so this girl's finally getting hitched...shocker...

i said i didn't want a ring...but...i got a ring...so many things i said i didn't want...but...guess what, i am going to get anyway...mostly to please various family members (ahem, my mother)...i said i wanted a very small bridal party...well, it ain't going to be small...12 people, plus my man and i...the date is set...thankfully it's 2 years away, no stressing bridezilla necessary...september 8, 2012 is the party...can't wait! i'll definitely fill you all in on more details, once i know myself...perhaps you can all give me some advice...i'd really love that...(also, sending you all virtual hugs for all of the beautiful congratulatory messages you all left me, truly appreciate all of your kindness, means the world to me...you are all my shining stars...love you so much...)

i've been away from my computer for a while...haven't had much time in the kitchen...and it's been a crazy time...there was the engagement, and the funeral...and work...and cranky significant others...and draft menu planning...and our weekend at the cottage...

today i finally got the chance to make some yummy food...

tabouli (quinoa, not enough parsley (1/2 cup), 2 heirloom tomatoes, garden cukes, lemon, olive oil and a little himalayan crystal salt)



massaged kale and collard salad with kristen suzanne's cayenne tahini dressing, beans and tabouli...



sesame crusted baked tofu (marinate tofu in 4 tablespoons of nama shoyu, 2 tablespoons of miso, 1 tablespoon of tahini, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons grated ginger, crushed clove of garlic and 1/2 cup of water for an hour, pour about 2 cups of raw or toasted sesame seeds in a container and coat tofu pieces one by one in sesame seeds, bake in preheated 400 degree oven for 20 minutes)





also wanted to share this lovely meal i had last weekend...raw vegan pad thai (a mix of raw kelp noodles, shredded romaine, carrots, peppers, zucchini noodles mixed in a tangy cashew sesame thai sauce topped with crumbled cashews & green onions) and a beautiful garden salad with tangy lemon dressing from none other than the amazing rawlicious...fabulous...and ever so lovely...wish every meal could be a rawlicious one...



hope you all had a very lovely weekend...and i hope this week is a beautiful one for all of you...

sweet dreams...


p.s. i apologize for the not so pretty photographs...my parents borrowed my camera while they are vacationing in italy this month...so please tolerate these photos for the next month...