Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Ⓥ Vegan Kitchen: Blueberry Chai Smoothie Ⓥ



This smoothie is a variation, or combination if you will, of the "Blueberry Maca Smoothie" and the previous "Chai Smoothie," and I do believe is my favourite between all three. ;) 
*Note: I let the Chai tea seep for a good half hour at least and the flavour was magnificent! 

Blueberry Chai Smoothie
1 Chai Tea Bag
Water
5 pitted Dates
3/4 cup Blueberries
1 tsp Maca Powder
3/4 cup Almond Milk
2 heaped tsps Hemp Protein powder (optional)
Boil about 3/4 cup water. Place water in a 1-Cup measuring cup with the Chai tea bag and the Dates so that the water comes to about 3/4 cup. Let seep for about 15-20 minutes. Add a little bit of Almond milk so it fills the measuring cup to the top and let seep another 10-15 minutes. (the longer you let it soak, the more flavour you'll get and the softer the dates become for easier blending). 
Remove the tea bag and squeeze it out. Add the dates and chai-soaked liquids (not the tea bag silly ;p) to a food processor or blender with the rest of the ingredients and blend until smooth. Add more or less Almond Milk (and sweetener if desired) to your desired consistency. 
Makes 1 delightful smoothie. Enjoy! 



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Ⓥ Vegan Kitchen: Chai Tofu Smoothie! Ⓥ



Inspired by my brother's idea of adding chai tea to a smoothie! So you can thank him for this one. ;)  

Chai Smoothie
1 Chai Tea bag
3 pitted Dates, soaked
1/2 cup water
1 cup Vanilla Almond Milk, divided
1 Banana (ripe)
3/4 cup Tofu (silk/soft, to medium firm)
1 tsp Agave (optional)
1 tsp Maca Powder (optional)
Boil the 1/2 cup water. Place water in a small bowl (or measuring cup) with the Chai tea bag. Let seep for about 10 minutes. Add the Dates and 1/2 cup Almond Milk and let soak another 10-30 minutes (the longer you let it soak, the more flavour you'll get and the softer the dates become for easier blending). 
Remove the tea bag and squeeze it out. Add the dates and chai-soaked liquids (not the tea bag silly ;p) to a food processor or blender with the rest of the ingredients and blend until smooth. Add more or less Almond Milk and sweetener to your desired consistency and sweetness. 
Makes 1 large delicious smoothie. Enjoy! 



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Monday, February 27, 2012

☺ Motivational Mondays! ☺


Hello to another beautiful Monday! Yes, it may be the beginning of another work week for many of us, but that doesn't mean the world is over and that there is nothing worth smiling about. There is happiness to be found at any time in any situation if you choose it. Need some extra help this week? Read on for this week's Motivation tips! :)

Take 5! To Meditate… Before you reach out to someone else, take five minutes to connect with yourself. This will help you come from a place of balance when you interact with someone else. 
Don't Shower… Today is the Day of Polar Bears so do something to help them! Stink for the Arctic! If you showered today already then make up for it by not showering tomorrow! And only take 5 minute showers! Do good, receive good--here's one of your good deeds for the week! 
Take a Leap! Take a Chance! You are more likely to regret the things you Don't Do, as opposed to the things you actually do do (heehee, do-do ;p). Stop being afraid of making mistakes and know that there is no such thing as a "mistake", no such thing as "wrong choices." Every chance you take will bring you closer to a heightened sense of Self and Happiness. So take risks and take chances. Just go for it and believe that you can!  
You Are Ready! Stop thinking that you are Not. Nobody ever feels like they are 100% ready when an opportunity presents itself, because most great opportunities in life force us to go and grow beyond our comfort zones. We won't feel totally comfortable at first, but know that good things are arising and that change is natural and vital. You are Ready, so go with the flow and embrace the change. 
Learn to Live more Simply… It is an on-going mission for me to live more simply. There are new things that I realize I can do or give up all the time. Think of something that you don't need that just complicates the simple beauty of living, and give it up. Maybe it's eating unnatural processed foods. Maybe it's the growing collection of material things. Maybe it's too much time spent in front of a Television. Whatever it is you are comfortable with, start somewhere and make your life simpler. Happiness comes from within our Selves, so if you can learn to live more simply you will grow more in tune with that natural happiness instead of losing it to the unneeded complications of our society. 
"Unexpressed emotion is stored in the muscles of the body" ~Wilhelm Reich. Most of the physical symptoms we experience in our lives--like infections, aches, and pains--are merely symptoms of the emotions and problems we are storing up in our bodies. Learn to deal appropriately with stress and deal with former trauma to release your body from unneeded physical discomfort. Make yourself Happy and your body will respond in the same manner.  
Remember: Every event is a learning experience… whether it's Positive or Negative. Take something from any situation, learn, and grow. 


Have a beautiful day, week, life! Much Love from me to you! 
Create a Nice Day! xo


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Sunday, February 26, 2012

Ⓥ Vegan Kitchen: "Butter" Chickpeas! Ⓥ



Another one of my favourite recipes for you. :) Packed full of flavour and goodness! And pretty quick and easy to make! 

"Butter" Chickpeas:
1-2 medium Sweet Potatoes, cut into chunks
1 Tbsp Oil
1 tsp Garlic Powder
2 tsp Curry Powder
1 tsp Green Curry Paste
2 tsp Garam Masala
1 tsp Ground Ginger
1 tsp Cumin
1 tsp Salt
dash of Tamari
2 tsp Vegan Margarine (I use Earth Balance)
1 can Chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
1 can Crushed Tomatoes
2/3 cup Rice Milk (or other unsweetened vegan milk)
Veggies of your choice (I like Broccoli & Cauliflower)
*depending on what curry powder and paste you are using may depend on how much you want to add. Generally this recipe isn't overly spicy so you can adjust it to your desired liking. 

In a medium pot, boil the sweet potatoes until almost cooked. 
While potatoes are boiling:
Add oil and spices in a large saucepan and cook for a minute on medium heat. Add the chickpeas and sauté another couple minutes. Add remaining ingredients and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, adding in the sweet potatoes at the end. Cook until veggies are tender and the sweet potatoes are fully cooked.  
Serve over rice or quinoa! 




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Friday, February 24, 2012

☆ Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline ☆



I want to raise a little awareness about Enbridge's Northern Gateway Pipeline today because it is an important environmental issue that needs more attention so that we can do something about it. Of course, the Government and the corporations backing the project claim it to be "safe," to boost economic strength, to add jobs, and even go as far as to say that it's a step in the right direction for the environment (???), but really, this project is a disaster waiting to happen, for the planet, for wildlife, and for neighbouring human populations. 

What is the Northern Gateway Pipeline?

The Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline is a project that includes two parallel 1,177 km pipelines that would transport oil from Alberta's Tar Sands (the world's dirtiest oil) all the way across British Columbian rainforests to a proposed oil port in Kitimat on the coast, and then out across miles of ocean to Asia. One pipeline would carry 400,000 to 1,000,000 barrels a day of crude oil, the second pipeline would carry 193,000 barrels a day of condensate (a mixture containing chemicals and petroleum used to dilute the thick, molasses like crude oil so that it can travel by pipeline). 
The proposed pipeline would cross over the rugged and mountainous terrain of the Northern Rockies and the Coast Mountains of British Columbia risking irreversible oil spills (which we have seen far too many of already). 

[Alberta's Tar Sands]


Risks:
If given a go-ahead, the Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline Project would:
• Cross over 1,000 streams and rivers, threatening sensitive spawning salmon habitat. 
• Traverse over 50 First Nations territories, risking irreversible harm to the livelihoods of many coastal and aboriginal communities. (Currently, the Pipeline is opposed by the nine Coastal First Nations, as well as many of the inland First Nation along the pipeline route.)
• Fragment the boreal forest, home to birds and other wildlife, including Woodland Caribou and Grizzly Bears. 
• Expose the Great Bear Rainforest, home to wolves and the iconic Spirit Bear, and 30 internationally recognized Important Bird Areas teeming with marine birds, fish and other animals to potential oil spills and pollution from increased tanker traffic.

Although Enbridge claims that the pipelines would be "safe," Enbridge has a notorious history for oil spills and leakages. Enbridge has been responsible for no fewer than 800 oil spills from 1999 to 2010. 
That aside, all pipelines carry a serious risk of oil spills, the metal piping ages and corrodes over time making them susceptible to ruptures and they are also at risk of breakage due to natural events such as landslides. 
The National Energy Board estimates large petroleum pipelines will experience a spill every 16 years for every 1000 kilometres in length.[National Energy Board, Analysis of Ruptures and Trends on Major Canadian Pipeline Systems, 2004]
Each year, oil pipelines in North America spill millions of litres of oil into the environment. In July 2010, the largest oil spill occurred in Midwest U.S. history when Enbridge’s Lakehead pipeline ruptured near Battle Creek, Michigan, spilling an estimated 4 million litres of crude oil into the Kalamazoo River. Although Enbridge claims to have a rigorous pipeline safety program, there are serious questions being asked regarding both its maintenance of its pipelines and its response to the oil spill.


Oil Tankers:
Once the oil reaches the coast it would be transferred to oil tankers for foreign exportation, requiring 225 oil tankers per year. The oil tanker traffic that would be brought to B.C.‘s pristine North Coast represents the project’s greatest risk to the region’s environment.

The waters Enbridge would have oil tankers travel are the same waters that claimed the BC Ferry Queen of the North on March 22, 2006. There were 101 persons aboard, when it sailed off course and ran into Gil Island near the entrance to Douglas Channel, and sank. These waters are dangerous and narrow to navigate down, and the oil tankers are much larger than a ferry boat and would be travelling up and down these waters several times a week. 

A large marine oil spill on B.C.‘s North Coast would devastate a marine ecosystem that supports a vibrant coastal way of life for thousands of people and a wide wildlife habitat. For First Nations, the North Coast’s rich and diverse marine ecosystems are inextricably tied to their cultures and livelihoods.

An Environment Canada report in 1990 analyzed the likelihood of tanker accidents occurring in Canadian waters, stating that “based on current [1990] levels of tanker traffic, Canada can expect over 100 small oil spills, about 10 moderate spills and at least one major spill offshore each year. A catastrophic spill (over 10,000 tonnes) may occur once every 15 years.”
There is no way to recover oil from a major tanker spill or to keep oil spills from happening. Scientists estimate that the oil from the Exxon Valdez (the oil tanker that struck Prince William Sound’s Bligh Reef, spilling 260,000 to 750,000 barrels of crude oil--considered to be one of the most devastating human-caused environmental disasters ever to occur in history.) will continue to pollute Alaskan beaches for several more decades. Do we really want a repeat of this? 


No One Wants this Pipeline!

B.C.'s Coast has long been protected, when in 1972 the Trudeau government established that crude oil tankers should not travel through northern B.C.‘s inside coastal waters in order to protect the area from an oil spill. Today, the issue of oil tanker traffic in B.C.‘s northern waters is being contested--big surprise by money-hungry corporations and Harper. 
Yet a poll in May 2010 found that 80 percent of British Columbians are opposed to crude oil tankers on the North Coast. And both the NDP and Liberals support a legislated oil tanker ban for B.C.‘s North Coast. In July 2010, Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff pledged to work toward a legislated ban on northern oil tanker traffic.
And, again, Aboriginal communities are rejecting the proposal as well as hundreds of thousands of Canadians and people protesting all over the world. 

Today, both Enbridge and the federal government have indicated they plan to ignore the longstanding ban on oil tankers on B.C.‘s North Coast.

The threats, risks, and inevitable oil spill from this proposed pipeline are not worth destroying important wildlife and human habitats. Once again "economy" is being placed over ecology when Canada, like other countries, should be heading towards a greener and more sustainable future--not a continuing reliance on filthy oil. The supposed "jobs" created by this project are short-term, while many more jobs will be taken away from communities (such as aboriginals) that need and rely on them. 
We are already cleaning up enough oil spilled through the recklessness of profits and the constant disregard to the environment, why create yet another accident waiting to happen? Everyone says, it's not a matter of IF an oil spill or leak would happen, but a matter of When. 

What You Can Do!!!
There are lots of Petitions going around at the moment. You can also write a letter to the government to reject the project. I am fortunate enough to live in an amazing community that put on a special event to oppose the project--where there were documentaries, music, and letter-writing where people could write their letters and they took care of mailing them all out for everyone. There was even a "Harper hotline" for us to call and voice our opinions--which evidently ended up just going to a deadline in the mid-afternoon (surprise!). 

I highly recommend watching the documentary "Spoil." It's a wonderful film that shows B.C.'s rainforest and rare Spirit Bear that are endangered by the Pipeline. 

Check out: Pipe Up Against Enbridge for more information, to write a letter, and to find any local event or rallies in which you can take part. 
Easily send your letter to Harper here (you don't have to be in Canada!): https://secure2.convio.net/nc/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=167

Petitions: 

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Monday, February 20, 2012

☺ Motivational Mondays: 7 Ways to De-Stress! ☺

This week's Motivational Mondays post has something a little extra special! 


7 Ways to DeStress! :)

Go for a Walk! Getting outside and getting your body moving is actually one of the best ways to unwind that stress. It's especially beneficial if your walk is surrounded by greenery (and fresh air). Allow your mind to clear and to get your body moving. 
Get extra Sleep… Sometimes we get more easily stressed when we are exhausted and sleep deprived. Sleep will do your body and mind a world of wonder. If you're lacking sleep then be sure to get more and try to have a somewhat regular sleeping time. Don't oversleep either. Every so often is fine, or power napping during the day, but if you oversleep every morning then you will probably find your body and mind extra sleepy.   
Breathe! Breathing is essential to life. Without it you would die (inspired by the see silly John Lavoie youtube video ;p). But in all seriousness, we tend to hold our breath when we are stressed out. We also tend to breathe into our hearts instead of our stomachs. Practice breathing into your stomach more and practice taking slow deep breaths. Taking a couple minutes a day just to breathe can really help to settle a foggy mind and clear out some of that stress--and prevent it from arising in the first place. 
Drink lots of Water! Remember that your mind and body are directly connected, when one is out of balance then so is the other. Water clears out toxins and bad stuff that could be clogging up your digestive track and fogging up your mind. Getting enough water in a day is important for your body's health and therefor your mind's health as well. Water will also help feed the brain more oxygen. Water water!  
Music & Dance time! You all know this is one of my favourite all-time activities. ;) Turn up some positive beats and get that body moving. Even if it's a 5-minute dance break, it will help to get some good vibes flowing, clear your head, reset, and feed your soul.   
Do Yoga!  There's rarely a time I can't take a yoga class and feel absolutely blissful afterwards. Getting down to the mat and practicing yoga is not just a form of exercise for the body, it teaches you about the muscles in your body you didn't even know existed. It also teaches you to breathe properly (ah-ha, breathing again! ;)).   
Give your Health a Boost… If you've had a highly stressful event recently take place, suffered from depression, or are chronically stressed out, try an herbal remedy (not turning to medical anti-depressants). Things like St. John's Wort, 5-htp, or SAM-e are great herbal options (be careful of St John's Wort if you're on birth control pills). Also it's a great idea to include omega fatty acids and superfoods like Maca into your diet (see my smoothie recipe here) which rebuilds the adrenal gland and reduces stress.   


Have a beautiful and blissful week! Create a Nice Day! xo

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Sunday, February 19, 2012

Ⓥ Vegan Kitchen: Blueberry Maca Smoothie! Ⓥ



Maca is one of those wonderful super foods! It helps to rebuild the adrenal gland, which is the body's centre for handling stress. It also has a high concentration of proteins and vital nutrients. This smoothie recipe is extra fun because it takes a break from the usual banana smoothie recipes--and for those who don't like the taste of bananas, well there are no bananas ;). This smoothie is also plenty sweet with the dates and has a delightfully full flavour you are bound to fall in love with! 
If you want an extra protein boost then add the Hemp protein powder, but this smoothie is still delicious with or without it. Why I like it? Not only is it a healthy, raw source of protein, it also contains essential amino acids and omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids. And a healthy source of protein is a great way to start the morning and fill you up and give you energy for the day or after a workout! :)  

Blueberry Maca Smoothie
1 cup Blueberries
5 pitted Dates
1/4 cup Cashews
1 tsp Maca Powder
1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 cup water
3/4 cup Almond Milk
2 tbsp Hemp Protein powder (optional)
Soak the Dates and Cashews in about 3/4 cup water for at least 10 minutes (if you don't have time in the morning then soak them overnight in the fridge). 
Blend all of the ingredients together in a blender or food processor until smooth. Start with 3/4 cup water and slowly add the almond milk. It may seem like a lot of liquid but blueberries love to soak up all that liquid and thicken out. If you want it super thick then don't add all of the liquid, add as much as you'd like to get your desired consistency--just keep in mind that it may seem thinner in the blender but once you pour into a cup you'll see it thicken up really quickly. You may also want a spoon handy to mix it up since, again, those blueberries like to thicken and kind of separate the liquid. 


This makes 1-2 smoothies depending how hungry you are and how much liquid you add. Enjoy! 

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Saturday, February 18, 2012

☺ WINNER of the Herbolution Giveaway! ☺

After tallying up all the entries a new number has been selected as the winner through a random number generator. 
(New winner selected through the random generator due to no response by the first winner.)

Congratulations to Nicole Eyescream!! You've been emailed to claim your prize! :)  

A big huge thank you to everyone who entered! And to Herbolution for hosting this amazing Giveaway! xo
And for all those who didn't win, you deserve to treat yourself to some fabulous new products anyway so if you haven't yet, hop over to Herbolution and buy yourself a treat. ;)  

Thanks again! 

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Tuesday, February 14, 2012

♥ Happy Love Day! ♥


Today is a day for Love.
Not in your traditional Valentine's kind of way. At least not in my humble opinion (check out Part 1 & Part 2 of my Valentine's Edition). But today is a day to celebrate love. Why? Because one way or another your mind knows it is Valentine's Day so certain expectations, thoughts, disappointments, or happy feelings are floating around your pretty mind. Whatever your thoughts may be, make them positive. 
Love exists in all of our lives, simply choose to see, accept, and let it into your life. Love may come from your partner, it may come from your family, it may come from your friends. Love may come from your furry companion or a stranger you don't even know. But there is love in the world out there for all of us, and there is plenty to go around. 
You are deserving of Love. You are deserving of a beautiful Life. You are deserving of Happiness. Don't be sad, be happy and grateful for the things that you have in your life and the people around you. Let Love in. 
So, today, I tell you that I love You. Yes, I love you. Even if I do not know you, I love you. Because we all deserve love. 
Live Love. Spread Love. Share Love. Accept Love. Embrace Love. Be Love. 
Every day is a gift worth living and cherishing. 
So, I say to you, wherever you are, whatever you may be doing today, Happy Love Day! 



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Monday, February 13, 2012

☺ Motivational Mondays! ☺


This is the week of love right?! Right! Right? Okay, so many people may be feeling the Valentine blues and not the love. But it doesn't have to be that way. Hoorah! ;) Let's get on with some real good wholesome genuine love--none of that material surface crap! Sooooo, fill this week with extra love!

Survive Valentine's Day… oh noooo, what? A shameful plug? Yes indeed. If you haven't yet, read my Valentine's Edition blog posts (Part 1 & 2). A lot of time and thought went into those posts and I feel as if most people could benefit from reading them. Who knows, it could give you a brand new perspective on several different things and allow you to have a new positive attitude towards relationships and love (at least that's what I hope for xo).  
Stick Love Notes everywhere! Okay, so I'm not much for Valentine's Day, but this is still a lovely little way to celebrate & spread a little extra love around--and I will never turn down an opportunity to do that. ;) Cut out cute little red hearts with cute loving words and leave them all over town, on car windows, in stores, on people's desk, anywhere and everywhere!  
Take time to play with your Companions! Animal Companions that is (Yeah, I don't like calling them pets ;p). I'm sure most of us are at least a little guilty of not paying enough attention to our fur babies at times, especially when life gets busy, so this is just a reminder to play with them and give them lots of love and attention. They need love too!  
Be extra Nice… to anyone and everyone. Kindness goes a long way, even if it doesn't feel deserved.  
Respect Yo' Self!  I love this reminder and I love reminding others because we simply do not do it enough. Comes back to balance and understanding your personal needs and cycles (especially women) and where you are emotionally on any particularly day. There is time for play, for work, for social interaction, and down-time and space. Learn to respect and understand what it is you need and don't be ashamed whatever that may be.  
Do a Good Deed every day this week. It should be every day all the time, but it's easy to get caught up in things. Try to do at least one good deed a day, whether it's feeding someone's parking meter, picking up some litter, lending someone a hand, or even giving someone a hug when they need it. Maybe they'll be inspired to do the same and keep the good positive karmic energy going.
Ask the Universe for Love… because everyone deserves love. Ask, Believe, Receive. The three basic components of the Law of Attraction. Again, this is a week that tends to be mixed with both negative and positive energy towards the concept of love, so renew your concept of the word. Don't hold onto bad thoughts towards love or you will receive "bad love" back. Ask the Univerve for good Love. And remember that you deserve and can have it.  


Have a beautiful day, week, life! Much Love from me to you! 
Create a Nice Day! xo


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Sunday, February 12, 2012

Ⓥ Vegan Kitchen: Yellow Coconut Curry! Ⓥ



I am obsessed with curries, I don't think I could live without them. Creamy spicy wholesome yumminess! I've been trying to perfect this recipe for a while and felt that I needed to do that before finally sharing one of my favourite recipes with all you lovelies. Well, I may tweak it some still but for now this is pretty darn delicious!   
Oh, and it may look like a lot of ingredients, but it's only because there are lots of spices, which in my opinion, every kitchen should already have. ;) And it's super easy and quick to make! 


Yellow Coconut Curry
1-2 medium Sweet Potatoes, cut into small chunks
2-3 medium Carrots, thinly sliced or grated
Veggies of your choice (I like any combination of Broccoli, Cauliflower, Red Peppers, Zucchini, Spinach)
1 14oz can Coconut Milk
1 can Chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
1 1/2 Tbsp Yellow Curry Paste*
1/4-1/2 cup Vegetable Stock/Broth (depending how thick or thin you want the sauce)
2 Tbsp Tamari
1 Tbsp Agave (or other sweetener)
1/4 tsp Cumin
1/4 tsp Black Pepper
3/4 tsp Salt
1 tsp Garlic Powder
1 tsp groung Ginger
4 Lime Leaves (fresh is best but I have used dried ones too)
1 stalk fresh Lemongrass (or again you can use dried, use about a Tbsp)
1 Tbsp Creamed Coconut (+about 1 Tbsp water)
Optional; ground chilies (if you like it extra spicy) 
*depending on what brand of curry paste you use will depend on how much you want to add, and depends on how spicy you like your curry. We make it pretty spicy but not overpoweringly so. You'll definitely have to play around with whatever curry paste you use. My favourite by far is the brand pictured. :)
In a large saucepan, sauté the sweet potatoes and carrots on medium-high heat for a couple of minutes. Add in the curry paste and spices and sauté another minute. Add in the Coconut milk, stirring it in as you do so, and the rest of the ingredients (start with 1/4 cup of the vegetable broth) except for the creamed coconut. Simmer on medium heat for about 15 minutes, until the veggies become tender and you can easily poke the sweet potatoes with a fork. Add more vegetable stock if you're like me and add a ton of veggies in there and want more sauce. Add the creamed coconut at the end and a little more water if needed. 
The curry sauce is usually nice and creamy but has a fairly thin consistency. 


Makes about 6 servings depending how big of portions you serve. ;) 
Goes great on top of rice or quinoa! Enjoy! 


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Friday, February 10, 2012

Ⓥ Vegan Kitchen: Almond Butter Oatmeal! Ⓥ


I threw this together again this morning and felt, hell, why not share? ;) 

Almond Butter Oatmeal
1/2 cup gluten-free Oats
3/4 cup water
1/4-1/2 cup Almond Milk 
1/2 Tbsp Agave / 5 drops Stevia 
1/4 tsp ground Cinnamon
1 Tbsp Almond Butter
1 Tbsp Cocoa Chips
2 Tbsp Raisins
Cook the oats as usual (it's best to soak them a little before cooking but you don't have to). Add in the Cinnamon and sweetener and mix well. I like my oatmeal not too thick, so I add almond milk--do this slowly, adding as much as you need to get desired consistency. At the end of your cooking time, add in the almond butter and the cocoa chips and raisins. Stir in only for a few seconds so that it's mixed in well (I usually add a little more almond milk at this point as well), and the chocolate chips get a little melty (yum!). Serve! 
I also added 1/2 tsp Matcha (because I'm obsessed with matcha) and it was delicious. Also, adjust the sweetener to your liking. 
Yum yum! Enjoy! 


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Tuesday, February 7, 2012

♥ Herbolution Giveaway!!! ♥



I am very pleased (and ecstatically excited) to be sharing this week's wonderful Giveaway, hosted by Herbolution

Yes, you heard right, you could get your hands on fabulous goodies by the company that I've shared with you several times previously here at ReLove Plan.et! 

"Herbolution is committed to invention and production of natural, organic, earth-friendly, sustainable, energy efficient, free of synthetic preservatives, biodegradable and handmade in USA personal care products, accessories and gifts for the whole family."
~Herbolution

You will fall in love with this wonderful little company! Herbolution uses truly wholesome natural and organic ingredients, so you don't have to worry whether or not they are (as I like to put it) "human-friendly." You won't find any harmful cancerous or toxic ingredients here, unlike so many misleading "natural" or "organic" brands you find even at health stores--and remember, I'm the personal care products police and I won't recommend anything that doesn't meet my high standards for safety. ;) Yes, Herbolution takes the guessing right out. Their products are individually handcrafted in small batch production and with an honest list of ingredients that are 100% natural and are either organic or wild-harvested or locally harvested--plus most of their products are 100% vegan! Herbolution also takes earth-friendly and sustainable approaches in all aspects of their business. You can rest assured that your skin (and the earth) is being treated with love and respect.
Their products work better than anything else I have ever tried, and the smells, textures, and feel of all their products make a divinely blissful experience.  
So again, I say, you will fall in love with Herbolution! Now before I get to the giveaway details, let's get to know Herbolution…


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Tell us a bit about yourself.
We are a loving family (Sasha and Veronika) and a company (Herbolution) who are conscious about current state of The Planet which directly affects our health and well-being. After long searches for a healthy and natural personal care products we came to a conclusion that many companies that try to take good care of their customers take very little care of the Earth and visa verse. So we decided to combine the two goods while putting more accent on really natural and chemical-free craftsmanship of products that are used for enhancement of health and well-being of the body and soul as well as home environment.
How did Herbolution come to be?
The idea of making really natural personal care products came to our minds after we stepped onto a path of healthy and environmentally conscious lifestyle. Our knowledge of herbs plus young, fresh and passionate drive to "change the world" gave birth to Herbolution - an alternative to commonly used personal care products or even sometimes fake "natural" options from big corporations. Our path is fresh, narrow and steep, but Herbolution is strong in its beliefs and is confident in eco- and health consciousness of present and future customers.
Where do you find inspiration?
Our love of Herbs, sincere care for Planet, love to each other and creative urge to craft things that are beneficial to both Earth and people and enjoyable and the same time – all that is our inspiration and never-ending source of ideas.
If you had all the money in the world, what handmade item would you buy?
Let us answer a bit different question:)
If you could get any handmade item in the world for free – what it would be?
We would get an artisan crafted sail boat and would take a trip around the world on it ;)
What got you started on an eco-friendly path?
Permaculture certification course that we took several years ago went deep into affects of human activity on Nature and Environment in general and provided smart solution to create a “permanent” ever-growing culture replacing the current regressive culture that destroys itself and life around us.
Random fact?
“Only 8 percent of the total plastic waste generated in 2010 was recovered for recycling.“
This means that 92 out of a 100 of plastic bottles or containers or bags go to environment to pollute for hundreds of years our air, oceans and soil. We at Herbolution do our best to offer our products in plastic-free containers (currently 85% of all our products are plastic-free) and ship all orders in 100% biodegradable packaging.
Best piece of advice for life in general?
Remember that we depend on harmony of life on the Planet and should appreciate all Nature as much as a child appreciates his parents as he depends on them so greatly. 

[Veronika and Sasha]

Check out Herbolution at:

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***Giveaway Info:*** 




There are lots of fun ways to enter this amazing giveaway! :) Super easy mandatory entry, and lots of fun ways to get extra entries! 

This contest will close on February 14th at 11:59 PM PST. A winner will be chosen through an online randomizer.

How to Enter:
*Required* Leave a comment on the blog with...
1. Visit Herbolution and leave a comment (*on this blog!*) with which item(s) are your favourite.
2. Follow this blog publicly – include your name in the comment for being a (old or new) follower of the blog.

Easy peasy! 

Extra Entries: 
You Must post a separate comment for each extra entry in order for them to count! And you Must leave a comment in order for your entries to count!   
Each #rd item below will give you ONE entry (remember to leave each in a separate comment!).
One Comment = One Entry! 

#2. On Facebook: (Please include your Facebook name in your comment)

- “LIKE” ReLove Planet on Facebook (www.facebook.com/reloveplanet)
- “LIKE” Herbolution on Facebook ( http://www.facebook.com/Herbolution)

#3. On Facebook: Post a Facebook status update with a link to this giveaway.

#4. On Twitter: Please include your Twitter name in your comment.
- Follow ReLove Plan.et (www.twitter.come/reloveplanet)
- Follow Herbolution (www.twitter.com/Herbolution)

#5. On Twitter: Please include your Twitter name in your comment.
- Tweet about this Giveaway from your Twitter. You must include these somewhere in the tweet for it to count: "RT @ReLovePlanet"  "@Herbolution"

#6On EtsyPlease include your Etsy name in your comment.
- Heart the Herbolution Etsy Shop & Two items (www.herbolution.etsy.com)


Also, Please REMEMBER to leave your email in at least one of your comments so I can contact you if you’re the winner!!! ;)

Contest will close on February 14th at 11:59 PM PST. 
GOOD LUCK!!! And Please Share with everyone you know! ;)  


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