The Pursuit of A Better Pace and Guasaca Restaurant Review Times TWO!

Well, as you can see I have stalled on posting in the last few months. This was by choice. Believe me, there were many bloggable events, meals and delicious things happening to write about. But, mainly I was getting caught up on projects around the house; still settling in the new house, visitors, work and a lot of other things mandated a reevaluation of my priorities. Things I had time for and things I don't - for now.
 I must say pre-Bells Palsy this was not really something I had to consider in my life. Putting things off or giving them up due to an "inability to get things done" (although it be at a whirling pace) was never an issue. God really slowed me down with the Bells Palsy. With it's remaining symptoms, He has left me with no choice but to have a better pace. Why did He do this? because I could not do it to myself! And because He loves me!
In light of this, I am choosing (by force) to prioritize and say "no". Things seem to pile up in a corner of my mind but some things dissipate mainly due to non-neccessity. Do I really need to do this or that? Things really don't have to be perfect. Pretty freeing for me.
An example would be my new dish routine. My old way (a little OCD) was no dish was allowed in the sink. It was dirty? Directly in the dishwasher please!.. or wash it dry it and put it away- right then...I could not stand a dish in the sink. This meant I was constantly doing dishes...constantly. The new way? I only do them once a day. No matter how many dishes I use, large or small they pile up in the sink and I choose to not care about it, then I do them before bed and it takes me 10 minutes. Done. I love it. Freeing. My adorable husband wants me to sit and relax...never had time for that before, now I do. I make time. So, now that I have freed up some time, I can do a little posting once again here and there. God is so good in what He teaches us, if we are willing to listen and learn.

Guasaca- A Vegan Review - Times Two!

Why times two? Because I went two times in a row!

The first review is with dear Kathryn, my numero uno restaurant review friend. She, of course scopes out the Gluten-Free side of food, while I do the Vegan side. A good combo and balance. We don't ever seem to run out of places to try, or room in our tummies!

It was Kathryn's month to choose and she had a tip from Marc and Marie-the newlyweds to try Guasaca in Raleigh. We were up for the challenge. Really though...we usually are. (!)

I won't reiterate all the great information Kathryn posted on her site about the restaurant so check it out on her blog. But I will just give an overview that it's Venezuelan cuisine with a cafe feel. Fresh, fun and delicious! They have introduced some new flavors to the Raleigh area in their South American grill/cafe and unusual arepas. Arepas are like corn meal pitas. They fit in your hand (kinda) and are filled with fresh ingredients or you can get a salad style in a bowl and eat one on the side like me. 

After ordering, we sit. pray and start taking photos....before we eat. 

Hard to to sometimes, but we manage to pull it off. 

Here is mine- bowl style. Although it was April 4th (!) that we went, I can still remember the flood of delectable flavors and textures in my mouth at once. I had cool crunchy veggies, and soft and sweet warm plantains, spicy salsas, black beans and more. As a vegan, my choices were great, I was very satisfied and lacked nothing.  

Kathryn also went for the salad bowl but she got the famous "guasaca sauce." It is 90% avocado and flavorful salsa together. I have to mention here that I am not a fan of avocados unless they are in my yummy shake and I can't taste it. BUT- Katherine loved her lunch, and the guasaca sauce did smell great. 

Here, is lovely photographic Katherine with her lunch.

We sure enjoyed ourselves and ate it all...we usually do...for the sake of research of course.

I really enjoyed the place and the staff was very helpful and patient for a picky couple of gals going for their first time. We ask a lot of questions and take our time, and they were very helpful and encouraging to us, allowing tastes and suggestions. Guasaca was a place I would definitely return to...

 ...a few days later!   Guasaca Review Part TWO 

(as in I went there twice in three days!)

Our good friend Bob, affectionately and appropriately referred to as Super Bob for the last 7 years. Why does he have super-hero status? Well because he can DO anything (we haven't witnessed him do it in a single bound though) and do a super job, and he's a super friend and a super guy, and we always have a super time with him! So, Super Bob is relocating to Buffalo (boo-hoo!) and we got together to share a meal and celebrate his birthday.

Where to eat? 

Ahhh...how about Guasaca? 

First a visit with some furry friends...they think he's pretty super too. 

Tinchi (on his left who he re-named Roxy 6 years ago) is trying to talk us into letting her move to Buffalo and live with him. 

Maybe...we'll see.

I got the same thing but I forgot to order the lettuce and I put a lot more hot sauce on there this time. Those yummy plantains and the fresh ingredients were a hit for me again. It sure filled me up.

It was delicious, but I ate far too much. 

Did I mention I was really full after? ugh...

So you can see the arepas, here are the guys' food. They got two each. 

My Bob got one fish and one veggie, and Super Bob got one chicken and one fish.

Salsas on the side.

Here are the two Bob's gobbling up their yummy choices. 

Everyone enjoyed their meal and we all agreed we should have eaten less. We pigged out.

Super Bob commented about 4 times that he wanted to get "a gallon more of the Guasaca sauce."

I think he was serious.

My hubby's favorite surprisingly was NOT the Guasaca sauce (I thought he would flip for it being an avocado lover) but the cilantro sauce was his favorite. 

Well, that is April's review. 

A very special guest is joining us for May's restaurant review! Stay tuned! 

Thanks for waiting on my posting...an even pace is better for me. 

Middle aged and still learning...but I'm willing.

Day Two With MLD's...and Other Observations

Well, today was day two with My Little Darlings. We had an adventurous morning together.
Once dogs were walked and breakfast was over, I tried to get us out the door by 9, 9:30 "at the latest" (yeah right) to head downtown. We left about 945. Once downtown they quickly realized why I wanted to get there early. School busses abounded and kids of all ages swarmed in organized chaos at the plaza in front of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Science.

The big expectation was the Butterfly House. This is a tropical climate controlled environment where snakes (yuck), butterflies, a sloth and other rainforest creatures live naturally.

Here are butterflies feeding on yucky looking bananas and fruit. 

Although no butterflies landed on us, we had fun in there exploring and learning.

High humidity left us with a foggy photo lens. 

My adorable husband joined us! :) His presence and help was so great in a crowded museum. 

We explored every floor and saw just about everything, from dinosaurs to delicate frogs.

Here the girls pose with their dinosaur growl. (big teeth in background)

After lunch and nap time, and more walking the dogs, we headed to Godbold Park for some sunshine, fun, exercise and fresh air. 

Lib - enjoying herself. A girl after my own heart- a reader. 

 A beautiful day!

Here is an action shot of Sam jumping from the swing. 

Crazy kids on the slide!

Once back home, we prepped for dinner. Lolo's favorite friend is Matushka. 

They were pretty inseparable during the last few days. 

This is how she spent her time watching me make dinner. Buddies. 

With the Passover Feast coming up around the corner, I thought this was a great time to incorporate some Bible wonders into our day, and renew the importance of Israel in our history and future. We went over the Passover out of Egypt and enjoyed some Matzo Ball soup. Lolo loved it and ate two bowls then tried to eat her siblings bowls! 

This nice menorah was my father-in-laws. I know it's combining holidays, but I like it in the photo. 

Oye!

OTHER OBSERVATIONS

Today, I am understanding parents better, (especially my close friends with large families) in the things I have observed in them that I never got. Now I get it. 

1.  I realize with kids, life quickly became a reality of negotiations. I was the negotiator and I was being negotiated against. "OK, if you just eat three more bites...then...."   "Mrs. Laura, if I do ___can I still have ___ also?" "If I am good can I stay up longer?" "If I eat all my salad can I have extra dessert?" "If you will obey then____" You know.... the negotiator, and negotiated. It was imperative I stay sharp or I could quickly lose my position and not even know it!
2. I have no time to talk to my husband. 
3. I have become a nagging negative hag. Between 4 dogs and 5 kids, 80% of my words are correcting, negative or chastising. "No." "Please stop that." "Are you listening to me?" "Stop interrupting me." "Stop yelling." "No." "Whose shoes are these and why are they here?" "NO!" "Sit!" "Who left this here?" This does not include the looks.  The "If I have to tell you again" "I mean it." "Stop that." To dogs and a few kids. They are great kids, but they keep asking me things that I have to say no to. I wish they would say something I can say yes to, like "It's a bad idea for me to have extra dessert isn't it?" ("YES!" :) )
4. The joy of kids. They are happy at simple things. They wash their hands more than I do. They don't overeat. They laugh a lot. They have so much joy. I don't remember appreciating that when I was their age. Too bad.
5. Sam and Lib are likened to the Holy Spirit to me. I know they are always there, but when I need them, I know they are near, they will help me and I can count on them. They are invaluable. I appreciate them so much. 

That's it for today. Last day tomorrow....boo hoo! Maybe I won't return them, I still have lots to learn.

Day One With My Little Darlings...and The Things I Am Learning

Well my special guests are here to visit! None other than My Little Darlings who I have written about many times. What a treat that I get them for 3 days. I had a list of things I planed which was so long, that they would have to stay for a month to do all I wanted to do with them. So, we are cramming in as much as we can in the few days we are together.

We started early this morning and hit Trader Joe's! Thrilling for kids - NO! But this was fun because I let them choose one thing in the store that they wanted for a special treat for the next few days. Anything in the store...even things Mommy would not buy- ut oh! Cara will read this. Well, I don't feel so bad because recently she allowed dairy and sugar back into their life again.

The result was- Lib chose Espresso Pillows- she is a coffee flavor lover and went for the toffee, espresso and dark chocolate little pillows of deliciousness. 

Sam went for a block of cheese, I understand that. I used to save my allowance for special cheese. 

Mi-Mi got Mango! Mango! Gummies - a long time favorite.

Cai-Cai got Nacho Cheese Tortilla Chips - she was determined on them from the get go. 

Lo-lo went for Bunny Gummies- who can resist that cute packaging? 

Yes, I let them eat some of them even though it was 9am. 

What is a 'not- Mom' for if not to break all the rules? 

After lunch and walking dogs, and naps for the little ones, we went to the Dollar Tree where everyone picked out a treat for themselves and one for a special friend. That place is packed with goodies for a kid!

Next we took advantage of the beautiful day and went to Marla Dorrel Children's Park. 

What a great place!

On the way home we stopped in downtown Cary for some neat exploring. One of the things I wanted to show Lib who is a knitter/crocheter that Cary has a neat art displayed. There are a dozen light poles adorned with local art and love of hand knit sweaters. You can read more about this interesting treat here.  

So we enjoyed seeing these and Lib and Sam posed with their favorite pole sweater here. 

After this we headed home for more fun, dog walking and dinner. We also skyped with our sweet Donovan who sent us a photo of the beauty of the names of God she has posted around her dorm room at Moody Bible Institute. 

She did a beautiful job. 

After this I made popcorn and they kids watched The Lion of Judah Movie. 

A great first day.  Looking forward to tomorrow. 

THINGS I LEARNED TODAY

1. I never knew my name could possibly be said so many times in a day...repeatedly. 

2. I understand even more why Jesus loves the little children of the world. 

3. I need a child's pace in life, not my own. 

4. Children can consume more popcorn than an adult. 

Happy Birthday to ME, Celebrating with Jesus!

Happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me, happy birthday to Laura, happy birthday to me!

Today is my favorite day! Today is the celebration of my Spiritual Re-Birth into Jesus Christ.

Today I celebrate 11 years of being UNSHACKLED! My sins forgiven, walking with Him, being His disciple and having Him via His Holy Spirit live inside my heart. 

Today Jesus and I spent the day together, just the two of us remembering what fun we have had together the past 11 years, and looking toward the future.

He treated me to my favorites, but they tasted better because He was celebrating with me. 

I started the day with Him and His word, and a pot of organic herbal tea...of course.

I dressed in black and red today. 

BLACK signified the death of the old Laura, not forgetting what Ephesians 4:22 says "Regarding your former way of life, you were taught to strip off your old nature, which is being ruined by it's deceptive desires" and 2 Corinthians 5:17 "Therefore if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation, old things have passed away [died], behold, all things have become new."

The RED I wore represented the blood of Christ that was shed for me to forgive my sins and give me new life. Jesus is recorded in Matthew 26:28 saying, "For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins." I am shielded from the enemy because I am covered by the  blood of Christ. Apart from the blood of Jesus, I could not have a relationship with Jesus. 

God made a delightful day for us, sunny and dry for a nice change lately. 

For lunch Jesus took me to Neomonde. 

Even though it is hard to decide because I like everything there, I chose 2 sides today. 

One is delicious Foul (foool)

This delectable combination of Fava beans, Garbanzo beans, tomato, garlic, jalapeño, olive oil and lemon juice. 

I also had a scoop of Tabouli-mmmm fresh and delish!

Next we went for a pedicure! I had received a gift certificate from my wonderful co-workers when I had the Bell's Palsy and I finally used it- today! It was great to relax and have myself pampered. I used the time to plan out lists for my upcoming very special visitors next week. (next blog!)

Stylishly wearing the disposable foam post-pedicure flip-flops, Jesus took me to Trader Joe's and bought me flowers! I picked out some, but while in line He told me to get different ones. I saw them from afar and when I went to get them, I saw they were called Sweetheart Roses. 

I'm so glad that I am sweet to Jesus' heart.

Once home and took all the dogs for a walk in the sunshine. Then I made my mocha frappacino!

After a few other things it was time for dinner. Jesus and I had one of my new favorites. 

It is from Thai Spice and Sushi down the street and it is called Tom Kha. It is a coconut soup with vegetables, galangal (in the ginger family) and lemongrass. I can't get enough of that soup. When I add a little crushed red pepper to it- perfect. And an almond and cornmeal biscuit on the side, we had a wonderful dinner together. 

For Christmas my brother in law Bruce gave us this DVD we have yet to watch. I was going to watch Gospel of John which is our favorite, but decided to watch this one instead. It was really good and I recommend it. It took you through the whole Bible in about 80 min. with film clips from various Christian movies depicting the Bible. Well done. The Hope movie is the promise from God to all people. It was a fitting movie for our celebration today. His promise was waiting for me for 32 years, but I did not believe it. I am so thankful that I am part of His promise now, and that through God's Son Jesus Christ, I have life more abundantly now, and the hope of eternal life with Him in heaven.

Thank You Lord for saving me and calling me Your very own!

A Special Birthday Luncheon and A New Favorite Shake!

Hi Friends! I am coming out of hibernation. 

Well, not really hibernation, more like swimming out of the crashing waves of moving. I was getting pounded by non-ending sets of work for the last 6 weeks and had a yucky cold for more than half that time. But now I am treading water again and beginning to regain my vigor. That moving is really overwhelming and exhausting. Enough about that. 

Today was sweet Sister in Christ Cara's birthday! (Cara is the wonderful loving mother of My Little Darlings, which makes me love her even more) What a better way to celebrate than to EAT! Cara, Kathryn and I returned to Irregardless Cafe for a delightful and relaxing time of fellowship and great food, and hot tea (they have a TEA MENU!). The hot tea was key since it was cold, chilly and beginning to sprinkle again. 

Cara and I got right into hot tea, I had a Green Tea Cherry Rose, mmm, Cara enjoyed Chamomile.

What fun we had catching up uninterrupted by loving little ones. :)

Kathryn, a retired model, (not really, but she looks like it huh?) ordered my favorite- 

the Chile Poblano. mmmm.... 

I echoed her comment when her dish arrived, "Ohhhh, I'm very happy."

Birthday Girl got a salad with a big portobello mushroom.

We had such a nice time gabbing and sharing and encouraging each other. It was the rest and girly time I didn't "have time for" but MADE time for and was sooo refreshed. God knows what I needed. 

Sweet and Beautiful Friends

After lunch I had planned on going to Costco and running errands, but we had such a nice leisurely time it was afternoon already and I wasn't about to get stuck in traffic. I opted out of getting my tires rotated and shopping for going home and doing some resting and quiet time. Again...much needed. 

But before I did that....I just had to make this shake the Lord put into my mind. 

You know my "famous PB Shake", well it's just a spin on that. A spin with a kick!

Mocha Frappuccino

(disclaimer- Frappuccino is a trademarked line of blended coffee beverages sold by Starbucks.

 It consists of coffee blended with ice and various other ingredients, usually topped with whipped cream.)

This is my version of what one would get at Starbucks. 

Mine of course is non-dairy and no-sugar and no artificial ingredients.

So basically it is like the PB Shake with only 2 differences. You use Almond Butter instead of Peanut Butter, and use 1/2 Tbsp of finely ground espresso or coffee grounds. 

WOAH- this idea did not disappoint. It was super delish- addictively delish!

1 Cup+ Grain or Nut Milk 

1 Tbsp Vanilla

1/2 Organic Medjool Date

pinch Sea Salt

1 Tbsp Avocado

1 Tbsp Raw Organic Cacao* (see Notes below)

2 Tbsp Raw Almond Butter

3 mini scoops (45 mg each) Stevia

1/2 Tbsp finely ground Organic (Dirty Dozen item!) Espresso or Coffee 

(use decaf if you don't want the caffeine)

10-11 Ice Cubes

Put everything into a strong blender (Vitamix) and blend well. If needed add a touch more of the milk if you need to, to keep the blender moving. You don't want it runny- don't add too much! YUM!

*Notes- The Cacao is important so let me use a minute to speak on this. Cocoa powder (baking chocolate) is processed and refined. Chocolate is on the dirty dozen list for high toxic levels of pesticides and other chemicals man adds. Also it is the number one crop for child labor exploitation on the planet. I won't support that with my dollars. The alternative? Organic Raw HEALTHY Cacao. This is chocolate nibs ground and remains raw, healthy and is a SUPERFOOD. Meaning- it is GOOD for you- like Organic Kale and is a great addition to any raw food diet. It is within pennies in cost for a pound of Organic Cocoa and Organic Raw Cacao. 

ENJOY!