I've been talking about them for some time, and finally I've got them!! On our new website, you can get the whole story (and it's a great one) and place an order at the same time. Click here for the More Than a Nut Milk Bag web page.

Win a free bag! Tell us your innovative uses, and if we haven't heard that one before, we'll send you a bag. So get in the kitchen, start creating and think up ways to use the new "Rawsome Creations –- More than a Nut Milk Bag !!"

The "More Than a Nut Milk Bag" story continues below...

We've also been working on another really exciting project: an updated website. Take a look at RawsomeCreations.com and tell us how you like the new look. Please browse around and let us know what we can do to make the site work better for you. We love to hear your input, suggestions or ideas.

In mid-May, I'll be going back to Indonesia to visit the seamstress who makes my wonderful bags. She puts so much love into each one I can feel it when I unpack. I'm so happy to be able to bring this little piece of Bali to my raw food friends. Remember that this little exercise of the Fair Trade principle helps support the seamstress and also helps two charities which are near and dear to me.

Bumi Sehat Birthing Center ( bumisehatbali.org ) is a a world-renowned mother and child welfare project founded by Ibu Robin Lim. (Ibu is an honorary title that means "Mother.") Bumi Sehat is a non-profit, village-based organization of dedicated families, midwives, doctors, nurses, teachers and volunteers from Indonesia and around the world. While I was there last year, four babies had been born in the previous 24 hours and Robin was present at each birth. To say that Robin is a godsend to the women of Bali is an understatement. Caring for the woman and the future of this country she makes a difference every day of her life. Never say that one person can't make a difference: Ibu Robin does, and we are proud to help her.

Brenda with Nyoman

Yayasan Widya Guna Orphanage is near Ubud, Bali. I immediately fell in love with Ketut, his wife Nyoman, and the many children they care for. These two amazing people have dedicated their lives to providing the basic necessities for the children who find their way to the orphanage. Being parentless in a developing country is hard enough; imagine being parentless and handicapped! (You can't.) Yayasan Widya Guna Orphanage is one of the only resources for handicapped children on the island. These challenged kids would have no other opportunity to live a normal life were they not a part of the safety net provided here. Each day all the children enjoy meals, education, computer time, art class, cultural education with dance for the girls and gamelan lessons for the boys. The children are incredibly happy and on their way to becoming amazing adults. Visiting last year changed my life.

Both of these charities are independently funded by donations from around the world. I am committed to being a part of their ever-growing family of supporters. Remember, a portion of every purchase of a Nut Milk Bag goes to these very worthy charities. We guarantee your purchase will benefit the children.

Our new website allows us to keep our calendar up-to-the-minute. As we go to press, we know these dates may get switched around, so PLEASE check in with us at our Events for Raw Foodies page. Hope to see you soon!

Our new website gives us a dandy way to keep our potluck list up-to-date. For potluck ideas, advuice on your first potluck, and the latest information about raw potlucks near you, surf over to our Potlucks page

Now here's some fun! - The second annual Freestone Fermentation Festival is Saturday May 15th. Join the locals in downtown Freestone for an afternoon celebrating All Things Fermented. It was such a success last year they've expanded their program and tasting schedule. There will be speakers, music and tasting - yep, here's your chance to taste some of those things you may have never heard of like Kombucha, Kimchi or Natto and also enjoy some good old friendly foods and become re-acquainted with yogurt, sauerkraut and chocolate - yes chocolate ! Oh and don't forget the wine. Did you know that almost every culture in the world has a fermented food as a part of their cuisine except us. I know they are on to something and I feel better when I enjoy fermented foods as a part of my daily routine. Here's your chance to find out everything you wanted to know about Fermenting.

Bali Blessings - Many of you know my good friend Kiya Cote and have attended her Solstice Gatherings at the Gatehouse in years past. We will be in Bali together this month and I will join her for the Wesak Full Moon celebration and Bali Blessing transmission. As in years past, she is offering a transmission remotely for anyone who would like to join her. This is a wonderful opportunity to join the celebration.

Simply Raw – Reversing Diabetes in 30 Days ( rawfor30days.com ) – made in 2009, this independent documentary film has been well received in raw food circles. I have a copy if you'd like to borrow it.

Many friends have sent me emails, 'check this out'. I'm SO happy the idea of healing with raw food – a subject VERY close to me heart! – is making it to the front pages and minds of America. Woo Hoo !! If you haven't seen this movie, here's the link to the trailer.

Summer is just around the corner and fruit is becoming abundant. Phew! Made it through another winter! Mangoes are heavenly right now so I've been doing lots of smoothies with these wonderful tropical gems. Here's a recipe to begin your day:

Blend A little water,
Two cups of fruit (mangos, berries, bananas, oranges) and
Some greens (kale, chard, spinach, romaine, spring mix etc)

Remember – if you use frozen fruit your smoothie will be slushy, good and cold !! and if you have fresh fruit, add a few ice cubes for a frozen concoction. YUM !!!

Thank you for reading. I hope you'll take a minute to click around the new website RawsomeCeations.com and send me your ideas for those nut milk bag uses. I'd love to add more and more ideas to our ever-growing list.

Remember: Eat your veggies !! and Live in AWE, eat RAW !!

PS: You are receiving this email as a friend who's indicated interest in the Raw and Healthy Lifestyle and community events. If you no longer wish to receive this information or simply wish to keep your inbox free for now, just let me know and it's done. Thank you for your interest.