Triathlete by day; ICU Nurse by Night---Plantpowered Always!! Official Team Green Ambassador

Official Team Green

Official Team Green
Ambassador for Officialteamgreen.com

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

First Ever Skydiving

During my trip to Oahu, Hawaii for the Woodstock Fruit Festival, I did something insane.  The insanity was completed in order to do two things.  One- I wanted the greatest possible view of the island.  Two- I wanted an adrenaline rush.  How could I accomplish both of these at the same time.  Standing on a mountain would give me an amazing view of the island, but this would not give me a huge adrenaline surge.  What to do, what to do??  How....about....SKYDIVE!!!!!

Myself and three friends from camp walked across the street to the Pacific Skydiving Center.  We were greeted by many other fruit lovers from camp wanting to hurl themselves out of a moving airplane voluntarily.  After signing our lives away, we were introduced to our instructors.  Joel was super cool and I immediately felt comfortable with him.  He went through the steps of the jump and began to strap me into the harness (a few straps and buckles that would be my only means of survival during my fall).

After being strapped in, our group walked to the airfield to board the plane.  This plane was small and had two benches on each side.  We each straddled the bench and began our journey up into the clouds.  For the jumpers before us, the weather had not cooperated.  Regulations had prevented them from traveling all the way up and they had to jump from a lower elevation.  Fortunately, our positive vibes had resulted in a weather clearing.  My group was privileged with the highest elevation possible at this airfield.  Once reaching 14,000 feet, the door opened and we began plunging into the cold air (later finding out that it was about 40 degrees).

One by one we jumped out of the perfectly good aircraft aimed at the ocean.  Freefalling for approximately one minute, we each reached 120 miles/hour.  Snapping GoPro pictures the whole way, I smiled and screamed my head off.  The view could not have been any better.  I do not recall having any thoughts during this freefalling.                     I just soared in complete bliss.

When the time came, Joel pulled out our shute.  We slowly floated toward the Island for a few minutes.  During this time, my mind returned, and I was truly able to admire the beauty of Oahu.

During part of the parachuting, Joel allowed me to take control of the parachute.  This was one of the coolest things I have ever done in my life.  Soaring like a eagle, I went side to side and even made us spiral like a tornado aimed towards the ground.

We approached the ground quickly and I was instructed to lift my knees towards my chest.  After gracefully sliding onto the ground like a sliding to home plate, my body began to go through an intense adrenaline rush.  This rush was like no other and lasted for a long period of time.  I absolutely loved this experience and feel completely blessed to have done it.  I recommend skydiving, and especially skydiving in an area as beautiful as Hawaii.


Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Things I am digging right now!

(Hiking in Giant City Park, souther Illinois)


Official Team Green Pro Gear

I have been blessed to the extreme.  Official Team Green gave me a shout and asked me to be part of an absolutely incredible team.  "Team Green is here to enhance the quality of life on this planet by advocating a plant based (vegan) lifestyle.  We believe plant based living is best for the environment, human health and all of this planet's Earthlings.  Team Green smashes the outdated myths and stereotypes of vegans being nonathletic and unhealthy.  We swim, cycle, run, workout and live a life of compassion and vibrant health and we want to show you, by positive example, how to do it too!"  Obviously, this message is 100% in line with my life philosophy.  This family welcomed me in with open arms and I will proudly be supporting them as an Official Ambassador.  To help spread our message, you will often see me wearing OTG gear.  Tshirts, running tees, triathlon and cycling kits, and even sleeves!  Get the best athletic gear on the market! Support the cause with all this incredible gear. Head over to the Official Team Green website and get you some of this....now!!

Mail-Ordered Organic Dates

With my new obsession, I have needed to find trustworthy date suppliers. I was referred to the Bautista Family by some people online and let me tell you... Amazing :-) I have Gotten myself yet another box from them after the first order, and plan to get more from them. Easily ordered them from their website and they ship right to your door super fast.   Super soft and gooey, it's like caramel that grows on trees. The family gives you the freshest, organic dates available. I have gotten their 3lbs Royal Treatment, which is 3 pounds of mixed wet dates (Medjool, Khadrawy, Halawi, Honey, Deglet Noor, and Zahidi). I also, then, tried multiple other sites for dates including; MedjoolDates.com, Oasis Date Gardens, The Date People, and Phoenix Foraged Dates.  If you are needing some great dates, go to these websites and order now before they are gone.  



Mitscoots Socks

"Sock Story:  While volunteering along the streets of Austin, Texas Circa 2008, we discovered that right after food and water, there was not greater request among the less fortunate than for a clean pair of socks.  So, For every pair purchased, we give an equal quality pair of socks to someone in need and take pride in employing those less fortunate to get each and every pair of our socks packaged up and ready to go."  These are the best socks ever---stellar designs and super comfy!  I also love that I contributed 10 pairs of socks to the homeless of America
                Three of my 10 pairs ;-)                                          



4 Sample Sizes, Minus Cedarwood+Juniper..My Fave!
Schmidt's Deodorants

I have been searching for natural/vegan deodorants for a while and none that I have used have worked well for me. Either the smell was off, or it did not last through the day; until I tried Schmidt's.  Schmidt's Natural Deodorant offers 5 different all-natural, cruelty-free (vegan approved!), and long-lasting deodorants. The lovely people at @schmidtsdeo hooked me up with some samples so I could try the other scents. After great debate, the trial is over. I have came to the my conclusions --1st Cedarwood+Juniper 2nd Lavender-Sage 3rd Ylang-Ylang+Calendula 4th Bergamot+Lime 5th Unscented I want to give a huge thank you to Schmidt's for allowing me the honor of reviewing each of their products.  I was unsure initially about not applying roll-on style, but quickly learned a good technique for applying the deo cream; now I like it even more than the stick. 
Each one of these was very long lasting (even after a dirty/sweaty race!!) Long days usually result in smelly armpits, but these did an outstanding job of preventing any bad odor. I am now a firm believer in this company and highly recommend Schmidt's Deodorant for everyone. The scents are great for both guys and girls (yes, even the Lavender!). The Unscented surprised me the most. I work as a nurse and this deodorant is perfect for the hospital. It keeps me from having odor, but does not have a strong fragrance that may trigger respiratory problems. Perfect! I hope that others will give these a shot; I know that once you do, you won't go back.



Bulldog Skincare for Men

This line of products is, without a doubt, my absolute favorite skin care line. Bulldog created this natural, cruelty free line to be "Man's Best Friend" and let me tell you it really is. After only a week of use and I could tell a real difference in my skin. I encourage every guy to give this brand a shot. Order off their website, they even have bundles so you can try them all! 

Any of you triathletes/nurses have issues with dry skin? Chlorine always dries me out and washing my hands at work (Registered Nurse) makes my hands leathery. I need to fix the dryness, but hate the way lotions leave me oily feeling.  However, Bulldog Moisturizer works wonders on skin; keeps me feeling smooth, but not at all greasy. Love it try this one out if you have the same issues 



Just brushed my teeth with dirt and my teeth have never felt cleaner!!  The Dirt graciously gave mean this replacement for the chemical laden crap I was using before. Check them out online and get yourself some of this tasty, dirt. Great flavor. Completely natural. No chemicals or artificials. 

"Did you know the glycerin in modern toothpaste can coat your teeth and prevent the natural process of re-mineralization that keeps your teeth strong and white? The Dirt is made to support your natural re-mineralization process and get your teeth back to their strong, sparkly selves.  It has a sweet spiced orange flavor that will leave your mouth feeling clean and spicy!"












Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Wednesday Words to Live By



You are unique and magnificent human being. Of all the billions of people on the planet, there is not another You, and your very existence is vital to the functioning of our universe, because you are one part of the whole Universe. All that you see, and all that there is, could not exist without you! --Rhonda Byrne

Beatitude

The Redheaded Triathlete 


Friday, December 5, 2014

Beatitude

Giant City State Park- Southern Illinois

beatitude

 noun


"a feeling or state of well-being and contentment  <not from earthly riches but from the milk of human kindness comes true beatitude>"
http://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/beatitude?show=0&t=1417804594


This, for now, will be my new sign-off ;-) Love it



Beatitude

The Redheaded Triathlete

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Low-Fat Raw Vegan ThanksLiving ;-)

This year I am celebrating my very first Raw Vegan Thanksgiving.  My Thanksgiving table with be full of beautiful, living plants. No dead things (hence ThanksLiving).
I have seen a lot of Raw Vegan holiday recipes, but most are extremely high fat (lots of nuts/seeds/oils). I advocate for a Low Fat/High Carbohydrate diet, so these recipes will definitely not do. Finally, I stumbled upon Double Organic's ThanksLiving recipes and I knew I had to make them! TuRAWkey, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Cranberry Sauce, Cornbread, and Pumpkin Pie...all RAW!!! 


               This was the most food prep I have done in SO long!! But it was worth it ;-)
Complete ThanksLiving Meal
Delish!

                                                    Let's Get unCOOKIN!!
TuRAWkey "Meat"
TuRAWkey NeatBalls and Cutlets before dehydration
TuRAWkey NeatBalls
Time to take out the TuRAWkey Cutlets
Pulled the TuRAWkey Cutlets and Chunky Cornbread Out of Dehydrator
                                         For full recipes, visit Double Organic !
Raw Chunky Cornbread before dehydration
Raw Chunky Cornbread before dehydration
Raw Chunky Cornbread (a little spicy!)
Beautiful Salad 
Finished Raw Mashed "Potatoes" and Gravy
Raw Mashed "Potatoes" (cauliflower)
Raw Gravy
Raw Crust (Mulberries, Raisins)
Raw Crust (Mulberries, Raisins)
Raw Pumpkin Pies

Raw Pumpkin Pies
Raw Cranberry Sauce (Bag of Cranberries, Dates, an Orange)
If you are do not know what a Low Fat Raw Vegan Diet is, check out The Raw Advantage, Naturally Ashley, The Fruitarian, Food n Sport (801010 book), Double Organic, Fruit Powered, and the many more blissful individuals whom have incredible blogs and explain the specifics, science, fundamentals, and benefits of the Frugivore life ;-)

Monday, November 24, 2014

Carpe Diem


"Spatio brevi spem longam reseces. dum loquimur, fugerit invida aetas: carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero."

-Scale back your long hopes to a short period. While we speak, envious time will have {already} fled: seize the day, trusting as little as possible in the next day.-

We are not promised another day.  We cannot live in the past nor live in the future.  Our past and our future are our present.  Be present in mind, body, and spirit.  Be conscious of life.  Live to your fullest.  Hold absolutely nothing back.

Carpe Diem

The Redheaded Triathlete

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Official Team Green Ambassadors



Our new ambassador's page is up and running on the site. Head over to Official Team Green and look at all the incredible athletes. I am so proud to be a part of such an amazing and inspirational group of individuals. Full of paradigm busting athletes, showing the world that we can excel in our sport without the need of animal products. All vegan athletes; plant powered and proud of it! 

Go Check Us Out!!!