Two of my favorite spices!

Yep! Momma Vi's Vibrant Seasonings. 

My favs are Southwest Seasoning and Vegetarian Herb Salt. Get yours at http://www.mommavi.com   Let us know your fav. Peace

Sedona-Red Rocks and ChocolaTree

Next time you are in Sedona stop in and relax a bit at ChocolaTree. Intention: ChocolaTree is a Sanctuary where each Being can nurture their Authenticity. Vision: We see a World of natural beauty where every child is born into a domain with clean air, pure water and their very own garden growing fresh foods in a splendid paradise! We all play a part in nurturing this Vision together as we make conscious choices that honor ourselves, the planet and each other. Here are a few ways ChocolaTree upholds this vision: We source 100% Organic or Wildcrafted produce. All of our seeds, nuts, veggies, spices, sea veggies everything! 95% of our menu is seasonal, based on what is available locally. If we cant get it within 3 states bordering Arizona, we don’t serve it or we source directly from the most integral supplier. We take into account the “travel miles” organic food undergoes to arrive at its destination. For instance an organic apple flown from Chili might taste and look the same as an organic apple grown in our neighboring Verde Valley however considering the impact of the airplane fuel, packaging etc., sourcing the Chilean apple does not fit into our vision. Therefore we opt to support local growers as much as possible. The water we use in preparing our foods is an artesian spring fed source free of chlorine or fluoride, just pure water. We begin the germination process of our seeds and nuts in this artesian water to assure optimal digestion of the foods we prepare. We add polar minerals for added minerals to this germinating water mixture as well as use 3.5 Ph water for added cleanliness. Read more....... Look I visited the place twice in 2 days had some good grub and got my hands on some green protein.....and a few other items. You can't go wrong in a place like this. Once you visit you'll know what I mean.....peace ChocolaTree Promo Video!

Winter Time is a Good Time for Green Smoothies......

Any time is a good time for a green smoothie. Check out this site [Noosa Hinterland Nutrition] for the Top 10 Reasons YOU should be drinking a Green Smoothie Daily. Click here! What are your reasons for drinking or wanting to dink green smoothies? Please share. Peace.

Will Tucker......Natural Body Building Champion!

What a treat. Thank you goes out to The Cutting Board Bakery & Cafe The house was packed and the food is delicious. Will talked about growing up in East St Louis and his journey to where he is today. If you haven't heard him speak don't miss his next event. No nonsense, comical, witty and informative delivery was great. He even went on to answer questions from the group which consisted of like minded folks who wanted to know more about plant based nutrition. Will delivered. He knows what he's taking about and has the hardware to show for it. You had to be there. Thanks Will and the Cutting Board Cafe.....a job well done. To view the article promoting the event tonight: http://cuttingboardcafe.com/events/vegan-fitness-day/ The Menu: http://cuttingboardcafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/CB_Menu_110513web.pdf Stop by for some grub. Owners and staff were champs as most everyone enjoyed their cusine and the special guest for the evening Mr. Will Tucker.

BBQ Spaghetti Squash.....and Coleslaw?

Here's one I got off Facebook Click Here For the recipe Click Here Here's the deal.....go buy some squash and have some fun or try some recipes. Let me know it turns out. Now the test.....take a look at the pictures and you tell me, what does it look like. No right or wrong answer folks. Cook it up and enjoy!

Winter Squash Time!

My co-op basket the last two weeks has had squash [acorn, butternut, spaghetti] in it. You can be as creative as you like. Tomorrow morning I'm going the cinnamon and apple route. Tonight it was:acorn squash, apples, red peppers, basil, shallots, veggie cheese and and veggie seasoning from http://www.mommavi.com What's your favorite squash dish?

Beet it! Beet it! In MJ's voice........

Well I think you get the picture......Beet Burgers!

I had some beets and had made pickle beets a few weeks early so I figure when the next shipment came in I would try beet burgers. They went over well with the family and co-worker. I'll be doing it again so stay tuned. For the recipe go to [and be creative with your burger]: http://www.greenkitchenstories.com/grilled-beet-burgers/ These are the roasted pickled beets and red onions from a few weeks ago.

Beet it! Beet it!

Pizza Time!

Be as creative as you want. Tandoor baked Naan, olive oil, vegan sausage, vegan cheese, tomatoes, portabella mushrooms and momma vi's mild southwest seasoning. Tasty!!!!!!!

Steamed Veggies-Stove Top

Fasted today and when I got home I thought keep it simple so I did. Sweet corn, broccoli, carrots, French fingerly potatoes and Momma Vi's Vegetarian Herb Salt ( http://mommavi. com ).  I'll have some watermelon a little later. Peace. 

Late night workout, late night smoothie

At least I got my workout in tonight. Now for a smoothie (apples,grapes, spinach, pomegranate juice) & "The Untouchables" then some "shut eye".  Peace 

Late night FB and snack

Jicama-squash-romaine-seasoning and good to go! Have a GREAT WEEK!

Sunrise-Cool Breeze-Breakfast

Just finished bowing down and went to work on a great breakfast as I watched the sunrise and enjoyed a cool breeze. Have a wonderful day. 

Today was a good day!

Got my workout in and created this tasty dish. Pretty simple. Looked in the fridge and pulled out an egg plant, zucchini, some greens, veggie cheese and cherry tomatoes. Used the colorful bow tie pasta, canned tomatoe sauce and added my own Italian seasonings. Had the place smelling good.  Did I mention this was created on the stove top. It will be even better tomorrow.  Can you say leftovers.  Peace

Oh! I forgot to mention this was my first attempt at posting to my blog with the mobile app.......not bad.

To The Smoothie Lovers Out There.......

Top of the day to all my smoothie lovers! Add a little montel, pears, apple, kale, ice, orange juice and banana and you are good to go. Drink up! Now off to do some yard work. Peace

Dessert Time.....I don't do this often but when I do.....

Right! Sometimes I will have what I know I don't need. BUT! This was really good.....and today I started back to my regular routine, green smoothie for breakfast and even got back on the bike. Bought a new pressure cooker and yesterday it was brown rice. Today so far it has been asparagus, yellow string beans and potatoes. All of 5 minutes to steam. Mixed beans are next on the menu a little later tonight.

10 Months into this Plantbased Lifestyle......

A month or so went by and I was overdue for a bike ride. Went on vacation and started eating a little more junk food. Hadn't hit the weights in about a month or two. October will be the month to get back on track with biking, lifting, running and some good ole plantbased lifestyle cooking. The Bike ride was great and the organic green beans, onions and corn with a little heat was enough to get back on track. It's on for the next 60 days.....

Oatmeal......Yeah Baby!

Ok folks, how do you start your day? Most days this is how mine starts. Oatmeal, cinnamon, agave, nuts and what ever fruit is on hand.....[walmuts and nectarines today] What's your favorite starter.

Breakfast Ride @uprootedkitchen @gilbertmarket

I was up before sunrise taking care of my obligatory's and afterwards decided I was going to find this kitchen on wheels and get some grub before they sold out for the day. I did it! It is also their 1 year anniversary so I got a complementary birthday dessert. Breakfast was Chilled Butternut Oats with almond milk and a scone. Met some kool people while moseying around the famers market. Check out your local famers market when you get a chance.....peace http://theuprootedkitchen.com

Things you might see on your commute...or while out on a ride. Be Careful.

No I was not attacked but I did take a moment to capture these critters for your enjoyment. I'll try to keep you posted on the things one might see while out getting a little exercise. Peace

Get out and Make it Happen....Recreational Ride Day!

Sometimes you need to just get out and do something a long the lines of exercise. Just something. What are your plans today? Might have a few pics to add later.....peace. Didn't take any pics on today's ride but I did have a flashback......cruising into Wickenburg. Part of a two day ride to Parker Dam.....Big Fun.

Sorry for the delay......but this plate was worth it!

I went to a birthday party and told my friend that I would post this because it was the first time there were so many veggie dishes that I actually had a plate full of everything, twice! [various peppers, 3 types of hummus, sliced fruit, glazes sweet potatoes with red onions, grilled egg plant, broccoli, cucumbers]

Make your own (burritos) works for me......

Sometimes we can drive ourselves crazy trying to figure out where to get some good grub. Well I figured why not make my own. This was my Farmer Market Meal a few hours after I spent time there with some folks I hadn't seen in a while. A good majority of the conversation was about healthy eating and lifestyle and places that cater to a plant based life style. Thursday is now my regular Farmers Market Day. The Burritos: potatoes, turnips,onions, greens, salsa and wheat tortillas and seasoning to your taste Enjoy! I sure did.....

Simple Breakfast.....

Breakfast was little late this morning. [excuse the styrofoam and plastic fork] Now simple is good and even got a complement from a coworker as they passed by the office.

Dude, where do you get your protein?

Protein is the most revered nutrient of all and has driven our food choices for over a hundred years. But what if (almost) everything you thought you knew about protein was wrong? A 30 minute film that's not only fun to watch, but informative and puts to rest some of the most important myths about protein. If you know someone who justifies their eating habits using the "protein" argument, show them this! Preview DVD also check out what's in the DVD by clicking HERE

Simple is Good!

Well sometimes you just want something simple and this simple pleasure was good! Tomatoes, guacamole, green onion, rasins, carrots, spinach, dressing measure to your taste [lemon juice, pepper, sea salt, brown vinegar, chia seeds].

Cold Slaw Day......

A couple of days ago I had the taste for some cold slaw while at work and driving home. Thought about going to the store and how some or most restaurants make cold slaw and that is not what I was looking for. So I headed home a got to work. The kicker is this is the first time I put avocados around the serving dish. Bam! And that was the appetizer to my homemade veggie burger(not picture). When I make my next batch I'll try to post a pic before I eat them all.....

VeganHoodTv.....Must See

When you go to the site make sure you watch the vids and sign the guest book. This is another example of making it happen when it come to living a plant based lifestyle. veganhoodtv.com I'll be checking in regularly with veganhoodtv and wish them continued success and health as they spread and share the power of plant based lifestyles......peace

Raise-the-Roof Sweet Potato-Vegetable Lasagna!

Yes Sir! The recipe came from The Engine 2 Diet. I saw in made on the documentary and went out and got the incredients and went to work. The is serving number 2.......gotta go finish it off. Talk soon.....peace

Veggie Patties and Steamed Cabbage on a COLD AZ Day!

Man! A couple a days ago it was 'back east cold' and all I was thinking about on the way home from work was I was going to go shopping and make some veggie chili. So I get home, walk to the front door and someone is cooking. I can smell it outside the door and it's not processed. Well as you can see in less than 15 minutes, enough time to free and wash my hands I sat down to steamed cabbage and fried veggie patties......yes, yes, yes. It was good and I sure rested well the rest of the evening. Jumped up the next morning at 0500 and hit the gym (it's in the garage) and felt great. Nothing like a good meal the night before to prepare you for the day ahead.....share your favorite plant based meal. Thanks