Sick of throwing crap in the microwave or making fast meals that don’t truly satisfy you? Get your raw zen kitchen on with these helpful tips from Guest Blogging Blondie Kristen Suzanne (aka KristensRaw.com);

I strive to live a life that is more Zen (mindful, non-judgmental, and in the moment), and believe me, I’m a work in progress. That being said, I make a point to be particularly aware of my Zen-ness when I’m in the kitchen preparing Raw food. Why? Because it helps me create the most delicious food ever!

Raw Food Isn't Just Salads and Fruit Plates

Here are seven things I do to get my Raw Zen Kitchen on (adapted them from zenhabits.net - you’ll see I’ve changed them up a bit so they apply to my Raw food prep);

1. Do things deliberately. Have patience and and take your time…feel yourself flow with your actions. Don’t be rushed when making your food. Before making a recipe, take the time to sit down and read the recipe. In fact, read through it twice. Review the ingredients and picture them in your mind. Imagine the steps you’ll take as you go through the directions. Then, when you’re ready, make the recipe and take your time with each step.
2. Don’t multi-task. Doing things in a Zen style also means doing them one at a time. For example, when you’re washing produce, simply wash your produce. When you’re in the kitchen, keep the phone and television turned off while you’re preparing your delicious meals. Feel the fresh produce while you’re washing it, smell it as you cut into it, be mindful and observe it while it’s blending…these are all ways to be present while preparing your raw food. Then, when you eat your food, just eat. Don’t do the mail, don’t talk on the phone and don’t turn on the TV. Simply eat your food. Taste each bite and experience all of the delicious flavors and textures exploding in your mouth. Raw food is full of exquisite flavors damn close to being worthy of worship, so appreciate it with every bite. And, by taking your time to chew and experience your food to its fullness, you’ll help improve your digestion as well.
3. Do each task completely before moving on, and each step of the recipe, in the same way. Put your mind completely on the recipe. Don’t move on to the next task until you’re finished. When you finish the task of making the meal, don’t eat until you’ve cleaned up your kitchen, if possible… (and practice your new Zen groove while you’re at it!).
4. Do less in the kitchen (and in life). I don’t worry about making a bunch of different recipes all week. I take a little time every Sunday to select a few recipes for the week and I just make those. I’ll make enough so I have leftovers to last a couple of days each, thereby giving me more time to just enjoy my food. Sometimes, I make a recipe 2-3 times throughout the week to keep it simple. When I do less (in the kitchen and in life), then I can do those things with more focus and be more relaxed in the process.
5. Rituals Are Special. Having a ritual offers the activity a sense of appreciation and importance. I have a ritual for making my daily green juice, my weekly recipes, going to the farmers’ market each week, etc. When I think of those activities in that way, they actually become even more exciting to do. In fact, I can’t wait to do them each day, or week, because I feel so lovely and relaxed in the process.
6. Timing can be everything. “There are certain times in the day of a Zen monk designated for certain activities. A time for bathing, a time for work, a time for cleaning, a time for eating. This ensures that those things get done regularly.” I designate time for my activities, such as a special time for selecting the recipes I’ll make for the week, as well as making my weekly shopping list. I also designate time to shop. When I get home from food shopping, I have a designated time where I prep my produce (washing some of it, proper storage, etc).
7. “Make cleaning and cooking become meditation” (boohyah!). “Cooking and cleaning are two of the most exalted parts of a Zen monk’s day. They are both great ways to practice mindfulness.” Put your whole self into those tasks, and do them mindfully with patience and passion. Be grateful you have food to prepare, a house to clean, and an able body to do both of those things.
8. Enjoy every moment (it’s all you truly have). Love your life.

Learn more here www.KristensRaw.com.

Kristen Suzanne is an amazing example of Raw Gorgeousness!

Been searching for animal-friendly ballet slippers for yourself or your favorite little Ballerina?  Look no further, Cynthia King Dance Studio filled a much needed void in the cruelty-free market by designing and manufacturing 100% Vegan Split Sole Canvas Ballet Slippers and 100% Vegan Full Sole Canvas Ballet Slippers in super soft canvas with great, non-slip sole, and stretch drawstring for children or adults!

Cynthia King, a highly respected dancer and choreographer for over 30 years, has taught and directed dance departments of many schools in New York and New Jersey and has been credited by the NYC Department of Education with developing “one of the most comprehensive dance programs in the district.” She is one of those women you meet and immediately think; “I’ve just been in the presence of a Queen.”  Her heart and passion resonates in everything she does.

Cynthia King

Ms. King, mother of two vegan B-Boys, is a community advocate, dedicated animal welfare advocate and activist serving on the board of directors of the NY League of Humane Voters, and is a proud supporter of Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary.  She runs a glorious dance studio in Brooklyn, NY where we strongly suggest you take classes, if you love to dance.

She says;

“When you choose Cynthia King Vegan Ballet Slippers you have taken a graceful step towards improving our environment and reducing cruelty to animals. You not only help save the lives of the animals used in the production of shoes, but you also help to conserve the habitat of many others.  Gorillas, chimpanzees, and many other species face deforestation and homelessness every day due to unnecessary destruction of their habitats for livestock production. Waterways around the world continue to suffer lingering effects of pollution from factory farms and tanneries, some closed generations ago. Using cruelty free ballet slippers directly conserves natural resources and saves lives.”

How’s that for compassionate and responsible shopping?

Vegan Ballet Slippers, $24.95 @ cynthiakingdance.com

To order by phone call (718) 437-0101. To order online click here. Place order by 2pm E.S.T Mon-Thurs & your slippers will ship next day. International orders usually ship within 2 business days of ordering.

Just in time for a post-holiday detox, The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) is beginning its second 21-Day Vegan Kickstart on January 1st.  We know many of you fabulously compassionate Girlie Girls are already vegan, but for those of you still trying to kick the dairy or meat habit (or for those junk food vegans looking to get healthier in 2010) this online interactive program will give you just the encouragement you need to become a new and healthier you!

What you get:

* Daily e-tips that put Kickstart participants on the path to weight loss, better health, and greater well-being
* A 21-day meal plan with easy and delicious recipes sent every day that will help participants break cravings for unhealthy foods
* Weekly motivational nutrition webcasts
* Social support from other Kickstart participants through a community forum where nutrition professionals answer health and diet questions
* An interactive vegan restaurant guide

Did we mention that some of our favorite vegan celebs and athletes will be chiming in with recipes, tips and encouraging messages? You’ll hear from Rory Freedman, Kathy Freston, Alicia Silverstone and Chef Tal Ronnen among many others.

Do it for yourself, do it for the environment, do it for the animals! Register for the Vegan Kickstart today!

21DayKickstart.org

Blog via Danielle Thompson. In kindergarten Danielle mounted a campaign to save ants from being squashed and has since worked for human rights, promoted veganism, informed people about cruel and toxic dolphin meat in Japan, campaigned for both farmed and wild animals and most recently helped to sterilize nearly 200 dogs and cats in the Galapagos Islands with Animal Balance. She studied political science and philosophy at the University of Wisconsin and animal and environmental law at Lewis and Clark Law School. She recently joined SPECIEES a group who mission is to protect both wild native animals and companion animals in fragile island eco-systems.

First there was Black Friday, then there was Cyber Monday and now there is Free Shipping Day. 731 participating merchants are offering free shipping TODAY with ensured delivery by Christmas Eve.  That’s a deal you kinda don’t want to miss out on since sometimes shipping fees can cost almost as much as the items you are purchasing!  Particularly when you are rushing to do last minute shopping like we are assuming you are and have to send gifts overnighted or next day!

Hit up: freeshippingday.com to get the big list of participating retailers.

But just a few of note participating;

Shopbop.com: Free ground shipping on all orders shipped within the 48 contiguous states. Select “UPS FREE Ground” as your shipping method during checkout.

Shoes.com: 20% off your entire order with code HOLIDAY20 at checkout. Plus, get Free Standard Shipping! Exclusions apply, see site for details. (Expires 12/21).

ToryBurch.com: Free Standard Shipping on all U.S. orders! Discount applied at checkout. Exclusions may apply, see site for details. (Expires 12/17). Free Standard Shipping on all orders of $150 or more! Discount applied at checkout.

Piperlime.com: Shop the Lime Tag Sale: Up to 40% off select shoes and handbags. Prices already reduced. Free Shipping On All Orders!

BareNecessities.com: Free Standard Shipping on all U.S. orders. Use code FREESHIPPINGDAY at checkout. See site for details. (Expires 12/17)

Endless.com: Free Standard Shipping on all orders in the continental U.S. Most items ship free overnight! See site for details.

RevolveClothing.com: Free Shipping on all U.S. orders!

WhiteHouseBlackMarket.com: Free Standard Shipping on all orders! See site for details. (Expires 12/17).

NeimanMarcus.com: Free 3-Day Delivery on all orders shipped within the 48 contiguous states. Use code HURRY at checkout. See site for details. (Expires 12/17)

LuckyBrandJeans.com: Free Express Shipping on all U.S. orders! See site for details. (Expires 12/21).
Free Shipping on orders of $75 or more! Use code 9WEARNOW at checkout. Exclusions apply, see site for details.

And many, many more.  Pretty much any site you’d imagine shopping on is participating in this shipping offer! Take advantage stat!

Andrea Crossman, founder of Holistic Doula NYC, is a holistic RN, doula, and former labor and delivery nurse in NYC.  Below, she shares her pregnancy and birthing tips for our glorious Mommazons-to-be;

We have a secret in our culture, and it’s not that birth is painful. It’s that women are strong. -Laura Stavoe Harm

Last night I supported one of my doula clients through a natural birth and I’m still buzzing with post-birth energy.  This Mama took an evening prenatal yoga class from 6:30 - 8:00, and was apparently in labor the whole time without fully realizing it. Four hours and fifteen minutes after rolling out of Savasana, she gave birth to her first baby. During her pregnancy, she was a regular at her yoga class and took the right supplements. During her labor, she sipped on coconut water and used hydrotherapy, multiple positions, and focused breathing to manage her pain. All of these holistic practices played a role in her healthy transition into motherhood. In an effort to share the tips and resources I give my doula clients with even more holistic mamas-to-be, I’m teaching a Truly Holistic Pregnancy and Childbirth Series at the New York Open Center in January. When I learned that Girlie Girl Army’s Chloé Jo is sporting her own beautiful baby bump, I wanted to give her and the rest of Girlie Girl’s hot mamas a sneak peek at some of my best and perhaps less well known tips for a holistic pregnancy and birth. Because everyone already knows to lay off the bad habits, get enough sleep, and take prenatal vitamins with folic acid, right? Onward!

via Lamaze Magazine

CHOOSE YOUR TEAM WISELY

Find a provider who shares your philosophy about health, wellness, pregnancy, and birth. In New York City, it is typical to choose a homebirth midwife, a midwife practicing in a hospital, or an obstetrician (Ob/Gyn) to provide your prenatal care and attend your birth. My perspective from working with hundreds of laboring women is that your choice for Team Birth is far and away the most important factor in having an experience you feel good about. You also need to know that if your midwife or obstetrician is part of a group practice, it may be one of her/his partners who is actually on call when you deliver. So make sure you research, meet, and feel good about everyone in your chosen provider’s practice.

GET A DOULA

And I’m not just saying that because I am one. When I was a labor and delivery nurse I was awfully doula-ish, but with all of my responsibilities-other patients, charting, sometimes setting up the OR-it was impossible for me to offer the continuous emotional, physical, and informational support a doula does. Also, as a doula I meet women and their partners in their homes for weeks before the birth. I help them pack their labor bags (or prepare for home birth), make sure the ice pack is chilling in the freezer, and may even fire up the blender and teach them how to make a glow-getting green smoothie. This kind of relationship is totally different than one with someone you meet in the midst of transition and hee-hee-who breathing. Studies show that women who have the continuous support of a labor doula have significant reduction in the rates of cesarean deliveries, epidurals, and failed inductions, and a significant increase in feelings of satisfaction with their births.

SUPPLEMENT WITH C

Vitamin C plays a critical role in the formation of collagen, the building block of tissue. Therefore, optimum levels of vitamin C may help support the skin of your growing breasts and belly. Vitamin C is good for what’s going on inside your belly too. Some studies indicate that there is a relationship between low levels of vitamin C and premature rupture of the membranes (PROM), which is medical-speak for having your water break too soon-meaning increased risk of infection and prematurity. These studies show that the amount of Vitamin C in most prenatal vitamins is sufficient to protect yourself, though it’s safe to go up to 1000 mg daily.

VITAMIN D: CHECK IT AND TREAT IT

Image Courtesy of theninemonthclub.com

The latest research on Vitamin D tells us that this essential nutrient is protective of just about everything. Seriously. Everything. Unfortunately, we’re almost all deficient in this wonder vitamin, a deficiency that may begin in utero. Prenatal vitamin D deficiency may play a role in increased rates of cesarean delivery, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and bacterial vaginitis. Risks to the child long-term relate to brain and immune system function. I talked to Dr. Zina Kroner, Medical Director of New York City’s Advanced Medicine, about vitamin D in pregnancy. She referenced a study at the University of Pittsburg that analyzed 400 pregnant women and found 63% of them to have vitamin D levels below 30 ng/mL (levels should be between 50 - 80 ng/mL) including 44% of black women with levels below 15 ng/mL. Based on this widespread deficiency and its potential harm to mother and child, Dr. Kroner told me “checking a prenatal patient’s vitamin D levels is imperative.” When I asked her about cost, she said “insurance will cover the cost if the right diagnostic code is provided. Even if the patient lacks insurance, the cost is approximately $150 at a private lab and labs will usually give a 50% discount if they know that a patient does not have any insurance.” Dr. Kroner believes that “knowing what the level is allows a nutritionally oriented physician to prescribe a more exact dose of vitamin D and decrease the likelihood of undershooting.”

Vitamin D supplementation is probably the most practical way to get your vitamin D, but heading to a tropical beach in the middle of a New York winter is a lot more fun. So if you’re thinking about taking a babymoon, tell your honey that you have to go somewhere warm (nurse’s orders). Your body will produce about 10,000 IU of vitamin D after 20 - 30 minutes of midday sun exposure. Two things to remember for this kind of medicine: don’t burn, and you must expose as much of your skin as possible. Pregnant and topless on the beach? Good and good for you.

STAY JUICY

Coconut water is the new Gatorade. It’s my number one labor beverage recommendation because it’s super hydrating and loaded with electrolytes. The fresh coconut water at New York’s Organic Avenue is hands down the tastiest I’ve ever tried, but Zico (I prefer the mango) or other brands at the grocery store are just fine too.  Fresh is, of course, best.  You can pick up fresh coconuts at just about any health food store or Whole Foods anytime of year.  Learn how to open them easily by watching this short video. Throughout pregnancy, in addition to pure water and coconut water, I also recommend green juices and smoothies, especially those containing celery and cucumber, which may contribute to glowing skin due to their high silica content. Silica also stimulates tissue healing, which can help speed recovery from both vaginal and cesarean deliveries.

Why is hydration extra important during pregnancy? For a lot of reasons actually, let me share two of them. The first is that dehydration can cause uterine irritability. What this usually means is that you feel like you’re in labor, but you really aren’t. So you go the hospital, wait endlessly in triage to be seen, only to be put on an IV and sent home an hour later. Save yourself the trip and keep on top of your fluid intake. The second reason is that if you partake in the conventional medical tests, toward the end of your pregnancy you will likely be sent for Biophysical Profile testing. One of the things this test can indicate is low amniotic fluid levels. Critics contend that the test isn’t all that accurate in terms of measuring amniotic fluid and some believe this can lead to unnecessary inductions. There is good reason to believe some cases may simply be dehydration. Make sure you drink up an hour before your appointment to decrease the chances of this scenario.

I hope these tips help support your holistic pregnancy and birth, and I wish all of the Girlie Girl Army mamas happy, healthy, and peaceful new beginnings.

Cutie Andrea: Redheads Doula It Better

For information about Andrea’s upcoming childbirth education class, Truly Holistic Pregnancy and Childbirth Series, at the New York Open Center, visit Holistic Doula NYC (http://www.holisticdoulanyc.com). There is early bird pricing for registrations in 2009. In addition to Andrea’s work as a holistic RN and doula, she is also the co-founder of Lovemore (http://www.chooselovemore.com), a love-infused green fashion line.