Kris Carr's Crazy Sexy Blog!

Hiya spelt muffins!

Just a little reminder that I have a signing for my new book, "Crazy Sexy Cancer Survivor: More Rebellion and Fire for your Healing Journey" tonight in NYC. All you New Yawkers - come ovah!

More on Raw Spirit tomorrow...

Barnes and Noble
396 Ave. of the Americas (8th St.)
New York, NY 10011

Peace and publishing,
K

Hello sunshine!

I have gobs of pix to share. But since blogger won't let me show ya all at once, I'll have to make an album per day throughout the week.


This is just a sample...imagine hundreds of booths filled with rawsome goodness and treats. YUM!


The Rock Star of the raw world - David Wolfe. He's wild and wild and wild. Brian scratched his head, I loved him. David is a one man show and a boat load of knowledge. I think he does tons of shrooms though. He he he...


Stilts and butterfly wings for big people. Why don't you have them in your life everyday? Get some now!


I could listen to Philip's amazing story 500 times. He is literally half the man he used to be thanks to this diet and lifestyle. WOWZA! BO BOWZA!


Bunny Berry is my new idol. I have a girl crush on her and was so excited to meet the rockin' rabbit. As she's says, "Girrrl, I'm bringing raw foods to the housewives of America". Amen sista sledge. OM SHANTI OM! If she doesn't speak at Raw Spirit next year then I am never going back (gosh I feel dramatic today). Bunny leads 100 day raw food challenges on her Raw Fu site. Read her blog. Love her. Do a challenge! PS. She likes Karate.

More tomorrow....

Reminder: I have a Barnes & Knoble signing in Stamford, CT tonight! Please come hug.

Peace and black sharpies are my favorite writing utensils,
Kris

Hiya Rawsome Cowgirls/dudes!

Brian and I just got back from four days at the magical Raw Spirit Festival! Holy Guacamole was it SWEEEET. Picture this: The Age of Aquarius meets Cacao in the middle of an energetic power vortex known as Sedona, Arizona. From sun up till sun down we soaked in nature, world famous speakers, amazing raw cuisine and lots of shopping! Mama was in heaven-ola. I spoke on the mainstage Saturday morning and wow was I nervous. This lady is used to chatting at hospitals, medical centers and corporations that serve hot doggies for lunch. RS was a completely different crowd. Since I never "preached to the choir" I wasn't sure what the heck to say. Raw foodies are generally an educated bunch but somehow I was able to barf out some thought provoking sparkle (I think). Anyway, I'll tell you more about it in detail tomorrow, I'm wicked behind on my work so I gotta dive in. YUCK! More blab tomorrow, promise

Also, I have 2 signings this week. One tomorrow at the B&N in Stamford, CT (6-8 pm 100 Grey Rock Place) the other on Wednesday night from 7:30-9pm at the B&N in downtown NYC (6th ave and 8th street in the West village). Hope you can come!

AND are you ready for the second NYC Posse Meetup? Join me and the CSL Team at the Jivamukti Yoga Studio (downtown) on Sunday, September 28th at 12pm! Starting at noon we’ll practice yoga side by side with instructor, Sandhi Ferreira. Then we’ll have lunch in the Jivamukti Café! The Jivamukti chefs are whipping up a special Crazy Sexy Alkalizing Salad and a delicious Raw Cacao Mousse for dessert. Catch up with new and old friends, trade recipes and tips, and ask me questions during the Q & A session. We’ll also have a raffle and book signing! Please RSVP by Wednesday, September 17th.

Email: rsvp@crazysexylife.com (indicate if you will be coming for yoga and lunch or only lunch)

Address:
Jivamukti Yoga Studio (Downtown)
841 Broadway , 2nd floor
New York, NY 10003

Date: Sunday, September 28th
Time: Noon (If only coming only for lunch, 1pm)
Cost: $40 (Yoga Class, yoga mat, and lunch: salad and dessert) or $17 (for only lunch)


Peace and see ya soon!

Kris

Hiya Kale blazers!

So sorry I have been away but thank you Terri for a great guest blog! I'm back in LA, launching my new book, Crazy Sexy Cancer Survivor: More Rebellion and Fire for Your Healing Journey, and getting ready to answer the phones for Stand Up to Cancer. What a week! It’s hard to believe that this time last year Crazy Sexy Cancer aired on TLC and my first book hit the stands. I started my media whirlwind with The Today show and ended it with my idol, Oprah. I wouldn’t tell ya this last year, but I’ll tell ya it now: WOW, WAS I NERVOUS! Butterfly-stomach-puke-city-highway. Without the guidance of my husband Brian and my vision board I would have cracked.

Looking back, on how much we have accomplished this year I am utterly amazed. When so many said I’d never get there, I refused to back down and instead I just kept writing, filming and JUICING. I created the Crazy Sexy world to survive and I knew that so many of you needed it just as much as I did. As you know we receive hundreds of emails per week. People seeking help and guidance through their tough times with canSer, diabetes, heart disease, depression, obesity, etc. As much as we can we point folks in the only direction we personally rely on - back to nature and back to the garden. Well guess what, we've been piling up the testimonials and it's astounding.

Just last week I read about a woman with horrendous rheumatoid arthritis. This rockin' chick saw the film, read my first book and changed her lifestyle (Go veggie!). Now she's off all her hardcore meds and is able to hold her children. What can I say. Thank you Goddess for helping me/us download this practical information in a fun, safe and sassy ass way. Today and everyday, YOU crazy sexies are my fuel and as I said on the CSL forum, though I’m not as vocal as I’d like to be I read every letter, cry with you when it’s tough and cheer when you’re victorious.

Crazy Sexy Cancer Survivor is another little prezzie made from me for you. I really hope it helps (and makes you laugh and knee slap - good for the immune system). Again, like the film and first book, it's not just for canSer cowgirls and dudes, it's for everyone looking to live a healthy, spiritually wealthy, and vibrant life. But this time it's your turn to dig deep and with a little guidance and lots of room to journal, I will be by your side with a wink and a high five. Let me know what ya think angel wing. And remember, many "miracles" come from the land of the gods and goddess (don't know who you're down with, I like 'em all), BUT many others come from a combination of hard work and personal commitment to health. YOU can move mountains. No matter what they say, you are a FORCE.

Now, on to the major cancer fest '08. Holy crow, what a historic event it will be. All 3 networks will come together to raise money to cure a disease that many of us who read this blog have faced. It's with great pride that I get to answer phones (don’t blink or you’ll miss me) and help bring in the moolah. The last time I was in the land of Tinsel I had the privilege to sit and chat with the producer of the show, Laura Ziskin. She and her dedicated team have been working around the clock for months to make this dream a reality. Believe it or not, Brian and I got to see the show opener. Goosebumps, hairs raised! And guess what gang? Though the show is mostly geared towards research and Western treatments, Laura is a canSer cowgirl 80/20 style! Oh yeah. Her diet means as much to her as the work she is doing to raise awareness and create change. What a role model. There aren't many Hollywood big guns who enjoy the kinda chat I like to chew and if you read this blog you know exactly what I mean - especially about the lifesaving importance of alkaline chow. I’ll be writing for their on-line magazine when I get a little free time and you can bet I’ll be a LOUD voice for alternative (hate that word, INTEGRATIVE) medicine.

As I said on the updated resource section of CSC, though I have never used Western treatments (because the canSer - aka beauty marks in my body - are slow moving, and there is no cure anyway), not everyone can take this approach safely. It is crucial to find the best doctor for your disease, even if it’s just to monitor it. That said, I strongly encourage a deep exploration of holistic treatments. We can't "cure" cancer if we don't address it's origins in the first place. With each passing year cutting edge research unanimously points to the benefits of a plant-based diet high in alkaline veggies and fresh green juices. In addition, exercise, stress reduction, meditation, bodywork and therapy as well as other modalities can help to unlock your body’s innate power to regenerate.

For new readers facing a diagnosis, I encourage you to seek second and third opinions when consulting any health care practitioner. One of the first doctors I spoke with suggested a triple organ transplant! I’m not an expert but that was ridiculous. So do your homework like a detective and don’t settle or be bullied.

Once you find a solid home base, take responsibly in rebuilding your inner terrain, especially through proper diet. And I don’t mean the diet they feed ya in hospitals or rules that old school nutritionists push. I mean a diet high in raw and living foods and low in sugar and processed crapola – low in tushie too – that’s never good for anyone, especially the poor soul who lost her precious tushie.

Remember, a good doctor is only one part of the success equation. Only wonderful you can become an empowered participant in your healing. Join the adventure and take back your health! The choice is yours….

For the old timers reading this blog you know that mantra all too well. Thanks for hanging in there with me friends. If you haven’t signed up for our newsletter please do. We have lots of amazing events happening this fall. A meet-up, raffle, wellness retreat, lots of signings and more. I’ll also be back on the boob tube on Good Morning America and a few other national shows, plus, drumroll…we have an entirely NEW site complete with a HUGE online store (finally – Ok, almost finally, we’re about 2ish months away with that)! Why do ya think I’ve been so quiet? Why do ya think Brian and the team haven’t slept a winkity wink? Shit’s been mad busy yo! We’re gathering many of the tools that help me and that we think can help you under one easy, breezy roof. Literally, a warehouse!

Tune in tonight. 5 pm Pacific, 8 pm EST. I’ll be the gal with the Crazy Sexy Cancer Goddess T-shirt….

Peace, better healthcare and eat your veggies,
Kris

Hello Gorgeous Posse of Peeps-

Do you feel heard? When you interact with your spouse or kids do you get the results you seek? How about with your family of origin? Is there satisfaction and understanding in your communication? Or do you feel like you have the same frustrations and complaints about these relationships over and over again? Well it’s time to shake it up people!!

Did you ever consider that when you change, the people in your life have no choice but to change as well? Human relationships are a dance. When you change your steps, your partner cannot do the old dance. It won’t work. Think about all of your relationships; you do this and inevitably they will do _________ (fill in the blank), right? We know the dance, but can we change it? Mahatma Gandhi said, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” This is also true for the change you wish to see in your relationships.

So the answer is yes to the possibility of changing your relationship dance. Let’s start by breaking it down. Effective communication is a key component to healthy relationships and it starts with you. What is your style of communication? Do you speak your truth or act it out? Do you deny what you need or secretly wish your partner had a crystal ball? If you have a desire to communicate with integrity, the first step is to acknowledge what needs to change within you.

Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and think. How do you communicate in all of your relationships? Are you passive? Do you withhold in anger instead of saying what is on your mind? Do you exaggerate and shout using ALWAYS and NEVER statements that can’t possibly be true? Do you minimize your own feelings? Is everything OK with you…always (again, not possible)? Do you have the disease to please? Were you taught that being honest is the same as being rude or mean? Are you a martyr who never says anything to change the unfulfilling interaction? Remember, you alone are responsible for how you interact in your relationships.

There are only two ways to communicate: effectively and ineffectively. Below is a comprehensive list of communication characteristics compiled by author Phil Rich, EdD, MSW, DCSW. Take a look and see what resonates.

Ineffective Communication:
Indirect-not getting to the point, never clearly states purpose or intention
Passive-timid and reserved
Antagonistic-angry, aggressive, or hostile tone
Cryptic-underlying message or purpose obscured and requires interpretation
Hidden-true agenda is never stated directly
Non-verbal-communicated through body language and behaviors, not words
One way-more talk than listening
Unresponsive-little interest in the perspective or needs of the other person
Off base-responses and needs of the other person are misunderstood and misinterpreted
Dishonest-dishonest statements are substituted for true feelings, thoughts, and needs

Effective Communication:
Direct-to the point, leaving no doubt as to meaning or purpose
Assertive-not afraid to state what is wanted or why
Congenial-affable and friendly
Clear-underlying issues are clear
Open-no intentionally hidden messages or meaning
Verbal-words are used to clearly express ideas
Two way-equal amounts of talking and listening
Responsive-attention paid to the needs and perspective of the other person.
Honest-true feelings, thoughts, and needs are stated

Now can you create a snap shot of your communication style? Is it what you want it to be? If not, what right action are you willing to take to make it better? Are you motivated to be vulnerable or to try something different in your relationships? If so, what stops you?

I had an epiphany about my power to change relationships when I was in college. I had always been sorely disappointed with my business like relationship with my father. When I got a card from him I used to tell my friends that he sent me an inner office memo because that’s how it felt. He was very successful and dutiful, but distant and chilly. He was a star athlete who had four daughters and I was his last shot for a boy. His communication style looked like this: if we were on a four hour car ride and he wanted you to close your window, he would point at you and motion the “roll up window” sign. We were all afraid of him and he rarely spoke. After blaming him for years with no satisfaction, I found a wonderful therapist who helped me realize that I was the only person I could change in that dyad. So I faced my fear of being vulnerable and spoke my truth.

Trust me, it was awkward at first, but with time things changed. We changed and I am forever grateful. He responded positively to my shift and my fear fantasy of abandonment was not realized. We developed a relationship that thrilled me and puzzled my sisters. The therapist helped me realize that my father did love me and although his love did not come in the warm and fuzzy package I had fantasized about, it was still valid. She challenged me to feel loved by things like college tuition, a used car, and his inevitable final shout to “Buckle up!” as I drove off. I learned to ask him for what I needed emotionally. This is not to say he could always do it, but my healing came from my right action of honoring my truth. My father died suddenly at the age of 61, ten years ago, and I was left with no regrets and a mountain of gratitude.

So what relationships would you like to transform? How do you want to communicate in your life? Now that you have a place to start, make a list of what is not working for you in what relationship. Then make a list of what right action YOU need to take to change that relationship…and DO IT! You taking care of you in relationships=self-love. This right action creates the possibility of real intimacy. Being dishonest separates us from the people we love.

Explore your truth then speak it LOUDLY.

I know you can. I am here to help if you need a nudge. As always I want to hear all about it!

Love Love Love,

Your CRAZY SEXY LIFE COACH
Terri

Greetings peaches!

Brian and I just got back to our nest in the pines of Woodstock after a week full of LA love and adventures. Wow, and I thought NYC was the be all, end all. There are so many righteous raw restaurants to choose from in starletville. Upon deplaning from the Jet Blue metal bird, we drove straight to Real Food Daily in Santa Monica. It's not all raw but the cooked food is made by fairy Godmothers and it is full of TLC. Put it on your wish list and pick up a copy of their cookbook if you can. It's well worth it.

Day 2 was filled with tons of time in the car on our way to "take meetings" (no one in LA uses public transportation or walks - so weird). The day ticked by in conference rooms. I was supposed to be focused on my pitches but I couldn't help but drift into fantasies of the night ahead - dinner at Cru. Our own Debbie Does Raw arranged an impromptu CSL dinner with a few regulars from the forum. The food was out of this world, the company - stellar! I wish I took pictures of the chow but alas, I was too blown away to snap. I inhaled (refusing to share) a pad Thai that made me riggle like a school girl at a Bon Jovi concert (circa '89). The chef made it with Kelp noodles, cilantro, lime and cashews! Yes, Kelp. I swear I will eat seaweed everyday now. EVERYDAY. I'm not a fan of the veggies from the sea but these babies were seamless. You can buy them at Gold Mine. Try em, love em, welcome to mineral city!

Brian loves the ladies


Me and Debbie

Dinner was topped off by deserts sent to our table by Bueller. She couldn't make it to the raw chow fun fest but like the good woman she is, Lady B sent SUGAR in her place. SWEET Debbie delivered tambien. She made amazing take home goodie bags filled with raw truffles from my friend Matthew Kenney's new book Everyday Raw. Matthew - how do you do what you do? This is another great book for your arsenal peeps. Grab it. Debbie, thanks for taking the time and energy to jack us up and fill our hearts with life ZOOM. Miss D is quite the uncooked chef. "Oh, what a night!"



Next day: Lunch at Leaf filled me with Christmas morning giddyness, ooh's, and ahhh's (it takes so little - sorta pathetic). But whoa Nelly Furtado did I order too much. I had no idea how big the portions would be. Most raw places are stingy. They get away with small portions due to the high nut content which makes any meal (small or large) filling. Leaf is like the hummer of raw restaurants and dang-o-la was it tasty. I had an amazing raw falafel wrapped in lovely collard leaves, a Caesar salad with walnut croutons and a juice (not so great - mudish. Definitely not the cocktail of choice).

On our last night we finally hooked up with Bueller at Matt Amsden's Rawvolution. Each of us ordered the Big Matt with Cheese (Flax seeds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, mushrooms, lettuce, onion, tomato, celery, parsley, olive oil, mustard, pickles, rosemary, cumin, garlic, nama shoyu, lemon juice). OH MY GODDESS. Now that's a Happy Meal! A side of Kale Chips (dehydrated) made the meal complete - well almost, chia seed, chocolate and ginger pie. Sexy! Sexy bexy bo bexy banana fanna fo fexy fee fi fo mexy - SEXY!


Back at the ranch it's pretty low key in the kitchen. Boring compared to all the magic that filled my tummy in the city of angels. Oh well, I'm inspired and I have 500,000 cookbooks so no excuses.

How the heck have ya'll been?

Peace and raw restaurant bopping,
K

Hi herbs,

First of all, thank you so much for all your awesome comments on my last blog! Wow, it means so much to me. I'm on my way to JFK airport but I wanted to share this awesome recipe with you before I go. My parents had a huge bash this weekend and they allowed me to take over part of the kitchen and play. I created this fantabulous (if I do say so myself) concoction - with SAKE in it. Needless to say, people were refreshed and loose. He he he... Maybe I added a bit too much Sake. :)

Virgin Style:

* Portions designed for one blender load.

1 Cup agave
1/2 cup fresh squeezed organic lemon juice
1 Healthy handful of organic strawberries
3-4 Sprigs of mint - gently pull of the leaves
Fill blender with purified water - 3/4 full
Wiz and pour over ice - you can strain it if you don't like pulp (good to do for a party so people don't walk around with a garden stuck in their teeth. Awkward. Should you tell them, not tell them? Best to avoid.

Sake Style

Same as above just add about a cup (or so) of sake. HOLY HEAVEN HELL-O! Now, that's a fun drink.

Peace and punch,
K

PS. Sorry I didn't have time to post an image. :(