Toi Thomas's Blog

Toi here, and welcome to another episode of Knauthentic.

Topic of the day: A method for making salads.

If you’re tuning in from Substack, be sure to check out today’s poll.

1. Last week I was out addressing my ongoing health issues and I’m so happy to be back this week. Before taking some time off, I started talking about my love-hate relationship with salads. I also shared a recipe for my Mint Vinaigrette. I’ll be using that in today’s recipe but first let’s go deeper into the notion of enjoying salads.

2. There are people who are perfectly content to eat leafy greens without any dressing. Many people who are on a raw diet find delight in finding new combinations and arrangements of raw vegetables to eat with or without a dressing. That’s just not me, but it’s all good. The first time I met someone who ate, what I considered a ‘salad’ without putting a dressing on it or an animal-based protein, I stared at them like an alien. I’m so blessed that they didn’t take offense and explained that it’s a cultural and lifestyle preference. That was eye-opening for me.

3. Fast forward to now, and while salads are still not my go-to, I’ve already admitted that I do look forward to Spring as my salad season. With that said, I see the benefits, both nutritionally and economically, to eat salads throughout the year, not just during Spring. So, I’ve developed a method that guarantees I’ll enjoy it. I don’t believe I came up with this all on my own, but I’ve catered it to my specific tastes. This method works for me, but it may not work for you. Don’t be afraid to develop your own method if you need to. For now, I’m happy to eat, what I call, nourish salads on a regular basis.

Now, it’s time to talk about how I make a Nourish Salad.

Be sure to visit my Knauthentic YouTube channel if you want to see the short.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Start with 1 ½ to 2 cups of a chopped lettuce or greens mixture of your choosing, for a low calory base and a boost of nutrients. I used Romaine mixed with cilantro.

2. Add your choice of ¼ cup of beans or lentils to promote satiety. I used pre-homecooked chickpea pasta.

3. Add 1-2 servings of fruit (¼ cup or less) or a preferred source of fiber. I used two Medjool dates for a pop of sweetness to contrast the savory ingredients I add next.

4. Add your preferred protein. This time I used a cup of chopped store-bought rotisserie chicken. Home baked is my preference but sometimes it’s good to take advantage of time savers.

5. Add in textural contrast to compliment the soft beans, fruit, and protein. I used ¼ cup chopped raw walnuts for their slight bitterness, crunch, and cholesterol benefits.

6. Add your dressing of choice. If packing for later consumption, place it in a separate container. I use my herb-heavy mint vinaigrette.

Question: Do you like the contrast of sweet and savory? I’d love to know.

If you, or someone you know, has a health or food journey story or recipe you think others might benefit from, please check my Be Featured links on social media, and share your story in the way that suits you best.

Until next time, stay safe, eat well, and be blessed.

Credits

Knauthentic Season 1, Episode 22.

Starring Toi Thomas.

Featuring no one else at this time.

Topics discussed: Sweet and Savory Flavors, Salad Methodology, Nourish Salads

Produced by Toi Thomas in association with The ToiBox of Words and Lit Carnivale.

Directed by Toinette “Toi” Thomas.

Thanks again to the Knauthentic community on Substack, YouTube, and wherever you can hear this podcast. This is all for you!

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Hi there and welcome to episode 7 of the WIP vlog for 2026.

Author Feature:

No feature this week, but they are coming. It’s never too late to sign up.

If you like to be featured, check out my sign-up form.

The Muse Writers Center Updates:

The Muse is celebrating Poetry Month with daily poetry prompts. Visit the-muse.org to see the prompts.

This Saturday, April 18th at 4:00 pm Norfolk, I’m excited to be in attendance for Sidewalks 2 Stanzas: A Local Gathering of Poets with live readings and more to mark the launch of two new poetry books by Synnika A. Lofton.

Knauthenic Updates:

Season 1, Episode 22: Nourish Salad goes up tomorrow.

If you ever want to see the recipe shorts, visit the Knauthentic channel.

If you, or someone you know, has a health or food journey story, I’d love to share that story. No one has to appear on my podcast unless they want to.

Lit Carnivale Updates:

Season 1, Episode 22: Duality went up yesterday.

It features the first preview of The Read Local Show and Read All Over Show line-up. If haven’t been following along and don’t want to miss the interviews when they launch be sure to subscribe to Lit Carnivale. Paid subscribers will have access to bonus content.

Fiction Excerpts:

Since rom-coms are far and few between for me, I figure I’d share the only one I’ve published so far. I’ve grown so much as a writer since this book, so this is a nice look-back of how far I’ve come. At about 300 words a post, this should take a while. Below are some affiliates links to the book in case you decide you like and don’t want to wait each week for an update.

Bookshop.org | Smaswords.com | Amazon.com

It’s Like The Full Moon part 11

Chapter 2: The Proposal continued

“Why so upset?” asked Ms. Rapture. “I think it was nice of Lisa to invite you along. Besides, sweetie, I remember a time when you wanted to travel the world and you haven’t been to Milan yet.”

Rebecca snapped, “I really don’t want to discuss this anymore.”

Everyone took a deep breath, and Lisa sighed with hopelessness. Mr. Price had quickly shoveled his food down his throat and was now seeking the right opportunity to exit the party.

Teddy fidgeted in his seat, twirling his thumbs while everyone sat silently in an agonizing discomfort, trying to finish their food as quickly as they could. Alas, Teddy couldn’t be silent anymore. He glared at his sister from across the table while she tried to hide her emotions. “Are you going to tell them or not?”

Mr. Price stood up immediately and walked away without a word.

Shaking her head, Rebecca barked out a response. “That has nothing to do with this, Teddy.”

“What is it?” asked TiTi. “What has nothing to do with what?”

“Yes, yes,” said Ms. Rapture. “It’s time you kids came clean about what’s really going on here. I’m no fool you know.” She smacked the table with her hand. “God, love you, Lisa, but you aren’t exactly the type to invite company when you travel around on business, to conduct yourself however you choose outside the boardroom. You, Teddy, are not the overly encouraging type. And, Rebecca, this isn’t your usual disposition. What’s going on?”

Standing up, Rebecca shouted, “Virgil asked me to marry him! There!” She fell back into her chair, took several deep breaths, and held her hands over her face as she mumbled, “I don’t know what to say. I don’t know what to do.”

“Well,” said Ms. Rapture, “there are worse things in the world than being proposed to.” After a short pause, everyone giggled a little. “So, Lisa wants to take you away to think things over?”

“I, for one, think it’s a marvelous idea,” TiTi proclaimed.

Thank you for making it this far down the virtual page. Kudos to you! I’d love to know what you thought of this post in the comments below. Stay safe and be blessed.

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I will be back next week.

Toi here, and welcome to another episode of Knauthentic.

Topic of the day: My love-hate relationship with salads.

If you’re tuning in from Substack, be sure to check out today’s poll.

1. Stereotypically speaking, as a girl, I think I’m supposed to like salads, but they are not my favorite. To me that’s crazy because I love vegetables, I just don’t always want to eat them raw. Still there are times of the year when I actually want to eat salads. For me, that starts in the spring.

2. One of the main reasons why I think salads aren’t really my thing is that they always seem so boring to me. Leafy greens, a few parcels of color, and a dressing. I now have a method for making salads that I enjoy. I’m not claiming to have come up with this method. I saw it somewhere, made some adjustments, then ran with it.

3. So, if I’m going to eat and enjoy a salad, it’s going to have to be more than leafy greens a dressing. Next week, I’ll break down the method, but today I want to talk about the dressing. Of course, in my typical fashion, I can’t eat store bought salad dressings for a number of reasons. So, I’ve learned to make a variety to address all my salad needs from nutty to cheesy, creamy to vinaigrettes. One of my favorite flavors to add to salads right now, is mint.

Now, it’s time to talk about how I make a Mint Vinaigrette.

Be sure to visit my Knauthentic YouTube channel if you want to see the short.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Activate 1 tsp of Hing (Asafetida) or sub in your choice of onion or garlic powder.

2. Finely chop one half a packed cup of fresh mint leaves and add to a jar.

3. Add 1 tsp dried Parsley, ½ black pepper, ½ tsp salt, 1 tsp dried Fenugreek leaves (sub will Cilantro or add more Parsley).

4. Add 1 tbsp Agave or a sweetener of your choice.

5. 4 tbsp white wine vinegar.

6. 5-6 tbsp oil (I used avocado), then shake well.

7. Serve with your favorite salad or wrap.

Question: Is Spring salad season for you? I’d love to know.

If you, or someone you know, has a health or food journey story or recipe you think others might benefit from, please check my Be Featured links on social media, and share your story in the way that suits you best.

Until next time, stay safe, eat well, and be blessed.

Credits

Knauthentic Season 1, Episode 21.

Starring Toi Thomas.

Featuring no one else at this time.

Topics discussed: Salad Season, Mint Vinaigrette,

Produced by Toi Thomas in association with The ToiBox of Words and Lit Carnivale.

Directed by Toinette “Toi” Thomas.

Thanks again to the Knauthentic community on Substack, YouTube, and wherever you can hear this podcast. This is all for you!

Leave a comment

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Happy IWSG Day!

Created and hosted by the Ninja himself, Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writers Support Group posts the 1st Wednesday of every month. Click here to learn more or sign up.

Optional Monthly Question: If you have a playlist (or could put one together) that either gets you in the groove to write or fits with one of your books, what is it? What type of music or what songs?

No video this week, but here’s my response.

I created a playlist once for a book I struggled to write, called It’s Like the Full Moon. Romance isn’t a strong suit for me, so when I attempted to write one, I created a playlist of songs for each chapter. If you’re interested, side A is here and side B is here.

So, even now, I use music to help inspire me when I write. It can be something instrumental to help me focus, or something more specific to set a mood.

This month, the in-person IWSG group will be meeting at Wands Books in Norfolk, VA on Thursday, 4/9/26 at 6:00 pm. I’m excited to meet new writers and offer support in my local community. Click the link to learn more or RSVP.

Author Feature:

My next Author feature is currently set for May 20, 2026, with Glorious Raine.

If you like to be featured, check out my sign-up form.

Counting My Blessings:

The Muse Writers Center Updates:

The Muse is celebrating Poetry Month with daily poetry prompts. Visit the-muse.org to see the prompts.

Knauthenic Updates:

Season 1, Episode 21: Mint Vinaigrette goes up tomorrow.

If you ever want to see the recipe shorts, visit the Knauthentic channel.

If you, or someone you know, has a health or food journey story, I’d love to share that story. No one has to appear on my podcast unless they want to.

Lit Carnivale Updates:

Season 1, Episode 21: The Countdown to Season 3 went up yesterday.

If haven’t been following along and don’t want to miss the interviews when they launch be sure to subscribe to Lit Carnivale. Paid subscribers will have access to bonus content.

Patreon (fiction) Updates:

I’ve returned to long running WIPs with a determination to finish at least one this summer. I’m currently sharing installments of The ToiBox of Games and Mark of Bletstian: Seth and Marcos.

Fiction Excerpts:

Since rom-coms are far and few between for me, I figure I’d share the only one I’ve published so far. I’ve grown so much as a writer since this book, so this is a nice look-back of how far I’ve come. At about 300 words a post, this should take a while. Below are some affiliates links to the book in case you decide you like and don’t want to wait each week for an update.

Bookshop.org | Smaswords.com | Amazon.com

It’s Like The Full Moon part 10

Chapter 2: The Proposal continued

Fortunately, Lisa was ready to argue her point. “Why not get away for a little while? Your whole life has been one monotonous bore ever since Charley died unless I happen to be around forcing you to have fun. If you do decide to marry Virgil, then you will have had at least one awesome tryst as a single lady before saying ‘I do’. If not, well then you just get to have a much-needed vacation.”

Rising, Rebecca shook her head and made no reply as she walked back into the cottage. Several times throughout the rest of the evening, Rebecca attempted to silence the subject. Even the following day as she ate brunch, Lisa continued to campaign for the getaway. At brunch, Teddy and Rebecca made a feast for themselves as well as their mother, TiTi Lucy, Lisa, and Mr. Price, the proprietor of the cottage.

In front of the small, unsuspecting audience, Lisa loudly asked, “What do you all think about Becca coming with me to Milan next month, when I go on business? I think she deserves an adventure. Don’t you?”

Right away Teddy knew what Lisa was up to and jumped on the bandwagon to help save his beloved sister. Teddy liked Virgil well enough, but he wasn’t keen on the idea of being stuck with him as a brother-in-law. “I think it sounds great,” Teddy replied, quickly and cheerfully. Then, not to seem too obvious, he followed up with the usual type of comment he’d make. “Got any extra room for me, Lisa?”

Rebecca and Teddy’s mother, chimed in, “Oh how wonderful that sounds, Becca.”

“Yes, sweetie, it really does,” replied TiTi. “I think it would be good for you to do some more traveling and have a chance to live a little. Give yourself a reason to loosen up a bit.”

“I’m perfectly loose now,” Rebecca responded with clinched fists.

Personal Updates:

I’ve had a stressful month with many ups and downs. Last month, I never got around to visiting other IWSG blogs and have been struggling to keep up with my posting across all social media platforms. The reality that I might have to step away from posting altogether makes me sad, but I may not have a choice. I had another procedure on Monday and still don’t have any real answers about what I’ve been going through, but at least nothing new has come up. This week has been good so far and I hope to have more good weeks to come.

Perimenopause, Postprandial hypotension, Edema, and Peptic Ulcer Disorder only account for some of the issues I’m always dealing with. Every day I count my blessings that I’m not actively dying. I have a home, a job, a family who loves me, and so much more than many other people. It’s just hard sometimes to live in my blessings when I don’t have the energy to walk, can’t focus on details or remember learned sequences, can’t hold down food, and can’t take strong medicine to address my headaches and other pains. Hopefully, though, I can at least make my rounds today and throughout this month. Like I said, today’s been a good day.

Is music part of your writing process?

It may take some time, but I promise, I will eventually stop by your blog.

After hanging out with Alex, be sure to stop by and visit this month’s co-hosts:

Melissa Maygrove | Cathrina Constantine | Kate Larkinsdale | Rebecca Douglass

Click here to visit other IWSG blogs and sites to receive and share more inspiration and support. (This month, I’m #21).

Thank you for making it this far down the virtual page. Kudos to you! I’d love to know what you thought of this post in the comments below. Stay safe and be blessed.

Leave a comment

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Toi here, and welcome to another episode of Knauthentic.

Topic of the day: A Minor Food Indulgence.

If you’re tuning in from Substack, be sure to check out today’s poll.

1. Since I spent so much time talking about AWP. I thought, we’d take a break and just talk about food.

2. I missed being able to indulge a lot. But, I’m a big girl and know how to make good choices. Still, there are times when a minor indulgence isn’t the end of the world, or a major medical set back.

3. For me, that indulgence usually means sugar or carbs. Since I stopped eating refined sugar, I don’t feel so bad about treating myself from time to time. I make nice cream and cookies sweetened with bananas and dates. I make a hazelnut spread with carob instead of coco, which is naturally sweet. And sometimes, I use a more traditional ingredient instead of an alternative, as I did with todays recipe.

Now, it’s time to talk about how I make a simple plant-based egg roll.

Be sure to visit my Knauthentic YouTube channel if you want to see the short.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Prepare your filling a bowl.

2. Add your protein of choice- I used marinated soy-free tofu and shredded it.

3. Add your veggies- I used a mix of purple cabbage, celery, carrot, and cilantro all shredded.

4. Season the filling to your liking- I used 1 tsp tamari, 1 tsp toasted sesame oil, ½ tsp ginger paste, and black pepper.

5. The mixture can be eaten raw but it softens and rolls better after 3-5 minutes in the microwave or steam basket.

6. While egg rolls are traditionally deep fried or pan fired, I air-fry mine, but you could also bake them.

7. Place 1-1½ tbsp of the filling in the middle of the egg roll wrapper turned to look like a diamond. Wet the edges of the wrapper with water then fold the bottom corner over the mixture before tucking in the sides and rolling upward to seal the roll.

8. Spread or spray the rolls with a neutral oil, I used Avocado, and air-fry at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes.

Question: How do you treat yourself with food? I’d love to know.

If you, or someone you know, has a health or food journey story or recipe you think others might benefit from, please check my Be Featured links on social media, and share your story in the way that suits you best.

Until next time, stay safe, eat well, and be blessed.

Credits

Knauthentic Season 1, Episode 20.

Starring Toi Thomas.

Featuring no one else at this time.

Topics discussed: Food Indulgences, Treating Yourself, Simple Egg Rolls

Produced by Toi Thomas in association with The ToiBox of Words and Lit Carnivale.

Directed by Toinette “Toi” Thomas.

Thanks again to the Knauthentic community on Substack, YouTube, and wherever you can hear this podcast. This is all for you!

Leave a comment

Share

Subscribe now

Hi there and welcome to episode 6 of the WIP vlog for 2026. This week I’m sharing what I should have shared last week.

Knauthenic Updates:

Season 1, Episode 20 How to Indulge goes up tomorrow.

If you ever want to see the recipe shorts, visit the Knauthentic channel.

If you, or someone you know, has a health or food journey story, I’d love to share that story. No one has to appear on my podcast unless they want to.

Lit Carnivale Updates:

Season 1, Episode 20: AWP for Me went up today.

If you are a booklover or writer, published or unpublished, I’d love to interview you on one of my podcasts.

Fiction Excerpts:

Since rom-coms are far and few between for me, I figure I’d share the only one I’ve published so far. I’ve grown so much as a writer since this book, so this is a nice look-back of how far I’ve come. At about 300 words a post, this should take a while. Below are some affiliates links to the book in case you decide you like and don’t want to wait each week for an update.

Bookshop.org | Smaswords.com | Amazon.com

It’s Like The Full Moon part 9

Chapter 2: The Proposal continued

Moments later, Lisa and Teddy returned and sat on both sides of her as she slumped down on the bench outside. A chill ran through her body causing Rebecca to hug her jacket tightly to her chest. She looked back and forth between her brother and her best friend for some words of encouragement or guidance.

“So …” said Lisa, as she nudged Rebecca’s side.

“Yeah, ditto,” said Teddy.

Rebecca looked to her companions and sobbed. “Oh you guys, what am I going to do?”

Teddy quickly spoke up. “I’m a great brother; I know. I can make you laugh, cheer you up, and even take care of you when you’re sick, but advice is not my thing. Do you really want me here right now?”

Sucking back her sobs, Rebecca giggled a little. “You are a great brother, Teddy. You are free to go; we’ll talk later.”

Teddy swiftly rose from his seat, kissed Rebecca on the cheek, and patted Lisa’s head before darting off inside the cottage.

Now alone with her best friend, Lisa decided to be bold. “Do you really love him?”

“I honestly don’t know. I mean, I must. I haven’t been with anyone else since Charley.”

“Yeah I get that, Becca, but that doesn’t mean you love him. Doesn’t it bother you just a little bit that he’s Charley’s cousin?”

Clearly agitated, Rebecca responded, “It’s not like that Lisa. After Charley died, Virgil was a great friend to me. We just got used to spending so much time together that we became … like … this couple.”

Lisa for once was at a loss for words; her mouth agape in silence. After a few agonizing moments of muteness and frustration, Lisa had an outrageously crazy idea. “Becca, you should get out of the country for a few days. Get completely away from everything and decide what to do without any pressure.”

Staring at her frenzied friend, Rebecca arched her eyebrows, and reached up her hands, placing them on Lisa’s arms. “Have you lost your freakin mind? I’m not leaving the country just because I’m confused about a man.”

Thank you for making it this far down the virtual page. Kudos to you! I’d love to know what you thought of this post in the comments below. Stay safe and be blessed.

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Toi here, and welcome to another episode of Knauthentic.

Topic of the day: Are food restrictions disabilities?

If you’re tuning in from Substack, be sure to check out today’s poll.

1. So, I went to AWP for the first time. Overall, it was a wonderful social and professional experience. I learned so much and met some cool people. I’ve been to small writers conferences and large ComiCons, but this was different. I loved being around so many people who love books and writing, but I was a little out of my element. I’ve been so immersed in the genre world for long, that being in the deep end of the literary world was a little scary. Still, if I’m serious about publishing my memoir, I need to get more comfortable on the literary scene. But all that aside, there was one major downside to attending AWP.

2. One of the things that I initially thought was so impressive about the AWP conference, was how assessable it was. Aside from all the measures put in place to help guest address their physical limitations and needs, they also had measures in place to support mental and emotional needs, such as quiet spaces and adaptive equipment. In additional to all their accessibility measures, the was so much emphasis on the cultural diversity of the programming. There was something for everyone, with programming geared towards various POC cultures, various religious groups, many other marginalized communities.

The question I have about all this accessibility and diverse programming is, what were the planning on feeding all these various peoples if they didn’t want to or could eat hot dogs and pizza? While Nathan’s hot dog are Kosher, you can’t live off just hots. Plus, there was a sizable Muslim community present and no Halal food. I’ve been to small cons where they attempted to offer gluten-free and vegetarian options, but this event was mostly void of that. There was a slight attempt to address vegetarian needs, but they were so underrepresented that they sold out on the first day. I never even saw them, only heard about them. Did you see them? Please let me know. Maybe I just missed them.

3. I consider myself a realist and don’t expect to be accommodated for my extreme food restrictions but to not have nothing to work with is disheartening. Is it too much to expect there to be basic food accommodations for thousands of people, for a three-day conference. In this day and age, it’s odd to me that food isn’t taken into consideration when providing accessibility. How assessable can an event be if your there for hours at a time but can’t eat anything? At least, every time, I had to walk back to my hotel room and prepare myself a meal, I was able to use the Keurig to quickly heat up some hot water so I could have favorite tea. It was a real comfort.

Now, it’s time to talk about how I make a simple cup of Bengal Tea Plus.

Be sure to visit my Knauthentic YouTube channel if you want to see the short.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Bring water to a boil.

2. Add ¼-½ tsp of ground ginger to the mug along with a single pitted date.

3. Add the tea bag and pour over the hot water.

4. Let it steep for 5 minutes.

5. Remove the tea bag and optionally add ½ tsp of a preferred sweetener, I added honey.

Question: Do you think food restrictions are a disability? I’d love to know. I never thought they were until my AWP experience. Now, I feel like I have a whole new area of advocacy to explore.

If you, or someone you know, has a health or food journey story or recipe you think others might benefit from, please check my Be Featured links on social media, and share your story in the way that suits you best.

Until next time, stay safe, eat well, and be blessed.

Credits

Knauthentic Season 1, Episode 19.

Starring Toi Thomas.

Featuring no one else at this time.

Topics discussed: Food Restrictions vs Disabilities, Accessibility, Cultural Diversity, Bengal Tea

Produced by Toi Thomas in association with The ToiBox of Words and Lit Carnivale.

Directed by Toinette “Toi” Thomas.

Thanks again to the Knauthentic community on Substack, YouTube, and wherever you can hear this podcast. This is all for you!

Leave a comment

Share

Subscribe now

Hi there and welcome to episode 5 of the WIP vlog for 2026.

Yes, I’m late and life keeps on going.

Reviews will be shared next week. I’m still playing catch up with the IWSG posts from last week due to being at a writing conference for 5 days and I’m steadily attending doctor’s appointments.

Click here to see my book reviews.

Author Feature:

No feature this week.

If you like to be featured, check out my sign-up form.

The Muse Writers Center Updates:

So much to share coming up.

Knauthenic Updates:

Season 1, Episode 18: How AWP went is here.

If you ever want to see the recipe shorts, visit the Knauthentic channel. There was no short this week.

If you, or someone you know, has a health or food journey story, I’d love to share that story. No one has to appear on my podcast unless they want to.

Lit Carnivale Updates:

Season 1, Episode 18: Intro to AWP is here.

If you are a booklover or writer, published or unpublished, I’d love to interview you on one of my podcasts.

We’ll resume all other updates, next week.

Thank you for making it this far down the virtual page. Kudos to you! I’d love to know what you thought of this post in the comments below. Stay safe and be blessed.

Leave a comment

Share

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