When it comes to getting down with learning the mad scientic facts of nutrition, you can read study after study that advocates the benefits of eating fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds - but does that make you want to run out and buy a bag of carrots?

I'm going to go with, not so much.

There is something those scientific articles are missing...sex appeal.  I mean, I find a bar graph as about as stimulating as the next person but I've never found a molecular model that really got me going.

This friends, is where Mimi Kirk comes in. She's 72 young and glowing. In 2009, she was named PETA's Sexiest Vegetarian Over 50. And is it any suprise as to why?

I am officially sold on the fact that If anyone can convince you that eating a nourishing, raw vegan diet can make you feel, and look, amazing, Mimi is it.

When I first flipped through the vibrant pages of her new book, Live Raw, I was struck not just by her physical presence but by her enthusiastic joy for life and living it with purpose. This is a woman at home in her skin and loving it. Not to mention, her words are encouraging, genuine and full of warmth that speak right to you, like you were teamed up in her Cali kitchen about to whip up something elegant.

You feel good just from looking at this work of art from the heart.

After spending a few weeks playing with Mimi's recipes (the devouring it did go down!) and reading the inspiring entries that round out her book I can safely say, I would like to move in with Mimi, spend some time sipping mocktails and laughing on the porch with her would be my idea of a rock and roll lifestyle.

At least with my own copy of Live Raw I could explore the fabulous food Mimi creates for herself and those she loves on a daily basis.

Live Raw is full of fresh, fun and vibrant looking recipes. oh my! Insert: The Kombucha Sangria (Sangria Tease) One of the many stand out recipes for me, oh yes, did i mention the sexy mocktails section? It will charm you into dashing to your best cocktail ware and rocking one of her deliciously sparkly beverage's immediately.

When it comes down what matters most, the preparations are simple and the flavours are well balanced. Some of the recipes call for superfoods like goji berries, Coconut aminos, and Fresh Irish Moss although they are rare and alternatives are often offered if you prefer.

The vast majority of Mimi's delectable yet simple repertoire relies on the produce you can pick up from the supermarket, whole foods or farmer's market. There is much less reliance on dehydration in Live Raw when compared to most other raw food recipe books, which is honestly like a breathe of fresh air. Instead, elements are blended, processed or frozen to develop the different textures in a dish which results in pure elegance on a plate!

If you're new to raw foods, a curious crusader or the gourmet raw food style with a dash of class, appeals to you just because, Mimi provides plenty of information about ingredients for your pantry, equipment and preparation. Live Raw covers all the raw recipe standards: smoothies, soups, breakfasts, breads, crackers, cheeses, entrees and sweets with a side of superfoods, that is sure to press all of your buttons.

I have no doubt that somewhere in these pages, you'll find a new recipe you adore or may even develop a secret crush on. I am currently cheating on several recipes with several recipes.

By the end of this fantastic book, Mimi will have you eager to bounce into the kitchen and whip up some of her easy and feel real good recipes regularly.

Just to give you a tease of the elegant vibes this book resonates, here's one of Mimi's mocktail recipes that has become a regular when in need of a side of sass. So that's obviously, on the daily (",)

Da Da Daiquiri

by Mimi Kirk from Live Raw

INGREDIENTS:
juice from 1 lime
1 cup strawberries
1 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed
1 Tbsp. Coconut Nectar or sweetener of choice
2-3 tablespoons sparkling soda water
a few mint leaves
ice

DIRECTIONS:
To make the Da Da Daiquiri,  simply add all ingredients except ice into a high speed blender. Pour into ice-filled jar with a lid and shake several times. Pour into glass through a strainer. Garnish with a piece of orange on a skewer.

Pretty super if you ask me.

Watch this raw diva in sweet action creating easy, delicious dessert three ways.

Viva Raw (",) and happy health food loving foodies!!