snack

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in SF

Hi bunnies!
Oh my gosh I have been so busy busy busy! I have house guests visiting from out of state so I’ve been playing tour guide and hostess with the mostess this week, hence the very delayed post! I haven’t had two seconds to go onto my blog this week, but I am so happy to be back today!

Since I missed my usual Monday post, here is your Motivation Monday quote, a la Thursday!
Motivation Monday (now it’s a Throwback Thursday quote haha): “You are what you eat. So don’t be fast, cheap, easy, or fake!”

My trip to San Francisco for the Produce for Better Health: Consumer Connection Annual Conference was so much fun. By the end of the conference I didn’t want to go home!

I love being surround by others who are passionate about healthy eating and excellent produce! My panel was moderated by Bob Ochsner from DGWB who gave an outstanding presentation about blogger outreach and forming long lasting relationships with bloggers and brands. As Bob said…“Bloggers are the rockstars of the future…” It’s pretty amazing how blogging has evolved from an “online journal” to a full time career and main source of advertising for many brands. It has been such an honor to work with Selena and Bob at DGWB, DOLE Salads, DOLE Bananas, and Bard Valley Natural Delights Dates. I feel like the luckiest little bunny in the world!

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San Francisco

I never imagined a conference being so much fun. I got to chat with some excellent produce lovers from marketing and PR professionals, family farmers, dietitians, produce sales representatives, and of course blog idols! The second Selena told me that Kathy Patalsky from Healthy. Happy. Life. was speaking on my same panel, I nearly had a fan girl moment! I have been reading and swooning over Kathy’s mouth watering vegan recipes for over a year now, and meeting her in person was surreal! On my second day at the conference, I walked back to the hotel and saw Kathy relaxing in the lobby with her (you guessed it, soy matcha latte). Of course me and my overly excited self walked right up to her and said “Kathy? I’m Catherine!” and the rest was history. Just kidding, but really. We sat and chatted in the lobby for a couple of hours until we realized what time it was! I was so intimidated meeting one of my favorite bloggers face-to-face (hello, she’s like serious celeb status!), but she is as sweet as a peach, and so much fun to be around. When the conference was over, we spent the entire cab ride to the airport brainstorming T-shirt ideas to promote Kathy’s blog and book 365 Vegan Smoothies that is coming out this June! I’m so excited to help her with her shirts, they’re going to be sooooo cute!

I ended up with way more photos than I originally thought, but here they are!

PREP DAY: TUESDAY BEFORE MY TRIP

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoThe trip started off with some night before travel snack shopping at Mother’s Market. I ended up with a basket of Alive & Radiant Kale Krunch: Tarragon Dijon flavorGo Raw Spirulina Super ChipsJustin’s Almond Butter packets, and a handful of Larabars.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoPrinted a bunch of new business cards. They were a big hit at the conference!

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoEnded up making a special RFFMBT shirt to wear for my panel. At midnight… haha Can you say procrastinating to avoid packing?

DAY 1: TRAVEL & MYCOPIA GOURMET MUSHROOM TOUR

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoI was up early on Wednesday morning to fly up to San Francisco. Needless to say after my night of procrastinating, business card making, and shirt creating, I needed a Skinny Vanilla Latte from Starbucks.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoBoarded the plane in style… on the tarmac! Off we went to SF!

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoI arrived at the W San Francisco just in time to check into my gorg room and change clothes for the “veggie tour!”

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoMy office away from home for a few days!

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoHow beautiful is this view? My room looked right at the Bay Bridge!

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoI found Waldo on top of one of the buildings!

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoChecked in at registration and met Sharese Alston who coordinated my trip and the event! It was so fun to meet her and finally put a face to the lovely lady behind all of our emails! I wish I got a picture with her, she is the cutest thing and full of energy. Once I checked in, I got my name badge and ran to the bus for our tour.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoI couldn’t have arrived on a more beautiful day. The sun was shining, the sky was bright blue, and the two hour drive to our tour destination was absolutely stunning.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoOur tour destination: Mycopia Gourmet Mushroom farm.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoSo pumped when they brought out these suhhh-weeet hairnets for us to wear. Nothing says sexy like a hairnet.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoSnapshot of all our the tour attendees entering Mycopia in their super chic hairnets.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoBefore each room/area we went to in the farm, we had to dip our shoes in little tubs of a bleach mixture to prevent any spores from being transferred into the farm.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoGetting an intro to the soil and planting process. So not what I was expecting! I thought we would drive up to vineyards of mushrooms outside! Ha! Boy was I wrong!

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoJars of soil and growing mushrooms. Totally not how I imagined mushrooms being grown.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoInside the “farm!”

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoFull grown mushrooms.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoI felt like I was in wonderland when I walked into this room!

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoI’ve never thought of mushrooms as gorgeous until this day.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoHad to refrain from touching them haha they look so soft and… pretty!

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoGetting a demo of how the mushrooms are “picked” from their jars. No cutting needed.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoMushroom packaging room.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoDelicious mushroom snacks for us! The chef sautéed three different types of mushrooms in olive oil with a little bit of salt and pepper and it was absolutely to die for. On a side note, how cute are these mushroom bouquets?! Call me crazy, but I’m tempted to throw a mushroom partayyy and have some adorable mushroom center pieces! They’re too cute! Huge thank you to Mycopia Gourmet Mushrooms for the awesome tour!

DAY 2: EXPLORING SF & DINNER WITH FRIENDS

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoDay two started off with a nice lonnnnggggg walk. I really worked my glutes and calves on all of those hills haha.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoWouldn’t be SF without a cable car photo.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoMy favorite Chinatown. Ever.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoAnother cable car photo.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoVisited my old stomping grounds at FIDM SF (although I did go to the LA campus)!

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoAfter several hours of walking up hills I went back to the hotel for some hydration… andddd met the amazing Kathy from Healthy. Happy. Life.!

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San Franciscoand dove into my snacks!  Alive & Radiant Kale Krunch: Tarragon Dijon flavor & Go Raw Spirulina Super Chips. Accompanied by some work on my laptop.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoLater Thursday night I met up with two of my friends Michaela and Katherine from home! We enjoyed tons of laughs, a bottle of wine, and amazing Italian food at Ristorante Milano. It was so great catching up with them. Missed these girls so much!

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoIt took us about 10 tries to get a photo of all of us in the cab.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoAnd here’s the final product. Look how clear the photo is! Hahaha We tried.

DAY 3: BLOGGER PANEL & DINNER AND FUN WITH KATHY

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoPre-panel selfie! I was really proud of my hair that day haha and my bunny phone case obviously needed to be shown off!

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoGolden kale necklace and custom handmade “EAT MORE RABBIT FOOD” shirt!

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoBefore the panel, Kathy and I met in the lobby and explored the conference room!

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoMy name badge and “SPEAKER” ribbon! Ahhhh!

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoKathy’s pre-panel tea. Loved how the leaf on the tea bag peaked out of the mug!

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoFeatured speakers for the interactive blogger panel!

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoSpeaking with Amy Sherman from Cooking with Amy, Kathy Patalsky of Healthy. Happy. Life., and Jess Goldman Foung from Sodium Girl!

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoAfter our panel, Kathy and I hopped in a cab and made our way to Saha for some Arabic fusion! When Kathy visited Veg News, they told her she must try Saha, and now we know why! If you are in San Francisco, you must go! plus It’s very veggie and vegan friendly. It’s safe to say that Kathy and I arrived at Saha with quite an appetite. Our feast (not exaggerating) consisted of: Cauliflower Coconut Lavender Soup, Stuffed Artichoke Hearts, Kale Quinoa Tofu Salad, Vegan Mushroom Ravioli (omg. melt in your mouth. so good that I ate them before I could even take a photo.), Vegan Tagine, Vegan Baklava, and Vegan Knaffe. See, I told you we ordered a feast!

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoWe arrived at 5:30 for our 6pm reservation hoping to be seated early… until we found out that Saha opened at 6! Can you tell that we were starving?

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoKathy and I at Saha.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoKale Quinoa Tofu Salad with cooked peaches. The menu had me at kale.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoStuffed artichoke. To die for! It was cooked to perfection and at first bite was reminiscent of a portobello mushroom.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoOh yes, I’d like to order the “Slap Yo Mama.” I couldn’t resist taking a photo.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoVegan Baklava. Holy yum. I’m such a sucker for Baklava. It’s totally my Armenian roots coming out! Love how they were cooked as individual treats!

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoVegan Knaffe, an Arabic dessert!

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoCompletely stuffed from dinner at Saha, we went back to the W… and got stuck in the revolving door. Yes, you read that right! For the brief time we were stuck, I had visions of SFFD having to come break the glass and rescue us! What was probably seconds felt like hours as the entire lobby of guests were staring! I could not stop laughing, it was so epic! This scene from the movie Anchorman can give you a great idea of what we looked like in that glass revolving door.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoAfter the revolving door incident we decided to go get Soy Matcha Green Tea Lattes and go on a stroll to Union Square.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoI told Kathy that we had to go in the glass elevator a.k.a. Oz at the St. Francis hotel to see the gorgeous city view! …and then we eded up getting stuck in the elevator. There were no buttons inside. total. fail. We had to ride it until someone else got in and pressed “lobby” with their hotel key from the outside! For a hot second, I though’t we were going to be stuck in yet another glass case of emotion.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoWe got back to the W and watched the new lights/light show on the bay bridge. It felt like I was at Disneyland every night watching World of Color!

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoIt wouldn’t be the W without super out-there decor! When I got back to my room the first night, I noticed a pink and purple light glowing from above the desk. I laughed hysterically because at the Chobani dinnerAmy Keefe was telling me about the glowing Buddha when se stayed at the W SF! Of course I had to email her a photo of it right away haha. This little guy changed colors all night and I literally couldn’t turn it off! Buddha was glowing in all of his glory until I found out that he had a little door that hid him haha.

DAY 4: HOMEWARD BOUND
PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoSaturday morning, Kathy and I packed our bags and met up in the lobby.

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoSince we both had flights around the same time, we shared a cab to SFO and got to hangout together at the gate before departing. We found an awesome cafe at the airport that was loaded with healthy options – so rare in the airport world. They had a yogurt bar with nonfat, 1%, and 2% Greek strained yogurt, soy yogurt, and your choice of toppings along with a big selection of Kombucha! Multi-Green Kombucha, nonfat Greek yogurt with kiwis and granola for me, and Synergy Kombucha for Kathy! It was an excellent way to end the trip!

PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San FranciscoWhile on my flight, I opened up my book to find a hand written note from Kathy. I totally started tearing up on the plane while reading this. She is so genuine and kind. Still speechless, I’m framing this!

Thank you so much to the Produce for Better Health Foundation for including me in your Consumer Connection Conference and for sponsoring my travel and stay at the W!

P.S. Look what just arrived!!! Can’t even contain my enthusiasm right now! I can’t wait to get them photographed and onto my online store asap!
PBH 2013 Annual Conference in San Francisco

Quinoa Granola

Ok granola lovers, today is your day! HEALTHY GRANOLA!
Can I get a woohoo?!

Most store bought granolas are loaded with unnecessary amounts of refined sugar and contain nearly no protein. I’m a granola lover, but it’s hard for me to find a good healthy granola, so today, I made my own! Not going to lie, I burned the first batch because I forgot about the altitude here in Denver! It was totally worth it though, this granola is so delish! It has the perfect amount of crunch and sweetness with the addition of protein from quinoa. Oh ya, it’s also vegan and gluten free! I might add some raisins next time!

Quinoa Granola

Let’s talk about why this granola is so excellent!

Quinoa (keen-wah)
Quinoa is a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids.
Twice the fiber over most other grains.
High in iron.
Gluten free.

Flaxseed
Fich in monounsaturated fatty acids like oleic acid.
Excellent source of omega-3 essential fatty acids.
Contains B-complex vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin,thiamin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B-6, and folates.

Coconut
Great source of manganese.
Improves digestion with dietary fiber.
Contains plant-based healthy saturated fat, monosaturated fat, and Omega-6 fatty acids that promote weight loss and increase HDL or “good” cholesterol levels in the body.

Agave
Natural sweetener.
Lower glycemic value than regular refined sugars.

Quinoa GranolaQuinoa Granola
Makes 2 servings

1/4 cup uncooked quinoa
1 Tbsp whole flaxseed or chia seeds
1 Tbsp shredded unsweetened coconut
1 Tbsp agave
1/4 tsp cinnamon

Preheat oven to 375 F. Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix well. Spray baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Spread the mixture thinly on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes. Once the granola has started to turn a golden brown, remove from oven and let cool (this will let the granola set so you will have different sized pieces). After the granola has cooled for about 5 minutes remove from baking sheet with spatula.

You can portion this granola into halves and eat it as a little mid afternoon pick me up snack, or make it into a filling, protein packed breakfast by combining it with the following:

6oz of plain nonfat Greek yogurt
1/2 banana
1 serving of quinoa granolaQuinoa Granola
Quinoa Granola
Quinoa GranolaThe Rabbit Food Pyramid Breakdown
Produce: banana
Whole Grain: quinoa
Protein: greek yogurt
Plant Based Fat: flaxseed and shredded coconut

Cashew Cookie Larabars

Any LÄRABAR lovers out there? I am totally addicted to them! There are so many great things about these bars that I don’t even no where to begin! Maybe with their mission.

“At LÄRABAR, we believe that the foundation of a sound mind, body and spirit is derived from what you eat. And what you eat is most delicious and satisfying when it’s in a whole, natural state.”

Amen, Lara!

  • Gluten free
  • Dairy free
  • Soy Free
  • Made from 100% whole food
  • Delicious blend of unsweetened fruits, nuts and spices.
  • Each flavor contains no more than 9 ingredients.
  • Ingredients that you can actually pronounce.
  • No added sweeteners or sugar.
  • Uncooked and unprocessed.
  • Loaded with nature’s own vitamins and minerals.
  • Sustaining with no added fillers, preservatives, supplements, or flavorings.
  • A great source of natural fiber, protein, good carbohydrates and healthy fats.
  • The essential enzymes, which are necessary for the digestion and utilization of nutrients, remain completely intact in their most natural, powerful state.

Pure and simple, just as nature intended.

I have about 10 favorite flavors but the first one I ever tried was love at first bite. Cashew Cookie, oh how I love thee. It’s made of only dates and cashews, and let me tell you, it tastes like a cookie! A pricey cookie though… at about $2.50 per bar, your grocery bill can add up pretty quickly. Since Larabars are made from simple whole ingredients, I though to myself… pshhh I can make these! So I did.

Top: LÄRABAR brand.
Bottom: RFFMBT bar!

Cashew Cookie Larabars
Cashew Cookie LarabarsCashew Cookie Larabars
Makes 6 bars

1 cup pitted Medjool dates
1/2 cup raw unsalted cashews
1 Tbsp water – if needed

In a food processor, pulse the cashews until they are broken into tiny pieces (do not pulse for too long, as it will turn into powder). Pit the dates and add them to the food processor. Blend the dates and cashews together occasionally scraping down the sides of the food processor. If the mixture is not sticking together, add one tablespoon of water and continue blending. The mixture should stick together and be pliable. Remove the mixture and form into a ball. Place the ball on a large piece of saran wrap. Cover the top of the ball with another layer of saran wrap and flatten with a rolling pin or your hands. Cut into 6 pieces and wrap individually in saran wrap. Refrigerate for 30 minutes and enjoy!
Note: Store the bars in the refrigerator or freezer for maximum life.

Measure…

Cashew Cookie Larabars Pulse…
Cashew Cookie Larabars Blend…
Cashew Cookie Larabars Roll…
Cashew Cookie Larabars Flatten…
Cashew Cookie LarabarsCut…
Cashew Cookie LarabarsWrap…

Cashew Cookie Larabars…Enjoy!

Back From Hibernation!

Guess who’s back, back again.
Catherine’s back, tell a friend.

Catherine

I have always told myself that I would be completely honest on my blog, so here it goes… Shortly after my surgeries I got completely overwhelmed with a series of events in my personal life, gained 20 pounds, and as a result I ended up completely relapsing into my eating disorder. But you know what, I’m human, I’m not perfect, and that’s life. We always get through it! During this time dark I felt that it was necessary to remove myself from social media and take some time for myself to get better. It took months of therapy, and it wasn’t easy, but I feel that I am in a much better place now. I’ve always stayed true to my word about practicing what I peach, so there is absolutely no way I could’ve been blogging and giving advice during that time, I wouldn’t have been right. I’m so happy to be more relaxed, healthy, and back blogging! I really appreciate your kind words and positive thoughts throughout my hibernation! You guys are the reason that I have been able to turn my blog into a professional career, and you have no idea how grateful I am for each and every one of you who reads RFFMBT. I’m sorry I didn’t give an update on what was going on sooner, but I didn’t have the strength at that time. The most important things… I’m healthy & RFFMBT is back!

You guys totally made me blush on Saturday when I announced that I was coming out of hibernation! Thank you so much for your hilarious comments, tweets, and hundreds of likes! I was worried I would’ve lost all of my readers after being gone for so long!

hibernation

Now for the good stuff
Here are some updates from while I was away:

I was finally able to get my thyroid levels regulated with Synthroid.
The tootsies are all healed.
I’m going to a specialist to do further testing for PCOS… rrr
I caught the bouquet at my friend’s wedding in Texas.
My dog turned 11.
I found the best sushi restaurant in CA.
I reunited with old friends.
I ate my weight in Christmas cookies.
I went lawn bowling.
I watched “Fat, Sick, & Nearly Dead.” Again.
I made two amazing new friends Jacquie and Robyn.
I moved.
I was initiated as a member of Kappa Alpha Theta, Beta Xi (UCLA).
I started to like cats.
I realized I’m allergic to everything.
I missed my little bunnies a ton.
I wished upon a shooting star.
I did a lot of cleaning and organizing.
I got unmotivated… and then motivated again!
I watched every episode of Downton Abbey seasons 1 & 2 (no spoilers please!).
I worked on some graphic design jobs.
I laughed a lot, I cried a lot.
I wrote down tons of new recipes to share with you guys.
I was recognized by a reader in public!
I will be making more shirts in the near future.
I found out that you can actually call Hogwarts (781) 452-4077.

And the best news yet: I was asked to speak on a panel at the Produce for Better Health – Consumer Connection Conference in San Francisco! AHHH! SO EXCITED!!!

Don’t even think I forgot what day it is!
MOTIVATION MONDAY!

“Eat clean
Train Mean
Get Lean
In 2013”

I know how addicting the couch potato lifestyle is (trust me, it happened recently), but a healthy lifestyle can be just as addicting! It’s a new year and it’s time to get healthy together!

Get pumped for new healthy recipes, motivation, support, long rants, giveaways, and fun DIY projects!
Health & Happiness xo
Catherine

Now it’s time for some rabbit food. Raw green beans and sugar snap peas.
Two of my favorites & the reason my nickname is green bean!
Fresh, crunchy, sweet, and oh so healthy!

Green Beans and Sugar Snap Peas

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bake

Imagine having a fluffy oatmeal raisin cookie for breakfast. Sounds delicious right? Well I have the recipe of all recipes for you! Satisfy your cookie cravings with a healthy Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bake that makes for a super quick and easy breakfast on the go, or even dessert for that matter! No actual baking required!

Healthy
Easy
Quick
Satisfying
Tasty
Short prep time
Minimal dishes
No baking required
I’m in heaven. 



Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bake
Serves 1 

1/4 cup liquid egg whites
1/4 cup rolled oats
1/2 banana mashed
2 Tbsp raisins
1 Tbsp chia seeds
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp baking powder

Mash the banana and combine with all ingredients until well mixed. Lightly spray a small microwave safe bowl with nonstick cooking spray. Pour the oatmeal raisin cookie mixture into the bowl and microwave (uncovered) for 1 minute and 30 seconds. Remove the bowl from the microwave (caution, bowl will be hot). Flip the bowl upside down on a plate to release the oatmeal raisin cookie bake, enjoy hot.

The Rabbit Food Pyramid Breakdown
Produce: banana & raisins
Whole Grain: rolled oats
Protein: egg whites
Plant Based Fat: chia seeds

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