1. Good things are "small" ideas that are quick, clever, simple and smart.
2. Good things make you say, "I wish I knew that before."
3. Good things come with clear, concise instructions and beautiful photos.
4. Good things don't take a lot of time or a lot of money.
5. Once you learn a good thing you won't forget it.
6. You feel good using good things.
7. Good things get better with time.
From: Martha Stewart
Greaning and Cleaning My Life A new chapter to a healthier lifestyle, Vegan and Organic (in all parts of my life that I can control)
Monday, October 31, 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
20 Feel-Good Tips
to help achieve your wellness goals. Check off the items on this to-do list and you'll be on your way to better health. From: Healthy Living
1. Break out the blender. Use seasonal fruits to make a tasty, healthy drink that's packed with vitamin C and fiber. This smoothie is all fruit- grapefruit, orange and a frozen banana in a blender and puree.
2. Create a weeter sip. Take an oath to drink more water and fewer sugary beverages. To make it more enticing, fill a pitcher with fresh fruit and herbs and refridgerate it for several hours to let the flavors meld. Try pineapple, ginger and mint.
3. Hit the snooze bbutton. Sleeping more may help you lose weight. Researchers put ten over-weight subjects on a low calorie diet for two 14 day periods and asked them to sleep either five and ahlf hours or eight and a half hours per night. All the subjects lost weight, but those who slept longer lost 55% more body fat.
4. Eat your heart out. Artichokes, at their best during spring months, are "unbelievably low in calories," says dietician Kristine Clark- about 65 a piece. And each one packs more fiber than a bowl of raisin bran. Try adding thin slices to whole-wheat pasta or a sandwich. Or if you're adventurous, steam them whole.
5. Play in the snow. Snowshoeing is a great aerobic exercise that almost anyone can do. An hour of snowshoeing burns 600 calories. Plus, when you walk on snow (as opposed to land) your hamstrings and gluteal muscles get a better workout. Use poles to challenge your triceps and shoulders.
6. Get squeaky clean. The secret to staying healthy during the winter may be washing your hands. Lather up for 20 seconds. Less than that and you might not remove the pathogens that cause colds, flu and other ailments. Reach for standard soap. Antibacterial varieties are not more effective, and bacteria can become resistant to their compounds.
7. Live and Learn. Start by taking up hula-hooping or juggling. They are activities that require coordination and concentration, so they're great ways to engage you mentally and physically. The brain sprouts new nearons through-out your life, as long as you keep it active. Aim for learning something every month; a card game or a new knitting stitch.
8. Toss a colorful salad. Exchange croutons for a small handful of dried fruit. Upgrade from pale lettuces to darker ones and work in as many colors as you can. Colors indicate a rich in beta-carotene; purple produce in rich in the antioxidants resveratrol and anthocyanin.
9. Spruce up your desk. If you're gunning for a promotion, help boost your productivity by adding personal touches, such as plants, phtotos or art to your work area. These kinds of items make you feel at ease, which inspires greater focus and precision on the job, a study in the Journal of Experimental Psychology reveals.
10. Grow Flowers. In addition to looking lovely, flowers can improve your mood. Having blooms around makes people feel more positive., compassionate and energetic. Winter is the perfect time to plant tender bulbs indoors (we recommend amarylis, hyacinths, and paperwhites). Bring some buds into your life. Within weeks you'll have a cheerful display.
11. Stregthen your smile. Keep your teeth in top shape. Limit your intake of acidic drinks such as orange juice, soda amd bottled iced tea, which can attack enamel, softening it and making it more open to the bacteria that cause cavitities. When you do have these sips, rinse your mouth with water afterward to help wash away damaging acidic residue.
12. This tip was all about nail poish, which I don't use so I'm skipping it.
13. Be nice to your neck. Sitting at a desk all day causes muscles in the spper back and neck to become tight. Try this simple move to stretch away neck tension: while you are sitting, ectend your right arm toward the floor. Tile your left ear toward your shoulder; use your left hand to tilt your head further. Hold for 20 seconds and switch sides.
14. Howl with laughter. Got a case of the giggles? Good! Just be sure to laugh with your mouth wide open. A hearty laugh is more likely to uplift others' moods and lead them to smile than a closed-lip snicker.
15. Stay strong. Start with two old-school moves: the push up and the squat. Lean muscle mass decreases with age, so it's important to continue building it over time. Aim for practicing a strength-training routine three or four days a week with moves to target all major muscles froups.
16. Map your Vacation. Dreaming of warm, sandy beaches? Pull your head out of the clouds and start planing a trip. Taking time for leisure has both mental and physical health beefits. Research shows it increases happiness and overall quality of life.
17. Slice strawberries. Strawberries are one of the summer's most delicious fruits, and they pack more vitamin C than any other berry. Make the most of these nutritional jewels by swapping them in for jam ona sandwich to dispense with the added sugar and calories. Slice some onto whole wheat toast spread with peanut butter or almond butter or serve them over whole grain pancakes.
18. Lusterous Locks. Dust and dirt that collect in your drush can weigh down hair, but a clean one "grabs hair better at the root, which brings matural oils from the scalp toward the hair shaft, making strands appear shinier, says ownner of James Corbett Studio in NYC. To clean your brush, run a comb through it from the top to bottom.
19. More Kona. Another cup for caffeine- and one more reason to love your french press. Drinking coffee may reduce your risk of diabetes by preventing the developement of high blood-sugar levels and increasing sensitivity to insulin, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
20. Reduce. Reuse. Refresh. About 13 million toms of plastic, such as soda and water bottles, end up in landfills each year. In honor of Earth Day, cut don o waste by investing in a soda maker that comes with reusable bottles. "For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon, lime or orange."
1. Break out the blender. Use seasonal fruits to make a tasty, healthy drink that's packed with vitamin C and fiber. This smoothie is all fruit- grapefruit, orange and a frozen banana in a blender and puree.
2. Create a weeter sip. Take an oath to drink more water and fewer sugary beverages. To make it more enticing, fill a pitcher with fresh fruit and herbs and refridgerate it for several hours to let the flavors meld. Try pineapple, ginger and mint.
3. Hit the snooze bbutton. Sleeping more may help you lose weight. Researchers put ten over-weight subjects on a low calorie diet for two 14 day periods and asked them to sleep either five and ahlf hours or eight and a half hours per night. All the subjects lost weight, but those who slept longer lost 55% more body fat.
4. Eat your heart out. Artichokes, at their best during spring months, are "unbelievably low in calories," says dietician Kristine Clark- about 65 a piece. And each one packs more fiber than a bowl of raisin bran. Try adding thin slices to whole-wheat pasta or a sandwich. Or if you're adventurous, steam them whole.
5. Play in the snow. Snowshoeing is a great aerobic exercise that almost anyone can do. An hour of snowshoeing burns 600 calories. Plus, when you walk on snow (as opposed to land) your hamstrings and gluteal muscles get a better workout. Use poles to challenge your triceps and shoulders.
6. Get squeaky clean. The secret to staying healthy during the winter may be washing your hands. Lather up for 20 seconds. Less than that and you might not remove the pathogens that cause colds, flu and other ailments. Reach for standard soap. Antibacterial varieties are not more effective, and bacteria can become resistant to their compounds.
7. Live and Learn. Start by taking up hula-hooping or juggling. They are activities that require coordination and concentration, so they're great ways to engage you mentally and physically. The brain sprouts new nearons through-out your life, as long as you keep it active. Aim for learning something every month; a card game or a new knitting stitch.
8. Toss a colorful salad. Exchange croutons for a small handful of dried fruit. Upgrade from pale lettuces to darker ones and work in as many colors as you can. Colors indicate a rich in beta-carotene; purple produce in rich in the antioxidants resveratrol and anthocyanin.
9. Spruce up your desk. If you're gunning for a promotion, help boost your productivity by adding personal touches, such as plants, phtotos or art to your work area. These kinds of items make you feel at ease, which inspires greater focus and precision on the job, a study in the Journal of Experimental Psychology reveals.
10. Grow Flowers. In addition to looking lovely, flowers can improve your mood. Having blooms around makes people feel more positive., compassionate and energetic. Winter is the perfect time to plant tender bulbs indoors (we recommend amarylis, hyacinths, and paperwhites). Bring some buds into your life. Within weeks you'll have a cheerful display.
11. Stregthen your smile. Keep your teeth in top shape. Limit your intake of acidic drinks such as orange juice, soda amd bottled iced tea, which can attack enamel, softening it and making it more open to the bacteria that cause cavitities. When you do have these sips, rinse your mouth with water afterward to help wash away damaging acidic residue.
12. This tip was all about nail poish, which I don't use so I'm skipping it.
13. Be nice to your neck. Sitting at a desk all day causes muscles in the spper back and neck to become tight. Try this simple move to stretch away neck tension: while you are sitting, ectend your right arm toward the floor. Tile your left ear toward your shoulder; use your left hand to tilt your head further. Hold for 20 seconds and switch sides.
14. Howl with laughter. Got a case of the giggles? Good! Just be sure to laugh with your mouth wide open. A hearty laugh is more likely to uplift others' moods and lead them to smile than a closed-lip snicker.
15. Stay strong. Start with two old-school moves: the push up and the squat. Lean muscle mass decreases with age, so it's important to continue building it over time. Aim for practicing a strength-training routine three or four days a week with moves to target all major muscles froups.
16. Map your Vacation. Dreaming of warm, sandy beaches? Pull your head out of the clouds and start planing a trip. Taking time for leisure has both mental and physical health beefits. Research shows it increases happiness and overall quality of life.
17. Slice strawberries. Strawberries are one of the summer's most delicious fruits, and they pack more vitamin C than any other berry. Make the most of these nutritional jewels by swapping them in for jam ona sandwich to dispense with the added sugar and calories. Slice some onto whole wheat toast spread with peanut butter or almond butter or serve them over whole grain pancakes.
18. Lusterous Locks. Dust and dirt that collect in your drush can weigh down hair, but a clean one "grabs hair better at the root, which brings matural oils from the scalp toward the hair shaft, making strands appear shinier, says ownner of James Corbett Studio in NYC. To clean your brush, run a comb through it from the top to bottom.
19. More Kona. Another cup for caffeine- and one more reason to love your french press. Drinking coffee may reduce your risk of diabetes by preventing the developement of high blood-sugar levels and increasing sensitivity to insulin, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
20. Reduce. Reuse. Refresh. About 13 million toms of plastic, such as soda and water bottles, end up in landfills each year. In honor of Earth Day, cut don o waste by investing in a soda maker that comes with reusable bottles. "For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon, lime or orange."
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Hummingbirds
I was under the impression that hummingbirds were hard to attract. That you actually had to put some effort into the right plants in your yard and the right placement of the feeder and so on. As it turns out, this is not true. While my efforts to improve my yard and make it a more suitable habitat for hummingbirds will not stop, I have a hummingbird that frequently comes to my feeder. My flowerbeds are still under construction and there aren't any of the "approved attracting hummingbird plants" in them. The feeder was only hung for about 2 days before I saw my first bird. My theory...either it's a baby and it's really hungry or it hangs out at a neighbor's house and just noticed my feeder. She does come often and it makes this house feel more like home. My list for the week (since I'm all about lists lately) is the best plants to attract Hummingbirds!
Daylily
Columbine
Cardinal Flower
Penstemin
Bee Balm
Hibiscus
Peony
Coral Bells
Garden Phlox
Oriental Poppy
Now that I've typed out the list I realized, I dad plant a hibiscus, but it's blue and I thought hummers were attracted mostly to reds. Anyway, the point is, if you feed them, they will come!
Daylily
Columbine
Cardinal Flower
Penstemin
Bee Balm
Hibiscus
Peony
Coral Bells
Garden Phlox
Oriental Poppy
Now that I've typed out the list I realized, I dad plant a hibiscus, but it's blue and I thought hummers were attracted mostly to reds. Anyway, the point is, if you feed them, they will come!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
How to Grow Fresh Air
A book by Dr. B.C. Wolverton
I wanted to share some info about some house plants that I personally intend to get. These are all easy to grow and care for and they work well indoors. They are also very good at cleaning the air in your home.
Areca Palm AKA: Yellow Palm or Butterfly Palm
"Releases copious amounts of moisture in the air, removes chemical toxins and is also beautiful to look at."
Light: Semi-sun
Temp: 65-75
Problems: Spider mites and brown tips on fronds from over-dry atmosphere.
Care: Keep the root ball damp. Provide a complete fertilizer on a regular basis, except in winter. Mist regularly to give it a fresh appearance and to provide humidity to discourage insect infestation.
Golden Pathos
Light: Semi-shade to shade
Temp: 65-75
Problems: rarely, aphids and mealybugs
Care: Let soil dry slightly between waterings. Feed weekly during growing season (March to August). To encourage a more bushy appearance, pinch out the growth tips. Clean the leaves with a damp cloth.
Peace Lily
Light: Semi-sun to Semi-Shade
Temp: Day- 60-75 Night- 55-68
Problems: When air is too dry, the peace lily is vulnerable to attacks bu scale insects and spider mites, occasionally mealybugs and white flies.
Care: Feed regularly from spring to fall, but less in winter. Keep the soil evenly moist during the growing season and slightly dries during the winter. Wash the leaves occasionally to prevent insect attack.
Bamboo Palm
Light: Semi-sun
Temp: 60-75
Problems: Spider mites and scale insects are a risk when the atmosphere is too dry
Care: Provide plenty of water during periods of active growth. In winter, when grown in standard containers, water just enough to keep the root ball moist. Wash the leaves periodically to prevent spider mites. Do not pinch out the tip of the stalks or cut off the newest frond as this will eliminate new growth.
English Ivy
"is a vigorous climber, which sends out aerial roots that attach themselves to any surface."
Light: Semi-sun to semi-shade
Temp: Day- 60-70, Night- 50-60
Problems: Spider mites and scale insects in too warm and dry a location.
Care: Water well in spring and summer with room0temp water. Allow to dry slightly between watering in fall and winter. Feed regularly with a weak concentration fertilizer when plants are growing. Mist often, especially during winter when the air is dry.
Dwarf Date Palm
Light: Semi-sun
Temp: 60-75
Problems: Spider mites in dry air. Brown fronds from over watering or the use of hard water.
Care: The root ball should be kept evenly moist. However, the soil can allowed to dry between waterings in winter. This plant loves frequent misting. The date palm prefers a weekly feeding schedule, except in winter when feeding can be on a biweekly basis.
Gerbera Daisy (Red, White or Orange are natural colors)
Light: Full sun to semi sun (bright light is essential, but protect from midday sun as this may age the blooms prematurely)
Temp: day- 60-65 night- 45-50
Problems: Aphids and spider mite infestation may occur when the air is too warm and dry. Susceptible to root rot from over watering.
Care: Keep the soil evenly moist, not soggy. Feed regularly during it's growing season with a complete fertilizer.
Dumb Cane
Light: Semi-sun to semi-shade
Temp: 60-80
Problems: Spider mites, aphids, and thrips. Root rot from over watering.
Care: Keep moist with soft, tepid water. Water more sparingly in winter. Apply diluted liquid fertilizer from March to August. Mist the leaves often. Avoid drafts.
Heartleaf Philodendron
Light: Semi0shade to shade
Temp: 60-70; don't drop below 55
Problems: Aphids, mealybugs, and scale insects. Root rot from too wet and cold conditions.Care: Feed every 2 weeks except in winter. Large plants need full strength fertilizer; a weak solution is best for small plants. Keep the soil evenly moist, but water less frequently in winter. Mist often. Clean leaves occasionally with a damp cloth or sponge.
Spider Plant
Light: Semi-sun to semi0shade
Temp: day- 65-75 night- 55-65
Problems: Aphids, scale insects and mealybugs may occur in too dry location
Care: Keep evenly moist, but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Feed regularly in spring and summer, but less in fall and winter.
Peacock Plant
Light: Semi-shade
Temp: 65-80
Problems: Spider mites and scale insects
Care: Keep the soil evenly moist (not soggy) with room-temp water. Feed every 2 weeks with a dilute liquid fertilizer in spring and summer. Mist often.
Aloe Vera
Light: Full sun to semi-sun
Temp: 65-75
Problems: Rarely attacked by pests
Care: Water moderately in spring, summer and fall; water sparingly in winter. Feed once a month in spring and summer. Do not feed in fall and winter.
Tulips
Light: Full sun to semi-sun
Temp: 55-70
Problems: Aphids
Care: Keep the soil evenly moist. Never allow to dry out.
I got some shopping to do!!!
I wanted to share some info about some house plants that I personally intend to get. These are all easy to grow and care for and they work well indoors. They are also very good at cleaning the air in your home.
Areca Palm AKA: Yellow Palm or Butterfly Palm"Releases copious amounts of moisture in the air, removes chemical toxins and is also beautiful to look at."
Light: Semi-sun
Temp: 65-75
Problems: Spider mites and brown tips on fronds from over-dry atmosphere.
Care: Keep the root ball damp. Provide a complete fertilizer on a regular basis, except in winter. Mist regularly to give it a fresh appearance and to provide humidity to discourage insect infestation.
Golden PathosLight: Semi-shade to shade
Temp: 65-75
Problems: rarely, aphids and mealybugs
Care: Let soil dry slightly between waterings. Feed weekly during growing season (March to August). To encourage a more bushy appearance, pinch out the growth tips. Clean the leaves with a damp cloth.
Peace LilyLight: Semi-sun to Semi-Shade
Temp: Day- 60-75 Night- 55-68
Problems: When air is too dry, the peace lily is vulnerable to attacks bu scale insects and spider mites, occasionally mealybugs and white flies.
Care: Feed regularly from spring to fall, but less in winter. Keep the soil evenly moist during the growing season and slightly dries during the winter. Wash the leaves occasionally to prevent insect attack.
Bamboo PalmLight: Semi-sun
Temp: 60-75
Problems: Spider mites and scale insects are a risk when the atmosphere is too dry
Care: Provide plenty of water during periods of active growth. In winter, when grown in standard containers, water just enough to keep the root ball moist. Wash the leaves periodically to prevent spider mites. Do not pinch out the tip of the stalks or cut off the newest frond as this will eliminate new growth.
English Ivy"is a vigorous climber, which sends out aerial roots that attach themselves to any surface."
Light: Semi-sun to semi-shade
Temp: Day- 60-70, Night- 50-60
Problems: Spider mites and scale insects in too warm and dry a location.
Care: Water well in spring and summer with room0temp water. Allow to dry slightly between watering in fall and winter. Feed regularly with a weak concentration fertilizer when plants are growing. Mist often, especially during winter when the air is dry.
Dwarf Date PalmLight: Semi-sun
Temp: 60-75
Problems: Spider mites in dry air. Brown fronds from over watering or the use of hard water.
Care: The root ball should be kept evenly moist. However, the soil can allowed to dry between waterings in winter. This plant loves frequent misting. The date palm prefers a weekly feeding schedule, except in winter when feeding can be on a biweekly basis.
Gerbera Daisy (Red, White or Orange are natural colors)Light: Full sun to semi sun (bright light is essential, but protect from midday sun as this may age the blooms prematurely)
Temp: day- 60-65 night- 45-50
Problems: Aphids and spider mite infestation may occur when the air is too warm and dry. Susceptible to root rot from over watering.
Care: Keep the soil evenly moist, not soggy. Feed regularly during it's growing season with a complete fertilizer.
Dumb CaneLight: Semi-sun to semi-shade
Temp: 60-80
Problems: Spider mites, aphids, and thrips. Root rot from over watering.
Care: Keep moist with soft, tepid water. Water more sparingly in winter. Apply diluted liquid fertilizer from March to August. Mist the leaves often. Avoid drafts.
Heartleaf PhilodendronLight: Semi0shade to shade
Temp: 60-70; don't drop below 55
Problems: Aphids, mealybugs, and scale insects. Root rot from too wet and cold conditions.Care: Feed every 2 weeks except in winter. Large plants need full strength fertilizer; a weak solution is best for small plants. Keep the soil evenly moist, but water less frequently in winter. Mist often. Clean leaves occasionally with a damp cloth or sponge.
Spider PlantLight: Semi-sun to semi0shade
Temp: day- 65-75 night- 55-65
Problems: Aphids, scale insects and mealybugs may occur in too dry location
Care: Keep evenly moist, but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Feed regularly in spring and summer, but less in fall and winter.
Peacock PlantLight: Semi-shade
Temp: 65-80
Problems: Spider mites and scale insects
Care: Keep the soil evenly moist (not soggy) with room-temp water. Feed every 2 weeks with a dilute liquid fertilizer in spring and summer. Mist often.
Aloe Vera Light: Full sun to semi-sun
Temp: 65-75
Problems: Rarely attacked by pests
Care: Water moderately in spring, summer and fall; water sparingly in winter. Feed once a month in spring and summer. Do not feed in fall and winter.
TulipsLight: Full sun to semi-sun
Temp: 55-70
Problems: Aphids
Care: Keep the soil evenly moist. Never allow to dry out.
I got some shopping to do!!!
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Good to read Vegan books
Top selling books from Vegan.com:
1. 99¢ Vegan Guide
2. Vegan for Life
3. Forks Over Knives
4. Quick-Fix Vegetarian
5. The 30-Minute Vegan
6. The China Study
7. Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease
8. Appetite for Reduction
9. Happy Herbivore
10. 1,000 Vegan Recipes
Guess I have my reading list cut out for me. Yeah right, with baby #2 coming soon, no chance I'll get through it quickly, but I'm going to try! He we go to the library.
Vegan on the Cheap is still my favorite.
1. 99¢ Vegan Guide
2. Vegan for Life
3. Forks Over Knives
4. Quick-Fix Vegetarian
5. The 30-Minute Vegan
6. The China Study
7. Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease
8. Appetite for Reduction
9. Happy Herbivore
10. 1,000 Vegan Recipes
Guess I have my reading list cut out for me. Yeah right, with baby #2 coming soon, no chance I'll get through it quickly, but I'm going to try! He we go to the library.
Vegan on the Cheap is still my favorite.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Natural Remedies
Some suggestions from http://www.drweil.com/
1.Ginger: This may prevent motion sickness or nausea from other causes.
2.Stinging Nettles: By far the best remedy I know for hay fever.
3.Arnica: The tincture of this plant when rubbed onto an injured body part can help relieve the pain and tenderness of sprains and sore muscles (do not take arnica internally unless in the form of a homeopathic remedy).
4.Bromelain: Promotes the healing of soft-tissue injuries, such as sprains and bruises.
5.Geraniol: Products made with this oil are an effective way to protect yourself from mosquitoes.
6.Tecnu: Helps prevent rashes from poison oak, ivy and sumac.
7.Aloe Vera: For sunburn, thermal burns and any areas of skin irritation or inflammation.
1.Ginger: This may prevent motion sickness or nausea from other causes.
2.Stinging Nettles: By far the best remedy I know for hay fever.
3.Arnica: The tincture of this plant when rubbed onto an injured body part can help relieve the pain and tenderness of sprains and sore muscles (do not take arnica internally unless in the form of a homeopathic remedy).
4.Bromelain: Promotes the healing of soft-tissue injuries, such as sprains and bruises.
5.Geraniol: Products made with this oil are an effective way to protect yourself from mosquitoes.
6.Tecnu: Helps prevent rashes from poison oak, ivy and sumac.
7.Aloe Vera: For sunburn, thermal burns and any areas of skin irritation or inflammation.
A website of inspiration and setting goals
Happy Simple Living
http://www.happysimpleliving.com/
The home page got me. These are her goals, which I absolutely agree with. (That I also can't get anywhere near until we move and settle in the new house, which by the way is driving me crazy!)
Simple Living: My Top Goals
Having peace and laughter in our home
Living in a healthy, uncluttered environment
Being debt free and a good steward of our finances
Living lightly on the planet
Giving back
In my Kiwi Magazine, I recently read an article about non-GMO foods. (Genetically Modified) They are altering DNA of plants (the big ones are corn and soy, but there are others), so that they are resistant to certain pestisides. This way they can spray to kill the weeds but not harm the plants. Which in turn means they are spraying more chemicals on the plants we are eating. There are also DNA altered plants to produce more and bigger or juicier or more colorful fruit. Changing the plant to give the farmer a higher yeild and to make the consumer more attracted to it. There is no long term study (because it's still new) showing that these foods are bad for the human body, but there has been studies showing that it's bad for mice, altering the DNA and the chemistry of the blood. The worst part is, you can't just buy organic, assuming it's safe. There is a nonGMO project that is trying to get things labeled, but at this point things are not yet required to say whether they are GM or not.
The Happy Dinple Living Blog has an interesting article on this subject as well. She saw on the label of Rumford Baking Powder, Cornstarch from non-genetically modified corn. Good to know. Next time I need baking powder, Rumford it is. She also explains that in a study done by CBS, 65% of products in the grocery store have DNA-altered ingredients. Yuck! No wonder there are things like fibromyalgia, and RA and more and more chronic diseases showing up. We can't just eat natural, real natural food. Being vegan does cut out a lot of that GM food, but definately not all of it.
Also on this site, if you click on Our Green Path, there is a long list of things to do to lessen your footprint. New ideas are always welcome. Especially since I just bought this awful, no where near efficiant home. I am finding that I am constantly areguing with Hubby over which materials to use and which things need fixed asap, and which can wait. We have recently just about run out of money. Now is the time to sit down and prioritize. But I'd have to find a time without fire calls, when neither of us are working, and our child isn't tugging on the leg of my pants, the maybe we can talk. The time will come eventually, and I will post all about it.
http://www.happysimpleliving.com/
The home page got me. These are her goals, which I absolutely agree with. (That I also can't get anywhere near until we move and settle in the new house, which by the way is driving me crazy!)
Simple Living: My Top Goals
Having peace and laughter in our home
Living in a healthy, uncluttered environment
Being debt free and a good steward of our finances
Living lightly on the planet
Giving back
In my Kiwi Magazine, I recently read an article about non-GMO foods. (Genetically Modified) They are altering DNA of plants (the big ones are corn and soy, but there are others), so that they are resistant to certain pestisides. This way they can spray to kill the weeds but not harm the plants. Which in turn means they are spraying more chemicals on the plants we are eating. There are also DNA altered plants to produce more and bigger or juicier or more colorful fruit. Changing the plant to give the farmer a higher yeild and to make the consumer more attracted to it. There is no long term study (because it's still new) showing that these foods are bad for the human body, but there has been studies showing that it's bad for mice, altering the DNA and the chemistry of the blood. The worst part is, you can't just buy organic, assuming it's safe. There is a nonGMO project that is trying to get things labeled, but at this point things are not yet required to say whether they are GM or not.
The Happy Dinple Living Blog has an interesting article on this subject as well. She saw on the label of Rumford Baking Powder, Cornstarch from non-genetically modified corn. Good to know. Next time I need baking powder, Rumford it is. She also explains that in a study done by CBS, 65% of products in the grocery store have DNA-altered ingredients. Yuck! No wonder there are things like fibromyalgia, and RA and more and more chronic diseases showing up. We can't just eat natural, real natural food. Being vegan does cut out a lot of that GM food, but definately not all of it.
Also on this site, if you click on Our Green Path, there is a long list of things to do to lessen your footprint. New ideas are always welcome. Especially since I just bought this awful, no where near efficiant home. I am finding that I am constantly areguing with Hubby over which materials to use and which things need fixed asap, and which can wait. We have recently just about run out of money. Now is the time to sit down and prioritize. But I'd have to find a time without fire calls, when neither of us are working, and our child isn't tugging on the leg of my pants, the maybe we can talk. The time will come eventually, and I will post all about it.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Vegan Pregnancy...2nd Trimester and Buying a Home
Well, for the most part, I have kept to my veganism. I craved a cheese burger, ate one and was not satisfied and felt like crap the rest of the day. I occasionally have eaten some products with milk in them. Working 12 hour shifts, sometimes I just need to eat what is available because I get so hungry. But most of the time, I've been good, resulting in feeling good. With a little bit of backaches and heartburn, I barely feel pregnant at 20 weeks. Nothing like my first pregnancy. I ate everything and was very sick, and gained a ton of weight. Up until a week ago, I was running a mile a couple days a week and doing yoga and a little bit of weight lifting. I started slacking after closing on the new house, we are sooo busy which leads me to my second topic.
We bought a house. This is very frustrating for me because it's a fixer upper. I'm having trouble affording and convincing my husband to use natural products. I am trying to work with him and give on somethings and hope he gives on some others. Once we are moved in, I won't be giving in anymore. I am not living with paint fumes or new floor smells and such. Things that are done before we move it, I'm going with some of the more cost efficient things. This weekend I plan on doing a ton of cleaning with my natural products. And I'm investing in some good odor free paint so when the dry wall is up I can start painting. I've advertised that my daughter wants home depot gift cards for her birthday next week!! I have been cleared (by my husband) to do a completely bamboo bathroom, but that is sometime in the future. The bathroom we are doing now and the kitchen are being done by a contractor, as per our mortgage agreement and will be done before we move in, so hopefully it can air out enough for me. Tile floors and wood cabinets, granite counter tops and a bunch of appliances from scratch and dent from Queen Appliance Wholesale. The roof has a rubber section that needs fixed, there is a tiny weeny crack in the foundation. Then on to paint the aluminum siding and gardening. I already got poison oak over most of my body from trying to rescue a tree from over grown ivy. It can only get better from here right!?
I'll keep you posted. I'll be scrubbing the whole house worth of wood flooring this weekend and vacuuming out windows and vents and such (yuck), the house has not been lived in for a year and carpenter ants took out a section of the kitchen, so I have my work cut out for me.
We bought a house. This is very frustrating for me because it's a fixer upper. I'm having trouble affording and convincing my husband to use natural products. I am trying to work with him and give on somethings and hope he gives on some others. Once we are moved in, I won't be giving in anymore. I am not living with paint fumes or new floor smells and such. Things that are done before we move it, I'm going with some of the more cost efficient things. This weekend I plan on doing a ton of cleaning with my natural products. And I'm investing in some good odor free paint so when the dry wall is up I can start painting. I've advertised that my daughter wants home depot gift cards for her birthday next week!! I have been cleared (by my husband) to do a completely bamboo bathroom, but that is sometime in the future. The bathroom we are doing now and the kitchen are being done by a contractor, as per our mortgage agreement and will be done before we move in, so hopefully it can air out enough for me. Tile floors and wood cabinets, granite counter tops and a bunch of appliances from scratch and dent from Queen Appliance Wholesale. The roof has a rubber section that needs fixed, there is a tiny weeny crack in the foundation. Then on to paint the aluminum siding and gardening. I already got poison oak over most of my body from trying to rescue a tree from over grown ivy. It can only get better from here right!?
I'll keep you posted. I'll be scrubbing the whole house worth of wood flooring this weekend and vacuuming out windows and vents and such (yuck), the house has not been lived in for a year and carpenter ants took out a section of the kitchen, so I have my work cut out for me.
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Anniversary Weekend
I have to tell you about my awesome vegan anniversary weekend in the city! Since my wonderful husband forgot to make reservations we stayed at the Crown Plaza rather than the Holiday Inn (no complaints, I never stayed in a place that required your key card to access your floor in the elevator). The place he wanted for dinner, which I wasn't about to complain about because I could happily eat there, was booked. So I made a reservation at Horizon, on South Street, a completely vegan restaurant.
Saturday we drove to Philadelphia around noon, arrived about 1:30. First stop, Firehouse Museum, better than I expected. Really neat stuff, I learned a lot about fire fighting history in the city. Then we went to check into the hotel. The room wasn't ready, so free cocktails (for ET only of course), then toss the bags in the room and walk around the corner to the Mutter Museum. Also incredibly interesting. I've been there before but it was years ago. Really awesome. Then back to the room. Quick shower and grab a taxi to dinner. Absolutely delicious dinner. The most expensive part of our trip but that's because ET's hotel points paid for our hotel. Really wonderful. And ET admitted, he doesn't have to worry about his shellfish allergies in a place like that. It was relaxing and delectable. We both agreed, we'll go back. Then we walked to Moriarti's (not sure how to spell that). There is a place on South St called the Loving Hut. I will have to try it out, but I'm pretty sure it's the same chain as the one we ate at in Orlando. If that's the case, I can't wait to go with Shelley! We walked to the bar, ET's friend we thought worked there was not working that night, so we walked to Broad St which was closed for the Philadelphia Festival of the Arts. The festival was almost over and about half the tables were closed down. They had tables set up to eat at and rocks surrounding tons of flowers. It was indescribable. I never ever would have guessed I'd see Broad St look like that. After seeing some of the odd events going on there we walked back to our hotel, which I must point out, was a longer walk then expected.
Sunday morning, because the lounge was closed, we had free room service breakfast. Yummy! Oatmeal and fruit. Easily vegan while ET ate every kind of meat he could get. Then we showered and packed up and headed home. We missed out baby girl. It was fun to get away, but coming home is always great.
Saturday we drove to Philadelphia around noon, arrived about 1:30. First stop, Firehouse Museum, better than I expected. Really neat stuff, I learned a lot about fire fighting history in the city. Then we went to check into the hotel. The room wasn't ready, so free cocktails (for ET only of course), then toss the bags in the room and walk around the corner to the Mutter Museum. Also incredibly interesting. I've been there before but it was years ago. Really awesome. Then back to the room. Quick shower and grab a taxi to dinner. Absolutely delicious dinner. The most expensive part of our trip but that's because ET's hotel points paid for our hotel. Really wonderful. And ET admitted, he doesn't have to worry about his shellfish allergies in a place like that. It was relaxing and delectable. We both agreed, we'll go back. Then we walked to Moriarti's (not sure how to spell that). There is a place on South St called the Loving Hut. I will have to try it out, but I'm pretty sure it's the same chain as the one we ate at in Orlando. If that's the case, I can't wait to go with Shelley! We walked to the bar, ET's friend we thought worked there was not working that night, so we walked to Broad St which was closed for the Philadelphia Festival of the Arts. The festival was almost over and about half the tables were closed down. They had tables set up to eat at and rocks surrounding tons of flowers. It was indescribable. I never ever would have guessed I'd see Broad St look like that. After seeing some of the odd events going on there we walked back to our hotel, which I must point out, was a longer walk then expected.
Sunday morning, because the lounge was closed, we had free room service breakfast. Yummy! Oatmeal and fruit. Easily vegan while ET ate every kind of meat he could get. Then we showered and packed up and headed home. We missed out baby girl. It was fun to get away, but coming home is always great.
Vegan and Pregnant
Info from: http://vegfamily.com/
These are the top concerns when pregnant. I personally have an excel sheet that on random days I keep track of everything I eat and make sure I'm getting enough of everything. If I am a little short (like last week I was low on protein) than I make sure to pay more attention to it. The easiest way, I find to keep track is by using babyfit.sparkpeople.com. You just enter in everything you eat and they figure out all the vitamins for you. I did have to change some of the levels they had set, I researched and found these numbers to be more accurate. Remember, you only need an extra 300 calories a day during pregnancy.
Some things I noticed pregnant vegans need to pay attention to, is adding protein to snacks and making sure to include it in every meal. Snacks of nuts was the easiest for me. Also make sure to eat enough raw foods, remember nutrients are lost in the cooking process.
Suggested power foods include: broccoli, wheat germ, nutritional yeast, flaxseed, fruit juices (100% fruit juice and fortified), fortified soymilk and tofu.
I don't usually follow The Kind Life, but in my search to find info about vegan pregnancy, I read an article about Alicia Silverstone being pregnant and starting a vegan pregnancy blog. Her site says coming soon, so I will keep you posted. For now this is what I got. I'm sure I'll update you soon.
Protein
They always, pregnant or not ask about protein. During pregnancy you need 60 to 66 grams per day.
Foods high in protein: Beans, tempeh, brown rice, barley, whole wheat, tofu, legumes such as peas, lentils, and garbanzo beans, soymilk, nuts and seeds, nut butters, veggie burgers, and veggie deli slices.
Calcium
Baby will deplete your calcium if you don't get enough each day. Go for 1000 milligrams per day.
Foods high in calcium: Calcium fortified orange juice, fortified soymilk, broccoli, bok choy, kale, figs, tofu made with calcium carbonate, almonds, and tahini.
Iron
You need iron for red blood cells, your doctor will recommend a supplement, but make sure you get 30 milligrams per day, minimum.
Foods high in iron: Dark leafy greens, beans, legumes, tofu, nuts and seeds, dried fruits like raisins and apricots, whole and enriched grains, sorghum molasses.
Zinc
"Zinc deficiency has been associated with spontaneous abortion and congenital malformations." Get 15 to 30 milligrams per day.
Foods high in zinc: Whole grains, green leafy vegetables, mushrooms, nuts and seeds like tahini, legumes, tofu, miso, wheat germ, miso, and nutritional yeast. Fortified cereals also contain good sources of zinc, read the labels.
B12
B12 deficiency can lead to weakness, loss of reflexes, failure to thrive, delayed development, muscle wasting, and irreversible brain damage. Be certain you're getting enough B12 every day! Most vegans take B12 supplements. Requirement: 3 micrograms per day.
Foods high in B12: Nutritional Yeast (Red Star Vegetarian Support Formula), fortified nondairy beverages, fortified juices, cereals, meat substitutes. Beware seaweed and fermented soyfoods as they are not necessarily reliable sources of B12.
Folic Acid
A lack of folic acid in your body can cause spina bifida and neural tube defects in your children. Requirement: 600 micrograms per day.
Foods high in folic acid: Green leafy vegetables (spinach, asparagus, broccoli, romaine lettuce), oranges and orange juice, corn, green beans, beets, peas, peanut butter, whole wheat bread, bran breakfast cereals, dried beans, peas and lentils, nuts, and seeds.
Vitamin D
"Without enough vitamin D in your diet, your baby could be born with rickets. There are two ways to get vitamin D... from exposure to sunlight or from food. If you can spend 15 minutes a day getting sun on your hands, arms, and face, your body will probably make enough vitamin D. If you live in colder climates or don't go outside much, then turn to food or supplements to get enough."
Requirement: 5 - 10 micrograms per day.
Foods high in vitamin D: Fortified cereals, and possibly soymilk. Read labels.
Essential Fatty Acids
You need omega-3 and omega-6. Most vegans probably get enough omega-6, but they don't usually get enough omega-3. You need both in your diet to make DHA, which is essential for visual acuity and brain development in your infant. Consider taking a DHA supplement. Although many are made in gel caps, you can open them up and squeeze out the liquid.
Requirement: 4 to 5 grams per day.
Foods high in omega-3's: Canola oil, safflower oil, olive oil, flaxseed oil, and avocados, and to some extent whole grains, legumes, and nuts.
Vitamin A
This is something you don't need to worry about. Many things you eat regularly probably have vitamin A.
Requirement: 800 micrograms per day.
Foods high in vitamin A: Sweet potatoes, carrots, squash, apricots, mangoes, cantaloupe, collards, and kale.
Vitamin C
"Vitamin C is also another vitamin that is extremely plentiful in a vegan diet."
Requirement: 85 milligrams per day.
Foods high in vitamin C: Strawberries, oranges, lemons, broccoli, tomatoes, red and green peppers, and juices made with 100% fruit juice.
These are the top concerns when pregnant. I personally have an excel sheet that on random days I keep track of everything I eat and make sure I'm getting enough of everything. If I am a little short (like last week I was low on protein) than I make sure to pay more attention to it. The easiest way, I find to keep track is by using babyfit.sparkpeople.com. You just enter in everything you eat and they figure out all the vitamins for you. I did have to change some of the levels they had set, I researched and found these numbers to be more accurate. Remember, you only need an extra 300 calories a day during pregnancy.
Some things I noticed pregnant vegans need to pay attention to, is adding protein to snacks and making sure to include it in every meal. Snacks of nuts was the easiest for me. Also make sure to eat enough raw foods, remember nutrients are lost in the cooking process.
Suggested power foods include: broccoli, wheat germ, nutritional yeast, flaxseed, fruit juices (100% fruit juice and fortified), fortified soymilk and tofu.
I don't usually follow The Kind Life, but in my search to find info about vegan pregnancy, I read an article about Alicia Silverstone being pregnant and starting a vegan pregnancy blog. Her site says coming soon, so I will keep you posted. For now this is what I got. I'm sure I'll update you soon.
Protein
They always, pregnant or not ask about protein. During pregnancy you need 60 to 66 grams per day.
Foods high in protein: Beans, tempeh, brown rice, barley, whole wheat, tofu, legumes such as peas, lentils, and garbanzo beans, soymilk, nuts and seeds, nut butters, veggie burgers, and veggie deli slices.
Calcium
Baby will deplete your calcium if you don't get enough each day. Go for 1000 milligrams per day.
Foods high in calcium: Calcium fortified orange juice, fortified soymilk, broccoli, bok choy, kale, figs, tofu made with calcium carbonate, almonds, and tahini.
Iron
You need iron for red blood cells, your doctor will recommend a supplement, but make sure you get 30 milligrams per day, minimum.
Foods high in iron: Dark leafy greens, beans, legumes, tofu, nuts and seeds, dried fruits like raisins and apricots, whole and enriched grains, sorghum molasses.
Zinc
"Zinc deficiency has been associated with spontaneous abortion and congenital malformations." Get 15 to 30 milligrams per day.
Foods high in zinc: Whole grains, green leafy vegetables, mushrooms, nuts and seeds like tahini, legumes, tofu, miso, wheat germ, miso, and nutritional yeast. Fortified cereals also contain good sources of zinc, read the labels.
B12
B12 deficiency can lead to weakness, loss of reflexes, failure to thrive, delayed development, muscle wasting, and irreversible brain damage. Be certain you're getting enough B12 every day! Most vegans take B12 supplements. Requirement: 3 micrograms per day.
Foods high in B12: Nutritional Yeast (Red Star Vegetarian Support Formula), fortified nondairy beverages, fortified juices, cereals, meat substitutes. Beware seaweed and fermented soyfoods as they are not necessarily reliable sources of B12.
Folic Acid
A lack of folic acid in your body can cause spina bifida and neural tube defects in your children. Requirement: 600 micrograms per day.
Foods high in folic acid: Green leafy vegetables (spinach, asparagus, broccoli, romaine lettuce), oranges and orange juice, corn, green beans, beets, peas, peanut butter, whole wheat bread, bran breakfast cereals, dried beans, peas and lentils, nuts, and seeds.
Vitamin D
"Without enough vitamin D in your diet, your baby could be born with rickets. There are two ways to get vitamin D... from exposure to sunlight or from food. If you can spend 15 minutes a day getting sun on your hands, arms, and face, your body will probably make enough vitamin D. If you live in colder climates or don't go outside much, then turn to food or supplements to get enough."
Requirement: 5 - 10 micrograms per day.
Foods high in vitamin D: Fortified cereals, and possibly soymilk. Read labels.
Essential Fatty Acids
You need omega-3 and omega-6. Most vegans probably get enough omega-6, but they don't usually get enough omega-3. You need both in your diet to make DHA, which is essential for visual acuity and brain development in your infant. Consider taking a DHA supplement. Although many are made in gel caps, you can open them up and squeeze out the liquid.
Requirement: 4 to 5 grams per day.
Foods high in omega-3's: Canola oil, safflower oil, olive oil, flaxseed oil, and avocados, and to some extent whole grains, legumes, and nuts.
Vitamin A
This is something you don't need to worry about. Many things you eat regularly probably have vitamin A.
Requirement: 800 micrograms per day.
Foods high in vitamin A: Sweet potatoes, carrots, squash, apricots, mangoes, cantaloupe, collards, and kale.
Vitamin C
"Vitamin C is also another vitamin that is extremely plentiful in a vegan diet."
Requirement: 85 milligrams per day.
Foods high in vitamin C: Strawberries, oranges, lemons, broccoli, tomatoes, red and green peppers, and juices made with 100% fruit juice.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Needed Update
I have not been posting recipes lately. I haven't been taking pictures of my food to be honest. Everything I have made since my last post has either come from Vegan on the Cheap or The Everything Vegan Cookbook. 2 books that no vegan should be without.
I have to go back a read that section I wrote about Skinny Bitch Bun in the oven. Yes, I am pregnant! The next 28 weeks-ish will probably be pregnancy related or raising a vegan child related. We mentioned it to the OB at our last appointment because Evan is worried about it, as long as I can keep my prenatals down with the folic acid, DHA and B12, I'm good. To be honest, I probably eat better than most of her patients, I am not worried at all. To keep Evan happy, I will do a little more research. I have been craving apples and oranges. Weird. I am not interested in salads, but want stir fry for dinner every night. As long as I'm not eating junk and emply calories, I'm good.
I've been doing a lot of yoga lately. I guess it comes with the all natural stuff. I'm about to start being one of those girls that doesn't wear bras, because none of mine fit right anymore and I'm in a lot of pain. Silly boobs, growing before my tummy. The only cleaning supplies I buy anymore are dish soap and laundry detergent and those are all natural. Vinegar cleans everything and I think it's helping get rid of my ants.
We are in the process of buying a house. This is going to be a big process or making an organic home that will probably cause quite a few fights between Evan and I. Organic and natural seem to be a bit more expensive. I already picked out all the appliences, as energy saving and water saving as I could without spending a rediculous amount of money. Most of the house is wood panels so there won't be much painting until we rip it down and throw up dry wall. We're only doing the kitchen and one bathroom, then moving it and doing one room at a time. I will post constantly, I'm sure with the things we choose. I know we are going with ikea cabinets, but not much else has been chosen yet. I'm an super excited!
I have to go back a read that section I wrote about Skinny Bitch Bun in the oven. Yes, I am pregnant! The next 28 weeks-ish will probably be pregnancy related or raising a vegan child related. We mentioned it to the OB at our last appointment because Evan is worried about it, as long as I can keep my prenatals down with the folic acid, DHA and B12, I'm good. To be honest, I probably eat better than most of her patients, I am not worried at all. To keep Evan happy, I will do a little more research. I have been craving apples and oranges. Weird. I am not interested in salads, but want stir fry for dinner every night. As long as I'm not eating junk and emply calories, I'm good.
I've been doing a lot of yoga lately. I guess it comes with the all natural stuff. I'm about to start being one of those girls that doesn't wear bras, because none of mine fit right anymore and I'm in a lot of pain. Silly boobs, growing before my tummy. The only cleaning supplies I buy anymore are dish soap and laundry detergent and those are all natural. Vinegar cleans everything and I think it's helping get rid of my ants.
We are in the process of buying a house. This is going to be a big process or making an organic home that will probably cause quite a few fights between Evan and I. Organic and natural seem to be a bit more expensive. I already picked out all the appliences, as energy saving and water saving as I could without spending a rediculous amount of money. Most of the house is wood panels so there won't be much painting until we rip it down and throw up dry wall. We're only doing the kitchen and one bathroom, then moving it and doing one room at a time. I will post constantly, I'm sure with the things we choose. I know we are going with ikea cabinets, but not much else has been chosen yet. I'm an super excited!
Friday, February 25, 2011
2 good books
The Engine 2 Diet made it very clear that the best part of a vegan diet is the health benefits. The next step is to get rid of white sugars and white flour and the silly junk, that I really don't eat much of anyway. I did the diet for 2 weeks, lost 2 lbs, and feel even healthier, if that's possible. I upped my running to almost 4 miles, depending on how cooperative my daughter is. I'm going to uy a couple copies of this book and distribute it through out my family, so that maybe they get a little healthier too!
The second book I'm almost done reading it Vegan on the Cheap. My first grocery trip using this book's recipes was 40 dollars cheaper than usual, and I hadn't even read the book, only picked some recipes. There's a ton of suggestions to save money. Being vean doesn't have to be expensive. The only complaint, which may be my own fault for picking those recipes, is it's a lot of beans, and to be honest I might have to invest in some bean-o. Ha ha.
The point is, 2 books worth reading!!
The second book I'm almost done reading it Vegan on the Cheap. My first grocery trip using this book's recipes was 40 dollars cheaper than usual, and I hadn't even read the book, only picked some recipes. There's a ton of suggestions to save money. Being vean doesn't have to be expensive. The only complaint, which may be my own fault for picking those recipes, is it's a lot of beans, and to be honest I might have to invest in some bean-o. Ha ha.
The point is, 2 books worth reading!!
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Quick Black Bean Burritos
Black Bean Burritos
From: allrecipes.com
This recipe was not vegan, but by simply changing the cream cheese to vegan, I made the recipe vegan! It just keeps getting easier to be vegan! I also added a couple things to the recipe, so I made it my own.
Ingredients
2 (10 inch) flour tortillas
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 teaspoon minced jalapeno peppers
3 ounces vegan cream cheese
cholula hot sauce (just happens to be my favorite kind of hot sauce)
1/2 a tomato, diced
some shredded lettuce
2 dallops vegan sour cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Directions
1.Wrap tortillas in foil and place in oven heated to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bake for 15 minutes or until heated through.
2.Heat oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Place onion, bell pepper, garlic and jalapenos in skillet, cook for 2 minutes stirring occasionally. Pour beans into skillet, cook 3 minutes stirring.
3.Cut cream cheese into cubes and add to skillet with salt and hot sauce. Cook for 2 minutes stirring occasionally. Stir cilantro into mixture.
4.Spoon mixture evenly down center of warmed tortilla, add tomato, lettuce and sour cream, and salsa and more hot sauce if desired and roll tortillas up. Serve immediately.
From: allrecipes.com
This recipe was not vegan, but by simply changing the cream cheese to vegan, I made the recipe vegan! It just keeps getting easier to be vegan! I also added a couple things to the recipe, so I made it my own.
Ingredients
2 (10 inch) flour tortillas
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 teaspoon minced jalapeno peppers
3 ounces vegan cream cheese
cholula hot sauce (just happens to be my favorite kind of hot sauce)
1/2 a tomato, diced
some shredded lettuce
2 dallops vegan sour cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Directions
1.Wrap tortillas in foil and place in oven heated to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bake for 15 minutes or until heated through.
2.Heat oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Place onion, bell pepper, garlic and jalapenos in skillet, cook for 2 minutes stirring occasionally. Pour beans into skillet, cook 3 minutes stirring.
3.Cut cream cheese into cubes and add to skillet with salt and hot sauce. Cook for 2 minutes stirring occasionally. Stir cilantro into mixture.
4.Spoon mixture evenly down center of warmed tortilla, add tomato, lettuce and sour cream, and salsa and more hot sauce if desired and roll tortillas up. Serve immediately.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Messy Mikes (Vegan-Style Sloppy Joes)
Best recipe I've found for the tempeh, since I'm not big on the flavor of it! But it was a delicious substitute for sloppy joes!
Messy Mikes
From: chooseveg.com
1 tablespoon olive or canola oil
1 medium onion, diced
1 8-oz package tempeh, crumbled
2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar or other sweetener
1 package burger buns
Heat the oil in a 2-quart saucepan over medium-high. Add onion, tempeh, and soy sauce, and saute until onion is tender and lightly browned, about 10 minutes.
Add the remaining ingredients, and mix well. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer the mixture uncovered, stirring often, for 10 minutes. Serve over burger buns.
Vegan Vittles by J. Stepaniak
Messy Mikes
From: chooseveg.com
1 tablespoon olive or canola oil
1 medium onion, diced
1 8-oz package tempeh, crumbled
2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar or other sweetener
1 package burger buns
Heat the oil in a 2-quart saucepan over medium-high. Add onion, tempeh, and soy sauce, and saute until onion is tender and lightly browned, about 10 minutes.
Add the remaining ingredients, and mix well. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer the mixture uncovered, stirring often, for 10 minutes. Serve over burger buns.
Vegan Vittles by J. Stepaniak
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Butternut Squash, Roaste Garlic, and Apple Soup
Easy and Yummy!
Butternut Squash, Roaste Garlic, and Apple Soup
From chooseveg.com
1 butternut squash
4 or more garlic cloves
2 green apples, peeled and chopped
salt and pepper to tast
olive oil
4 cups of vegetable stock
Heat a little olive oil and add the garlic cloves (peeled and slightly pressed)
Fry in medium heat until golden. Add the apple and squash. Add salt and pepper and stir. After 2 or 3 minutes add the veggie stock and let simmer until the squash is done.
Blend everything and serve with good bread. Add lemon if desired.
Serves: 4
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Butternut Squash, Roaste Garlic, and Apple Soup
From chooseveg.com
1 butternut squash
4 or more garlic cloves
2 green apples, peeled and chopped
salt and pepper to tast
olive oil
4 cups of vegetable stock
Heat a little olive oil and add the garlic cloves (peeled and slightly pressed)
Fry in medium heat until golden. Add the apple and squash. Add salt and pepper and stir. After 2 or 3 minutes add the veggie stock and let simmer until the squash is done.
Blend everything and serve with good bread. Add lemon if desired.
Serves: 4
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Breakfast Scramble
You should know I have been desperately looking for a good sustitute for scrambled eggs. I've tried many different things I made up myself, one included tofu, olive oil, salsa and vegan cheddar cheese, which worked out well for many mornings. I just wanted something different today. I put this mixture (excluding thre green onion and I added a little salt and pepper) into a wrap. I expected a little more flavor, but with small alterations, I'm sure I can get something delicious from this recipe. I'll up date you tomorrow.
Breakfast Scramble
1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1/2 lb. sausage substitute
1/2 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb. firm tofu, drained and crumbled
1 tomato, diced
1 tsp. turmeric
1/2 tsp. garlic salt
2 green onions, minced
Heat oil in a skillet. Add the sausage substitute, onion, and garlic and fry until browned. Add the tofu, tomato, turmeric, and garlic salt and saute for 5 minutes. Add green onions during last minute of cooking.
Breakfast Scramble
1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1/2 lb. sausage substitute
1/2 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb. firm tofu, drained and crumbled
1 tomato, diced
1 tsp. turmeric
1/2 tsp. garlic salt
2 green onions, minced
Heat oil in a skillet. Add the sausage substitute, onion, and garlic and fry until browned. Add the tofu, tomato, turmeric, and garlic salt and saute for 5 minutes. Add green onions during last minute of cooking.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Slightly Spicy Black Bean Burger
I have to point out that I love cooking with the food processer, although I hate cleaning it, it does all the dirty work and it's usually one of the only things that's needed in prep, this recipe you also need a bowl, but still simple. And quick! I topped with tempeh bacon (first time I tried it and it was a little too salty for me, but your gonna have to make that decision on your own, it's worth trying once) and vegan sliced mozz, lettuce and tomato. I put it on home made rolls, dinner rolls that I made extra large just for this purpose. These burgers were yummy, but tasted like puried black beans, so you will have to enjoy the taste of black beans to enjoy these.
Slightly Spicy Black Bean Burger
From: Vegweb.com
Ingredients:
1/3 cup onion, chopped
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed, divided
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
garlic powder, to taste
sea salt, to taste
1/4 cup dried vegan bread crumbs
Directions:
1. In a food processor, add onion. Process until minced. Add 1/2 the can black beans. Process until a soup is formed.
2. Add cumin, chili powder, black pepper, garlic powder, salt, and the rest of the black beans. Process until smooth.
3. Transfer bean mixture to a bowl and add vegan bread crumbs. Stir. Spoon onto a lightly oiled skillet. Smooth down with the back of a spoon.
4. Cook 5 minutes over medium-high heat. Flip over patties and cook an additional 5 minutes.
Tastes best with Mexican-style toppings!
Serves: 2-4, Preparation time: 15 minutes
Slightly Spicy Black Bean Burger
From: Vegweb.com
Ingredients:
1/3 cup onion, chopped
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed, divided
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
garlic powder, to taste
sea salt, to taste
1/4 cup dried vegan bread crumbs
Directions:
1. In a food processor, add onion. Process until minced. Add 1/2 the can black beans. Process until a soup is formed.
2. Add cumin, chili powder, black pepper, garlic powder, salt, and the rest of the black beans. Process until smooth.
3. Transfer bean mixture to a bowl and add vegan bread crumbs. Stir. Spoon onto a lightly oiled skillet. Smooth down with the back of a spoon.
4. Cook 5 minutes over medium-high heat. Flip over patties and cook an additional 5 minutes.
Tastes best with Mexican-style toppings!
Serves: 2-4, Preparation time: 15 minutes
Vegan Freak
I finally finsihed the book, Vegan Freak. Awesome. Very inspiring and helpful. While half of the book is about how to be vegan and remembering why you are doing it, the other half is about dealing with the "harder" things that come along with being vegan. The in-laws, the parents, the great-aunt who cooks with tons of butter and cream, the friend that thinks your crazy, the questions after questions about your health. While it answers most questions, it has references to get more information. The more informed you are, the better you can answer the questions. The happier you are, the more curious others will be about what your doing that makes you feel so great. The biggest message I got from the book was be a happy, healthy vegan. Being miserable doesn't help anything and won't help you convince others to get vegan. Anyway, the point is, it's a great book and all vegans should read it. And listen to the veganfreakradio.com. Funny stuff!
Ziti with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream
Quick and simple, very filling and delicious!!
Ziti with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream
From chooseveg.com
Makes 4 servings
1 lb. ziti
1 cup chopped oil-marinated sun-dried tomatoes
1 cup firm silken tofu, drained and crumbled
3 cloves garlic, chopped
4 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or 1 tablespoon dried basil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small can marinated artichokes, drained and chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley
soy parmesan (optional)
Cook the ziti al dente. Meanwhile, in a food processor, combine the tomatoes, tofu, garlic, basil, vinegar, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Process to a smooth consistency. Drain the pasta and toss with the sauce and artichokes. Sprinkle with the parsley and soy parmesan, if desired.
366 Simply Delicious Dairy-Free Recipes by Robin Robertson
Ziti with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream
From chooseveg.com
Makes 4 servings
1 lb. ziti
1 cup chopped oil-marinated sun-dried tomatoes
1 cup firm silken tofu, drained and crumbled
3 cloves garlic, chopped
4 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or 1 tablespoon dried basil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small can marinated artichokes, drained and chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley
soy parmesan (optional)
Cook the ziti al dente. Meanwhile, in a food processor, combine the tomatoes, tofu, garlic, basil, vinegar, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Process to a smooth consistency. Drain the pasta and toss with the sauce and artichokes. Sprinkle with the parsley and soy parmesan, if desired.
366 Simply Delicious Dairy-Free Recipes by Robin Robertson
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Vegan Christmas
Christmas morning, my mom's side of the family does breakfast, that way everyone is free to do the other side of the family for dinner. It's egg dishes and danishes mostly. This my first Vegan Christmas. So, I had to make more than usual. I made cinnamon rolls using my bread maker and they were delicious! I also made this "egg" tofu bake.
1 block of tofu, crumbled
1 bag shredded vegan cheddar cheese
1 chopped bell pepper, any color
1 chopped onion, sauteed in oil until soft
3 tbsp nondairy milk
1 container vegan sausage
1 tsp chopped garlic
salt and pepper to taste
Oil a 8x8 glass baking pan. Mix all ingredients in a big bowl then pour into pan. Bake at 325 covered with foil until warm all the way through.
Really, so simple. I did have a recipe, but it wasn't going to be what I actually wanted, so I just kind of through this together. It was delicious. My sister also enjoyed it. No one else barely tried it but my mom. If your hosting a breakfast, this is a good dish to have and add or take out ingredients to suit your taste buds!
1 block of tofu, crumbled
1 bag shredded vegan cheddar cheese
1 chopped bell pepper, any color
1 chopped onion, sauteed in oil until soft
3 tbsp nondairy milk
1 container vegan sausage
1 tsp chopped garlic
salt and pepper to taste
Oil a 8x8 glass baking pan. Mix all ingredients in a big bowl then pour into pan. Bake at 325 covered with foil until warm all the way through.
Really, so simple. I did have a recipe, but it wasn't going to be what I actually wanted, so I just kind of through this together. It was delicious. My sister also enjoyed it. No one else barely tried it but my mom. If your hosting a breakfast, this is a good dish to have and add or take out ingredients to suit your taste buds!
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