DIY / Recipes — Leave a comment
17
May 13

Vegan Frosting

Now vegans can have their cake and eat it with frosting too! The night before Mother’s Day, my daughter and I decided to bake a cake.  Ok, that’s not entirely true…I decided that I wanted a cake for Mother’s Day, so I baked one.  Not from scratch either.  I used Cherrybrook Kitchen’s chocolate cake mix.  I love their line of vegan cake, cookie, and brownie mixes; they always come out moist and delicious in my opinion.

I couldn’t have a cake without frosting of course, so I made some using this simple recipe I found on Kiwi Magazine’s website. It turned out incredibly and amazingly delicious!  I added a pinch of turmeric to give it some color, but I was paranoid of having turmeric flavored frosting, so it came out only slightly yellow.

Ingredients

1/2 cup soy-free, nonhydrogenated margarine (at room temperature)

31/4 cups powdered sugar

3 tablespoons rice milk ( I used coconut milk)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. In a large bowl or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat margarine until soft.

2. Add the powdered sugar in batches, and then add rice milk and vanilla.

3. Beat for 3 to 5 minutes, until light and fluffy.

 

Health / Household — Leave a comment
14
May 13

5 Green Spring Cleaning Tips

I’ve been a bit lackadaisical in my spring cleaning efforts this season, but I’m slowly getting there.   Maybe it’s because the weather has been so back in forth, that for most of the spring, it has felt like it’s still winter.  Then again, maybe it’s because cleaning isn’t on the top of my fun things to do list.  Regardless of the reasons of why we love or loathe spring cleaning, here is an article I wrote for MomToMomTalk on how to keep your cleaning efforts eco friendly, and safe for your health.

Continue reading →

Household — Leave a comment
10
May 13

Natural Tips for Cleaning Stainless Steel

Sorry for the technical difficulties I was experiencing, but I’m up and running again!

Natural Tips for Cleaning Stainless Steel

http://img.thrfun.com/img/015/401/cleaning_stainless_steel_s.jpg

 Stainless steel is comprised of 90% steel and 10% chromium, which helps to protect the steel.  It’s an extremely durable material that does not corrode or rust, but despite its moniker, stainless steel can still become dirty with smudges, fingerprints and gunk that can stick to it.  Stainless steel appliances can give kitchens a sleeker and more modern look and feel, but they need to be cleaned often to keep up their shine and luster. Stainless steel also needs to be cleaned to prevent corrosion. Oxygen from the atmosphere combines with the chromium in the stainless steel to form a passive chromium oxide film that protects the object from further corrosion. Any contamination on the surface by dirt or oils hampers this process and traps corrosive agents, reducing corrosion protection. Cleaning stainless steel doesn’t have to be difficult, expensive, or harmful to your health and the environment; in fact, all that you need is probably sitting in your pantry right now.  These solutions can be used to clean everything from refrigerators and ovens, to countertops to pots and pans.

 

1.      Baking Soda

            This common baking ingredient also provides an inexpensive and nontoxic alternative to      

             chemical metal cleaners.  Polish and clean stainless steel using a gentle scouring paste of

             3 tablespoons baking soda, and enough water to reach a consistency that’s not too  

             runny or too thick. Rub the mixture over the surface with a sponge and then rinse the

             baking soda off with water.

 

1.      Vinegar

             Distilled white vinegar naturally removes spots from the surface of stainless steel. Soak a  

             sponge or a soft cloth with white vinegar and rub it over the surface. Rinse the area with

             water and pat dry. Vinegar is a strong acid and can corrode mineral deposits and acetate  

             fibers, so dilute it when used on any material that may surround the stainless steel

             surface. As a precaution, test a small amount of the mixture on an inconspicuous area to

             check for discoloration. The vinegar smell will disappear when it dries.

 

2.      Olive Oil or Club Soda

 

After cleaning the spills and debris off the stainless steel surface with baking soda or vinegar, follow up with a polish made of olive oil or club soda to remove streaks. Dampen a clean sponge or soft, lint-free cloth with a bit of olive oil or club soda, and rub it over the metal surface until the streaks disappear. When using olive oil, if the surface appears too shiny, absorb some of the oil with a dry, lint-free cloth or paper towel.

 

3.      Rubbing Alcohol

 

When stainless steel comes in contact with grease from cooking, you may notice a sticky film on the surface.  Pour some rubbing alcohol on a soft cloth, and the film will disappear.  Be sure to wipe the alcohol off with warm water afterwards.

 

4.      For Pots and Pans

        1/2 C White Vinegar

        1 Tbsp Baking Soda

        6″ Square Aluminum Foil

Place the aluminum foil in the pot or pan, and then add the vinegar.  Add the baking soda, and swirl the pan around so the baking soda gets evenly distributed.  While the solution is bubbling, gently rub the stain with the aluminum foil without scratching the pan’s surface/finish.  Rinse with water and dry thoroughly with a dish towel.

5.      Harmful Ingredients to Avoid

 

Many commercial products designed for cleaning metal contain harsh chemical ingredients that can damage health by releasing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. Avoid products labeled as poisonous, corrosive, chemically reactive or flammable, an indication of how dangerously toxic they are.

 

Recipes — Leave a comment
26
Apr 13

Raw Mango Lassi

Photo Credit: Arvil Prewitt

This tasty treat comes from Raw Food Recipes, and is a great vegan alternative to the mango lassi that I lust after at Indian restaurants. It was really filling, and healthy, so it was all I needed for breakfast :)

Ingredients:

2 Large fresh ripe organic Mangoes

1 banana

½ cup of organic hemp hearts (can sub­sti­tute coconut meat instead) *I used shredded coconut and flaxseed, because I had neither.

1 tea­spoon of chai spices. (If you don’t have a blend of either Chai spice, you can sub­sti­tute for a pump­kin pie spice, or sim­ple add a lit­tle cin­na­mon, clove and cardamom.)

1 cup of either almond milk, coconut milk, or coconut water. You can also use pure fil­tered water, just add a lit­tle more hemp seeds to your mix for a lit­tle more creaminess.

 

Beauty / DIY — Leave a comment
22
Apr 13

Moisturizing Orange Face Mask

This awesome face mask recipe comes from Jacyln at Food Plus Words.  I’m super happy that I found her post, because I’ve been looking for a good, natural face mask that doesn’t involve egg whites.  I still have to go out at buy yogurt for this one (I’m assuming vegan yogurt wouldn’t work the same), but it won’t gross me out the way smearing egg all over my face would.

My skin use to only be dry in the winter time, but the older I get, the drier my skin gets :(   I love that this mask moisturizes, instead of adding to the dryness like a lot of store bought, chemically ones will do.

Moisturizing Orange Face Mask

Prep Time: 3 minutes

Ingredients:

1/2 cup steel-cut oatmeal (you can substitute instant unflavored oatmeal)
juice from 1 whole orange
3 tablespoons plain yogurt with active cultures (greek yogurt is great for this!)
2 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons dried orange peel (found in the spice aisle of most grocery stores)

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl.

Stir until well-mixed and combined. You’re looking for a consistency that is thick, but not too runny so it will stay on your face. You can always add extra oatmeal to thicken.

Spread onto your freshly washed and dried face in an even layer, being careful to avoid the eye area. Leave on for 15-30 minutes.

Rinse this mask off with warm water.

Store any leftover mask in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

Beauty / DIY — Leave a comment
20
Apr 13

Homemade Eye Makeup Remover

Homemade Eye Makeup Remover

This is a wonderful, all natural eye makeup remover.  In my opinion, there’s no point to spending money on something that contains toxic chemicals, when you can make a safe version using products you most likely already have :)

Ingredients

2 Tbsp witch hazel
2 Tbsp oil of choice
2 Tbsp water (use filtered water.)

Directions

1.  Add all ingredients to a small container

2.  Shake well before using.

3.  Wipe on eyes with clean fingers, or moisten cotton ball or makeup pad and swipe over eyes.

Recipes — Leave a comment
18
Apr 13

Curried Lentils and Potatoes

I usually fail miserably when I attempt to cook any type of Indian food, but this recipe actually came out tasty and flavorful.  I sort of just made it up based on other dishes I’ve had before, so I can’t say it’s an authentic Indian dish, but maybe it is haha.  It’s simple to make and packed full of fiber and protein :)

 

  • 2 cups cooked lentils
  • 2 small/medium potatoes, diced and boiled
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1/3 cup plus 1 TB veggie broth
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3/4 of a white onion, roughly chopped
  • 1 TB olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp coriander
  • 2-3 tsp curry powder
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/8 tsp cardamom
  • salt and pepper
  1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat for 3 minutes. Add the onion and cook until  translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook another 2 minutes.
  2. Add all the rest of the ingredients and stir well to cover everything in spices. Cook for about 4 minutes, then cover with lid and turn heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10 minutes. I served this over Basmati rice.

 

Beauty / DIY — Leave a comment
15
Apr 13

Homemade Coconut Oil Lotion

Have you ever looked at the ingredients on the back of your favorite bottle of lotion? It’s long, and mostly unpronounceable. Lotions almost always have parabens in them. Maybe you’ve heard the term parabens, or have noticed some products saying they are paraben free.

If you’re not sure what they are, they are  used to prevent the growth of microbes in cosmetic products and can be absorbed through the skin, blood and digestive system. They have been found in biopsies from breast tumors, at concentrations similar to those found in consumer products.  Parabens are linked to cancer, endocrine disruption, reproductive toxicity, immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity and skin irritation. Since parabens are used to kill bacteria in water-based solutions, they inherently have some toxicity to cells.

Continue reading →

Beauty / DIY — Leave a comment
10
Apr 13

Homemade Face & Body Scrubs

I meant to make this a post around the holidays, but it just never happened.  Gift giving is always stressful for me; I agonize for weeks over what  I’m going to get everyone on my list, and how much money I actually have to spend.  This past holiday season, I decided to make homemade hand and body scrubs for my boyfriend’s mom, and for my daughter’s paternal grandmother.

One of them I made using just organic cane sugar, olive oil, and lemon juice.  The other I made with the organic sugar, grapeseed & olive oils, and added vanilla and peppermint oils.  The variations and possibilities for face, hand and body scrubs are almost endless,  (well, not endless, but you definitely have variety), so I have compiled a list well beyond the 2 that I made. They’re perfect to make for “April No Foolin’ Beauty Month!”

Oatmeal and Chamomile Face Scrub:

  • -4 tbsp oats
  • -2 tbsp almonds
  • -1 tbsp dried chamomile flower
  • -1 tbsp organic brown sugar
  • -2 tbsp greek yogurt

Blend all ingredients together in food processor, until you have a chunky hummus-like texture.   Wet face, and rub onto face and neck. Let sit for 20 minutes and rinse off.

Ginger Scrub

  • • organic sugar
  • • 3 inch thumb of ginger
  • • Sunflower oil
  • • Almond Oil

To make the ginger extract: slice the ginger as thinly as possible, and put it on the stove in enough water to cover the slices. Let it come to a boil, then turn the temperature down to a slight simmer. To be strong enough, allow the ginger to cook down for a few hours, adding a cup of water here and there, to ensure the ginger pieces are not scalded.

For every 3 cups of sugar, use 1 cup oil to mix with it. Mix the oil with the extract, and add to the  sugar in a large bowl, then mix to the consistency of your liking.

Honey Almond Sleepy Sugar Scrub:

  • Mix about 3 parts organic sugar and 1 part honey.
  • 2 Tablespoons tea (I brewed an extra strong cup of  Sleepy Time tea)
  • (use this more quickly, since the tea won’t stay fresh too long)
  • 1 Teaspoon almond extract.  You could also use an essential instead.
  • Mix well

Vanilla Almond Brown Sugar Scrub:

  • Mix about 3 parts brown sugar and 2 parts olive oil (or sweet almond oil)
  •  1 cup oats
  • Handful of almonds
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or an essential oil
  • Mix in a food processor

Mud scrub

  • 1 cup organic sugar
  • 5 TBSP coffee grounds
  • 1/4 cup of olive oil
  • 1 tsp Peppermint Extract
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
Mix:
Mix sugar and coffee.
Add small amounts of oil to the sugar/coffee mix until everything is coated.
Add any fragrance you like. I chose to use Peppermint and Vanilla and they blend well with the coffee aroma.
Mix well. and You’re done.
Coconut Lime Sugar Scrub
  • 1/2 coconut oil
  • 1 1/4 cup organic sugar
  • 3 tablespoons of fresh squeezed lime

 Coconut Rose Scrub
  • 1/2 cup Coconut butter
  • 1/2/ cup Almond oil
  • 1/4 cups Sea salt
  • 1/2 cup dried rose petals
1. Place the coconut butter in a bowl and stir with a spoon or whip with a handheld mixer (this will unify the oil and the butter and form a beautiful smooth butter)
2. Grind the sea salt in a mortar until desired size on the salt crystals
3. Crush the rose petals with your hands and mix all of the ingredients in a bowl
Tea Tuesday — Leave a comment
09
Apr 13

Tea Tuesday: Turmeric Tea

I don’t cook with turmeric as often as I’d like/should, so I get excited any time I can find a new use for it.  Every time I use it in a post, I rave about the health benefits. If you’re new to using turmeric, check out this link:  http://turmerichealthbenefits.org/  

I’m excited to make this “tea” a new part of my routine!

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups of water
  • 2 teaspoons of turmeric powder
  • lemon or honey (optional)
  • stevia for taste (optional)

Directions:

  1. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil
  2. Add turmeric powder and simmer for 10 minutes
  3. Strain in a mug using a cheesecloth or mesh strainer
  4. Add lemon/ honey or stevia to sweeten it up
  5. Save the remaining tea in the fridge to drink later
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