around it is a huge metropolis compared to Cowlitz County [only 100K people population] and boast sover 1,000,000 people. The diversity, which we miss so much, is wonderful.

We moved from Ohio to Washington 2.5 years ago and many of our friends still live in/around Columbus, which will make our transition less painful. Thanks to our friends there, namely Cindi R, a good friend of mine, we were able to find housing and to start making other prepartions.

As for now I still have two weddings to photograph in the next two weeks, and work as second photographer at one more wedding. Once we relocate I have meetings lined up with wedding planners, photographers and other wonderful folk to get Elena Photographers booming in the Columbus metropolitan area. I will stay specialized with Weddings, Engagements/Couples, and Seniors. In my free time... when there will be some ;), I am going to be a Group Fitness Trainer, teaching Power Yoga + Pilates [I am studying for my certification now] and teaching people good nutrition and cooking classes. So, if you are in/around Westerville/Columbus OH area and want to meet me, shoot me an e-mail and we can talk beautiful photography, fitness and nutrition [separately or at the same time, which has happened many times ;)].

Have an amazing day!

Delays and News

Good Day, Loves!

DESSERT E-BOOK DELAY

Just wanted to post a quick note and apologize for a delay in the long promised e-cookbook [first edition: Desserts].

I plan a lot of things, but life happens and sometimes encroaches on my perfect plans, as this is the case in this situation.  With weather semi-cooperating in Washington we are taking advantage of it and working hard to finish remodeling [among other big projects], which leaves very little time for cooking or creativity ;)  In the next 2-4 weeks all things will be finished, though, and life will be back to normal.  I will once again be spending time in the kitchen and working hard on releasing Dessert e-book, followed by Main Dish e-book.  Both Vegan.  Desserts will have raw and gluten free recipes AND will have a couple of my SECRET recipes, so it will be worth the wait ;)

FITNESS CERTIFICATION

Meanwhile, crazy me is working on another huge project!  I am starting my certification process to become a group fitness instructor :)!  Yes, you heard it right--a FITNESS instructor.  Today I will be taking my CPR certification class and will start studying for the certification exam with AFAA, which will take place in less than a month.  I can hardly believe this is happening but I am super excited. 

I am currently talking to a couple of gyms that are interested in bringing me on to teach Power Yoga/Pilates class.  Once the selection is final I will let you know WHERE and WHEN you can find me.

As for now, here are a couple of my favorite workout videos.

Yogalosophy [be ready to walk funny for the first few days after your first workout, because it will WORK YOU!]

Kristin McGee Power Yoga DVD is another favorite of mine.  Almost no fluff [I am no fluff kind of girl ;)] and works every muscle in your body.

COOKING CLASS

Yet, on another note, my hubby and I will be in Columbus OH area next month and I will offer a plant-based [vegan] cooking class there.  If you are in the area [Columbus, Westerville, Worthington, Bexley, Pickerington, Gahanna, Hilliard, Canal Winchester, OH or surrounding areas] and are interested in coming out to the class, let me know and I will send you all details.  I will also follow up with another post next week with the menu and everything you need to know to register. 

If you have friends/family in Columbus, OH area who would love to come to the class, send them my way :).  We will make delicious meals, talk nutrition, weight loss, and how to stay youthful and vibrant.

PEACH GREEN SMOOTHIE

Today I enjoyed a delicious green smoothie.  Here is the recipe.

~3 cups water

~2 peaches [hopefully ripe]

~3 cups cantaloupe

~large handful of lambsquarters

~large handful of kale

~3 tbs dulse

~2 tbs maca powder

~3 tbs hemp seeds

~2 tbs cacao nibs

HAPPY WEEK!

Until next time, loves, have a great, healthful life!

Is Vegan Diet the Next Big Thing for Weight Loss and Health?

Fun, fun day for me!

I got two updates from 3 wonderful people.

Lori contacted me a couple of months ago to ask questions about veganism. Her doctor told her that she had to go vegan to save her health [that is a miracle by itself!], which she did in the beginning of June. Two months later she went back to see her doctor and here is her update:

“Good news from my doctor today. She told me to cut in half 3 of my medications. My blood sugar level is fine—I don't have to worry about diabetes anymore.

She told me if I keep this up. I should be off those 3 meds in 3-6 months! This is wonderful news!

Lovin’ being Vegan. It has changed so much for me!

Thanks Elena...for all the help you've given me on this journey so far. I have a way to go still.

~Lori”

That was AMAZING news for me this morning. However, I got another update, this one from Rachel. She and her husband decided to go vegan 2 months ago. She is a fast learner! After speaking with her a couple of times, she was ready! She cleaned out her cupboards and they went shopping. Since then a lot has transpired for them.

Here is what she told me today:

“My husband and I have been 100% Vegan strong!

It will be two months August 16th. My husband “slipped up” twice, but found the food he ate to be extremely salty, greasy, and it actually made him vomit. He won't be eating like that again…

Other than that we haven't even looked back. We don't even think about it anymore. It is like a new lifestyle for us and it is wonderful!

I have lost 15 pounds and my husband 20! We have been eating so well.

I bought a bread maker and I love it! I have upgraded my kitchen so much.

We are members of the farmers market and we get fresh produce once a week for $20/wk. We are saving money and we feel so excellent!

We eat mostly soups, salads, smoothies and more! The food tastes amazing!!!

I have new knifes, and so many new gadgets. My next tool will be the dehydrator I want to try it.

Right now we rotate between 15 recipes we really love and then I'll add a new one every now and then. Yesterday we tried chick pea tacos and it's amazing how it taste just like the real deal.

I believe being Vegan is so easy! I cook so well so it never feels like we are missing out on anything.

We are almost two months strong. I plan on posting before and after photos of my husband and I soon. I want to lose at least 5 more pounds first ;) I could write all day :).

~Rachel”

Rachel, and I could listen all day!

So, dear reader, if you are struggling with health issues and are not sure if going vegan will help you solve some or all of the issues, you just heard of 3 people that did it and have no regrets. The only things they are missing out on now are: extra weight and poor health conditions! That’s it!!!

However, what they had gained since going vegan is so much more: improved health, vitality, clearer mind, slimmer bodies, and longer, healthier lives!

There is no comparison really.

What about YOU?

Are you ready to take the next step for yourself? If you are and not sure how to, I do offer one-on-one and group consultations. In person AND on-line. We can craft a plan fit for you and your lifestyle and get you going toward better health.

All you have to do is e-mail me and let me know that you are interested. I will take it from there.

[Consultation spots are limited to 6 per month, so get into action NOW! :)]

If you want to test the waters and see what we all are crazy about, check out the newly released 3-Day Green Smoothie Cleanse. It might be just that little push that you need to get you started. Go to the STORE page, see what others are saying and get you copy TODAY!

Until next time, Live in Better Health!

Salad: Green and Red with Fat Free Raspberry Vinaigrette

A quick summer salad I made to satisfy the crunchy craving I had all day long.

Green Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette 

• 2 hearts of Romaine Lettuce, chopped
• 1 bell peppers, thinly sliced in rounds
• 2 pickling cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 2 kiwi fruit, skinned and sliced

Fat Free Raspberry Vinaigrette

• 8-10 oz raspberries, fresh or frozen
• 3 tbs raw honey [or to taste]

~Blend in a high speed blender.
~Pour over salad and enjoy.

Absolutely delicious!  Satisfy your summer crunch!