The Women’s Show, a room with a view, and SimplyRaw Desserts (coming soon!)

I took the train down to Toronto to participate in the National Women’s Show which is taking place over the weekend.  Held at the Convention Center, the Women’s show attracts thousands (and I mean thousands!) of women every day, promoting everything from food, skin care, “fat burners”, fitness equipment, bikinis, spa treatments, clothing,  jewelery, makeup, botox (!), as well as lots of food demos and speakers. The lineups start early and wrap around the Convention Center hours before the doors open.  

Out of the hundreds of booths, there are only a few healthy vendors and we tend to know each other: Manitoba Harvest, Vega, Lara Bar and Schinoussa Sea Vegetables – who I am so fortunate to be sharing space with.  John – my very fun & charismatic friend and formulator of Schinoussa brings his large bags of algae (spirulina, AFA, chlorella,  phycomin) and we all dip into his beautiful green stash, sipping his concentrated superfood concoctions throughout the day to keep us flying.  Wow!  Amazing stuff!

I’m staying at the lovely Harborfront Westin Hotel and after 12 hour days on my feet, it’s a real  treat to come in, put my feet up and gaze out at the harbor below. My room is spacious and view spectacular —worth every hard-working penny!  Especially since we got  it at an amazingly low rate  after hearing about Priceline from my good friend Ilze who frequently uses their services.  Priceline auctions off unsold hotel rooms, and provided that you’re flexible, it’s s a great way to save $ when booking hotels.  You select an area in which you’d like to stay, then chose a quality level (I chose 4 star)  and then name your price!  Priceline then lets you know whether your bid has been accepted by hotels that meet your criteria.  This was the first time that we ever bid for a room (& our first bid was denied) but certainly not the last!  I’m so enjoying my view  (I’m on the 22nd floor overlooking Toronto island)  and it’s a pleasure to just hang out in my hotel room!

With an upcoming recipe book, I’m spending less time on the computer and more time in the kitchen -  preparing beautiful and delicious sweets – much to Mark’s content!    My desserts have always been a huge hit – not only with Mark & Mischa, but with non-raw friends and family. When I recently posted a few cheesecake photos on Facebook, it created quite the frenzy, prompting many emails and requests.  And although I personally avoid dense foods (& kitchens!) as much as possible, I’m recognizing the need for decadent but healthy (raw) desserts.  So, if you’re in Ottawa, be on the lookout for SimplyRaw’s luscious, guilt-free desserts and be sure to try a piece! Limited quantities will be available at select health food stores (Market Organics, Rainbow Natural Foods, Herb & Spice) beginning next week! 

today’s food log:

• 4 ozs e3live
• micro algae
• firewater
• Schinoussa Sea Vegetables
• 1 apple
• 1 banana
• fresh green smoothie (orange, Vitamineral green, chia, flax)
• soaked arame with sunflower & alfalfa sprouts
• chlorella tabs
• celery w/almond butter
• more algae!

yesterday’s food log:

• 4 ozs e3live
• micro algae
• chlorella
• firewater
• 2 TBSP Schinoussa Sea Vegetables (in water)
• chlorella/spirulina
• 2 apples
• 1 banana
• avocado with soaked arame and lots of sprouts
• chlorella tablets
• more Schinoussa

I’ve also been busy with various events around Ottawa and Montreal, and quite enjoyed socializing at the Wine Auction- of all things!  Although there was the standard finger foods of smoked salmon, crackers and cheese, people loved my fresh, colorful raw appetizers – including Mayor O’Brien.  Mr O & I met the week before and he is becoming  familiar with the raw lifestyle and The SimplyRaw Detox Manual.  As you may know, he picked up my book a few weeks back and promises to read it through.  Perhaps he’ll take the leap and do my full program!  Who knows?