It's Christmas!

December 24, 2012, I was with the people I love, I was with my family celebrating a wonderful eve over dinner. With my 2.5 years old nephew putting Santa's hat and distributing the gifts, he looked so cute and was so happy playing the role of Santa.
We exchanged the gifts last night as today each is going his way to different cities, countries, to celebrate with the rest of the family abroad.

We all know what Christmas is, and what it symbolize, but, for a difference, I have decided to give it a new twist:

"Red, is the color of the heart, presents, are for all the magnificent life surprises, a tree, is for our lifetime, and a star, is our wish for a miracle.

My wish for you this Christmas is to embrace your loved ones, heal every person's heart, spirit and emotions, to build a roof upon each needy, bring them food, health, and warmth. For a miracle to bring peace over the world, to live in harmony together without any judgments, hatred, envyness and ego.

It is a holy night, make a wish for God, and through Santa, and under your tree, you will find it.

Merry Christmas!"

La Reina

Raw Cacao Powder

Feeling down? In-need for some energy boost? Usually most of us go buy a chocolate snack to bring our spirit back, then we feel guilty about the calories and its add-ons ... Well I have a better solution for you, it might contain some calories, but definitely no guilt behind it, no cholesterol, and no worries.
If you are a woman, and go through pmsing, or pain while having you monthly menstrual cycle, trust me, having some hot Raw Chocolate will erase that pain away, in addition to most of the meals which contains raw cacao powder.

So let's get to the main subject and test your knowledge about the Benefits and What do you know about Raw Cacao Powder

Benefits: Raw Cacao Powder contains many rare key nutrients that enhance physical and mental well-being. It also contains more antioxidant flavanoids and other essential minerals like Calcium, Zinc, Iron, Copper, Sulfur, and Potassium. Cacao also contains many chemicals that enhance physical and mental well-being, including alkaloids, proteins, magnesium, beta-carotene, leucine, linoleic acid, lipase, lysine, and some neurotransmitters such as dopamine and anandamine. Benefits of these antioxidants include: Cardiovascular health, Serotonin where it raises the level of serotonin in the brain; thus acts as an anti-depressant, helps reduce PMS systems, and promotes a sense of well-being, Endorphins – where it stimulates the secretion of endorphins, producing a pleasurable sensation.

Raw Cacao Powder Nutritional Facts

 

Recipes from Raw Love Recipes:  

Raw Desserts Recipes: 

Tarte Choco-Banane

The "Famous" Brownie 

The Delicious Raw Tiramisu 

Choco-Extacy

Mousse Au Chocolat "Cru" 

 

Hot Drinks:
Spicy Vegan Hot Chocolate 

My September Sparkles

September for me this year held lots of nice adventures. It was the perfect way to move on from the beautiful hot summer getting into the Indian summer in my beloved Montreal.

Had a marvelous connection with everything around me, feeling the real belonging which developed inside me and crafted my contagious smile along with my positive energy which was felt by close persons surrounding me. 

My moments were to be envied for, and still are. Got inspired to write few of my beautiful quotes "in French":

Nous nous sommes retrouvés dans une même âme et même esprit, on est tombé amoureux avec l'énergie émouvante qui nous élève et enrichit notre vie -RH

October 3-2012

On s'est trouvé, attiré par une énergie magnifique qui nous a transformé notre vie, qui nous a amené ensemble pour découvrir un avenir exquis-RH

October 3-2012 

Adding to few others which I will share with you shortly below. 

Strange sometimes how the burst of feelings and passions come along, together, to be beautifully joined with another, living the real moments, where, that specific second, minute and hour freezes. Here is when I wrote this one:

My time freezes when I'm in your arms, your charm, your eyes, your sweet smile all together embrace me warmly-RH 

September 22 -2012

On another thought, keep in mind that the Universe, when calling it asking for guidance, for a wish, it replies, I personally have totally experienced it, specially that I am a big believer of energy, which, when within, feeling the positivity inside out, everything around you becomes dazzling, but, when it is not, you start attracting the negative...for that... always surround yourself with good moments, good energy and push away negative thoughts. 

Few adventures started with these quotes:

Building the stones of the perfect relationship recipe is cooked with four basic ingredients: 100% Respect, two way Communication, full Trust & and a pure transparent Honesty – RH 

September 18-2012

A life can transform in a second, that second belongs to you, switch, light up & embrace the power of the universe, you never know what is hiding for you. Believe in it & you'll be created with its energy - RH 

September 21-2012

Always choose your second wisely, in order not to miss the open book of the splendid fireworks which will fire-up your life. 

Those sparkles will drive the road for eternal passion, magic, and conceive a glowing flower, I shall call it the flower of love. 

Always maintain the basic stones of the relation, any kind of relation, it can be love, friendship, family, or business. The four columns which, if solid enough, will never be broken by any external factor, even if the wind gets stronger. 

Now, from September crossing all the way to December, closing the book for my last few months of my 2012 blossoming year, and looking forward to picking all its marvelous fruits in 2013, remembering a dear friend who once told me, always discover the 400 opportunities around you, uncover the mind, the heart and the spirit, getting out of the comfort zone in order not to miss any and jump in the leap of faith (I added the last one with the leap of faith), I reply saying, I might have lost 1 opportunity, but I still have 399 to discover, and as I always say, the sky is the limit... 

Lately, I have wrote lots of quotes, it might be repetitive, or around similar thoughts, but I got inspired by observing many things happening around me... and like I said in an older blog;

It touches deeply my soul every time I type, starting from the first word to the end. I get this emotional tangible feeling, an internal warmth aiding my fingers to play around touching every letter with deep sentiments. 

I have never thought that one day I will be able to calligraphically project this burst of emotion, passion and love into words, a phrase, or even a quote. 

Leaving you with few more:

Strange how someone can forget the world in your presence, leaves everything behind for your company, & creates magical surprises for you, crafting smiles which last forever, then, forever ends - RH 

November 26, 2012

Around you tons to satisfy your eyes, but only one to savor your heart, surrounded by hundreds murmuring words, but only one will serve you the world - RH

10-11-12

Always look for the one who appreciates you, respects you, and above all knows how to communicate with you, the one who when embracing you spreads the feeling of security, love and above all his true honesty –RH

October 20-2012

Always go back to your beliefs, ask and be honest with the universe, with the power which will lead your life, for God who, will show you the way. 

Be born with the vitality of the globe:

Typing those striking letters, conceiving perfect sentences and marking your wisdoms into impeccable thoughts, are creating your world of desire, pointing to the universe your genuine aspiration to be born with its vitality – RH

November 13-2012

Live in harmony, positivity and love! 
La Reina

Alkaline Juice

My way to alkaline my body...juice beets,carrots and apple, and savor the purity of nature!

Alkaline Juice

Raw Organic Ingredients:
6 Carrots
2 Apples
2 Beets

Equipment:
Omega Juicer, or any juicer

Add the ingredients one by one in the Juicer.

Bon Appétit!

La Reina

Purple & Green

Another mouth tasty Green smoothie for this morning; Purple & Green

Purple & Green

Raw Organic Ingredients:

Fruits:
1 1/2 cup Blackberries
1 Banana

Greens:
2 Kale leafs


Equipment:
Vitamix or a blender


Other:
2 cups of Water

Mix all ingredients together.
Serve 2 Cups

Bon Appétit!

La Reina

Mustard-Balsamic dressing

Loving the salads, different styles, different dressings.
But up most, Mustard-Balsamic dressing is my favorite and have been adding it to my salads for years. Probably this is the first dressing I have ever learned to make.
You even might know it too, just thought about sharing it with you.

Mustard-Balsamic dressing

Raw Organic Ingredients:
1/2 cup Olive oil
1/3 cup Balsamic Vinegar
1 t.s. Dijon Mustard
1 t.b.s. Lemon, juiced
1 t.s. Sea salt

 
Mix all the ingredients together with either a spoon or a fork.

Add the dressing to some mixed lettuce and roquette, tomatoes, cucumber, avocados, beets and white cabbage!

Bon Appétit!

La Reina

First Year Anniversary

Today is the day for celebrations. December 5, 2011 is when I officially registered my Marketing Company, my Raw Marketing Inc!

Who is Raw Marketing Inc and what do we do:

It is an Independent Marketing Company.

One of its missions is to help new small businesses flourish through guiding them with pure creative ways to market their industry.

Raw Marketing will help U create your business image, brand, & your business presence in the online media; i.e. social networks, blog.

Another focus for Raw Marketing is to assist in developing Marketing Projects, Business Market Integration and Event Planning.

I am very happy and satisfied with what I have been doing so far to build my portfolio, and the list of clients I have volunteered and worked with so far.

I chose the name Raw because it is the purity of thoughts, ideas and creativity. And for the past years, this name has been hovering in my life and making the changes on all levels, it only took me few seconds to decide on it, and bang registered it.

I would like to thank every single person who, for the past year, has been very supportive, from family members, to friends, colleagues and ex-colleagues and of course my clients who put their confidence in me and gave me opportunity to walk along with them and climb my stairs into success.

Cheers to many years to come, to success and surely to see more potential clients jumping into my list of loyal partners!

With respect, love and loyalty to You!

Reina Hallab
Founder

KaParHemp

Ka is for Kale
Par is for Parsley
And Hemp is for Hemp Seeds.
= KAPARHEMP

This is my 3rd Green Smoothie for my D - December Detox

KaParHemp

Raw Organic Ingredients:

Fruits:
1/2 Pineapple
1/2 Mango
1 Banana

Greens:
1 cup Parsley
2 Kale leafs

Hemp Seeds

Seeds:
1 t.b.s Hemp Seeds

Equipment:
Vitamix or a blender


Other:
2 cups of Water

Mix all ingredients together.
Serve 2 Cups

Bon Appétit!

La Reina

KaParHemp

Kale - What is it exactly?

In an older blog I wrote back in April 2012, Search for Ingredients and Grocery Shopping, I have decided to help you and me out to know more about different ingredients, how they look like, and their benefits.

If you check around my blog, I did emphasis on few, plus I have specialized a page for Raw Ingredients, which holds some info.

Starting with today's ingredient, I will give some info about Kale. One of the best green or purple leaf which you will need to add more to your diet.

Kale

Kale or borecole is a form of cabbage (Brassica oleracea Acephala Group), with green or purple leaves, in which the central leaves do not form a head. It is considered to be closer to wild cabbage than most domesticated forms. The genus Brassica oleracea contains a wide array of vegetables, including broccoli, cauliflower, collard greens, and brussels sprouts. The cultivar group Acephala also includes spring greens and collard greens, which are extremely similar genetically.

Kale is being called “the new beef”, “the queen of greens” and “a nutritional powerhouse.” Here are ten great benefits of adding more kale to your diet:

1. Kale is low in calorie, high in fiber and has zero fat. One cup of kale has only 36 calories, 5 grams of fiber and 0 grams of fat. It is great for aiding in digestion and elimination with its great fiber content. It’s also filled with so many nutrients, vitamins, folate and magnesium as well as those listed below.

2. Kale is high in iron. Per calorie, kale has more iron than beef. Iron is essential for good health, such as the formation of hemoglobin and enzymes, transporting oxygen to various parts of the body, cell growth, proper liver function and more.

3. Kale is high in Vitamin K. Eating a diet high in Vitamin K can help protect against various cancers. It is also necessary for a wide variety of bodily functions including normal bone health and the prevention of blood clotting. Also increased levels of vitamin K can help people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

4. Kale is filled with powerful antioxidants. Antioxidants, such as carotenoids and flavonoids help protect against various cancers.

5. Kale is a great anti-inflammatory food. One cup of kale is filled with 10% of the RDA of omega-3 fatty acids, which help, fight against arthritis, asthma and autoimmune disorders.

6. Kale is great for cardiovascular support. Eating more kale can help lower cholesterol levels.

7. Kale is high in Vitamin A.Vitamin A is great for your vision, your skin as well as helping to prevent lung and oral cavity cancers.

8. Kale is high in Vitamin C. This is very helpful for your immune system, your metabolism and your hydration.

9. Kale is high in calcium. Per calorie, kale has more calcium than milk, which aids in preventing bone loss, preventing osteoporosis and maintaining a healthy metabolism. Vitamin C is also helpful to maintain cartilage and joint flexibility

10. Kale is a great detox food. Kale is filled with fiber and sulfur, both great for detoxifying your body and keeping your liver healthy.

Nutritional Facts:

Storage: In the refrigerator, in a perforated plastic bag.

Recipes from Raw Love Recipes: 

Kale and Strawberries

Fruits with Kale 

Feel like a Green Smoothie?
KaParHemp
Purple & Green

 

*** Data and info reference:

Mind Body Green

Nutrition Data

Wikipedia

Author: Alison Lewis

Photo from Horse and buggy produce

Mustard - Agave Vinaigrette

What's for Lunch? 
A good tasty Salad!!!!

The main ingredient in any kind of salad is its dressing. I thought I will try something new and different.

Salad with Mustard - Agave Vinaigrette

Main Ingredients

Raw Organic Ingredients:
1/2 cup Olive oil
1/2 cup Sunflower oil
1/2 cup Cashew Nuts** Soaked
1/3 cup Apple cider vinegar 
1/4 cup Agave nectar
1 1/2 Cups Water
1/2 Garlic, glove
1 t.s. Mustard seeds ** Soaked 30 minutes
1 t.s. Dried Basil
1 t.s. Sea salt

Mustard seeds ** Soaked 30 minutes

Mustard - Agave Vinaigrette

Bon Appétit!

Dressing the Salad

Equipment:
Vitamix or a blender
 
Put all the ingredients in the vitamix, blend until reaching a thick and homogeneous sauce.

Mix the dressing with some mixed lettuce and roquette, tomatoes, cucumber, avocados, pumkin seeds and sunflower seeds!

Bon Appétit!

La Reina

Kiwisley - Kiwi & Parsley

My 2nd morning green smoothie is what I called Kiwisley.

Kiwisley - Kiwi & Parsley

Raw Organic Ingredients:

Fruits:
2 Kiwi
1 Apple
1 Banana

Greens:
2 cups Parsley


Equipment:
Vitamix or a blender

Other:
2 cups of Water

Mix all ingredients together.
Serve 2 Cups

Bon Appétit!

La Reina

 

Curious about the Nutritional facts:

 
* some data can be taken from Raw Family and Nutritional Data

Kale and Strawberries

My first green smoothie for my first day of Detox - Kale and Strawberries.

Kale and Strawberries

Raw Organic Ingredients:

Fruits:
5 Strawberries
1 Apple
1 Banana

Greens:
2 Leafs Kale


Equipment:
Vitamex or a blender

Other:
1 Cup of Water

Mix all ingredients together, and  Bon Appétit!
Serve 2 Cups

La Reina

Curious about the Nutritional facts:

 
* some data can be taken from Raw Family and Nutritional Data

December is a D for Detox

December is one of my most beautiful month of the year. It is a closing end to a new beginning. It is when people get in the holidays' spirit, the love and the family reunion to embrace beautiful moments, memories, laughs and good food, not forgetting the gifts, the drinks and toasting for new better year to come.

D for Detox - I woke up this morning feeling the need to flush all of my past few months of stress, frustration and lack of energy to embark in my beloved experience of detox. Gather all the positivity, the love, the power of my body, mind and soul ending this year with its beautiful memories to be ready for new adventures hidden by the 2013.

Looking again through my detox class I took last October with Crudessence, reading through it and reminding myself of my marvelous experience throughout that month, I thought, now is the time, I will start with a Green Smoothie... I will mainly focus on liquids, between juicing and blending.

The main part of the detox is to eat more veggies, leafs and sprouts, of course giving it a sweet taste with what the nature offers us during this month with its fruits.

Adding more alkaline food to your diet, eating with love, preparing the meals with love and of course serving it with love is exactly what your body needs. This is the best way to balance the PH within, as stress is acidic, sadness is acidic, so are frustration, anger,  and hatred. Love is alkaline, happiness is alkaline, helping and supporting with love the people around you is alkaline, and it is what you need to surround yourself with to set sail in the beautiful experience of what I call LIFE.

What ever I will be serving myself during this month I will do my best to share it with you, from ideas to recipes, photos and mostly LOVE.

Stay tuned, follow me and let us all jump with the leap of faith into happiness, love and get the most out of passion for life.

Sincerely yours,

La Reina