Organix Pet Food Deal!

We don't  forget about your 4 legged pals!  Go here for a great coupon $5/1 for Castor & Pollux's Organix line of organic pet food!

Gluten Free Brown Rice Ramen

All the convenience of traditional ramen noodles without wheat and gluten! These 100% organic brown rice Japanese style noodle cakes can easily be prepared in just a few short minutes. They have a "delicate texture and a nutty flavor suitable for most dishes". Try with a brown rice miso and add in your own favorite organic veggies!

Vegan Wednesday! Burnin' Butt Burritos!

Burnin' Butt Burritos! (adapted from the recipe in the "How It All Vegan" cookbook)

2 red peppers, sliced and seeds removed
3 jalapenos, sliced and seeds removed
2 cups, cooked rice
1 or 2 cans of refried beans
1 package soy vegan cheese (optional)
2 garlic cloves, diced
1 small onion, diced
1 tbsp. cooking oil (I used olive oil)
4 tortillas (I prefer whole wheat)
Salsa or guacamole (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Saute peppers, jalapenos, garlic and onion in oil until onions become translucent. Cook rice as needed. Lay out tortillas and fill with toppings, roll up and lay on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes (depends on how crispy you want the tortillas). Makes about 4 burritos. (We actually had plenty for leftovers and were able to make a few meals out of this...which is always nice!)

Top with salsa or guacamole. You can vary the filling that you want, or add less or more peppers to spice it up or tame it a bit. These are delicious and easy! I highly recommend them!

Olive Lovin'!

Homemade beauty treatments have long utilized olive oil. Rich with powerful antioxidants and known for its skin softening properties, this simple ingredient can make all the difference in keeping yourself looking and feeling amazing! Here are a few beauty tips for making the most of olive oil:

Sunburn Relief!
Though summer is coming to a close, there are still many of us using our last free moments to hit the lakes, and that means baking and burning under the sun in the process. Olive oil is a natural way to soothe and repair sun damaged skin because of its wonderful healing properties (We recommend an Organic variety such as "Field Day Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil") . Try adding a cup to your bath water and soak for 30 minutes. This allows the olive oil to penetrate deep into the skins pores and work more effectively. Pat dry with a soft towel to avoid aggravating any soreness from sun damage.

Be a Softy...
When it comes to your skin, that is! Olive oil has natural properties that moisturize and soften the skin. Apply to areas of dry skin and it can definitely help relieve any dryness or flakiness you might be experiencing. Treat yourself to a mini-manicure by soaking fingers for 30 minutes to soften cuticles until they are supple enough to safely push away from the nail bed. Or apply a thick layer to your heels to repair those cracks that lotions just can't handle. Even massaging a generous amount in hair, and leaving in for 30-60 minutes, can greatly help in alleviating itchy scalp, dandruff, and split ends.

Treat yourself to a spa night every once in awhile with this one, simple ingredient (Men, don't forget to try these out, too!). You deserve some TLC! And your body will appreciate it!

Just in time for Summer!

We now have four different varieties of Goldbaum's Gluten-Free ice cream cones! Choose from sugar, cocoa-sugar, jumbo sugar and vanilla wafer. All of Goldbaum's cones are gluten-free, kosher, vegan and low in calories!

Vegan Wednesday! Wayfare Vegan "Cheese"!

Food For Thought carries Wayfare Vegan cheese spreads. It's great on crackers or sandwiches. My favorite is the "hickory cheddar". It tastes like Cheez-Whiz, only a LOT healthier! Made with whole grain oatmeal, they contain no dairy and no artificial colors or sweeteners. Delicious!

They are located in our grab-n-go cooler, with some delicious hummus dips. Snap one up today.

Coming Soon: Vegan pudding from Wayfare. We can't wait!

Cool as a Cucumber!

Ever wonder why spas place cucumber slices on your eyes while relaxing? It may look a bit silly and maybe even cliched, but the spas are onto something. Cucumbers are 95 percent water and have a pH level comparable to that of our own skin. Because they contain ascorbic and caffeic acids, cucumbers are able to significantly reduce water retention and are great to treat swollen eyes, sunburns, and even some cases of dermatitis! Many skin care products use cukes for their hydrating and cooling qualities to soothe irritated and inflamed areas without drying out skin. After a long day at the office or staring at your computer screen, it's the perfect way to relieve stress and get rid of dark bags under your eyes! So slice one up and get relaxing!
And if you decide to munch on a few slices, no worries... Cukes are a great way to keep your insides feeling healthy and fresh, too!