Who’s the fairest of them all?

Snow Queens, Ice Queens, Evil Queens and Drag Queens alike, make way for the Fairest of them all:

The Green Smoothie Queen!

Prepare for a Green Revolution!

Muahahahaha…

This weekend I had such a great time with my kids making Christmas ornaments and Christmas cards! By the end of the afternoon, we had glue and silvery sparkles EVERYWHERE!

Recently in the Sisterhood, I had the pleasure of interviewing one of our Raw Divas who is also a Supermom! Melissa Gilbert has a Raw Vegan day care called, Little Sprouts Day Care! She and her family are Raw Vegans and she has been extremely diligent in applying the raw food diet with her little tiger, Alex. She’s put together a recipe book for Moms who are looking for inspiration and support when trying to incorporate more raw food into their little ones’ diets.

You can check that book out here! We’ve also included a transcribed copy of the interview I did with Melissa, and I have to say, it is LOADED with fantastic information and support for moms!

We’re really excited about who Melissa is and what she’s doing to make the world a juicier, healthier place to be. Especially when you consider the fact that little people like Alex will be shoulders upon which we entrust the future.

Imagine what we can do when we start these little ones off on the right foot from the get go…

Love and hugs and loads of possibilities…

Tera

p.s. As many of you know, tomorrow we’re announcing our Green Smoothie Queen project! Muahahahaha! Prepare for a Green Revolution!

Everyone likes to be right, and a sparkly diva is certainly no exception to the rule. So last week, when I received an email from one of our clients, it took me back a bit.

Just to put things into context, last week, when we released our new Cravings & Emotional Eating Program, we made available a 48 hour discount to a group of clients that had literally been waiting for months for us to release our program. Attached to the discount link was a message stating that the link would “self-destruct” at midnight the following night after which time the discount would no longer be available.

Okay, the crime having been confessed, here’s the email I received from one of our clients in response to that:“I have to say, I’m not a fan of the high pressure ‘buy now or you lose your chance at this price forever’ style of marketing. I realize you and the other raw food companies probably use it because marketing research shows it works in garnering higher sales, but I think it’s disrespectful, manipulative, and, frankly, tacky. If you have a legitimate product to sell at a fair price, it seems to me you shouldn’t have to resort to such gimmicks.

I’m interested in your product, but I won’t be purchasing it because I’m turned off by the cheap, high pressure sales tactic.”
UGH!That hit like a ton of bricks! I won’t go into the elaborate response I managed to come up with shortly after the shock of impact took place. Call me defensive, but I did somehow feel my personal integrity had come under attack whether that was the intent of not. I proceeded to point out all the incredible free resources we offer: Health In High Heels, 7 Day Detox, The Powder Room, etc. I also hinted at the countless volunteer hours that Amy and I both spend on this project and with clients, and did my best to “defend” the integrity that stands behind all we do. And yet, there was something inside of me that was a bit “tossed up” by the communications that took place.

Now, don’t get me wrong. It’s not that I can’t take a little roughing around from discontented clients. I can actually take a lot. And it’s not that we’re trying to “please” everybody, because we’re definitely not. Not even close. No, it was neither the frailty of my ego, nor the disappointment of losing a sale that caused me to react the way I did. It was, in fact, the sharp, yet subtle sting of a hidden “guilt” and intentions and integrity aside, I knew something about what she said was RIGHT!

Truthfully, I’ve not studied a whole lot of marketing. I’ve just always been good at selling anything I’m passionate about. I have, however, come across enough marketing materials to know that one of the primary tools people employ in their marketing materials is the idea of scarcity.

Scarcity increases sales BIG TIME! I’m sure you’ve seen things like this:“Buy now, or else…” “The first 15 people only…”“Only 30 people will be accepted…”But let’s talk about this idea of scarcity… I mean, so we’re taught in marketing that scarcity increases sales. Well, not such a big deal. I mean, if you know something works, use it. Right?Well, ultimately at the end of the day, each of us has to look back and take ownership for our own choices and personal integrity on any issue. While the timing is undoubtedly no mere coincidence, the day after receiving this email, I was studying my favorite personal development stuff when I came across the idea of scarcity.

The reference talked about how scarcity is used to convince people that resources, and life itself is in short supply. It creates fear and a false impression that resources are limited. This notion itself is the cause of countless battles and wars, broken hearts and shattered lives. “Eat now, or starve!” “Take it all before it’s gone!” “Now or never!” “There’s not enough for everyone!”

I can say that while creating the 48 hour offer, I certainly had no malicious intentions in mind, but was rather doing what I did without really considering the theories behind it. It felt like a special offer for the clients who had been supporting us and waiting a long time. But looking back, I can really see how “deals” like putting limitations on the time the discount was offered created tensions, pressure and fear in people. It reinforces the idea of scarcity, something I’m not willing to do twice–even if it would bring bigger sales at the end of the day.So I sent a letter to this client and thanked her for how her feedback offered me the opportunity to take what we do to an even greater level of integrity and class. Then I went through our webpages and just made sure there were no more traces of scarcity to be found!

For Heaven’s sake, there are enough people drilling fear and limitations into the lives of others, that we as Raw Divas, feel we’re much better off promoting the idea of ABUNDANCE!

So, Buyer, beware! And Diva, should you encounter someone suggesting there might not be enough of something for you, well, let ‘em keep it. There’s probably something better, more colorful and juicier around the bend being sold with integrity.So, Passion or Profit? We say BOTH, but passion first.

In recognition of US Thanksgiving, Tera had the great idea to post the Top 10 Things We’re Thankful for on the blog for all to see.  We would love to get the spirit of gratitude bursting into everyone’s consciousness today, and in the spirit of the season, we’re tagging you to add your list in the comments section and on your blog too! So let’s hear your Top 10 (or even a couple more for those who are inspired)!

Here’s Tera’s List:

1. my church
2. my kids
3. Amy!
4. my family
5. my roommates
6. Raw Divas EVERYWHERE!
7. snow
8. my sexy winter boots
9. creativity & persistence
10. my fluffy bed
11. lip gloss, mascara & curling irons
12. color (especially green and pink!)

Here’s my list:

1.  Etelle
2. My parents (and family)
3. Tera
4. God
5. Bob & Keely
6. Sleep
7. Inspiration
8. Nature
9. My friend Tonya
10. Mangos

So let’s hear it!  What’s got you feeling thankful?

Really looking forward to our upcoming teleseminar with Karen Adler, owner of www.perfect-prescriptions.com on Dental Health. Last week’s article brought to the surface some of the dental secrets people have been keeping to themselves.

Karen is the creator of Toothsoap, which has an incredible string of testimonials and a huge international following to stand behind it. One thing from my own experience was just the unpleasant taste of toothsoap. My kids did NOT like it. Well, Karen has been doing some incredible research on the antibacterial powers of raw honey and I strongly suggest you check out her latest Liquid Toothsoap in yummy fruity flavors! Even CHOCOLATE FUDGE!

She’s got a great special, too! And always offers freebies when you order more than one. Anyway, I highly recommend Karen’s products and am really looking forward to next week’s interview where we can ask her the juicy good on her research and discovery on this highly controversial subject among raw foodists.

If you didn’t sign up, you can check out last week’s HHH (Health In High Heels) issue here, scroll down and you’ll see the registration for the interview!Love and hugs and happy brushing!

Tera

Well, hello there! I have been busy, busy, busy lately. We finally put the finishing touches on our Cravings & Emotional Eating program, and just when I thought I might come up for air, we’re working on even more new treats for The Divas. Pure craziness, but it is really great to look at how far we’ve come in such a short amount of time!

So, for lack of anything more interesting to say, I’m going to post some pictures to illustrate what Tera calls, “Amy’s Crazy Mango-Peeling Technique”.

1. Cut as much of the mango away from the each side of the pit as possible.

2. Hold one of the sides you cut away in one hand and take a drinking glass in your other hand. Use the drinking glass to scoop the mango flesh away from the skin.

3. Voila!

I got a phone call at home from one of our Body Enlightenment System clients.

She knew I was awake, and I’d told her to give me a call when she’d got home that night.For a long time this woman has been feeling hopeless, and came onto the Body Enlightenment System because it offered her a level of community, support and solutions that she’d not yet found despite having spent years and years embracing the raw food movement.

She’s done fasting, retreats at well known raw resorts, only to come back to revisit a cycle of self-destructive habits not knowing how to get off the roller coaster. We’ve spent a few hours talking together, working to find solutions.Today I got an email from her and she said,”Thank you for HOPE.”Just these four letters: H-O-P-E.

It doesn’t mean as much until you’ve lost it for a long time and then it’s like the very essence of life itself moves in and gives you breath. I know this woman is about to turn her entire life around, and I am honored to be at her side and observe the transformation.

She’s not the only one this week. That IS the motivation behind what we do.

Some business people would say, “automate your business as much as possible.” Delegate! Delegate! Delegate!

In this age of electronics, it’s easy enough to lose touch with LIFE and human compassion and when you’re dealing with diet and nutrition, you’re dealing with so much more than just food.

It’s easy to stay introverted if you’ve lost hope, and believe that solutions won’t provide you the results you’re looking for. Many of us use our failures to justify not taking further steps forward.

If we could only view these “failures” as part of the training it took to get us where we are at this moment, we’d be better equipped to move forward with confidence and HOPE. Whether you believe your history, environment, belief patterns or some karmic bad luck have held you back until now, you can turn things around. Sometimes just knowing that someone else is cheering for you on the sidelines is enough to get you to the finish line. That’s why we’ve been offering private coaching and I am amazed at the difference it’s making in the lives of Divas around the world. Asking for help is a sign of intelligence. If you’re a Raw Diva, there’s a whole community of women cheering you on the sidelines! Embrace the possibility of succeeding in ways you may not have imagined possible.

Rekindle your HOPE and light it on fire. We also invite you to contact us for private coaching if you need more support than you feel you’re getting.

Love and hugs,Tera

Rather than succumb to my insatiable cravings that have a tendency to make their presence known once the sun goes down, I took it upon myself to stroll past a gorgeous chocolate, coffee and tea shop.

This store was absolutely intoxicating. I walked in and was MEZMERIZED by the largest selection of chocolate in Canada! Hands down. It was incredible. If I even tried to list all the spicy assortments, you wouldn’t believe me.

Anyway, I wandered through the aisles inhaling the aromas and plunging myself into stimulation of all kinds. Then I strolled into the back and discovered the most incredible selection of teas ever, and that’s when I recalled moments spent in a tea shop in China sipping on jasmine tea. It was nothing short of divine.

I procured myself a little satchel of aromatic flowers, and let my thoughts wander to Cleopatra herself–the infamous seductress who would literally bathe in jasmine to lure her lovers…and so last night, when cravings struck I boiled up a kettle of water and poured it over these precious flowers.

Being an aromatherapist, I have a particular affinity for aromatic plants and jasmine is a favorite. I totally enjoyed wafting in the aromatic history of Jasmine last night and just wanted to encourage the divas of the world to take time to soak in other sensations and flavors that life has to offer.

It feels good to get food off the brain and fill oneself with ancient pleasures or get lost in the creation of your own Egyptian fairy tale…Love and hugs and warm teas through winter…Tera

Every week, participants of our Body Enlightenment System come together to talk about their progress, concerns and share sisterly giggles. Last Saturday, it seemed dental issues were on the minds of our Divas, and in a major way. However, it wasn?t until we got our divas on the phone line that their concerns came to the surface.

Many of them felt afraid to speak up on the forums?not wanting to be negative and feeling like the failure was their’s alone.

It?s no secret that raw foodists have dental issues on the brain, and yet they?re practically whispering about it behind the scenes afraid to reveal their fear about the possibility that this miracle path to health may have some hidden traps. Instead of finding solutions amongst ourselves, we?re left with false impressions. Those who struggle slip away disappointed and take their stories with them in silence.

I?m not an obsessive brusher. I don?t use any miracle potions or devices, just a plain old purple toothbrush and dental floss. So far, so good. My raw food dental path has been relatively drama free. I can definitely pass along the tricks that I feel have helped me maintain that level of dental health.

But obviously, it’s not been the same situation for everyone. And as long as dental issues continue to be forefront in the raw food movement, I think this discussion warrants further attention and research.

Raw Foodists and Rotten Teeth

Having spent a great deal of time with a long time raw foodist who had literally been traumatized by dental experiences on the raw food diet, I have heard more than my fair share of dental drama related to raw foods. I?ve also seen the mouths of many raw foodists who lost more than just their pearly sparkle and attribute the damage to the pursuit of the gourmet raw food approach of eating loads of dried fruit, nuts, and condiments.

If I could take all I’ve learned up until now, and summarize it in a few helpful tips, it would look something like this:

What You Can Do To Start Addressing Dental Health

1. Eat more greens. (We?ll be announcing a Green Goddess Cleanse very soon to help those who are unfamiliar with this territory learn more about how to make green smoothies and get on the green bandwagon for better health.)

2. Eliminate dried fruits and excessive nuts.

3. Keep the consumption of orange juice or acidic fruits to a minimum.

4. Brush and floss, regularly!

5. Simplify your foods.When you come back to the basics and clean out your system, you will be better equipped to observe your body?s responses and thereby make informed choices about what is best for you. Not informed by some long list of alpha-enzymatic whatcha-macallits. Informed by your experiences–what you have observed to be true by applying tools and information to your life. Our FREE 7 Day Diva Detox is the perfect way to make this happen

6. Speak up! When extremism creates an air of secrecy or fear to speak up about what?s NOT working, then we?re going backwards. When problems go unspoken, those who struggle to make the diet work pack in the whole thing assuming that none of it is worth applying.Frankly, I?d rather see the whole world become thriving 50% raw foodists than a handful of obsessed extremists finally claim their fame to 100% Hall of Raw Fame. If something isn?t working for you, be willing to come out of the closet and say it. Let?s create amongst ourselves a community of people who are willing to seek solutions collectively before throwing in the towel on ourselves or our health goals. Our community forum, The Powder Room, is one of the best places to let that kind of communication happen. All divas are welcome to investigate this tremendous source of constant inspiration and support. 6. Inform yourself

Karen Adler, creator of the internationally renowed Toothsoap and owner of Perfect-prescriptions.com has researched extensively the links between diet and dental disasters. She?s is truly one of the leaders in the natural health and beauty circle of entrepreneurs. On November 27th, we’re going to open up the lines for all divas to inform themselves about solutions while Karen answers our burning questions about your top dental concerns.

Something to Chew On

If all raw food gurus and health enthusiasts were open about what works for them, we?d have a better chance of getting where we?re trying to go in terms of health and healing on this planet. Until then, firey-tempered redheads like myself are left to blaze a trail in the name of truth, hoping that those who see solutions will find them and in so doing reclaim the peaceful existence that is rightfully theirs. You deserve to keep those pearly whites sparkling for a long time yet to come! Just be ready to walk your own path when it comes to knowing what ultimately brings you to your ideal health and happiness.

Hey, this is the week we’re interviewing Raw Food Renegades Heidi and Justin Ohlander!

We are so excited to get to know these two a bit better. They are just doing such a great job of being out there and being real!

Since Thanksgiving is just around the corner, Heidi and Justin are a few steps ahead of us ready to offer their fabulous Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes to the world!Pumpkin pie, mashed potatoes and all your favorite classics without the cooking or carnage!

Turkeys everywhere will be secured another tour around the sun when you offer these Thanksgiving recipes up for eats at the family dinner.

*All Raw Diva Interviews are FREE for Members of the Sisterhood*