plans

my good friend leah

this week i've been busy planning my trip to burning man. this will be the third time i'm attending the festival. i could go into detail, but that would take me forever to explain. so in short its an annual arts festival in the nevada desert. i will be camping from august 3oth - september 6th under the most gorgeous stars in a post lake remote location. its a pretty radical place to get inspired and be part of a very magical community.

part of going on trips is planning ahead of time. it's something i value and helps organize the agenda. the majority of the time i go with the flow because you never know what life throws at you, but preparation is a very important part of making healthy goals happen in general. i'm grateful to go with a group who have the same intentions and are just as excited as me to experience the festival.

i just have to say, i have been blessed with spectacular friendships!

now for two very simple, yet delicious recipes!

happy tomato salad (lebanese inspired)

(serves 2)

1 small cucumber (i peeled the skin of mine, but not necessary)

1/2 cup chopped parsley

1 cup halved cherry tomatoes

1 medium onion chopped

6 basil leaves, or mint. (i used purple basil form the farmers market)

Juice from half a lemon

dash of pink himalayan sea salt

black pepper to garnish

combine all ingredients and toss in a large salad bowl. this is very quick recipe to throw together and features a large array of vegetables.

sweet and summer smoothie

(makes 2 16oz servings)

2 bananas chopped and frozen

1/2 cup frozen chopped pineapple

1/2 cup frozen strawberries

2 heaping tablespoons raw shelled hemp seeds

6 basil leaves (i used purple basil)

30 oz distilled water

drizzle of raw agave nectar

pinch of pink himalayan sea salt

shredded coconut to garnish (optional)

yum! the hemp seeds are a good addition not only for the protein, but for the essential amino acids which make it a complete protein. they are also a good source of iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc. every time i add the seeds i feel a good energy within myself.