Recently, I've been hearing an ad on the radio for an identity protection service. Completely confident about this service, the president boldly declares his social security number over the airwaves. As he wraps up the commercial, he states that a perk of subscribing to this service is a dramatic reduction in junk mail and credit card solicitations. Hmph!
I can tell you right now how to eliminate junk mail--and it won't cost you a cent! Actually, it may cost you one dollar, but that's a new fee. It will be well worth it, though, to reclaim your mailbox, reduce carbon emissions and save some trees!
Pay a visit to the New American Dream website (newdream.org) where you will find information and resources to rid yourself of junk mail. Just scroll down to the bottom of the page and select the "Freedom From Junk Mail" option in the "Take Action" box. You'll be directed to a page that lists two options to get your name off of the solicitors lists. One option offered costs $41, but the second will only run you the cost of a few stamps, plus one dollar. With the highly recommended cheapo version, you simply type in your name, address, and phone number, then hit the "Generate Letters" button. Their program will generate about seven letters addressed to various marketing businesses which you sign and mail.
I did this a few years ago and I no longer have problems with junk mail. Now, the only junk mail that I that I receive comes from charitable organizations. I made a contribution to one, that in turn sold my info to others. This has caused me to get creative about my contributions: a money order with the name of the organization and none of my personal information. I don't itemize my taxes anyway!
If you are concerned about the number of credit card solicitations that you receive, I strongly encourage you to generate and mail those letters to get the nasty solicitors out of your mailbox. You don't need to pay anyone to do what you can easily accomplish yourself.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Shame on Jena
While I am disgusted by the miscarriage of justice in Jena, Louisiana, I am heartened and by news of the successful demonstration, tens-of-thousands strong, to support the "Jena Six." With the halleople from all over the country went to Jena to express their outrage at the deplorable treatment of the six highschoolers being prosecuted for their involvement in a schoolyard fight. Democracy Now has had good coverage of this story, if I caught you slippin'. Also, be sure to sign the petition of support for the "Jena Six" at ColorofChange.org. Since I could not attend the protest, I also picked up a "Free the Jena Six" tee at the Color of Change store at GoodStorm.com.
Of course, I cannot help but wonder how it is possible that we are still facing such blatant racism in the judicial system in the year 2006. Unfortunately, the fact that injustice exists is no surprise; however, the fact that it is perpetrated so brazenly does indeed astound me. Obviously, Jena still believes in a world where a Black person dare not touch a White one, not for any reason. Welcome to the new millennium.
I don't think too many Black folks fool themselves that we consistently receive fair treatment through the American judicial system, but I do think it is easy to be complacent, especially when the unfairness does not affect you or someone you know. I currently live in Stockton, California, but I am from the San Francisco Bay Area, via Minneapolis, Minnesota. Everywhere that I have lived has been pretty diverse compared to Jena standards. Either discrimination and racism in these parts (where I have lived) are more subtle, or else their pervasiveness has made them more difficult to detect. I am not sure.
I do know that the aspect of these six cases that should not be lost in all the talk about discrimination, racism and injustice is that these are just children. Just kids. Kids whose childhood has been tainted by the vileness of racism. Kids whose innocence has been stolen by systemic injustice.
These are just a few of the videos out there about the "Jena Six."
Of course, I cannot help but wonder how it is possible that we are still facing such blatant racism in the judicial system in the year 2006. Unfortunately, the fact that injustice exists is no surprise; however, the fact that it is perpetrated so brazenly does indeed astound me. Obviously, Jena still believes in a world where a Black person dare not touch a White one, not for any reason. Welcome to the new millennium.
I don't think too many Black folks fool themselves that we consistently receive fair treatment through the American judicial system, but I do think it is easy to be complacent, especially when the unfairness does not affect you or someone you know. I currently live in Stockton, California, but I am from the San Francisco Bay Area, via Minneapolis, Minnesota. Everywhere that I have lived has been pretty diverse compared to Jena standards. Either discrimination and racism in these parts (where I have lived) are more subtle, or else their pervasiveness has made them more difficult to detect. I am not sure.
I do know that the aspect of these six cases that should not be lost in all the talk about discrimination, racism and injustice is that these are just children. Just kids. Kids whose childhood has been tainted by the vileness of racism. Kids whose innocence has been stolen by systemic injustice.
These are just a few of the videos out there about the "Jena Six."
Saturday, September 15, 2007
It Is Love!
As promised, I am back with a review of Valana Minerals Luxury Foundation. Long name amazing results! Before I even tried the product, I was gushing over it. And, yes, I have indeed fallen in love. I am happy to say that Stardust Luxury Foundation is the mineral make-up I have been waiting for--a non-toxic product formulated for women of color.
Although I knew that I needed a warm-with-red-undertones shade, I purchased six sample pots in a range of colors just to be sure. I'll also be eligible for a $10 discount when I order the full-size product.
I have used mineral make-up before, but I noticed a huge difference with Valana Minerals Stardust Luxury Foundation. With six colors in front of me, it was difficult for me to decide which one was a match to my skin. I have medium brown skin with red undertones. In the pots, the colors all looked pretty dark. As I tried each one, I realized that they look dark because they are pure color. They don't contain chemical fillers that make them look chalky on the skin. In fact, the color looks positively radiant. I settled on Gentle Amber. Here are the available colors:
Golden Honey
Golden Honey is a sweet blend of light tan with yellow - peach undertones, and gold highlights.
Earth Diva
Earth Diva merges medium tan with neutral to olive undertones and gold highlights.
Sweet Amber
Sweet Amber combines medium tan with a reddish orange undertone, and bronze highlights.
Fire Spice
Fire Spice is a balanced medium brown with gold highlights.
Golden Queen
Golden Queen is a royal blend of light tan with a deep yellow tone and golden highlights.
Earth Sable
Earth Sable incorporates dark tan with peach undertones, an olive hue and gold highlights.
Amber Blaze
Amber Blaze is light neutral reddish brown with subtle bronze highlights.
Fire Goddess
Fire Goddess is deep neutral brown with subtle reddish brown highlights.
Golden Bamboo
Golden Bamboo is a smooth medium tan with yellow-olive undertones, a peach hue and gold highlights.
Mother Earth
Mother Earth is deep brown with olive undertones, an orange hue and golden highlights.
Gentle Amber
Gentle Amber is medium brown with red undertones and bronze highlights.
Ebony Fire
Ebony Fire combines deep, rich neutral brown and a spark of golden highlights.
Golden Sand
Golden Sand infuses medium/deep brown with olive-yellow undertones and golden highlights.
Earth Onyx
Earth Onyx is an infusion of deep rich brown with olive undertones, a hint of blue and a subtle orange glow.
Red Amber
Red Amber joins deep brown with red undertones and bronze highlights.
[Photos and descriptions are courtesy of Valanaminerals.com]
Don't let your computer monitor fool you; these are fabulously rich colors. They are divided into groups of shades appropriate for yellow, olive, red and neutral undertones. Application is a breeze. You just swirl the color onto the brush and whisk it over your face, layering to deepen coverage. A little goes a long way.
Although I knew that I needed a warm-with-red-undertones shade, I purchased six sample pots in a range of colors just to be sure. I'll also be eligible for a $10 discount when I order the full-size product.
I have used mineral make-up before, but I noticed a huge difference with Valana Minerals Stardust Luxury Foundation. With six colors in front of me, it was difficult for me to decide which one was a match to my skin. I have medium brown skin with red undertones. In the pots, the colors all looked pretty dark. As I tried each one, I realized that they look dark because they are pure color. They don't contain chemical fillers that make them look chalky on the skin. In fact, the color looks positively radiant. I settled on Gentle Amber. Here are the available colors:
Golden Honey
Golden Honey is a sweet blend of light tan with yellow - peach undertones, and gold highlights.
Earth Diva
Earth Diva merges medium tan with neutral to olive undertones and gold highlights.
Sweet Amber
Sweet Amber combines medium tan with a reddish orange undertone, and bronze highlights.
Fire Spice
Fire Spice is a balanced medium brown with gold highlights.
Golden Queen
Golden Queen is a royal blend of light tan with a deep yellow tone and golden highlights.
Earth Sable
Earth Sable incorporates dark tan with peach undertones, an olive hue and gold highlights.
Amber Blaze
Amber Blaze is light neutral reddish brown with subtle bronze highlights.
Fire Goddess
Fire Goddess is deep neutral brown with subtle reddish brown highlights.
Golden Bamboo
Golden Bamboo is a smooth medium tan with yellow-olive undertones, a peach hue and gold highlights.
Mother Earth
Mother Earth is deep brown with olive undertones, an orange hue and golden highlights.
Gentle Amber
Gentle Amber is medium brown with red undertones and bronze highlights.
Ebony Fire
Ebony Fire combines deep, rich neutral brown and a spark of golden highlights.
Golden Sand
Golden Sand infuses medium/deep brown with olive-yellow undertones and golden highlights.
Earth Onyx
Earth Onyx is an infusion of deep rich brown with olive undertones, a hint of blue and a subtle orange glow.
Red Amber
Red Amber joins deep brown with red undertones and bronze highlights.
[Photos and descriptions are courtesy of Valanaminerals.com]
Don't let your computer monitor fool you; these are fabulously rich colors. They are divided into groups of shades appropriate for yellow, olive, red and neutral undertones. Application is a breeze. You just swirl the color onto the brush and whisk it over your face, layering to deepen coverage. A little goes a long way.
I also purchased the Sparkie Lips Color Stick in Velvet Pomegranate. I was expecting a lip gloss, which I never wear, but I was so excited about the prospect of an explicitly vegan lip product that ordered it anyway. Once again, I was very pleased with this Valana Minerals product. Happily, Sparkie Lips Color Sticks are more of a glossy lipstick than a lip gloss. Perfect, because I am a hardcore lipstick wearer, meaning that I don't go out of the house without it. This is a deeply pigmented concoction that smells (and tastes!) great. It was flattering to my skin tone and lasted a long time. Next time I'll try the Copper Porto.
Oh, but I'm not done raving about Valana Minerals. Now, for the the icing on the cake: When I e-mailed Customer Service seeking permission to use the product photos in my blog, I received an e-mail from the owner, Valerie Reed. She so gets me; she wrote:
"I believe that women of color deserve great quality-harmless cosmetic choices and good customer service just like other ethnic groups and I'm honored to provide."
This is one busy lady, and she took the time out to respond to me. Having worked in retail for 20 years, or so, customer service is a real sticking point with me. My Valana Minerals experience exceeded my expectations in every way. Can you say customer for life?
Saturday, August 25, 2007
It Must Be Magic!
Magic Chocolate Cake, that is.
I had it for breakfast this morning, dessert and midnight snack last night; I took it to work to share with my co-workers yesterday; I had it for dessert the night before last; and, I snacked on it last weekend. I am in seventh heaven.
I have been seeing this recipe around for awhile, but I never tried it until last week. This is a decadent, sinful, moist chocolate cake, and it's completely vegan. This cake recipe is the easiest you'll find, whether your are a vegan or not. Notice that it has only 9 ingredients, all of which (with the possible exception of cocoa powder) are in your kitchen right now. This is the perfect recipe to bake with kids. Supervise them closely, of course.
I am going to post the recipe here, but I urge you to check out the demo at Mercy for Animals. If you have QuickTime, you may also be able to view the demo at CompassionateCooks.com.
This is the recipe for a single layer cake that you cook and serve from a square pan--like a snack cake, or it should also yield 12 cupcakes (use liners). Double the recipe and bake in two greased and floured 8"-9" round pans, or one Bundt pan. I had some difficulty with sticking with each of the last two methods, so be careful and patient when removing from the pans.
Magic Chocolate Cake
Preheat oven to °350
1 1/2 C. Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
3/4 C. Sugar
1 t. Baking soda
1/4 t. Salt
3 T. Cocoa powder
1 C. Cold water
1 t. Vanilla extract
1/3 C. Vegetable Oil
1 T. White vinegar
Combine the dry ingredients in a medium bowl (large, if you double the recipe). Mix well, using a fork.
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
Combine the water, vegetable oil and vanilla. Pour into the well in the dry ingredients. Add the vinegar, and mix well with a fork.
Pour into (greased and floured, if desired) pan. Bake for 25- 30 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
Let cool completely and frost with this simple chocolate icing recipe:
Simple Chocolate Icing
2 T. Earth Balance Buttery Spread
1/2 t. Vanilla extract
1 1/3 C. Powdered sugar
1/3 C. Cocoa powder
Soy milk
Soften Buttery Spread in a mixing bowl. Beat in vanilla extract. Mix in powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Add just enough soy milk to achieve desired spreading consistency. Be careful not to add too much, only a tablespoon at a time.
This is enough icing for the top of a snack cake. I would triple (or even quadruple) the recipe for a two-layer cake.
Notes:
I used (King Arthur Flour brand) White Whole Wheat Flour, Organic Sugar and Pure Bourbon Vanilla Extract, all from Trader Joe's. My cocoa is Chatfield's Premium Cocoa Powder; it's alkaline free (or "non-Dutched").
For the icing, I purchase the organic version of Earth Balance Buttery Spread at Trader Joe's, as well as their organic powdered sugar. Of course, I used the same vanilla and cocoa.
I had it for breakfast this morning, dessert and midnight snack last night; I took it to work to share with my co-workers yesterday; I had it for dessert the night before last; and, I snacked on it last weekend. I am in seventh heaven.
I have been seeing this recipe around for awhile, but I never tried it until last week. This is a decadent, sinful, moist chocolate cake, and it's completely vegan. This cake recipe is the easiest you'll find, whether your are a vegan or not. Notice that it has only 9 ingredients, all of which (with the possible exception of cocoa powder) are in your kitchen right now. This is the perfect recipe to bake with kids. Supervise them closely, of course.
I am going to post the recipe here, but I urge you to check out the demo at Mercy for Animals. If you have QuickTime, you may also be able to view the demo at CompassionateCooks.com.
This is the recipe for a single layer cake that you cook and serve from a square pan--like a snack cake, or it should also yield 12 cupcakes (use liners). Double the recipe and bake in two greased and floured 8"-9" round pans, or one Bundt pan. I had some difficulty with sticking with each of the last two methods, so be careful and patient when removing from the pans.
Magic Chocolate Cake
Preheat oven to °350
1 1/2 C. Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
3/4 C. Sugar
1 t. Baking soda
1/4 t. Salt
3 T. Cocoa powder
1 C. Cold water
1 t. Vanilla extract
1/3 C. Vegetable Oil
1 T. White vinegar
Combine the dry ingredients in a medium bowl (large, if you double the recipe). Mix well, using a fork.
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
Combine the water, vegetable oil and vanilla. Pour into the well in the dry ingredients. Add the vinegar, and mix well with a fork.
Pour into (greased and floured, if desired) pan. Bake for 25- 30 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
Let cool completely and frost with this simple chocolate icing recipe:
Simple Chocolate Icing
2 T. Earth Balance Buttery Spread
1/2 t. Vanilla extract
1 1/3 C. Powdered sugar
1/3 C. Cocoa powder
Soy milk
Soften Buttery Spread in a mixing bowl. Beat in vanilla extract. Mix in powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Add just enough soy milk to achieve desired spreading consistency. Be careful not to add too much, only a tablespoon at a time.
This is enough icing for the top of a snack cake. I would triple (or even quadruple) the recipe for a two-layer cake.
Notes:
I used (King Arthur Flour brand) White Whole Wheat Flour, Organic Sugar and Pure Bourbon Vanilla Extract, all from Trader Joe's. My cocoa is Chatfield's Premium Cocoa Powder; it's alkaline free (or "non-Dutched").
For the icing, I purchase the organic version of Earth Balance Buttery Spread at Trader Joe's, as well as their organic powdered sugar. Of course, I used the same vanilla and cocoa.
Yes, I'm Ready to Fall in Love with Valana Minerals Stardust Luxury Foundation
Yesterday, I visited the Skin Deep cosmetics database, in search of a non-toxic mineral foundation powder. I had actually intended to get the name of another product that I had seen on the list before so that I could visit their website.
Thankfully, I noticed there was a newer name in the top fifty foundation products with the lowest safety concerns: Valana Minerals Stardust Luxury Foundation. Valana Minerals occupies the #8 spot as well as the #26 through #39 spots on the list. Pretty impressive for a new comer, since there are 648 products listed in the foundation category.
I searched the internet and located their website: ValanaMinerals.com. Actually, that's Valana Minerals: Natural Mineral Makeup Formulated for Women of Color. I was bubbling over with joy as soon as soon as the home page opened. Then, I looked at the actual colors of the foundation. Wow! These are gorgeous, rich colors begging to be applied to our skin. Skin Deep lists the ingredients according to the packaging as: Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, and Iron Oxides. Valana minerals contains no parabens and provides natural sunscreen protection.
This line is created by Valerie Reed, an African American entrepreneur who merits appreciation, support and admiration. Check out this video for additional details about the product and an application demonstration.
Well, I ordered 5 samples of the Stardust Luxury Foundation and I can't wait until they arrive. I also purchased a Sparkie Lips Color Stick in Velvet Pomegranate. This is a vegan lip gloss. Ooooh! I can hardly wait! As soon as I determine the best color foundation for me, I am also planning to purchase makeup application brushes from Valana Minerals Velvet Plush Brush Collection. These are faux brushes, so they are vegan and cruelty free. It just keeps getting better and better!
Additional items Valana Minerals offers include: Cheeky Cheek Pots© Blushes, Eye Indulgence Eye Color©, and Blazing Bronzers©.
Thankfully, I noticed there was a newer name in the top fifty foundation products with the lowest safety concerns: Valana Minerals Stardust Luxury Foundation. Valana Minerals occupies the #8 spot as well as the #26 through #39 spots on the list. Pretty impressive for a new comer, since there are 648 products listed in the foundation category.
I searched the internet and located their website: ValanaMinerals.com. Actually, that's Valana Minerals: Natural Mineral Makeup Formulated for Women of Color. I was bubbling over with joy as soon as soon as the home page opened. Then, I looked at the actual colors of the foundation. Wow! These are gorgeous, rich colors begging to be applied to our skin. Skin Deep lists the ingredients according to the packaging as: Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, and Iron Oxides. Valana minerals contains no parabens and provides natural sunscreen protection.
This line is created by Valerie Reed, an African American entrepreneur who merits appreciation, support and admiration. Check out this video for additional details about the product and an application demonstration.
Well, I ordered 5 samples of the Stardust Luxury Foundation and I can't wait until they arrive. I also purchased a Sparkie Lips Color Stick in Velvet Pomegranate. This is a vegan lip gloss. Ooooh! I can hardly wait! As soon as I determine the best color foundation for me, I am also planning to purchase makeup application brushes from Valana Minerals Velvet Plush Brush Collection. These are faux brushes, so they are vegan and cruelty free. It just keeps getting better and better!
Additional items Valana Minerals offers include: Cheeky Cheek Pots© Blushes, Eye Indulgence Eye Color©, and Blazing Bronzers©.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Vegan Cooking
For the most part, I am a vegan, though on occasion I turn a blind eye to egg and/or milk ingredients in sweets that I get out. That's rare. Being veg* provides an incredible opportunity to experiment with foods, though I usually refer to myself as "a vegetarian who doesn't eat vegetables." I'm into carbs. Trust me; it's something I am working on.
Whenever I cook, I usually have to play around with ingredients to find workable substitutions for things like milk and eggs. Even when I find a vegan recipe, I usually end up making some changes anyway.
I am by no means a gourmet, but I do enjoy cooking. I would like it even more, except I am usually cooking for one. Recently, I tried out a recipe for a "mock meatloaf" made with "meatless ground" that I found at Black Vegetarians. With the adjustments that I made, it didn't hold together and was a little too catsupy. That left me wanting to give a lentil loaf a try. I am always happy to find one on a veg* menu at a restaurant. And, an ex's mother used to make a good one, though probably not vegan.
I began to put the ingredients together in my head, and here's the easy, super-healthy version I came up with:
Lentil Loaf
2 1/2 C. lentils, cooked
1/2 med. onion, chopped
1 small green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 C. carrots, chopped
1/2 C. mushrooms, chopped
1 C. whole oats
1/3 C. sunflower seeds, unsalted raw
1/3 C. flaxseed meal
2 T. olive oil
2 T. catsup
2 tsp. vegan worsteshire sauce
1 tsp. Bragg's liquid aminos (optional)
1 T. vegetable broth base (or 1 vegetable bouillon cube + 1 T. water)
pepper, to taste
Preheat oven to °350 F.
In large mixing bowl, mash lentils with potato masher.
Saute vegetables in olive oil untils onion begin to become transparent.
Add vegetables to mashed lentils.
Blend in (with a spoon) remaining ingredients.
Oil 1 lb. loaf pan and press in lentil mixture. Cover pan with foil.
Bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake for additional 5 minutes.
Let sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Enjoy!
This is really tasty, so I'm going to stick with this recipe for all my future Lentil Loaf needs.
Notes:
I didn't use any topping because I served my loaf with gravy and mashed potatoes.
If you click on the links in the recipe, they will take you to The World's Healthiest Foods website. It's not a veg* site, but if you are interested in eating healthy foods, this is the spot. Whfoods.org has wonderful information on some of the healthiest foods you can include in your diet. Check it out. You may want to look into their "healthy saute" method and use vegetable broth in place of the olive oil. I did not try out my recipe that way, so I don't know what effect this method would have on the outcome. If you are counting calories, or if you are concerned about heating oil, it may be worth a try.
I purchased a package of "steamed lentils", from Trader Joes. Perfect, since I know little about actually cooking legumes. Every time I try to cook lentils, the skins come off. The lentils from TJs were cooked, firm, and still retained their shape. When you mash them, don't worry about every little lentil. The effect is better when people see that the loaf is made from lentils. That way they don't have to worry that they are eating something really strange.
I also chopped carrots from the package of shredded carrots that I purchased there. Easy. Red Mill Flaxseed Meal? Organic Catsup? Virgin Olive Oil? Mushrooms? Raw sunflower seeds? All from TJs, as well.
The vegan worsteshire sauce was Annie's brand. If your local grocery stores don't carry it, check the local health food stores. I bought the Superior Touch Better Than Bouillon vegetable base from my local grocery store. I was planning to use a bouillon cube, but when I was in the grocery store, I was sold by the "V" for "vegan certified by vegan. org" on the Better Than Bouillon label.
And, if your are not a veg*, use whatever you have that works for you.
Whenever I cook, I usually have to play around with ingredients to find workable substitutions for things like milk and eggs. Even when I find a vegan recipe, I usually end up making some changes anyway.
I am by no means a gourmet, but I do enjoy cooking. I would like it even more, except I am usually cooking for one. Recently, I tried out a recipe for a "mock meatloaf" made with "meatless ground" that I found at Black Vegetarians. With the adjustments that I made, it didn't hold together and was a little too catsupy. That left me wanting to give a lentil loaf a try. I am always happy to find one on a veg* menu at a restaurant. And, an ex's mother used to make a good one, though probably not vegan.
I began to put the ingredients together in my head, and here's the easy, super-healthy version I came up with:
Lentil Loaf
2 1/2 C. lentils, cooked
1/2 med. onion, chopped
1 small green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 C. carrots, chopped
1/2 C. mushrooms, chopped
1 C. whole oats
1/3 C. sunflower seeds, unsalted raw
1/3 C. flaxseed meal
2 T. olive oil
2 T. catsup
2 tsp. vegan worsteshire sauce
1 tsp. Bragg's liquid aminos (optional)
1 T. vegetable broth base (or 1 vegetable bouillon cube + 1 T. water)
pepper, to taste
Preheat oven to °350 F.
In large mixing bowl, mash lentils with potato masher.
Saute vegetables in olive oil untils onion begin to become transparent.
Add vegetables to mashed lentils.
Blend in (with a spoon) remaining ingredients.
Oil 1 lb. loaf pan and press in lentil mixture. Cover pan with foil.
Bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake for additional 5 minutes.
Let sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Enjoy!
This is really tasty, so I'm going to stick with this recipe for all my future Lentil Loaf needs.
Notes:
I didn't use any topping because I served my loaf with gravy and mashed potatoes.
If you click on the links in the recipe, they will take you to The World's Healthiest Foods website. It's not a veg* site, but if you are interested in eating healthy foods, this is the spot. Whfoods.org has wonderful information on some of the healthiest foods you can include in your diet. Check it out. You may want to look into their "healthy saute" method and use vegetable broth in place of the olive oil. I did not try out my recipe that way, so I don't know what effect this method would have on the outcome. If you are counting calories, or if you are concerned about heating oil, it may be worth a try.
I purchased a package of "steamed lentils", from Trader Joes. Perfect, since I know little about actually cooking legumes. Every time I try to cook lentils, the skins come off. The lentils from TJs were cooked, firm, and still retained their shape. When you mash them, don't worry about every little lentil. The effect is better when people see that the loaf is made from lentils. That way they don't have to worry that they are eating something really strange.
I also chopped carrots from the package of shredded carrots that I purchased there. Easy. Red Mill Flaxseed Meal? Organic Catsup? Virgin Olive Oil? Mushrooms? Raw sunflower seeds? All from TJs, as well.
The vegan worsteshire sauce was Annie's brand. If your local grocery stores don't carry it, check the local health food stores. I bought the Superior Touch Better Than Bouillon vegetable base from my local grocery store. I was planning to use a bouillon cube, but when I was in the grocery store, I was sold by the "V" for "vegan certified by vegan. org" on the Better Than Bouillon label.
And, if your are not a veg*, use whatever you have that works for you.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Getting Off Product-Junkie Road
Once upon a time, when I was a product junkie, I needed to try every new cream, lotion, or gel that was within my price range, and too often, some that were outside it. I have always held out the hope that something somewhere would cure my acne, soften my elbows, or fade scars. But since the I started learning about what some seemingly innocuous ingredients in “products” might be doing to my health, I have become wary.
Now, I am in recovery and I almost cringe to think what dangerous chemicals are in my skin care and hair care products. In some cases, I have been able to find suitable replacements. Often it’s a case of going with the lesser of the two (or many more) evils. Sometimes I feel like I just don’t have a choice. When you get down to it, figuring out what all those little chemicals do is a tough road to navigate. A helpful resource that everyone should know about is Skin Deep, Environmental Working Group’s cosmetics safety database. Skin Deep ranks cosmetics and personal care items from least to most health hazardous. Each entry in the database also contains a list of ingredients and information about possible safety concerns for each one.
I am far from having the perfect--natural, organic, vegan, environmentally conscientious-- skin care, hair care, and cosmetic regimen, but Skin Deep is definitely the most important tool that I have found to help me achieve that goal. Right now, I especially try to avoid products that contain preservatives in the form of parabens, which are endocrine disruptors and possibly carcinogenic, as well. Endocrine disruptors are substances that can interfere with normal hormone circulation and activity in the body.
Thankfully, I have never been on a full-on cosmetics user, although I do use eyeliner (or mascara) and lipstick pretty regularly. I would like to be more careful about the products that I choose, but finding alternatives to the readily available chemical-laden cosmetics is none too easy. I get really happy when I find a product that not only ranks low for safety concerns in the Skin Deep database, but is also vegan and not tested on animals. So, in future posts, I'll share some of the brands and products I have found that are worthwhile options.
Now, I am in recovery and I almost cringe to think what dangerous chemicals are in my skin care and hair care products. In some cases, I have been able to find suitable replacements. Often it’s a case of going with the lesser of the two (or many more) evils. Sometimes I feel like I just don’t have a choice. When you get down to it, figuring out what all those little chemicals do is a tough road to navigate. A helpful resource that everyone should know about is Skin Deep, Environmental Working Group’s cosmetics safety database. Skin Deep ranks cosmetics and personal care items from least to most health hazardous. Each entry in the database also contains a list of ingredients and information about possible safety concerns for each one.
I am far from having the perfect--natural, organic, vegan, environmentally conscientious-- skin care, hair care, and cosmetic regimen, but Skin Deep is definitely the most important tool that I have found to help me achieve that goal. Right now, I especially try to avoid products that contain preservatives in the form of parabens, which are endocrine disruptors and possibly carcinogenic, as well. Endocrine disruptors are substances that can interfere with normal hormone circulation and activity in the body.
Thankfully, I have never been on a full-on cosmetics user, although I do use eyeliner (or mascara) and lipstick pretty regularly. I would like to be more careful about the products that I choose, but finding alternatives to the readily available chemical-laden cosmetics is none too easy. I get really happy when I find a product that not only ranks low for safety concerns in the Skin Deep database, but is also vegan and not tested on animals. So, in future posts, I'll share some of the brands and products I have found that are worthwhile options.
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