Argh! I haven't blogged in FOREVER! :/ 

As some of you know, I have been very focused building my Inspire Beauty Designs website, and having sooo much fun!!!

My intention is to reach as many people as possible...and to adorn my beautiful customers with inspired one-of-a-kind, affordable, hand curated items from all around the world - as well as donate on a larger scale than I would be able to on my own, to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. 

20% of all profits will be donated with love to the OCRF.

Please check out my lovely site @
 www.inspirebeautyla.com
#inspirebeautyla #ocrf #ocrforlife #shopibd #unite

Thank you friends - and new friends - for your love and incredible support!!! YOU are MY inspiration...

Pursue what makes you happy...

xoRachel

The Mediterranean Diet has long been looked to as a staple model for balanced eating. Borrowing some key ingredients from the MD is a sure way to maximize both taste and functionality in this beverage.





To Make...

Blend:
10 oz (or 1.25 cups) almond milk
1 cup frozen blueberries
1/2 cup frozen papaya
1 heaping handful of baby spinach
1 tbls tahini 
1 scoop green powder (Try: Earthbar's Green Detox powder - or - Green Vibrance w/probiotics by Vibrant Health)
1 scoop protein

*Blend until mixed thoroughly - do not over blend or drink will become too frothy (basic rule of thumb for any smoothie).

Simple recipe. Simply delicious. Cheers to your health! :) 

  

Quinoa Lucuma Granola
(gluten-free, raw, vegan and sprouted)

In a mixing bowl combine:
1/2 C sunflower seeds (soaked for 12 hours)
1/2 C quinoa (soaked for 12 hours)
1/2 C buckwheat (soaked for 12 hours)
1/2 C pumpkin seeds (soaked for 12 hours)
**Rinse the seeds several times after soaking to remove any dirt or stickiness**
2 C sprouted oats (to save time, buy them already sprouted. I use To Your Health brand because they are certified gluten-free and sprouted)
Place all seeds and oats in a large mixing bowl

In a separate mixing bowl, add the following:
1 tsp himalayan salt
1/2 tsp raw vanilla bean powder
2 TB cinnamon
1/3 C coconut oil
1/3 C maple syrup
1/4 C lucuma powder
1/2 C chopped strawberries

Combine ingredients from both bowls and stir by hand with a fork.

Spread mixture out on dehydrator sheets.

Dehydrate at 125 degrees for about 12 hours -- & enjoy!

Space Saving Tip: 

Have an awkwardly placed space in your home? Next to a fireplace, or in a room or hallway? Install custom cabinets! Home Depot has all the materials you will need at a great price. Hand select door pattern & fixtures. Be sure the color matches your walls exactly, and that the cabinets are flush against surfaces on either side. No one will even notice they are there! Vuala...hidden storage.

Idea for a romantic meal with your sweetheart...

I am lucky enough to live near the ocean, but this idea will certainly work well in any outdoor setting...even your own patio! My husband Noah and I do our best to enjoy picnics on the sand as often as possible, and this time I wanted to make the experience extra special...

Write out a menu on a decorative piece of paper (any paper that looks nice & clean will do). I titled mine Romantical Snacks. Place & size paper inside a wooden picture frame.

Proceed to prepare an assortment of small dishes (click on photo for some recipe ideas)! 
Don't forget dessert for a sweet end to your meal.
Toss everything into a picnic basket or bag with a nice bottle of wine, a blanket to sit on & a candle -- and off you go! ;-)
*Remember plates, cups, utensils, napkins, lighter, and of course the infamously easy to forget item -- a bottle opener!

Serves 2...

Chia Pudding:
2 &1/2 tablespoons chia per 1 cup of coconut milk. Add 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract (or substitute Madagascar or Tahitian vanilla bean powder if possible), and 1 tablespoon maple syrup. Stir & soak overnight. Stir well before eating.
Should make enough for 2-3 days.
*Add a tad more chia if the recipe needs thickening.

Mango & Banana Puree:
Contents of 1 fresh mango, 1 small banana & 1/4 cup fresh coconut meat (or substitute 1/4 cup coconut milk). Blend to a thick whipped texture.

Top with fresh berries & coconut shreds! Yum-ola!