The Healthy Voyager

The Healthy Voyager Blog Has Moved to HealthyVoyager.com

2010-06-19T13:43:00.000-07:00

The NEW & IMPROVED HealthyVoyager.com is here!

From now on, all the blog posts, podcasts, videos, and more will be found on the new

website.

Thanks for following the blog for all of these years on blogger!

I hope to see you at the NEW HealthyVoyager.com and

be sure to sign up for the newsletter & the online community!

xoxoxo

The Healthy Voyager

You Mexi-Can Eat Healthy South of the Border!

2010-06-18T00:05:00.000-07:00

So I've already raved about the healthy yet delicious options I found in Cancun. But as promised, there is more!! And this time, I'll be chatting dining out as well as dining on the adventure tours. Let's roll!

In the La Isla Shopping complex, neat The Taco Grill, you will find Mr. Papas. A potato house and piano bar, you'll eat well and be entertained without a doubt. Very accommodating to special diets seeing as how you can customize your potato any way you like, Mr. Papas is a fun night out. Even if potatoes aren't' your fave, their expansive international menu is bound to have something for you.

In the main party zone, there are tons of American chain places like Chili's, Rainforest Cafe & Hard Rock Cafe to name a few. You can absolutely find healthy options there if you're not willing to eat local cuisine and I've covered these joints in a previous post of chain restaurant dining. But, if you are willing to try something new but want to stay in the thick of the action, try Mex-Treme. They got live music and dancing so you can get your preliminary groove on while dining.They can hook you up with plenty of vegetarian options as well as some fun beverages to get your party started!

Hacienda Sisal Mexican Grill is not only a grand looking place, it boasts a super neat dining and entertainment club whose setting rivals that of Disney World. The faux, outdoor dining area is a large courtyard complete with the "sets" of pueblo apartments surrounding the tables and the large stage. Featuring live entertainment, dancing, music and local folk artists, Hacienda Sisal feels like you're really getting a slice of Mexican culture along with your guac ; ) The food isn't to shabby either! I loved my sizzling veggie fajitas and yeas, of course, a large helping of fresh, made at my table guacamole.

The coolest thing to do in the Yucatan aside from eating, drinking and lounging, is the tours to the Mayan ruins and villages. We especially love d our All-Tour-Native Tours to Coba. The Maya Encounter tour to Coba is the only ruin in the Yucatan that you are still allowed to climb and on this tour you get to zip line, rappel and swim in an underground, freshwater lake called a cenote (sen-oh-teh). Since you are on an all day excursion, they include lunch at a traditional Mayan village. A lunch I was afraid of so I packed lots of vegan bars. But, I was pleasantly surprise with the wide variety of veggie options that were made super fresh. A hearty veggie soup, veggie beans, rice, salsa a guac. That's all I needed to keep me going through my journey into the past ; )

A can't miss is the Chichen-Itza Tour. One of the new 7 wonders of the world, Chichen-Itza is one of the most recognized Mayan ruin villages around. Unfortunately you can climb any of the structures but regardless, it's impressive. The ball field and main pyramid are breathtaking and the stories behind them are mega fascinating. On most of the tours they take you to a super neat cenote near by to swim and they too provide lunch. A large buffest full of veggies, salads, beans and other goodies, you won't go hungry.

That's a wrap on Cancun but not of the state of Quintana Roo! Join me when I summarize the best of Playa Del Carmen!!

A Funfilled Father's Day

2010-06-11T00:05:00.001-07:00

Nothing makes my dad happier than a day at the beach, surfing and just enjoying the sun and ocean. Luckily, Father's Day falls in the summer so it's a great time of year to get outdoors and spend some quality time with the dads in your life (fathers, hubbies, brothers and buddies). Nothing is more appropriate for a fun filled Father's Day then some outdoor dining and adventurous activities. You can get your dad any number of ties and gadgets but giving him an experience and memories beats any wrapped gift ; ) So, I've whipped up a few dad approved recipes as well as some ideas for activities that might put a smile on his face this year!

First of all, think about what kind of guy your dad is.

Water sports enthusiast - If so, then consider Fathers Day gift ideas such as a jet boat ride, a day of scuba driving, surfing or a trip down the whitewater in a kayak.
Speed guy - If that's the case then the way you should go is a day spent driving a rally car or an experience in a unique V8 supercar. If, on the other hand, dad is the type who likes the sky, then consider Fathers Day gifts like paragliding, hot air ballooning or sky diving.
Outdoorsman - How about a family hike or camping trip?
Sports freak - Get tickets to his favorite team's game or take him out to play. Shoot some hoops, play some golf, whatever his sports persuasion, gather the family and do it together
Dare devil - Try rappelling, zip lining or spelunking

If you want to top off a great day of fun or are just thinking of taking it easy that day, either way, cook up a storm of love that dad won't soon forget!

Mediterannean Medley Potato Salad

1 pound whole tiny new potatoes
1/3 cup veganaise
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
1/4 cup pitted kalamata olives, coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons capers, drained
2 tablespoons finely chopped green onion
1/2 of a small red onion, sliced and separated into rings

Place potatoes in a medium saucepan; add water to cover and, if desired, 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 15 to 20 minutes or until just tender. Drain well. Cool slightly. Cut potatoes into quarters and place in a large bowl.

Meanwhile, for dressing, in a small bowl combine veganaise, lemon juice, garlic, and pepper. Stir in olives, capers, and green onion. Pour dressing over potatoes. Add onion. Toss gently to mix.

Cover and chill for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours, stirring salad occasionally. Makes 6 side-dish servings.

Green Kabobs

8 green onions
12 baby green pattypan squash
12 baby zucchini
1 cup sugar snap pea pods
1/3 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons snipped fresh oregano or 1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano, crushed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoons pepper

Rinse and trim vegetables. Cut a 3-inch portion from the bottom of 6 of the green onions. Save remaining onion tops for another use. Place pattypan squash, zucchini, pea pods, and 3-inch green onion portions in a plastic bag set in a shallow dish.

Finely chop remaining 2 green onions. For marinade, in a screw-top jar combine olive oil, vinegar, finely chopped green onion, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cover and shake well. Pour marinade over vegetables in the bag. Close bag. Marinate vegetables in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours, turning bag occasionally.

Drain vegetables, reserving marinade. On 6 long bamboo* or metal skewers, poke vegetables in alternating order. Cook vegetables on the rack of an uncovered grill directly over medium coals for 8 to 10 minutes or until browned and tender, turning and brushing with reserved marinade occasionally. Makes 6 side-dish servings.

*Note: If using bamboo skewers, keep them from catching fire or charring by soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes before use.

Best BBQ Veggie Burger

4 tablespoons hickory barbecue sauce
1 tablespoon molasses
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained
2 cups cooked brown rice
1 tablespoon oat bran
2 tablespoons onions, finely chopped
1 tablespoon finely chopped canned beets
1 teaspoon beet juice
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon pickled jalapeno pepper, chopped
1 egg replacer
2 teaspoons olive oil
Vegan cheese of your choice

Stir together barbecue sauce and molasses. Set aside. In a large bowl, mash beans. Stir in 3 tablespoons of the barbecue mixture (reserving remaining for brushing) and remaining ingredients -- rice through egg replacer. Form into four 6 oz patties.

Heat olive oil in a cast iron or non-stick skillet over medium. Grill burgers for 2 minutes on one side. Turn and brush with remaining barbecue/molasses mixture. Top with vegan cheese and grill for another 2 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions and mustard on a bun which has been grilled in vegan butter.

Peanut Brittle-y Bread Pudding

2-1/4 cups soymilk
4 egg replacers
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla
1 teaspoon finely shredded orange peel
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 cups dry French, Italian, or sourdough bread cubes*
1 cup coarsely chopped vegan peanut brittle
1/3 cup vegan butter
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 medium bananas, sliced
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon rum or orange juice
1 tablespoon banana liqueur, creme de cacao, or orange juice
vegan vanilla ice cream (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a bowl beat together milk, egg replacer, granulated sugar, vanilla, orange peel, and cinnamon. Place bread cubes in an ungreased 2-quart square baking dish. Pour mixture evenly over bread cubes. Sprinkle with chopped peanut brittle.

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean. Cool slightly. Serve warm with Bananas Foster Sauce (below)and vanilla ice cream, if desired. Makes 8 servings with 3 tablespoons sauce.

Bananas Foster Sauce: In a large skillet melt vegan butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar until melted. Add bananas. Cook and gently stir over medium heat about 1 minute or until heated through. Remove from heat. Stir in cinnamon, rum or orange juice, and banana liqueur, creme de cacao, or orange juice. Serve immediately with bread pudding. Makes 1-1/2 cups sauce.

*To dry bread cubes: Place bread cubes in a large pan and bake in a 350 degree F. oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until dry but not brown, stirring twice.

Have a wonderful yummy and adventurous father's day!! xoxo

Can-cun Honeymoon ; )

2010-06-04T00:05:00.001-07:00

Nothing screams honeymoon like lying on the beach, soaking up the sun, eating to your hearts desire with a drink in your hand. A drink with an umbrella in it, of course ; ) We decided to go south of the border for some sun as well as some adventure as we knew that the Yucatan had plenty of it. I'm not much for sitting around the beach for a week so I'm glad we picked a spot that had tons to offer outside of the beautiful ocean. So much history, great food and great fun, I couldn't have asked for a better place to get away with my new hubby!

On our first evening, of course I wanted Mexican food so we went on the lookout; ) Oddly enough, it was tough to find!! The Cancun area is pretty much the U.S. Laden with American chain restaurants, I refused to partake and hunted down the first local(ish) spot I could. Taco Grill satisfied my craving for local fare and exceeded expectation. A cute outdoor eatery, on the bay, Taco Grill served up some great veggie options. My dinner was complete with a large helping of fresh guacamole, a nice sized marg ; ), and the best grilled veggie burrito I've ever had! It was oozing with sauteed veggies, mushrooms, avocado, beans and delicious sauce. I'm craving one right now! Taco Grill is located in the La Isla Shopping Center.

Now, you wouldn't think that going out for Italian in Mexico would be a good thing but Limoncello was great! Right across from our hotel was this cute, fine dining-ish, locale, right on the water. They even have a private gazebo on a dock for special occasions - very nice! I was delighted that they had my favorite dish, Gnocchi, and I was able to get it with a really great tomato sauce. their bread was a nice touch as well as it came out like a flatbread on a griddle - warm and melty ; ) We really enjoyed the food and the ambiance of Limoncello so don't fret about getting some variety.

If you're looking to do some tequila tastings while enjoying a flavorful, waterfront meal, then La Tequileria is the place for you! So veggie and special diet friendly, I really enjoyed the live music and varieties of their local beverage ; ) Their salads are all veganizable and mega tasty and there's no denying yourself some guac and chip!

I need of curbing a sweet tooth, I stumbled upon Ah Cacao, an all chocolate cafe! And I was able to partake as they could make the cacao goodness vegany. I got a soy Mexican hot chocolate and it ruled! The company is super green and offers the best quality cacao products from the Mayan regions. See, chocolate can be green, helpful and healthy!

Nothing shows the magnitude of the health movement like finding a natural foods restaurant in the heart of Mexican part town. Natura is located on the main drag of Cancun and offers up all sorts of natural dishes, fresh juices and a ton of vegetarian options. Even though it was crazy hot out, I had to try their veggie soup and I followed that with insane vegan nachos. I also imbibed a super green juice and was very happy that I could get one anytime as it was in walking distance of our hotel ; ) Stop in for a healthy meal at Natura - Boulevard Kukulcan Km 9.5, Zona Hotelera, Cancún. 77500
Mexico Tel +52 998 8830585.

There's way more to come as I have more rave reviews for Cancun and the surrounding cities in the state of Quintana Roo!

Lovin' Leeds

2010-05-28T00:05:00.003-07:00

On our way back to London from Blackpool, we made a pit stop in Leeds. A historic English town that is also home to University of Leeds, I hopped off the train in downtown and was smack in the middle of beautiful buildings, shopping centers and eateries. Surrounded by countryside, this city has the best of both worlds. And with that, comes great dining!

Steps away from the train station you will find the old post office building, in the heart of city square. Now remodeled, you will find The Restaurant Bar & Grill inside, modern and sophisticated. This beautiful space hosts a large bar and gourmet menu. I veganized the Mezze appetizer platter and gobbled it right up. This large plate was a Mediterranean tasting menu with a neat twist. Covered with falafel, oloves, hummus and pita, my favorite were the butternut squash fritters, mmmm! I could have eaten a whole plate of those for sure! Save your appetite and as soon as you arrive in downtown Leeds, make a beeline to The Restaurant Bar & Grill.

I stumbled upon Roots & Fruits
and figured it would be a great veggie friendly joint, and I was right! It dishes up a fully vegetarian international menu of goodness from Mexican to Indian, accommodating vegans easily. I devoured my wild mushroom pate on sun-dried foccaccia sandwich along with a hearty bowl of Mexican bean & tomato soup. It totally hit the spot and beat the chill quite nicely!

You can rarely go wrong finding healthy and/or veggie meal at an Indian spot. And especially when it's a completely vegetarian spot! Hansa's Gujarati Vegetarian Restaurant specializes in cuisine from the western coast of India and has been rockin' for over 20 years. Outside of their fresh fare, they also cater, host phenomenal cooking classes and are well known for their fabulous cakes. And if you can't make it into Hansa's, they have their own cookbook. Eat with your fingers or eat with a fork but either way, eat at Hansas's!

I'd love to spend some more time in Leeds as the historic architecture is gorgeous. Plus, I think there is plenty more to eat in this bustling metropolis tucked away in West Yorkshire, England ; )

Healthy Voyager Radio - Urban Gardening and Low-Fat Cooking

2010-05-27T15:57:00.000-07:00

Listen to the Healthy Voyager Radio right here!! Featuring urban gardener, Mike Lieberman and The Happy Herbivore, Lindsay Nixon:

Healthy Voyager Radio

Next show we chat with vegan bodybuilder, Robert Cheeke and veg travel pioneer, Happy Cow's Eric Brent !!

MMMMMMemorial Day ; )

2010-05-21T00:05:00.001-07:00

There is no question about it, summer is here! Put away your coats and break out your swim suits because it's time to frolick in the sun and hang out with friends by the bbq. However you decide to kick off fun in the sun season, do it as healthy as possible because come back to school season, you want to make sure you fit in your jeans and you aren't burnt to a crisp ; ) For more healthy and eco Memorial Day tips, check out last year's post. This year, I'm sharing nothing but fun food so let's start the party right but before we do, be sure to thank the veteran's in your life because today, is their day ; )

Here's a feast to enjoy all summer long:

Drunk BBQ Corn
10 ears fresh corn with husks
1 quart beer (non-alcoholic or wheat free if desired)
1 (7 pound) bag of ice cubes

Place whole ears of corn in an ice chest. Pour beer over top. Dump ice out over the ears of corn. Place the lid on the cooler, and let sit 8 hours, or overnight. Preheat smoker to 250 degrees. Place corn in the smoker and close the lid. Cook for 1 to 2 hours, turning every 20 minutes or so. Kernels should give easily under pressure when done. To eat, just peel back the husks and dig in!

Bruschetta Salad
8 cups Italian bread cubes
3 cups chopped tomatoes
1 cup minced fresh basil
1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/2 cup olive or vegetable oil
2 T cider or red wine vinegar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 garlic clove, minced

In a large bowl, combine the bread, tomatoes, basil and onion. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients; drizzle over bread mixture. Cover and let stand for 30 minutes before serving.

Tropical Chick'n Sticks
1 cup pineapple juice
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup light soy sauce4
4 boxes of Gardein Chick'n Filets
skewers

In a small saucepan over medium heat, mix pineapple juice, brown sugar, and soy sauce. Remove from heat just before the mixture comes to a boil. Place chick'n in a medium bowl. Cover with the pineapple marinade, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Preheat grill for medium heat. Thread chicken lengthwise onto wooden skewers. Lightly oil the grill grate. Grill chick'n tenders 3 minutes per side. They cook quickly, so watch them closely.

Summer Grillin' Veggie Sandwich
1/4 cup veganaise
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 T lemon juice
1/8 cup olive oil
1 cup sliced red bell peppers
1 small zucchini, sliced
1 red onion, sliced
1 small yellow squash, sliced
2 (4-x6-inch) focaccia bread pieces, split horizontally
1/2 cup Daiya shredded Mozzerella cheese

In a bowl, mix the veganaise, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Set aside in the refrigerator.
Preheat the grill for high heat. Brush vegetables with olive oil on each side. Brush grate with oil. Place bell peppers and zucchini closest to the middle of the grill, and set onion and squash pieces around them. Cook for about 3 minutes, turn, and cook for another 3 minutes. The peppers may take a bit longer. Remove from grill, and set aside. Spread some of the veganaise mixture on the cut sides of the bread, and sprinkle each one with cheese. Place on the grill cheese side up, and cover with lid for 2 to 3 minutes. This will warm the bread, and slightly melt the cheese. Watch carefully so the bottoms don't burn. Remove from grill, and layer with the vegetables. Enjoy as open faced grilled sandwiches.

SweetLeaf Punch
2 (750 milliliter) bottles sparkling apple cider
1 liter carbonated water
3 large oranges
2 lemons
1 bottle of SweetLeaf Lemonade
1 T sugar
2 trays ice cubes

Thinly slice the lemons and the oranges and place in a large punch bowl. Pour in lemonade. Gently stir in the seltzer water and the sparkling apple cider. Add sugar to taste. Add large block of ice.

Creamy Strawberry Banana Pops
2 cups So Delicious strawberry banana coconut milk yogurt
1⁄2 cup light-brown sugar
18 vegan vanilla wafers

Whisk yogurt and brown sugar in a bowl to blend. Divide between six 3-oz waxed paper cups. Freeze 1 hour. Insert a Popsicle stick in each cup. Freeze at least 2 hours more. Put cookies in a ziptop bag; crush with a rolling pin. Working with 2 pops at a time to prevent melting, carefully tear off cups. Roll both in cookie crumbs. Place in a new cup; freeze until ready to eat. Repeat with remaining cups and crumbs.

Have a great Memorial Day weekend and enjoy the start of summer!! xoxo

Healthy Voyager Radio - Healthy, Well Traveled Kids

2010-05-20T14:22:00.000-07:00

Listen to the Healthy Voyager Radio right here!! Featuring mom-trepreneurs Colleen Lanin of Travel Mamas and Catherine McCord of Weelicious:

Healthy Voyager Radio

Next week we chat with urban gardener, Mike Leiberman and The Happy Herbivore, Lindsay Nixon!!

Bon Apetit in Blackpool!

2010-05-14T00:05:00.001-07:00

I was very excited to roll through the english countryside and head to Blackpool. Located on the northwest coast, this seaside town is a bit like English Coney Island. Beach front hotels, water parks, casinos and more, Blackpool is a great little beach resort town for northern England residents. Unfortunately we were there in the dead of winter so no beach fun for us but getting there was a treat as it the terrain looked just like the illustrations in one of my all time favorite Christmas stories, The Snowman ; ) Our friends showed us all around town so now I'll share it with you!

Just outside of Blackpool, you will find the cute country town of Little Eccleston. In it you will find The Cartford Inn. Newly refurbished in 2007, this adorable inn is just the place for a warm meal and cozy bed. While vegan, gluten free or any other special diet isn't the most popular of cuisines in northwest England, the folks at The Cartford Inn are more then happy to accommodate their valued guests. The house chef makes everything in house with the utmost of care. Feel like royalty when you have a lavish meal by the fire then retiring to your comfy quarters for a hot bath ; )

If you happen to find yourself in town for an extended stay or an event, I highly suggest hiring Little Black Dress Catering. Owner and chef, Frances Macualey, can whip up anything you heart desires. I was blown away with her fabulous vegan offerings. I had the distinct pleasure of chowing down on her vegan curry cutlets, roasted root veggies, creamy mashed potatoes and winter squash soup. I'm salivating just thinking about it! To contact Frances for a meal that will send you into a tasty tizzy, email her at franlittleblackdress@hotmail.com .

Number One South Beach is a waterfront resort with fine dining. This chic locale might seem like the least likely place for a great vegan meal however, Number One caters to all special diets. The chef takes special care and pride in serving all of their non-omnivore guests and they do a great job of doing so. Depending on what's in season, you'll be treated right at #1SB!

I loved Blackpool and hope to visit soon after the snow and cold has gone south for the summer!

Healthy Voyager Radio - Cleaning & Eating Raw Foods

2010-05-13T13:43:00.000-07:00

Listen to the Healthy Voyager Radio right here!! Featuring Mareya Ibrahim of Eat Cleaner Foods and raw chef, Bryan Au:

Healthy Voyager Radio

Next week we chat with mom-trepreneurs Colleen Lanin of Travel Mamas and Catherine McCord of Weelicious!!

London Encore

2010-05-07T00:05:00.001-07:00

I've been to London several times and every time, I find more and more veggie yumminess. It's quickly becoming one of the most veg friendly cities in the world and delicious to boot! Gone are the days of poking fun at bland English food and welcome to a veritable taste bud frenzy. In addition to the last London post, here are a few more spots that I couldn't leave out of the mix ; )

One of my favorite things about London is the amount of quick food spots all over town. And by quick food, I don't mean fast food. I mean eateries that have fresh sandwiches, soups, salads and other treats that are made daily. A lot of them have refrigerators packed with selections for a healthy to go treat as well as counters for an on the spot experience. Eat is just one of those places with convenient location all over town. I especially love their veggie meal or sandwich of the week and I fell in love with their veggie gyoza soup! Delish!!! Quick, healthy & affordable - you can't beat that!

Itsu is yet another chain of quick food. Itsu's spin is sushi, noodles, soups and salads with a modern feel to each locale. Their motto is "Health & Happiness" which I believe they deliver on consistently ; ) For us non-sushi eating vegans, their miso soup and veggie dumplings are choice. Top it off with their organic dark chocolate rice cakes for an after lunch sweet tooth squasher!

Nothing is screams iconic London more then a red double decker bus. But what would be cooler then dining on one? Dining on a vegan one! Here in London town there are 2 vegan bus-taurants, Rootmaster & Vegan Routes. Each offers up killer vegan food and can be reserved for private events. Comfy, cute and tasty, these novelty restaurants are worth the ride ; )

If you're in need of some yoga and meditation after running around from tube to tube, check out Alchemy. A holistic sanctuary in the center of the city that also boasts a cef and juice bar. So after a relaxing session of Kundalini, treat yourself to a Hemp Mountain Magic Super Smoothie with hemp seed milk, maca, banana, agave syrup, mesquite and cacao nibs. After all that sight seeing and eating you're way through jolly ol' London, you will need it!!

Next, I visit the English seaside & college towns - join me, won't you?

Healthy Voyager Radio - Creative Crusaders

2010-05-06T13:45:00.000-07:00

Listen to the Healthy Voyager Radio right here!! Featuring Vance Lemkhul of Vegcast and the Bizarro King, Dan Piraro:

Healthy Voyager Radio

Next week we chat with Eat Cleaner's Mareya Ibrahim and raw chef, Bryan Au!!

Making the Most of Mother's Day

2010-04-30T00:05:00.001-07:00

Moms make the world go 'round from kissing boo boos to being a shoulder to cry on when our heart breaks ; ) Mother's day is that Sunday that comes once every year where we show her how much we love her, feed her and shower her with gifts. What better way to express our love then fixing her a healthy feast and gifting her with things that will help her live a healthier and greener life? We want mom around for many Motehr's Days to come so here is a Mother's day menu fit for a queen and a list of gift ideas that will help set her on a path to wellness!

Gifts and goodies

Green Cooking Pots - Toss out those pots mom has been cooking with since you were in diapers and get her some eco-conscious and stylish enameled cast-iron pots and pans.
Gobble Green Vegan Home Delivery - Save your mom some time in the kitchen without sacrificing taste and nutrition. Order up a yummy vegan meal with via Gobble Green's delivery service, nationwide.
Chocolatl -Mom will love the gift of delicious, rich, raw, vegan chocolate ; )
Olsenhaus Shoes - Sexy, stylish, eco, vegan shoes. Nuf said.
Ro & Co Bags - Get your mom the hottest vegan bag around. Clutch, hobo, whatever, she will love you for it!
Nimli - Shop for clothes, bags and more for mom - a green, organic and conscious online store!
Tallulah Jane Perfume -What goes great with new clothes, jewelry, bags and shoes? All natural perfume!
PeaceLoveEarth Jewelry - A division of Annatarian eco-couture, PLE jewelry is eco, vegan and spiritual. The gift of a wish bracelet or a necklace will go over quite well after mom's afternoon feast ; )
Sevi - EcoVegan body care and cosmetics - mom will be over the moon with these treats!
Village Tea Co. - Help mom wind down and kick her feet up with some delicious, eco tea.

Mother's Day Brunch

Mom-osas

2 cups fresh orange juice
1 cup fresh pineapple juice, chilled
2 T grenadine
1 bottle Champagne or sparkling wine, chilled (2 cans ginger ale or lemon-lime soda may be substituted for non-alcoholic version)

Stir together first 3 ingredients. Pour equal parts orange juice mixture and Champagne into glasses.

Gingerbread, Apple & Vanilla Waffles

2 cups flour
1 T baking powder
1/2 T baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp cloves
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup molasses
1 1/4 cups soy milk, unsweetened or vanilla
1/2 stick vegan butter, melted

Apple Compote
3 pounds of apples, cut into 1/2 inch slices
1 vanilla bean, cut in two lengthwise
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
2 T lemon juice
2 T vegan butter
2 T apple brandy or dark rum (optional)

For the Apple Compote:
Add the apples, sugar, water, lemon juice, and butter to a large pot. Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean with a knife. Add the seeds and vanilla pod to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until apples are soft and most of the liquid has evaporated (about 25 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the brandy or rum. Remove the vanilla pod before serving.

For the Waffles:

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. In another bowl mix together the milk, brown sugar, molasses, and melted butter. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix well.

Ladle the batter into a hot waffle iron according to the manufacturer's directions. Keep cooked waffles warm in an oven set at its lowest setting. Put a scoop of warm apple compote onto each serving of waffles to serve. For an extra treat add vegan whipped cream, powdered sugar, or chopped nuts.

Italian Frittata

1 lb extra firm tofu
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 cup onion, diced
1/4 cup chopped mushrooms
1/4 cup sun-dried tomato, finely chopped
1/2 cup chopped spinach
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 lemon, juice of
1/4 cup fresh basil leaf, chiffonade

Preheat oven to 400°F. In a mixing bowl, crumble the tofu through your fingers until it resembles ricotta cheese. Be sure to sqeeze out all the lumps. Mix in the soy sauce, mustard, nutritional yeast and turmeric and combine well. In a small (8-inch) skillet, saute the onions in the olive oil for 2 minutes. Add the mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, and thyme, and saute for 3 more minutes. Add the garlic saute for 1 minute. Add the lemon juice, mix and remove from heat. Transfer the cooked onion mixture to the tofu and combine well, foldin basil leaves and spinach. Place the tofu back into the skillet and press down firmly in place. Cook in the oven at 400 for 20 minutes. Transfer to the broiler to brown the top, about two minutes. Let the frittata sit for 10 minute before serving. Carefully cut into 4 slices and lift each piece with a pie server to prevent it from falling apart.

Mom, thanks for everything you did and continue to do! Happy Mother's Day!! xoxo

Healthy Voyager Radio - Compassionate Authors & Cooks

2010-04-29T14:55:00.000-07:00

Listen to the Healthy Voyager Radio right here!! Featuring Will Tuttle & the Compassionate Cook, Colleen Patrick-Godreau:

Healthy Voyager Radio

Next week we chat with fellow vegan podcaster, Vance of Vegcast as well as the very funny & talented, Dan Piraro!!

Happy Earth Weekend!

2010-04-23T00:05:00.000-07:00

It's been forty years since the first Earth Day and in the last 10 years, the green movement has skyrocketed to great heights. While the world is on it's biggest green kick ever, it seems that our earth is still in great peril. Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time however, it has presented us with the opportunity to build a healthier, more prosperous, clean energy economy now and as well as for our future. Being green has all caused us all to look at the bigger picture but also how to clean up our own act as well. I truly believe that if we start from the inside out, the world will benefit.

Earth Day offers us the chance to advance climate policy, energy efficiency, renewable energy and green jobs in addition to learning about sustainable living in our own home and communities. This 40th anniversary Earth Day weekend is a pivotal opportunity for individuals, corporations and governments to join together and create a global green economy.

I've complied some things you can start with this Earth Day Weekend, from events to shopping, that will not only be fun as well as rewarding, but can also be done any time of the year to celebrate Earth Day all year long!

Shopping
You can find eco versions of pretty much everything you use in your every day life, and even "splurgy" luxury items! Here are a few sites to check out:

www.theecoluxelife.com - If you need it, they can green it!
www.uncommongoods.com - Find anything but ordinary
www.elsewares.com - They shop the hard way, so you don't have to ; )
www.annatarian.com -Eco couture and jewelry
www.cardboarddesign.com - From furniture to toys, you'll find a ton of great uses for cardboard
www.modernecohomes.com - The hub of eco-friendly goods for you and your home
www.thegreenboardgame.com - The most fun way to learn how to be green!
www.activeion.com - The safest and greenest way to keep your space clean - just add water!
www.terrapass.com - Buy credits to balance your carbon footprint when traveling.
www.verterra.com - Dinnerware made of nothing but fallen leaves and water. Super eco-chic!
www.to-goware.com - Fabulous utensils & containers to take with you anywhere you go!
www.vivaterra.com - Eco living with style
www.thegreenloop.com - Sustainable style

Activities
Here are just a few fun, green things you can do with friends or family:

Sign up for YourDailyTread's Go Green Bootcamp! 20 days of daily tips to go from Eco Zero to Eco Hero!
Join a beach or park cleanup with groups like the Surfrider Foundation
Plant a tree - visit the Arbor Day site for more info
Check out a Green Drinks event in your area
If you have kids, Print out our calendar and draw a green star for each day that you do an activity that helps the earth!
Get your green thumb dirty and start a garden
Turn trash into treasure! Refurbish an old sofa, chair or even a garment. Get crafty and creative and you just might produce a work of art ; )

Tips
My top 10 tips to help you go green!

Go Veg! Check out last year's Earth Day post on how going veg can be the greenest thing you can do ; )
Ride your bike whenever you can. If you just need some bread, bike to the store instead of drive, save $, gas and get some exercise in too!
Swap out as many bulbs as possible with energy efficient CFL's (compact fluorescent light bulbs)
Don't run the water while you are brushing your teeth. That could be a good minute or so of wasted H2O.
Get a few reusable grocery bags. They have gotten really stylish now so there is no excuse to be piling up the paper and plastic bags ; )
Get a great glass water bottle (bpa free or aluminum is fine too, but I prefer glass). Do away with buying 1 use, plastic water bottles. I've got some great companies listed on my Healthy Voyager Approved Directory so get one today!
Shop locally and seasonally. Buying seasonal and local products not only helps support the community but also decreases the need for long distance shipping and costs as well as being healthier for you ; )
Disconnect electronic items when not in use. I know that might sound like a pai, especially if you've got your office or entertainment system rigged up just so. But there are great power strips, like DSI Green Power Strip, that have 1 main source so all you have to do is flip 1 switch and the job has been done for you!
Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. As much as 85 percent of the energy used to machine-wash clothes goes to heating the water. Also use a drying rack or clothesline to save the energy otherwise used during machine drying.
Ramp up your recycling! Be more cognizant of what you are throwing in the trash, make sorting bins if you don't already have them. Take batteries, electronics and other "not-really-disposable" items to the proper disposal facilities.

Links & Resources
Some great sites and info on how to be green from personal style to worldwide green news

www.huffingtonpost.com - Their green section is aces for the hottest eco news!
www.ecostiletto.com - Daily eco-friendly fashion, beauty, lifestyle and celebrity advice
www.ecofabulous.com - Sustainable style tips for you and your home
www.treehugger.com - Eco videos, radio, blogs, news and more
www.epa.gov - United States Environmental Protection Agency
www.sierraclub.org- Explore, enjoy and protect the planet
www.green.tv - All green videos
www.playgreen.org - A green living wiki
www.change.org -A social network for activism, including environmental activism
www.nature.org - Protecting nature, preserving life

Join the more than one billion people in 190 countries that are taking action for Earth Day and have a very happy Earth Weekend (or better yet, Earth Life!!)

Healthy Voyager Radio - Earth Day Cooking & Media

2010-04-22T11:00:00.000-07:00

Listen to the Healthy Voyager Radio right here!! Featuring Jenny & Heather Goldberg of Spork Foods as well as Gary Smith & Kezia Jauron from Evolotus PR:

Healthy Voyager Radio

Next week we chat with the inspirational Will Tuttle & Compassionate Cook, Colleen Patrick-Godreau!!

Happy 4th (kinda 5th) Birthday Healthy Voyager!

2010-04-16T00:05:00.001-07:00

It's that time of year again - birthday time! I'm taking a little break this week to celebrate a few anniversaries that all occur this wonderful Spring month of April. First, the 4th (kind of 5th) anniversary of Healthy Voyager. 4th since I began to develop and pitch the show in '05 but 4th since the blog & web show launched. Next, this April marks my 11th "vegan-iversary". Time has flown and I've loved every moment of my time as a plant eater! And last, but not least, I re-launched Healthy Voyager Radio this month since my holiday and wedding hiatus ; ) I'm in the throws of a website re-design as well as neck deep in a bunch of new exciting projects coming soon under the Healthy Voyager brand.

So I thank you for "voyaging" with me all of these years and may the next 5 be just as, if not even more, adventurous!

Healthy Voyager Radio - Holisitc Medicine & Simple Green

2010-04-15T17:10:00.000-07:00

Listen to the Healthy Voyager Radio right here!! Featuring Dr. Lederman & Dr. Pulde from Exsalus Health & Wellness as well as Tracy Hepler from popular LA green site, Your Daily Thread:

Healthy Voyager Radio

Next week we chat vegan cooking & classes with the gals of Spork Foods as well as conscious PR with Evolotus PR!!

Earth Day Giveaway for Pooch Lovers!

2010-04-14T11:23:00.000-07:00

Earth Day is coming up and instead of the usual green stuff, I thought I'd do something nice for pooches and their owners! I came across The Pawsby PooPatroller at the Genesis awards and fell in love. I thought it was not only innovative, it is clean, eco and a great safety measure. The Pawsby is complete with eco bags and convenient waste shovel, poo receptacle, leash, collar, flashlight, compartment for keys or treats and even a bowl for your baby's water. Oh, and did I mention you can charge your cell phone or Ipod with it too? This all in one device is super helpful, eco and adorable to boot!

How to enter: Follow this blog and leave your comment as to why you want to win the Pawsby. Be sure to leave your email as well so that I may contact the winner. Winners will be chosen next Wednesday, April 21st by random.org.

Good luck!!

xoxo

Great New Healthy Living Products & Foods from Expo West 2010!

2010-04-09T00:05:00.000-07:00

Natural Products Expo West weekend is virtually like Christmas for a foodie & healthy product junkie like me! The expo is so big that it really does take about 3 full days to check out every booth. There is a natural, healthy and/or green product for virtually everything you can think of. Tons of great product launches, new companies and even old favorites. I get to taste and try lots of incredible goodies but only a few (out of the thousands of products there) make my highlights list. It's a tough gig, but someone's got to do it ; ) Here are some of the products that rocked my world, products that you should be looking out for soon! In no particular order:

Food & Beverage

Daiya Cheese Retail Package - I've raved about them for the last year and now, this phenomenal, allergen free, vegan cheese will be available nationwide for consumers! Finally, a retail package of the yummiest, meltiest cheese around ; )

Tofurky Vegan Pizza -Yep, you heard right! Tofurky is launching it's frozen vegan pizza line, featuring none other than Daiya cheese! A plain cheese option as well as "The Works" (veggies and Tofurky sausage) will be available in natural food retailer freezers very soon. be on the look out because they are dang good!

Gardein Meals - Here is another one of my faves adding to their already awesome line. The people who brought you vegan Beef Tips and vegan Chicken Scallopini have now come out with complete meals. Each meal comes as a trio of chicken or beef, rice & veggies. Look for the Thai trio, Burgundy trio or Sicilian trio. No excuses anymore for a quick and healthy dinner that tastes great! Also check out their new Crispy Mandarin Chicken!

Amy's Kitchen Vegan Mac & Cheese w/Daiya Cheese -Hands down, one of the best mac n' cheese dishes around. Not only is their new recipe gluten free, it features Daiya cheese (of course) for the creamiest, cheesiest, mac n' cheese jubilee ever. A must for kids and adults of all ages ; )

So Delicious Coconut Milk Yogurt - Growing up, I loved yogurt and when I became vegan 11 years ago, I never found a vegan yogurt that knocked my socks off. But now I have. This coconut milk yogurt is so light and flavorful, it really does feel sinful! In plain, vanilla, blueberry, and passionate mango, your snack time will once again be a happy time. Soy free and an excellent source of B12, you can't go wrong.

Tempt Ice Cream - I love vegan ice cream and it's gotten so much better over the years. So much so that Tempt made me think twice about what I had just eaten! My choice of chocolate biscotti was so creamy, I thought for sure I had been duped! But no, not only is it vegan, this hemp ice cream is pretty much allergen free!

Field Roast Meatloaf - Grazing is what you prep for at Expo West. And grazing was what I did at the Field Roast booth. I sampled their insanely delicious vegan sausages well more then once and probably downed and entire vegan meatloaf, new to their tasty line. I also sampled a phenomenal vegan cheese and am hoping to get it down in LA as for now, it is a specialty food item available in the Seattle area only. Do yourself a favor and stock up on some Field Roast grain meats!

Organic Mashups by Revolution Foods - Talk about traveling healthy, Revolution Foods has it nailed! Offering snack items for healthy on the go and school time snacks, their organic mashups are the perfect choice for youngsters. Guilt free, nutritional snacking that is convenient and fun? Yes please!

Picabi - As you can imagine, walking around a gargantuan convention hall and chatting for hours can render you quite thirsty. I had plenty of water and other tasty beverages but my unquenchable thirst was instantly refreshed with a swig of Apple Picabi. 100% sparkling apple juice, Picabi uses the entire apple, including the rind, so that 1 an the nutritional equivalent to eating 8 apples. And it's super thirst quenching too! Coming soon to a store near you ; )

Magic Pop - This booth drew me in with their neat popping machine. What I first thought to be a popcorn maker was actually a disc popper. In the popping dish they add brown rice, wheat and corn, top it and pop it! Out pops a light as air, Frisbee sized snack with virtually no calories. A great alternative to chips, this is a wholesome way to dip - so ditch the chip!

Carrot Cake Rice Divine Ice Cream - I would say this is one of the most innovative vegan ice creams I have had in a while. Vegan or not, I had never had carrot cake ice cream before I tried Rice Divine at Expo. OMG! Not only is it soy free, it's gluten free AND has chunks of carrot cake in the creamy goodness. This organic, frozen bit of heaven is a must have in your freezer!

Sweet Leaf Tea - I'm a sucker for a good Arnold Palmer but not so much for chemicals, preservatives and high fructose corn syrup. Lucky for me Sweet Leaf Tea makes an all natural version of it called Half & Half! Until now, you could only find these tasty libations at natural markets. But soon you will be able to find canned Sweet Leaf Tea at convenience stores nation wide. That is great news for a road tripper like me who had a lack of healthy beverage options before Sweet Leaf came along and took over the rest stop fridge!

Chocolatl - Who knew raw cacao superfood energy could be so tasty! Chocolatl offers three varieties of raw, fair-trade chocolates. Each cacao square is an energizing snack between meals or an after dinner delicacy. With flavors like Goji-Maca, Cordyceps-Maca, Mystic Mint & Chocolate Maca Sauce, you just might die by raw chocolate ; )

Pure Bars - With their rockin' new packaging and yummalicious flavors, I really like the light yet satisfying snackability of Pure! Raw, vegan and certified organic - it's the smart way to snack.

Health, Beauty & Lifestyle

Diva Cup - For all of my male readers, go ahead and skip to the next listing ; ) For the ladies, read up! For health reasons, we really shouldn't be using tampons but pads feel like we're still potty training. Enter the Diva Cup! An eco-friendly, cost effective and healthy alternative to it all. This non-leaching, chemical free, silicon menstrual cup. Check out their site, throw out the rest of your feminine products and get one today!

Life Factory Bottles -For some time, I have been singing the praises of glass bottles. Over bpa-free, over aluminum, glass is king for all sorts of food and beverage storage. Life Factory ahs a great line of baby bottles, silicin teaching rings and wide mouthed beverage bottles for adults. They are large but lightweight and come with a great silicon grip cover so you don't drop your precious drink!

Better Life Floor Cleaner - I'm sure we can all agree that mopping is a pain. Filling the pail with cleaning solution and water, mopping, rinsing the pail, mopping with water, repeat. Or worse, swiffering ourselves into a giant landfill. Better Life floor cleaning product, Simply Floored, not only takes all the steps out of the equation, but it's also all-natural. All you need to do is squirt and mop with this essential oil rich solution and voila, sparkling floors!

Kids Konserve Ware - Sure, it's called "Kids Konserve" but this product line is great for all ages. Eco friendly and super convenient, this line is great for sack lunches, road trips and even food prep. They've got everything from thermoses to eco-snack wrappy things called the Kozy. Start stocking up for road trip season and get extras for back-to-school!

Feelgoodz Flip Flops - I was drawn to this booth because I dug the story behind the brand. A kid goes backpacking in Thailand, breaks his flip flops, gets a new pair at a market, loves the new pair, finds out it's natural rubber that comes from that region and brings the line to the states. Since then, he's grown his brand and hasn't forgotten the people and the land that helped him get here. Feelgoodz starts in Thailand, and their areas of focus are Environmentalism (Planet), Fair Trade (People), and Community Development/Micro-Finance (Phitsanulok, Thailand). The y feel good on your feet and you feel good giving back. Rock a pair this summer ; )

Acai Energy Chews by ToGoBrands - If you've followed me for a while, you know I'm a big fan of To Go Brands. Their Go Greens powders join me on every trip I have been on since I discovered the company at Expo West last year. Their new Acai chews are a great alternative to candy with all the sweet taste but full of B vitamins and natural energy boosters. Toss these in your bag and when you need something sweet, go for a To Go Brands treat ; )

Booda Organics -This booth caight my eye cause I love me some buddha cartoons and Booda Organics has a cute one as their logo ; ) In addition to their cute marketing, I really enjoyed their vegan products. Their yummy booda butter and booda balm is a nice addition to your beauty regimen because it's full of good stuff for your body!

I could go on for ages but I figured I would just share a few of my faves. Be sure to look out for more Expo product recommendations in upcoming posts .This year's expo was a lot of fun and I'm already excited for next year!!

Healthy Voyager Radio - Careers in Wellness & Fitness

2010-04-08T16:25:00.000-07:00

Listen to the Healthy Voyager Radio right here!! Featuring Suzanne Monroe of Real Life Food & Jenna Phillips of Mission Possible:

Healthy Voyager Radio

Next week we talk holistic health with Dr. Lederman & Dr. Lederman as well as greening your life with Tracy Hepler of Your Daily Thread!!

It's a Nice Day for a Green Wedding!

2010-04-02T00:05:00.000-07:00

As wedding season approaches, I thought I would share some pearls of wisdom with bubbling brides-to-be; ) As some of you may or may not know, I was a wedding and event planner for many years. And as of a few months ago, I planned & put on my own wedding! I took what I learned over my years in the biz and put it all together with our limited budget to host the most eco-friendly and affordable weddings I had ever planned. If I do say so myself, it was quite beautiful and I missed none of the elements that come with a large and expensive event. So I figured I would share some insider tips and secrets with you in the case that you or someone you know is headed down the aisle and is frantic about finances and/or their carbon footprint ; )

Plan Ahead & Be Flexible - I've planned many weddings within all kinds of time frames. From a couple of years to a couple of weeks. Depending on the size and style of your wedding, you may only need a few months but I typically advise on a year. Especially if you are looking for a specific date or venue, in which case I advise 18 months. This is why I say, be flexible. More often then not, the perfect date and/or venue will not be available at the same time so be sure to have options. And a lot of times, getting 1 and or both come at a premium cost. Consider an off day like a Friday or a Sunday, as well as an off season date. Many venues have lower rates on off days and seasons so try to plan around those dates to get the best possible rate in your dream location. Also, think outside of the box. Traditional venues come with many rules and stipulations that can either jack up the cost of your day or force you to use vendors that aren't at the top of your list. In my instance, we chose to do our ceremony at a park overlooking the ocean. We had our guests stand, created an aisle with flower petals and let the scenery be our decor. Price tag - $0. Afterward we had some champagne with our guests, sent them on their way to dine and freshen up while we took our photos, making it back home just in time for our backyard reception. Lucky for us we have a fun patio complete with a tiki bar but if you're looking for affordable, consider asking a friend to use their house or yard for the reception. It can be their wedding gift to you. Stringing up some market lights will do wonders to a backyard, making it look simple and elegant for the cost of dinner & a movie, if not less. We saved time, a ton of money, frustration and added to our eco-karma by not renting chairs or having anything delivered. So again, be flexible with your times, dates, themes, etc. because you may be surprised at how great it turns out if you give yourself some options ; )
Pool Your Resources & Get Creative - There are many elements to a wedding: flowers, music, dresses, food, photos, videos and on and on. And having been a part of the wedding world for almost a decade, I will tell you that as soon as you mention the word wedding, vendor prices sky rocket. What makes a regular portrait session any different then an hour of wedding photos? Or why is a wedding cake boatloads more then a birthday cake? Because it's your "special" day and why shouldn't you have the best, right? Wrong! You can totally have the best and save money too! Get together with your honey and see between the two of you, who might be able to cover what. Do you have a buddy who is a an amateur photographer or budding film maker? Do you love your aunt's cupcakes? Is your neighbor a phenomenal seamstress? Put your heads together because you might find out that you've got a handful of vendors within your circle of family and friends! Fill in the blanks with vendors you don't have covered but do it wisely. Don't have a dj? Consider making your own play list, adding it to your ipod, renting a speaker system for $50 and hitting shuffle. Rent a microphone for an additional $20 or less for toasts and announcements & you've just saved yourself a good $2k or more! Know how to sew? Make your dress or find one at a second hand store and tweak it. Do your own hair &have a fab friend do makeup. Have the guys wear suits they already own, not tuxes. There are a number of ways to get the same result for a lot less, just get creative and don't be afraid to ask.
Make a list of "Must Haves" & "Could Do Withouts" - As I mentioned above, see what you've already got and what you don't. You may have a few photographers in your contact list but you may not like their style. No worries, make a list with your sweetheart of what elements have to be perfect and what don't. You may find that all you really care about is what your dress looks like and the cake, everything else can be average or even be left off the itinerary entirely. We opted to not have seating the ceremony and asked a friend to marry us. We decided to have cake and cocktails instead of serving dinner. We hired DJ Ipod instead of a real dj. For us, we chose to skimp on certain things that for us, didn't make or break the wedding. For some, getting a friend ordained may not cut it so be sure that a church wedding makes it in the must have list. But if you can do without printing programs, do so. If you do want a program but can't afford to print up 150, print one big one and display it at the ceremony site. Make a copy for you to keep in your scrapbook but don't worry your pretty little head about what the guests take home (it usually ends up in a landfill). There are many things that make up a wedding but it is important to choose what makes up YOUR wedding. Just because a wedding check list says you need x,y and/or z, doesn't mean you need the entire alphabet. Customize your wedding the way you want it and don't feel guilty if you don't have wedding favors, open bar, a chocolate fountain, etc - it's ok!
Reuse, re-purpose, recycle & re-imagine - Here is where you can save some serious cash ; ) There are so many ways that you can be green and save green while wearing white! For instance, making your own centerpieces, sign-in book, favors and more. This may sound like a lot of work but really, it's a snap. If you're crafty, you will enjoy it and if not, have your girls over for some wine, snacks and Martha Stewarty time. What I chose to do was make my own card drop box, favors, and sign-in book. I gathered some cardboard boxes, in different sizes, and wrapped them in wrapping paper that matched my wedding colors. Instead of buying a card box for $50 that I would never use again, I cut a slit at the top of the box, wrapped the whole thing and printed the label on my computer. I decided I didn't want a traditional sign in book so I used an old photo album and decorated the pages with wedding themed stickers & scrapbook goodies. I used recycled construction paper to have people write their wishes & messages on and stuck those to the blank pages of our book after the wedding. I wrapped a tea canister with the matching wrapping paper and voila, a cute pen holder! Lastly, we didn't have favors in mind but I had plenty of neat construction paper left over. So I created a recipe that reflected Dan & I's fave combined dessert and printed them up for our guests to take home as their gift. All of this cost us about $15 total, if not less, and I did it all in 1 evening ; ) You can create your own everything from your invitations to your bridesmaid jewelry. It's all a part of the must have vs. do without step along with a touch of being creative, green and budget conscious. I will add that my dress was 100% green and made by my one of my closest friends, Anna of Annatarian - we bought no fabrics to make the dress, just what she already had in her incredible eco-studio!
Have a potluck meal or a cocktails & cake reception - For many, this might not fly, but again, consider it. To be frank, most guests don't care about what their eating, they are there for the party & the couple. A lot of the times, wedding food is less then average and if it's not, it cost more then half of the wedding budget. If you're spending a third to half of your budget on catering, it's time to re-think it. You can still have a beautiful, sit down meal if it is a buffet style, potluck. You would be surprised how many people enjoy potlucks because of the variety of foods as well as the feeling of inclusion that they have been able to contribute to your celebration. You cut out a big chunk of the budget so that you can put it towards a better photographer or a few more days on your honeymoon. Again, what do you really want and what can you do without? In our case we opted for cake and cocktails. We bought booze and mixers at Costco and had some chips, salsa, guac and hummus to nosh on. We offered our favorite cocktail choices (Margaritas and Jack N' Cokes), serve yourself style, as well as beer and wine so we didn't have to spring for stocking an entire bar. Remember we had a few hours in between ceremony and reception so folks could grab a dinner of their choice and meet back up with us for the fun part. In addition, we had people voluntarily show up with trays of food so we were more then covered. Because of this, we didn't need to rent table and chairs so we saved ginormously! Because we didn't have to squeeze in a meal, we had more time to spend with our guests, dance and enjoy all the reception events (first dance, garter & bouquet toss, slideshow, toasts & cake) without rushing.
Borrow - I'm a huge fan of borrowing items for weddings. Even though it is your special day, you really only use things once and afterward it takes up lots of space if you choose to hang on to it. I've been hearing that a lot of brides are renting their gowns which is a smart choice. This way you get the designer gown of your dreams without the hefty price tag that goes with it. I've also seen brides borrow each others dresses because chances are, there will be very few overlapping guests and no one will know the difference. Share the cost of the dress and enjoy it 100%. If you're having a home wedding, borrow furniture from friends and neighbors, don't spend money on rentals. Create neat spaces like loungy areas, standing areas and seated table areas with mismatched furniture. Tie it all together with a common theme like candles, lighting, centerpieces, etc but ultimately you can save thousands of dollars by borrowing seating while making it feel more personal and quaint. We made a few fire pit seating areas around our patio which lent itself to some fun guest interaction and spread the crowd out so as to not have everyone crammed next to the food or bar. Conserving resources and cold hard cash!
Make it a collaborative effort - One thing you will learn is that many people want to help you with your wedding. You will also learn that what is meant to be YOUR day isn't yours alone, it's everyone's, especially close family. So instead of resisting because you want things just so, take them up on it! If you delegate well, you will have a stress free, beautiful day that everyone involved can rejoice in. You can have plenty of your own days with you wedded partner on your honeymoon ; ) Think of it, how much more fun would it be if Aunt Tilly made the flowers instead of an overpriced florist who has 5 more weddings that day? How much would you love to have your uncle Joe's lasagna for dinner instead a plate of wilted lettuce and bland pasta? Wouldn't you like your detail oriented best friend setting up your reception just the way you want it instead of handing it over to a catering manager who might not get your vision? This all ties back in with planning, flexibility, must haves and not cares. If you are willing to let go of the gold encrusted linens for handmade table cloths made by your grandma and the 5 tiered castle cake for a tower of your favorite cupcakes, go for it. Bringing friends and family into the planning and execution of the wedding day not only makes it more personal and unique, but all the more memorable. 10 years from now you might not remember the name of your caterer but you will remember your family crammed in your kitchen, prepping for the big day and having a wonderful time ; )

All in all, it's your day and you want it to be special. But remember that the most important thing is the marriage and the wedding day is a celebration of that. Make it unique and memorable but don't drive yourself to crazy with the details. In all honesty, in a short while from now, will you remember the details or will you remember the day? Don't miss out on your journey to the altar worrying about minutiae, budgets perfection. Make the most of what you've got and savor it, happily, healthily and affordably ; )

Healthy Voyager Radio - Seasonal Spring Cooking & Eco Shopping

2010-04-01T17:10:00.000-07:00

Listen to the Healthy Voyager Radio right here!! Featuring The Blissful Chef, Christy Morgan & Sydne Garchik from TheEcoLuxeLife.com:

Healthy Voyager Radio

Next week we talk health, fitness & possible new careers with Suzanne Monroe from Real Life Food & Jenna Phillips of Mission Possible!

The Healthy Bunny's Spring Giveaway

2010-03-31T12:42:00.000-07:00

Yes, the Easter Bunny is due in just a few days but he'll be bringing candy, chocolates and a bunch of stuff that's probably not so good for us. Enter the Healthy Bunny! He comes at the same time every year, spreading the message of health and green living ; ) This year he's giving one lucky winner one of his best prizes yet. This Sunday, the Healthy Bunny will be giving away a Life Factory beverage bottle!

Just like me, the Healthy Bunny believes that glass is the best way to store your beverages and Life Factory's bottles take the cake. They are large (22oz), wide mouthed glass bottles, encased in a colorful, non-toxic silicon sleeve. You can add just about any beverage along with ice, fruit, tea bags, whatever, and no chance of slipping out of your hands with the super cool sleeve. A $22 value, the Life Factory bottle will become your very best friend.

How to enter: Leave a comment describing a Spring time beverage you'd like to put in your Life Factory bottle as well as the color bottle you might like. Be sure to leave your email as well so that I may contact you if you win. The winner will be chosen this Sunday, April 4th by random.org (with some help from the Healthy Bunny).

Good Luck!!

Spring Clean Your Kitchen (And Your Body Will Thank You!)

2010-03-31T00:05:00.000-07:00

Spring is upon us and with new season comes the idea of sparkling freshness. Out with the old, in with the bright, shiny and new. So what better area to spring clean this year than your kitchen? Now, I could go on and on about the kinds of foods you should be stocking your cupboards with or how to prepare healthy meals to get you ready for swimsuit season. However, did you know that what you are cooking and storing with is just as important? You might be surprised to know that many of the items we use on a daily basis can be causing us harm. You may be eating the purest, most organic foods but if you are cooking with or storing foods in any of these items, you might be rendering your healthy foods useless. I’ve compiled my top 5 items that should be added to your toss pile this spring cleaning season in order to keep you and yours as healthy as can be!

·     Non-Stick Pots & Pans - The most important health factor that should be considered is the transfer, or leaching, of the cooking surface material to the foods being cooked. Heat changes the composition of materials so what may be safe at room temperature can be extremely toxic when heated. Non-stick surfaces like Teflon, are the biggest offenders when it comes to leaching. In fact, it has been admitted by Dupont, that when a non-stick surface is heated beyond a certain level, the fumes can kill birds and create a sickness in humans they call Polymer Fume Fever, producing symptoms resembling a cold. Most recipes call for the cooking surface to be heated to a medium to high temperature so cooking with a non-stick pot or pan will almost always be dangerous. So don’t wait until the bottoms of your pans are chipping to trash them, start replacing your most used pieces as soon as possible. REPLACE WITH: Ceramic, stainless steel, cast iron, and/or glass. Be sure there are no toxic paints or coatings.

·     Plastic Containers – As I mentioned above, leaching is hugely important factor to consider. Whether it is food or beverage, plastic should never be the vessel. One must even be cautious of BPA-free containers as there are other contaminants that can be leached from low-grade items. Be a discerning consumer and buy the best! When you add hot foods to plastic storage containers, it draws toxins from the container and mixes with your food. This is why you should never leave plastic water bottles in the car. Ever taste “plasticy” water? It’s been sitting in the heat, leaching toxins into your otherwise healthy beverage. This happens when you store food as well and even more so when you microwave them. Don’t let chemicals be the secret ingredient in your dishes. REPLACE WITH: Ceramic, stainless steel and/or glass

·     Dish Towels & Sponges - Bacteria breeds mainly in cool, damp places like sponges and dish towels. We use these every day to clean up our counters and plates but if not taken care of properly, we are doing more harm then good. A sure fire way to keep your cleaning aids at their best is to: wring them out to release excess water after every use, store them properly so that they can air out and dry quickly, wash regularly and throw them away every 2 weeks to a month. If you have old towels and sponges, it’s time to go shopping!

·     Overcrowded Refrigerators/freezers – Clutter is never a good thing and that goes for refrigerators and freezers too. When these are overstuffed, there isn’t enough room for the air to circulate properly and decomposition begins. In addition, many foods will pick up the odors of others which will most likely cause you to gag, throw a way your food and waste quite a bit of cash. This can also cause bacteria and mold to grow in between containers, on walls and in drawers. In freezers, overcrowding can cause freezer burn as well as forgetfulness! Ever forget what’s in the back of the freezer but it’s to frozen over to get to it? From now on, toss foods as soon as they expire, don’t keep items that you “think” you will use someday like fast food sauce packets, properly pack and label your foods with the date and consolidate items when possible. Your food will last longer, will taste a whole lot better and save you a considerable amount of green.

·     Microwaves – I know that there is quite a controversy when it comes to microwaves. But I’m here to tell you, anything that heats your food that fast and is otherwise cool to the touch, can’t be good for you. These microwaves that are heating your quick lunch are actually transforming the chemical makeup of your foods on a cellular level. Ever notice that many things are less crispy and more rubbery when nuked? That’s because while those little waves are heating up, they have mutated your food. And mutated food not only loses it texture and taste, it loses all its nutrients too. REPLACE WITH: Convection oven and/or toaster oven

While a full kitchen overhaul may be costly, be sure to at least make a dent by getting rid of and replacing your most used items. You can always add from there and have fun doing it. We should all make an investment in our health and the kitchen is a great place to start. I wish you all a very happy Spring as well as super healthy cooking spaces ; )

My Genesis Awards Night

2010-03-29T00:05:00.000-07:00

The 24th Annual Genesis Awards was held a few weeks back and I was lucky enough to be able to attend. A star studded gala that is The Humane Society's version of the Golden Globes. In fact, these awards are held in the same location! The Genesis Awards honors media, print, TV, film as well as individuals who have made strides in highlighting animal rights stories in their medium. Stars from TV and film present these awards after a lavish vegan meal, that is then followed by a swanky after party. And if you're lucky, you get to go home with a rockin' gift bag (I was a lucky one!)

The evening commenced with a fabulous dinner (featuring Gardein) by none other then celebrity vegan chef and friend of The Healthy Voyager, Tal Ronnen. The awards show was sweet, inspiring, entertaining and even at moments, tear jerking. I was taken with the number of news stories as well as films and TV shows that do so much to bring light to the cause.

The after party was complete with vegan sushi and decadent vegan desserts as well as attendees letting loose on the dance floor. A bunch of notable vegans chowed and boogied the night away like Rory Freedman, Ari Solomon, The Discerning Brute and the gals of VegNews & Vegetarian Times, to name a few. We all had a blast but here's a bigger scoop!

The winners of the evening were:

Lifetime Achievement Award - Tippi Hedren
Feature Film - (tie) - Hotel For Dogs & UP
Documentary Film - The Cove
Sid Caesar Comedy Award - Family Guy "Dog Gone"
Dramatic Series - Bones
Children's Programming - Nick News With Linda Elerbee "Kids to the Rescue! Helping Homeless Animals"
TV Newsmagazine - Issues With Jane Velez-Mitchell "multiple segments"
News Feature - KCBS / KCAL TV (Los Angeles) "Animal Shelter Abuse, Faux Fur Investigation"
News Series - KLAS-TV 8 (Las Vegas) "I-Team: Shark Fin Soup"
Morning News Show - Today on NBC "multiple segments" by Jill Rappaport
Talk Show - The Ellen Degeneres Show "Eating Animals author Jonathan Safran Foer"
TV Documentary - Death On A Factory Farm- HBO
Reality Series - Whale Wars "The Stuff of Nightmares" Animal Planet
TV Film - A Dog Named Christmas
Brigitte Bardot International - Bear Sanctuary - Animal Planet Europe
Ooutstanding Written Word- Isthmus (Wisconsin) multiple articles by Bill Lueders
Newsmagazine - Time "The New Age of Extinction" and "The Real Cost of Cheap Food" by Bryan Walsh and Abused No More by David Von Drehle
Magazine - O Magazine "What Are They Thinking?" by Eugene Linden, "Wild Things" by Rick Bass, and Operation Rescue by Barry Yeoman
Brigitte Bardot International Print - The Independent (UK) "multiple articles" by Martin Hickman

A few of my favorite gift bag goodies were:

The bag was jammed with great stuff (a lot of companies I already love) but these were new and exciting to me!
And of course, some of the stars in attendance were:

Teri Hatcher
Pierce Brosnan
Maria Menunos
Kristin Bell
Ginnifer Goodwin
Emily Deschanel
Moby
Jon Lovitz
Tipi Hedren
Melanie Griffith
Michael Vartan
Carrie Ann Inaba
And more!!!

For more information on The Genesis Awards as well as the Humane Society, please visit their website. I was honored to be a part of such a wonderful event and look forward to attending again next year ; )

Spring Flings - Easter & Passover Tips & Treats!

2010-03-26T00:05:00.002-07:00

The flowers are blooming, the hill sides are green, the air is fresh - Spring has sprung! And with spring comes friend and family gatherings, Passover chocolates and Easter bunny treats ; ) As per usual, you can find past year eco tips & healthy recipes by checking the 2008 & 2009 postings. There you will find lots to add to this year's menu along with the goodies & tips I'll be sharing below ; ) You ready? Let's "hop" to it!

If you are looking for some new goodies & candies that are eco, vegan, healthy and/or fair trade, I've found some new ones this year like:

Try goodies from The Natural Candy Store - gummies, eggies & chocolate for all ages & special diets
You can never go wrong with cookies, brownies, fudge, coffees & chocolates from Allison's Gourmet. Single orders as well as delicious gift baskets ; )
Looking for raw treats? How about Living Chocolate!
Skip the candy and give creative gifts this year. Re-use a basket by covering it in left over, festive fabric. Fill basket with paints and crayons, small sketch books, stickers and blank t-shirts or socks to personalize. Add some seed packets and celebrate spring with a new garden!

In addition to goodies to give as gifts, for baskets or to have at your festivities, here are a few recipes that will put some "Spring" in your step : ):

Hot Cross Buns
1 cup flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp allspice
1 T sugar
1.1 lb raisins
1 1/2 tsp yeast
1 tsp sugar
1/3 cup warm water
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Vegan butter
Powdered sugar

Put flour, salt, allspice, 1 T sugar and raisins in a bowl. Leave in a warm place.
Mix yeast, 1 tsp sugar and water. Leave yeast mixture to rise. Stir yeast mixture into flour mixture. Knead, roll into buns and leave in a warm place to rise. Bake 10-15 minutes at 425F/220C. Brush cooling buns with butter and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Spring Jubilee Juice

1 (48-ounce) bottle cranberry juice, chilled
1 (32-ounce) bottle apple juice, chilled
1 (6-ounce) cans frozen limeade concentrate, thawed and undiluted
1/4 cup lime juice
3/4 to 1 cup of organic vodka (optional)
Crushed ice

Combine all ingredients, stirring well; serve over crushed ice.

Chickpea Cakes With Beet Horseradish Salad

Cakes:
2 large shallots
2 T olive oil
Dried thyme
Red pepper flakes
1 15oz can chickpeas
1/4 tsp lemon zest
Salt & pepper to taste
Coconut oil

Sauté the finely minced shallots in 2 tablespoons of olive oil with a pinch of dried thyme and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Add the rinsed chickpeas, cover and simmer until just heated through. Remove the pan from the heat and let cool. Add freshly grated lemon zest and season with salt and pepper. Mash the peas with a potato masher and form into 1/4-cup mini-footballs. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. cover the bottom of a hot frying pan or skillet with coconut oil. Add the cakes in and lightly brown on each side.

Beet Salad:
2 1/2 pounds beets without their greens trimmed, leaving 2 inches of the stem ends intact
1/2 cup finely grated peeled fresh horseradish or 1/3 cup drained bottled horseradish
2 T sugar
2 T wine vinegar
3 T water

In a kettle cover the beets by 2 inches with cold water. Bring the water to a boil, and simmer the beets, covered, for 20 to 30 minutes, or until they are tender. Drain the beets and under cold water slip off and discard the skins and stems. Cut the beets into wedges, in a bowl combine them well with the horseradish, the sugar, the vinegar, the water, and salt and pepper to taste, and let them marinate, covered and chilled, for at least 8 hours and up to 3 days.

Serves chickpea cakes with a few spoonfuls of beet salad. Enjoy!

Grilled Veggie Pesto Matzah (or Pasta) Lasagna

2 boxes of matzah (substitute cooked lasagna noodles if you so choose)
13"x9"x2" baking dish
1 package of firm tofu, crumbled (seasoned with Italian seasoning, salt & pepper)
4 cups pesto (I like Le Grand Maison Brand, it is vegan an convenient)
olive oil
1/4 c. chopped garlic
2 bags of prewashed baby spinach
4 Asian eggplants
4 zucchinis
2 yellow bell peppers
3 large portobello mushroom caps or 6 shiitakes
1/3 cup chopped fresh basil

Slice eggplant in half lengthwise, lay skin side own on paper towels and sprinkle salt on top. Let sit for a half hour. Cut squash in half lengthwise and along with the mushrooms, place into a large Ziploc freezer bag. About a half hour before cooking, press water out of the eggplant. Marinate eggplants, squash, yellow peppers & mushrooms in balsamic vinegar for about a half hour directly in the ziploc bag.

Preheat oven to 350. Grill the eggplant, squash, & mushrooms. Allow to cool slightly.

In a skillet, sauté spinach in olive oil with chopped garlic. Cut eggplant, squash, & mushrooms into bite size pieces.

Cover the bottom of the baking dish with 1 cup of the pesto. Add one layer of moistened matzah (run under water). Layer half the grilled vegetables, 2/3 cup of the pesto sauce and 1/4 of the crumbled tofu mixture in dish. Repeat layers twice, the second time using the spinach as your vegetable, and the third time using the rest of the grilled vegetables. Cover with a final layer of moistened matzah, brush to coat with olive oil and add about 2/3 cup of pesto sauce on top.

Bake at 350ºF for 45 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Let stand for 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil & serve with additional pesto or tomato sauce if desired.

Death By Chocolate Toffee Matzoh

4 to 6 sheets unsalted matzohs
1 cup unsalted vegan butter
1 cup firmly-packed light brown sugar
big pinch of sea salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup vegan chocolate chips

Line a rimmed baking sheet completely with foil, making sure the foil goes up and over the edges. Cover the foil with a sheet of parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C). Line the bottom of the sheet with matzoh, breaking extra pieces as necessary to fill in any spaces.

In a 3-4 quart heavy duty saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar together, and cook over medium heat, stirring, until the butter is melted and the mixture is beginning to boil. Boil for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, add the salt and vanilla, and pour over matzoh, spreading with a heatproof spatula. Put the pan in the oven and reduce the heat to 350F (175C) degrees. Bake for 15 minutes. As it bakes, it will bubble up but make sure it's not burning every once in a while. If it is in spots, remove from oven and reduce the heat to 325F (160C), then replace the pan. Remove from oven and immediately cover with chocolate chips. Let stand 5 minutes, then spread with an offset spatula. Let cool completely, the break into pieces and store in an airtight container until ready to serve.

I hope that you enjoy these, as well as past, recipes, tips & treats this festive Spring holiday!! A very happy Pesach & Easter to you all!

Last Chance To Win A March Madness Giveaway!!

2010-03-24T12:16:00.000-07:00

It's time for our final giveaway this month! Get a head start and spring clean your body by winning a copy of "Keep It Simple, Keep It Whole" By holistic doctors Pulde & Lederman. Check out their site for more info! Also, the authors, who also run a holistic practice here in LA, will be guests on Healthy Voyager Radio on April 15th. Be sure to check that out!

How to enter: Leave your comment as to why you want to win and/or gift this book. Be sure to leave your email as well so that I may contact the winner. Winners will be chosen next Wednesday, March 31th by random.org.

Good Luck!!

London Revisited

2010-03-19T00:05:00.000-07:00

My last visit across the pond was a freezing one! The coldest, snowiest winter in the last 100 years and yes, it sure felt that way ; ) It was nice to see snow on the ground as well as on the countryside as we whizzed by in trains, but nothing felt as warm and cozy as a delicious meal! I was incredibly excited to go back to London and revisit some faves from my last trip but even more so for some new locations that had sprouted up since my last jaunt. There were so many places I hadn't gone that I made sure I squeezed them all in within the week we spent in jolly, frozen, England!

I must open with Saf Restaurant & Bar. Not only is it hip & chic, it is incredibly tasty, 100% vegan and offers lots of raw dishes. I heard about it from Chef Tal Ronnen, and anyone who has tried his food knows that if he has anything to do with something, it's gotta be good! I made a beeline toward Saf on my first free day. Ordering up a feats for lunch, I started with their phenomenal Pesto Au Poivre, a gourmet cheese made from cashews sure to knock the biggest carnivore's socks off. I followed that with a delicious TLT Ciabatinni (smoked tofu, lettuce, tomato, garlic mayo on yummy crusty bread). The menu changes with the seasons and makes it all the more fun and interesting. Their juices and cocktails are just as gorgeous as their dishes while their desserts, insane! See how beautiful the food is, salivate over the menu online at Saf!

If you're looking for a hipster, chill, artsy, music filled, vegan meal, then Inspiral Lounge is the spot for you! Streaming their own radio station and dishing out nothing but tasty treats, this lounge/cafe is located right by Camden Market. Lots of young, trendy, discount shops, Inspiral is a great place for a break and a bite. Their menu is great with your choice of entree, sides and salads, all for a nice price. Beer, wine & desserts can be found here as well, perfect complements to the relaxed feeling of the riverfront locale. Stop in and be Inspiralled!

With locations all over the UK, Europe, and now the US, Wagamama is a fun choice for healthy, community style dining. With shareable, Japanese plates, diners have oodles of noodles to choose from. Something for everyone, Wagamama has a ton to offer veggies or any other special diet ; ) I went for the raw juice (cucs, carrots, tomato, orange, apple), yasai gzoyas & yasai yatzu curry. Yasai means veggie ; ) Suck it up & look for a location near you!

I LOVED the concept behind Tossed. A fast growing chain in the UK, Tossed is not only healthy, it's fun! With a new location popping up somewhere all the time, each is quite different from the next. But the food offerings are awesome at any of them. At Tossed, you get to choose your fiber base of pasta, brown rice or salad. Then you add your ingredients from all sorts of veggies and proteins. You choose you dressing and it all gets tossed! They also offer soups, sandwiches, juices, coffees and some pre-packaged meals if you're on the go but their you build it, we make it meals are the best! Keeping an eye on calories, low GI grains and keeping fat at bay, you really can't feel guilty going overboard at Tossed!

I've got some more updates on London as well as some more spots across England so come back for more!

March Madness Giveaway - Week 3!

2010-03-17T12:31:00.000-07:00

Wanna be green & clean this spring? What better way then to have you hand People Towels with you wherever you go! People Towels are a great alternative to paper towels or hand dryers in public restrooms as they save paper, time while looking cute as you dry up ; ) This week, I am giving a way a 3-pack for you to keep and/or share!

How to enter: Follow this blog and leave your comment as to why you want to win and/or gift this book. Be sure to leave your email as well so that I may contact the winner. Winners will be chosen next Wednesday, March 24th by random.org.

For more information on People Towels, visit their site!

Good Luck!!

Serving up a Healthy St. Patrick's Day

2010-03-12T00:05:00.000-08:00

A few years after starting the Healthy Voyager blog, I decided to share more then just my travel tips and began to share holiday ideas and recipes. I've made it a point to cover most of the biggies and fun ones and St. Patrick's Day always makes the cut ; ) This year is no different! I'm collected a few recipes to help you feel luck, as well as a bit healthier, this coming day of clover, green & liquor overload. In addition, you can find some more eco tips & fun recipes from past posts here: click here for 2008 and click here for 2009 ; ) This year, the recipes will not only be Irish themed, but will help prevent or help hangovers while keeping you healthy, slim & trim!

Start your morning with these:

IRISH SCONES

1 cup white flour
1/4 pound vegan butter -- softened
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 egg replacer
2 ounces sugar
2 ounces white raisins
Walnut halves (optional)

Mix flour and baking powder. Add butter, and blend until the mixture is butter-colored. Add sugar and continue to mix well. Add half the egg replacer and all the milk. Add raisins or some nuts, if desired, mixing well to make a sticky dough. Turn dough onto floured board and knead for at least 5 minutes or longer. Cut dough into rounds and place on greased baking sheet or hot frying pan. Brush tops of scones with remainder of the egg replacer. Place walnut halves on top, if desired. Bake at 350 to 375 degrees for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until brown. If preparing over an open fire, heat frying pan till very hot . Place scones in pan and cook for 7 to 8 minutes. Turn and cook for another 7 to 8 minutes.

To chow on before your big night out so that you fill up on some tasty starches. Starches slow down alcohol absorption ; ) This is also good to fight off your bludgeoning headache the morning after!

IRISH POTATO SOUP

9 potatoes, peeled and diced
6 stalks of celery, sliced
4 large carrots, sliced
2 small onions, chopped
3 cups water
2 teaspoons salt
3 better then chicken bullion cubes (or any vegan chicken bullion brand you like), dissolved in 1/2 cup boiling water
6 cups unsweetened soymilk
1/2 cup flour
1 stick of vegan butter

Combine the potatoes, celery, carrots, onion, water, and seasonings in a large pan. Bring to a boil. Cover and cook until tender, about 30 minutes. Combine a small amount of milk and flour until smooth. Add this mixture and the rest of milk to the potato mixture. Stir in the butter. Cook and stir over medium heat until the soup thickens.

For a sweet treat at your festivities or to bring to a party. Again, the potatoes help with alcohol absorption.

ST. PATRICK'S POTATO AND APPLE PUDDING

2 T vegan butter
8 oz self-raising flour
6 oz freshly mashed potatoes
4 T soymilk
5 medium cooking apples
Brown sugar
Whole cloves
Juice of 1/2 lemon
3 T Cider

Mix the butter into the hot mashed potatoes, add a good pinch of salt, and the flour, and mix well, then add enough milk to make a soft, slack dough. Roll out and line a 1-qt bowl with some of it, reserving enough for the lid. Fill with the apples, peeled and cored and finely sliced, and sweeten to taste with sugar. Add 2 whole cloves, the lemon juice and the cider (or water), taking care not to make it too wet. Dampen the pastry edges, lay the lid on and press down. Cover with foil and secure well. Steam, or cook set in boiling water up to the rim, for 2 - 2 1/2 hours. Serve cut in wedges with vegan whipped cream and/or vegan ice cream.

Have a nice cup of Milk Thistle Tea with your meal as it will aid in your liver's ability to process alcohol better ; )

For the morning after, to replace electrolytes & rehydrate ; )

HOMEMADE GATORADE

2 QTs filtered water

1/2 cup Orange juice

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 tsp salt

Mix all the ingredients together and serve chilled.

Have some Ginger Root Tea, bananas & saltines handy for upset tummies.

Be sure to check out last year's posts for more health & greening your holiday tips as well as heaps more St. Patrick's Day recipes. Have a very happy and healthy celebration!!

March Madness Giveaway - Week 2!

2010-03-10T18:38:00.000-08:00

It's time for another giveaway! Get a head start and spring clean your body by winning a copy of "Keep It Simple, Keep It Whole" By holistic doctors Pulde & Lederman. Check out their site for more info!

How to enter: Follow this blog and leave your comment as to why you want to win and/or gift this book. Be sure to leave your email as well so that I may contact the winner. Winners will be chosen next Wednesday, March 17th by random.org.

Good Luck!!

Great Finds at Go Green Expo 2010!

2010-03-05T00:05:00.000-08:00

I really enjoy attending all sorts of expos from health to adventure, fashion to food, as there is so much to learn, try & see! I was excited to be in town for the Go Green Expo, 1 of many they have year round in major cities around the U.S. The one here in LA is the largest green expo in the area so I did my very best to squeeze in all it had to offer in 1 day. I've decided to share my top finds from this year's expo, so with no further a due, here they are!:

Eco Panda Swim Suits - Not only are these swimsuits stylish, cute & comfy, they are 100% eco! Made from recycled nylon from fish nets, these suits for all shapes & sizes are sure to please the wearers as well as the lookers ; ) They also carry cute cover-ups, bags that tuen into your beach towel and other cute beachy accessories. Visit them & shop at www.eco-panda.com.
Sovereign Earth Water Bottles - Weather you're an adventure seeker or just a concerned mom, don't let the quality of you water keep you awake at night. Not when you have a Sovereign Earth Water Bottle! Each bottle is produced using only 100% recyclable, food grade materials - non-leaching and BPA-free. The Sovereign Earth water filter removes up to 99.99% of common contaminants like chlorine, heavy metals, industrial and agricultural pollutants, and pharmaceuticals, leaving you with only the healthy vitamins and minerals naturally found in the water. Not your average water bottle and soon, medical grade filters will be available for those of you who are big time adventurers ; ) Buy 1 for everyone you know at www.sovereignearth.com.
ReGreet Cards - Ever get a card that is so cute but you can't find it anywhere to gift it to someone on your list? Not in the mood to spend $4 for something that might just end up in the trash after the cake is all but gone? Well ReGreet has found a way to help both scenarios while also helping the environment! Greeting card kits are sold so that you are able to re-use greeting cards while offering the same choice to your giftee if they choose to "ReGreet". Check out their innovative, eco & money saving kits at www.regreet.com.
People Towels - How frustrating when you've washed your hands in a public restroom and there are no paper towels or even so much as a hand dryer? Fret no more with People Towels? These colorful hand towels fold up nicely and come with their own little case that can fit snug in your pocket or purse so that you are drippy no more ; ) Clean & green! Pick out your People Towel today at www.peopletowels.com.
OrganicKidz Bottles - I don't have kids yet but I loved this product line. These bottles are not only eco-friendl and super healthy (BPA free, etc), but they grow with your baby! Use a baby bottle nipple, a sippy cup top and then on to sports bottle top - all with the same bottle. And if you need to measure anything like formula, cut juice with water, etc, the top is a measuring cup as well. I thought this was really innovative and I know what will be at the top of my registry once I'm preggers ; ) See what I'm raving about at www.organickidz.ca.
Bayes Waterless Car Wash Soap - Not only will you save time with this product, you will save money & conserve water! No more rinsing, soaping, rinsing again & toweling off your 4-wheeled baby. Nope! Just 1 step saves you gallons of water & oodles of time. Keep your car sparkling clean and your conscience green with Bayes Waterless. Find this and other Bayes natural cleaning products at www.bayescleaners.com.
Glee Gum - I grew up with Chiclets, Bubble Yum, Chewels, Big League Chew & the fruity one with the zebra ; ) By far, Chiclets were my fave and Glee Gum brings that back in an all natural way. No chemicals, artificial flavors or sweeteners, Glee is the best way to chew. Check out their flavors and other products at www.gleegum.com.
Froobi Non-Stick Pan -Yep, a healthy & eco non-stick pan!! It's not Teflon or some other toxic material. The secret is that it's ceramic! Healthy, even cooking without the headaches of scrubbin' off stuck on food. Yay!! Lots to check out at www.froobi.com
Harnessed Humidity - Ok, so it might be a little pricey but I like the idea. This water dispenser doesn't need a jug or a hook up to a tap. It just needs a little air! Taking the humidity from the air, this device harnesses water, filters it and dispenses great tasting H2O in minutes! Cold, hot or room temp, I was razzle dazzled. See how neat this machine is at www.harnessedhumidity.com.
Fresh Snack Pack - I really like this next product for its simplicity. Wrap up your sandwiches in this reusable, BPA-free, non-leaching pouch and use it as a mat to enjoy your food on when it's chow time. Easy to wrap up, simple to eat on and a cinch to clean, save money & the environment with www.freshsnackpack.com.
Go Green Oil Filter - Besides computer and cell phone trouble, car trouble takes the cake. Save money and frustration while saving the earth with the Go Green Oil Filter. GoGreen oil filters are reusable and have zero landfill impact. The earth-friendly GoGreen oil filter reclaims 100% of the oil in the filter, allowing you to recycle all the waste oil. Get one asap at www.gogreenoilfilter.com.
SorbentGreen - Oil spill? No problem. Hazardous waste? No problem. Blood? Yep, no problem. GreenSorb is a phenomenal product for medical offices, mechanic shops, and even your home. The patented materials are 100% eco friendly and toxin free. So much so that no matter what it absorbs, it renders it non-toxic. Oh yeah, that makes it much easier to dispose of as well ; ) See the demo at www.sorbentgreen.com.
OmGym - Fun, portable fitness, all in one cool pouch. Work out, stretch or just have some healthy fun withe the OmGym. Use it at home or on the go! View all the ways you can use your OmGym at www.omgym.com.

My next Expo coverage will be from The Natural Product Expo West so be sure to check back for a ton of great healthy & eco food, health, beauty, home, lifestyle products & more in just a few weeks!!

March Madness Giveaway!

2010-03-03T16:59:00.000-08:00

Spring cleaning isn't just for your closets & junk drawers anymore ; ) Spring time is a great time to get your diet on par with the season and get you healthy & vibrant in time for swim suit season. One great way to get started is by cooking healthy meals with healthy cookware. It's time to get rid of that toxic, non-stick stuff and move toward ceramic or stainless steel. And to get things started, I'm going to be giving away a brand new Emerilware Pro-Clad 8" Frying/Saute Pan to one very lucky reader!

Between today and next Wednesday, March 10th at 5pm PST, you can enter for your chance to start Spring Cleaning your kitchen and your diet! How can I win this awesome pan, you ask? It's easy! Become a follower of this blog and leave a comment on this post with the first thing you would cook with this pan ; ). Please include an email address, so I can reach you if you win. A random winner will be chosen by www.random.org and notified shortly after the contest has been closed. Be sure to also check out what else www.cookware.com has to offer while you're there!! In addition, if you're looking to spruce & eco up your kids bedding, their sister site offers some great eco bedding, toys, furniture & lamps ; )

Good luck!!

Get Ready for Redding, CA!

2010-02-26T00:05:00.000-08:00

One more stop before we headed once more through San Fran to visit friends and then home again. We were told that the Sun Dial Bridge was pretty neat so that was enough to get us of the 5 South and into Redding. This small northern California town had a neat bridge, a cute nature park & gardens as well as some tasty treats to satisfy my healthy appetite!

Since we were only there for 24 hours, I knew I had to fin some quick eats. Greengo's was just the place and they offer tons of vegan, gluten free and other special diet dishes. I went right for their rice & bean salada and a cup of their vegan soup of the day, tomato basil, mmmm ; ) Super cute, super quick, super healthy, it's Greengo's!

For din din, we grabbed a seat at The Downtown Eatery. Along with our meal we got some great local live music. I devoured my portobello mushroom sandwich with cashew cheese along with my sweet potato fries and vegan garlic aioli dip. It was really nice to chill out, listen to some fun tunes, take in the local scene and grub!

Sue's Java Cafe was a nice departure from my usual on the road Starbucks (they always have soymilk so it's just a no brainer). Their soy chai was delightful as was their freshly baked bread & the vegan chili I took with me for the ride home. Really cute and really yum, who could ask for a better way to start the day!

Redding was quick but I had enough time to enjoy the local vibe. If you're passin' through to see the Sun Dial bridge, now you know where to eat too!

Eureka! in NorCal

2010-02-19T00:05:00.000-08:00

I was charmed by this little seaside town in Northern California. It somehow has kept a lot of its history, making you feel like you've stepped into the early years of the state. You can just picture horse drawn carriages and ladies in big Victorian dresses. But I will say that the food and folks are very much modern and forward thinking ; ) I was excited to see how many options there where but maybe that's because they are in Humboldt county, heehee ; )

We pulled in after a long day of driving and lunched at Hurricane Kate's. I was famished so I shared the delicious portobello sate and then chowed on their awesome nut burger. They've got all kinds of healthy fare and it was a nice place to eat on our first venture in town.

Later that night we wanted to get a taste of the night life in town in headed over to the Lost Coast Brewery. Not only do they feature a bunch of local brews, but this watering hole dished out some pretty yummalicious food! Lots of healthy fare that included tofu tacos, Humboldt green party veggie burger or even a tofu burger. There's nothing like being able to order up a healthy meal to go with your organic beer ; )

The next day we breakfasted at the eco & healthy diner, Golden Harvest. I started my day right with the Popeye Scramble made with tofu and sans the cheese. Everything at Golden Harvest is made with the best local ingredients and a lot of it is made from scratch. Definitely a must for the first meal of the day and their lunch menu looks great too!

For our last meal in town we decided to splurge and go fancy shmancy so we dined at Avalon. Very pretty and suiting for downtown, Avalon serves up nothing but organic and local fare. I was able to find a deleicious veggie item in their home made gnocchi (with no cheese) that followed my fresh field green salad. It really was a nice meal and a treat from our usual road trip meals ; )

We were in and out of Eureka but I would recommend that if you ever drive up the western coast to add it to your stop and dine list!

You need to dine in Eugene!

2010-02-12T00:05:00.001-08:00

Not far from Portland is another healthy town, one that Jack Kerouac once hailed from (his statue is reading me a story in that photo). And that town is called Eugene! On our Pacific North West road trip, we were told to stop in Eugene on our way back home. Good thing we listened as there was much to grub on and I'm going to share all the info with you now!

The main reason we stopped was to be sure we visited the Pizza Research Institute. It was more then well worth it, I wish we had one in LA! A converted mechanic shop, the PRI has an ever changing menu but always scrumptious regardless of what's on it. It is completely vegetarian and veganizing items is not hard at all. They really do have some wonderfully experimental dishes but each is a hit. The day we popped in I had a killer spinach soup with their ridiculous spiral garlic rolls and a slice a spicy tofu vegan pizza. I was in heaven! Check them out and even if it's your only stop in Eugene, you must dine at the Pizza Research Institute!

I'm sure I've said this a thousand times and I'm glad to say it again, you can always find a healthy dish with Asian cuisine. Sweet Basil Thai is just that kind of place. All kinds of authentic Thai dishes, it wasn't difficult to fin something that suited any special diet. I went straight for the I Love Veggies Stir Fry and requested the vegan sauce that went with it. They offer tofu, tempeh or veggies with any dish and are very helpful with all sorts of food allergies. If it's Thai you're craving, let Sweet Basil scratch the itch ; )

Just because I'm The "Healthy" Voyager, doesn't mean that I don't let myself indulge in a sweet or 2 every now and again. And I chose to indulge at Sweet Life! Organic and many vegan desserts, you can anything here from a pie to a custom wedding cake - yummmmm! I went for their Vegan Chocolate Silk Torte and savored it for most of my trip home.

An awesome lunch spot I stumbled into was the Laughing Planet Cafe. I went to town with all the healthy, low fat, veggie options that I had to take some on the road with me in our cooler to enjoy later ; ) I started with their plantain chips & spicy bbq dip and moved on to their Soylent Green Bowl wchich was full of healthy grains & greens topped with tempeh & delicious mushroom sauce. Mmmm! Then i took a vegan deluxe burrito for the road ; )

Finally, I will confess that I stopped into yet another bakery ; ( But I had no choice!! It was 100% Vegan!! Woot woot! Gotta support veggie businesses even if it means I must eat cupcakes ; ) And eat cupcakes I did at Divine Cupcakes. They've not only got vegan cupcakes but they have gluten, sugar & wheat free options so no one is left out of the sweet mix. You can pop in for freshly baked cupcakes (might I recommend the Red Velvet or the Lavender?) or take & bake options. And if you are so inclined, they ship! No more excuses, get yourself a cupcake ; )

I'm more then excited to get back to Oregon and Eugene is definitely on my return list ; )

A Very Yummy Valentine's Day

2010-02-05T00:05:00.000-08:00

Yep, we have arrived once again to the day of hugs, kisses, chocolate and all around romance. For some this is a nauseating and even infuriating Hallmark holiday while others live for the hearts filled with sweets & gestures of love. Either way, in year's past I have illustrated ways to make your accompanied, as well as unaccompanied, Valentine's day a healthy and eco hit. You can check out past tips & recipes right here and here ; )

But for a few quick eco &/or healthy gift ideas, check out the Valentine's Gift Guide at EcoStiletto.com as well as some of these unique goodies:

Thrive Fitness by Brendan Brazier - Show the one you love that you want them around for a long time! The book just came out & is a great idea for the one you love.The couple who works out together, stays together!
Eco-Panda Swimsuit - A great bikini for the upcoming swim season will be a sure hit for the lady in your life. And she'll love you for finding a cute, sexy & super eco-friendly suit ; )
Sovereign Earth Water Bottles - For the adventurous sweetheart in your life, this is the perfect thing. These bottles are not only healthy & eco (no bpa, no plastic, no leaching) but they have built in filters that can save you from harmful chemicals, bacteria and more. Take this baby camping, hiking wherever, and your water supply will always be pure & drinkable. Keeping your honey safe is just another way to say I Love You ; )

This year I'm getting right to the recipes because some may choose to drown themselves in indulgent food, alone, until the morning of the 15th while others might want to share it. Either way, no sense in blowing your New Year's resolutions whether you're happy or sad, so at least enjoy yumminess with these healthier than usual V-Day treats!:

Passionate Pomegranate
6 ounces organic vodka (remove for a non-alcoholic beverage)
2 ounces seltzer
4 ounces Triple Sec (remove for a non-alcoholic beverage)
4 ounces pomegranate juice
2 lemons, juiced
1 pomegranate, seeded

Combine vodka, seltzer, Triple Sec, pomegranate juice, and lemon juice in a cocktail shaker over ice; shake. Pour into a chilled cocktail glass; garnish with pomegranate seeds.

My Heart "Beets" For You Salad
1 bunch of beets (4-5), leaves removed
2 large navel oranges, peeled and sliced
1 bunch of arugula leaves, cleaned, and stems removed
Sliced red onion
1/4 cup chopped walnuts

Dressing
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 teaspoon dried mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
(mix all the ingredients in a glass container)

Salad Prep
Cook the beets with their peel on. Cover the beets with water, bring to a boil, and simmer for 30 minutes or until beets can easily be pierced through with a fork. After cooking, allow the beets to come to room temperature and remove their peels and then slice them. Place them in a small bowl and marinate them in half of the dressing recipe above. On individual salad plates place the arugula, a few slices of orange, a few beets, a few slices of red onion and some chopped walnuts. Sprinkle dressing over the individual salads.

Sweetie "Shepherd's" Pie
1 T olive oil
1 large onion, sliced
2 large carrots
2 T thyme chopped
1 cup red wine
1 16 oz can diced tomatoes
2 vegetable stock boulion cubes
1 16 oz can green lentils
4 cups sweet potatoes , peeled and cut into chunks
2 T vegan butter
1/3 cup vegan cheddar cheese, grated

Heat the oil in a frying pan, then fry the onion until golden. Add the carrots and all but a sprinkling of thyme. Pour in the wine, 3/4 cups of water and the tomatoes, then sprinkle in the stock cubes and simmer for 10 mins. Tip in the can of lentils, including their juice, then cover and simmer for another 10 mins until the carrots still have a bit of bite and the lentils are pulpy. Meanwhile, boil the sweet potatoes for 15 mins until tender, drain well, then mash with the butter and season to taste. Pile the lentil mixture into a pie dish, spoon the mash on top, then sprinkle over the cheese and remaining thyme. The pie can now be covered and chilled for 2 days, or frozen for up to a month.
Heat oven to 375 degrees. Cook for 20 mins if cooking right away, or for 40 mins from chilled, until golden and hot all the way through.

You Make Me Melt Molten Chocolate Cake
5 - 6 ounces dark chocolate
6 T vegan butter
1/2 cup sugar
2 egg replacers
1/2 cup flour
Vegan whipped or ice cream

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly grease four 4-ounce custard cups. In double boiler, melt chocolate and butter. Stir in sugar. In a small bowl, lighly beat egg the replacer. Add some chocolate mixture to eggs to temper eggs. Carefully, stir "egg" mixture into chocolate mixture. Add flour and combine completely. Add batter to custard cups. Place on baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Centers should be soft but sides should be done. Invert cups on individual serving plates. Remove cups after 2 minutes. Serve warm with whipped or ice cream.

Make it special no matter who you may be with - your sweetheart, your friends or yourself - after all, every day is what we make it & if we love ourselves first & foremost, then all the rest is gravy ; ) Happy Valentine's Day!!

So Sweet in Sonoma

2010-01-29T00:05:00.000-08:00

You can't deny that that Sonoma & Napa are best known for their wine. And what goes best with wine? Delicious food! There is no shortage of scrumptious cuisine in this quaint California area so let's not waste any time and get right to it, shall we? Yes!

When in doubt, always go for Japanese. Shiso was the perfect place for a light and healthy bite. Minimalist and crisp, Shiso offered nice options for me like the Agedashi Tofu along with my faves, seaweed salad and miso soup. Light and clean foods really hit the spot after a day of wine tasting ; )

For an al fresco brunch or just an all around fresh meal, visit The Sunflower Cafe. Since everything is made from scratch, and to order, they are super accommodating to special diets. Their home made hummus is to die for and is delicious on their roasted veggie panini. Find out more about them at Sunflower Cafe online.

If you're looking for shi-shi Mediterranean, The Plaza Bistro is your place. Tasty Italian fare with lots o' flair ; ) Lots of their dishes are creamy and meaty however, if you know how to navigate the menu, you can have a fabulous meal. I loved the bruschetta and veganized the house made gnocchi dish. Me and my belly left quite happy and so will you!

In need of something casual and affordable? Try Mary's Pizza Shack! Fun for groups and families, this is more then just a pizza joint. And in Cali, of course they offer stuff for veg heads, low fat eaters, fiber wanters and passionate proteiners ; ) Something for everyone at Mary's, including the health nut in me ; )

Lastly, I wanted to mention the Pharmaca Intergrative Medicine Pharmacy. Located right by a beautiful Whole Foods, this is just an added bonus if you're in need of any health or medical attention when in the area. Their store offer a range of products (holistic as well as commercial) to help you maintain good health, as well as traditional treatment options along with a knowledgeable staff of health care experts. It's good to know they are there if you need them ; )

There is plenty more to see, eat, drink & do up here so stay tuned for more California wine country posts ; )

Best of 2009

2010-01-22T00:05:00.000-08:00

2009 was definitely the year of the Veg & Green lifestyle. From Ellen to Oprah, Tal Ronnen to Alicia Silverstone, Gardein to Daiya, the last year of the decade was a veritable vegan, health & eco fireworks extravaganza! So I figured I'd compile my faves of the last year in case any of you missed them so that you can enjoy them well into the new decade ; )

Restaurants

Veggie Grill - www.veggiegrill.com - Los Angeles & Orange County, CA -Hands down, Veggie Grill made it's biggest waves in 2009. One of the best vegan fast food chains, everyone is hoping to spread out nationwide in the new decade.
Pizza Fusion - www.pizzafusion.com - Nationwide - Angelenos were so excited when Pizza Fusion came to town from the North East! Featuring all sorts of pizzas including vegan and gluten free, you can't go wrong here.
Z Pizza - www.zpizza.com - Nationwide - Yet another Pizza chain that has crossed the country and delighting the dairy free folk! Z Pizza switched to the remarkable Daiya Vegan Cheese this year bringing smiles to their new vegan patrons nation wide ; )
Cruzer Pizza - Los Angeles, CA - A local pizza joint that got wise to the untapped vegan market and began offering vegan pizzas, lasagnas, chik'n parms & more! In addition, their first location ditched traditional pizzas and went completely vegan - woohoo!
Locali - www.localiyours.com - Los Angeles, CA - This awesome convenience store has everything a veggie and/or treehugger could need in addition to a rockin' deli and ice cream cart! So glad they came on the scene strong in '09!
Portobello Trattoria - www.portobellopdx.com - Portland, OR - Having just opened before my visit to this vegan mecca of a town, Portobello has been filling up every day since they opened their doors. And rightfully so, incredible food!
Plum - www.plumbistroseattle.com - Seattle, WA - One of the newer veggie locales in Seattle, it's chic and cool and stands out amongst the wide variety of veg options in the capital of the great North West.
SAF - www.safrestaurant.co.uk - London, England - The premiere, all raw, vegan joint in old blighty. Classy, gourmet and delish, Great Britain is really picking up speed in the veggie food world.
V Bites - www.vbites.com - London, England - Another new and rockin' veg spot in London Town. Owned by Ms. Heather Mills, whether you like her or not, V Bites is pretty boss ; )
Loving Hut - www.lovinghut.fr - Paris, France - There are Loving Huts all over the world but finding vegan fare in France is next to impossible. They were smart to open up in the city of love in '09 so if all else fails, you know you've got at least 1 spot to chow ; )

Hotels

Kimpton Hotels - www.kimptonhotels.com - Nationwide - Some of the hipest, neatest, artsiest hotels around that are hugely eco, greatly accomodating to veggies & special diest on top of being uber pet friendly. Check them out to see if there is a Kimpton at your next destination - they've got the U.S. covered and continue to grow!
Olive 8 - www.olive8.hyatt.com - Seattle, WA - Brand spankin' new in '09, this is a state of the art eco hotel in the heart of Seattle. So awesome!

Food & Beverage Products

Daiya Cheese - www.daiyafoods.com - To vegans, this has become the holy grail of vegan cheese. Melty, yummy and totally allergen free, it's no wonder we are all head over heels for Daiya!
Gardein - www.gardein.com - Made most famous by Veggie Grill & Tal Ronnen, this line of mock meats is to die for. Made with wonderful ingredients and not processy or chemically like most phony bolognas, '09 was a great year for Gardein. We're all excited to see more from their product line as well as finding them pop up in all sorts of restaurants.
So Delicious Coconut Milk Ice Cream - www.turtlemountain.com - Debuting their non-soy ice cream alternative, the pioneers of non-dairy ice cream did it again. And even better if I do say so myself!
Veev - www.veevlife.com - Accai Spirit, great straight or mixed! A great spirit that is eco and even healthy!
Go Max Go Foods - www.gomaxgofoods.com - Vegan Candy Bars! Need I say more??

Health Products

To Go Brands - www.togobrands.com - One of my fave fins of '09. Packets such as Go Greens that gives you 6 servings of green veggies in 1 pack as well as Green Tea Energy, Vitamin C and more, you can't pick a more healthful option this year!
Vega - www.sequelnaturals.com/en/vega -I know vega has been around for some time however, it has gotten some big attention this year by so many veggie advocates. it is THE best whole food supplement out there being allergen free and full of the best stuff on earth ; )
Psi Bands - www.psibands.com - I used these all years for all my crazy road trips and they rule! Acupressure wrist bands for the relief of nausea due to morning sickness (pregnancy), motion sickness/ travel, chemotherapy, and anesthesia. They are stylish, drug-free, adjustable, comfortable, waterproof, reusable, and affordable.

Lifestyle Products - Home

GameWhys - www.thegreenboardgame.com -Anotehr one of my absolute favorites of 2009. The prettiest, smartest, most entertaining & beautifully messaged games I have ever played. I love the board games as well as the card games. Fun for all for years to come!
Wow Green - www.wowgreen.net -I fell in love with these enzyme based household cleaning products this year and so will you. Eco friendly, safe for your family & pets and the best part is that they really work!
Ionator - www.activeion.com - The coolest, eco & money saving cleaning product ever! The ionator is a powerful appliance that uses ionizing technology to convert tap water into a safe, effective cleaner and sanitizer.
Pillo1 - www.pillo1.com - It's unique design is built for side and back sleep and gives ultimate neck support which keeps your back aligned all night long. Great sleep equals great days, health & productivity.
Pong - www.pongresearch.com - After much research, the Pong Iphone case came out this year to keep us safe from cell phone radiation. Coming soon for blackberry, this stylish case reduces over 85% of "hot spot" radiation, redirecting the flow of energy away from the head. And it's the only FCC certified case on the market!

Lifestyle Products - Travel

To-Go Ware - www.to-goware.com - Fabulous utensils & containers to take with you anywhere you go! Made of bamboo and recycled materials, a To-Go Ware set is the perfect stocking stuffer for the eco person on your list. Definitely in my top 5 fave finds of the year!
Love Bottles - www.lovebottle.net - The rage is BPA free bottles and the slick aluminum ones with neat designs. But drinking from glass is the best way to imbibe your daily H2O and Love Bottles has the neatest designs around. Carry your healthiest water in style and be the envy of all your work out friends ; ) I use mine every day!
Select Wisely Cards - www.selectwisely.com -The neatest thing for travelers with dietary restrictions. Affordable, portable and smart - select wisely!!
Green Garmento -www.thegreengarmento.com - This eco bag is a hamper, laundry bag, duffel bag and also a great way to pick up your dry cleaning without wasting so much plastic.

Fashion

Annatarian - www.annatarian.com -Again, this line has been aorund but in '09, their PeaceLoveEarth eco jewelry line took the cake. Gotta love the 7 wishes bracelet no matter what time of the year.
Matt & Nat - www.mattandnat.com - For luxury, vegan & eco handbags and accessories, you can't go wrong with anything from Matt & Nat. Super chic bags, no one will know they aren't fresh off the European runways. From clutches to diaper bags, introduce your gal to accessorizing the eco way! (they've got some nice goodies for men too!)
Espe -www.espe.ca - I found them this year as well - 100% vegan, cruelty free accessories such as wallets, cell phone pouches, computer bags and more, their colorful and handcrafted designs are great for gals of all ages. And they too have not forgotten about their male counterparts. Super cute stuff!!
Beyond Yoga - www.iambeyond.com - Their new organic line is beautiful! From yoga pants to jackets, built in bra tops to wraps, they've got it all. For your work out or you night out, Beyond Yoga helps you strike an organic and stylish pose ; )

Books

The China Study - www.thechinastudy.com - It will change your life, enough said. Best book of '09!
Why We Don't Eat Animals - www.wedonteatanimals.com - Adorable, sweet and thought provoking.
Quantum Wellness: A 21 Day Essential Guide to Healing Your Body, Mind & Spirit - www.kathyfreston.com - Kathy explains her ideas so well and in an easy to understand fashion that anyone can grasp how to help themselves live better. With help from lots of health pros, this is just a great read with tons of helpful advice.

Cookbooks

The Conscious Cook - www.talronnen.com - One of the yummiest vegan cookbooks around
The Kind Diet - www.thekindlife.com - A nice intro to veganism from beginners to advanced plant eaters. Filled with delish recipes too ; )
Vegan Cookies Take Over Your Cookie Jar - Dude, how can this brand new book not rock with a title like that!

Cooking Products

360 CookWare - www.360cookware.com - Vapor cooking technology in beautiful, eco-friendly pots and pans that are not only durable and sustainable but healthy ; )
Eat Cleaner - www.eatcleaner.com - This is a great, affordable and health promotion gift. The coolest is the "Wash & Dryer" kit for veggies!
Green Pots - www.greencookingpots.com - Giving La Creuset a run for their money, these eco-enamel pots and pans are the healthiest, most stylish way to cook ; )

Shopping Websites

Cosmo's Vegan Shoppe - www.cosmosveganshoppe.com -A virtual vegan market
Allison's Gourmet - www.allisonsgourmet.com - Who can deny that the gift of killer chocolate isn't on their top 5? Allison's offers a wide variety of scrumptious vegan confections and cookies that are available as single items, gift baskets or "of the month" club deliveries.
Herbivore - www.herbivoreclothing.com -Vegan clothing, books, accessories, nick knacks and more!
Vegan Collection - www.thevegancollection.com - Guys get left out a lot when it comes to shopping, especially for vegan clothes, shoes, etc. Not anymore thanks to these guys!
Healthy Voyager Wine Club - www.healthyvoyager.com - Featuring organic, biodynamic & sustainable wines, delivered to your door, every month!

Resource Websites

VegNews.com - www.vegnews.com - Their new and improve site offers up everything from great recipes to veg celeb gossip - great stuff!
VegWeb.com- www.vegweb.com - Sister site to VegNews, this site is chock full of great recipes and other veggie goodies ; )
PCRM.org - www.pcrm.org - Physicians Commitee for Responsible Medicine is one of the best resources of 2009. From their 21-day vegan kickstarts to directories of holistic physicians, PCRM is the place for ultimate health.
Vegetarian Times Magazine – www.vegetariantimes.com - Eat green, live well
Ecofabulous – www.ecofabulous.com - All you need for a chic, sustainable lifestyle
EcoStiletto.com – www.ecostiletto.com - Making your carbon footprint small & fashionable
FitMenu – www.fitmenu.net - Find low fat, low cal, healthy, meals a your favorite eateries

Movies & TV

Food Inc. - www.foodincmovie.com - You'll never look at dinner the same way again!
The Cove - www.thecovemovie.com - An unabashed look at what goes on when big business meets the deep blue sea
Planet Green - www.planetgreen.discovery.com - The station for everything Eco
Sea Shepherd - www.seashepherd.org - On Discovery as well as Animal Planet, this groundbreaking show has made a big splash in prime time ; )
District 9 - www.d-9.com - I loved this movie just for pure entertainment value but it's also such a great illustration of spec-ism!

Celebs

Ellen Degeneres - www.ellen.warnerbros.com - Coming out as a vegan this year and launching her Halo brand of food for pets gets her tied for my #1 spot. People love Ellen and I love what she is doing for the health of her viewers ans their pets. Keep dancin' girl!
Tal Ronnen - www.www.talronnen.com - Tied with Ellen for 1st place is my buddy Tal. Helping Gardein become the yummiest meat substitute around, helping Oprah with her 21 day vegan cleanse and writing and insanely awesome vegan cookbook all in '09? I can't wait to see what he's got up his sleeve in 2010 and beyond ; )
Dr. Oz - www.doctoroz.com - Getting his start from the queen of daytime, Doc Oz has shed light on healthier living and knows how to get folks to listen. Taking us all to the emerald city of health & eco-ness!
Alicia Silverstone - www.thekindlife.com - Making her big comeback in the most positive of ways was former teen sensation, Alicia Silverstone. Launching her Kind Life blog and her beloved new book, The Kind Diet, she sure knew how to make her re-entrance ; )
Kathy Freston - www.kathyfreston.com - Another gal who made her way into our healthy zeitgeist. She has aligned herself with the health world's top people and been able to connect with the top celebs to get the healthy word out. Keep on keepin' on!
Jason Mraz - www.jasonmraz.com - The vegan songster has done it again with a new hit record and tour (named after a raw vegan restaurant in San Fran). He's just fun and uplifting and so I thought I'd give him some props for a good show in '09 ; )

Cities

Los Angeles - Having lived here as a vegan for more then a decade now, I saw LA blow up the vegan landscape this year like no year that preceded it. My few options are now almost to many to choose from!
Portland - I've said many times before that Portland is Vegan Heaven. And having freinds in the area over the years, I know that this year it held on to its title by continuing to add more for us health nuts ; )
London - England has always had a bad reputation when it came to its cuisine. I'm here to say that that they have overcome that with flying colors and this year, the advent of even more Veg friendly options and eateries puts London in my top 10 best cities to dine ; )
Bogota, Colombia, S.A. - I never thought I'd see the day that my home country of meat, potatoes and rice would be growing into it's own little vegan paradise. I've seen so many veggie spots pop up there this year and I'm so very proud!

Charity

HOW - www.helpinghow.com - Growing exponentially this year, HOW is a wonderful organization. Check in to how to donate time or money to helping orphans all over the world.
Talk About It - www.talkaboutit.org - Founded this year and helped along my Hollywood's elite, this organization is doing wonders for those who suffer from epilepsy. Help those who have trouble coping with epilepsy as well as helping spread awareness.
Generation Rescue - www.generationrescue.org - Jenny McCarthy's loud mouth helped this foundation quite a bit this years. Help families affected by autism by donating time and money to help promote therapies, awareness and more.
Twitter-A-Critter - www.adoptapet.com - Also launched this year as a spin off of adoptapet.com and using the booming social networking site Twitter to its advantage. A quick and easy way to help an animal in need, genius!

I urge you all to look into these products, services, places & people as they are all helpful in living a healthier and happier life. I'm sure 2010 will be even bigger and for that, I'm uber excited!!

Healthy New Decade

2010-01-15T00:05:00.000-08:00

We have not only arrived at a new year but a whole new decade, welcome 2010! I'm sure many were more then happy to bid 2009 good riddance and are looking to the teen years of the 21st century to bring us all better luck. There is also plenty we can do to help move our lives into more positive, happier and healthier places this year so that by this time next, we can look back and know that we did our best to make it a great one ; ) Here are a few things that might help kick start the new year on a good note!:

Do the best you can to adopt healthier eating habits. Food is your medicine and watching what you eat both in portion size as well as what is and isn't on your plate is the best way to stay healthy. Try to increase your veggie intake on a daily basis as well as whole grains and complete proteins while decreasing your sugar, fat & animal product consumption. Your body will thank you as will the earth!
Fit in fitness wherever you can. Be it a 20 minute walk after dinner or a dance class a few times a week, find ways to get the blood pumping and it will help you cope with stress and might even be something you look forward to every day. Especially when you make your exercise social like a class our group hike!
Go green as lightly as you can. Some people are able to go green easier and faster then others but every little bit helps. Recycle bottles, cans and bags at home; watch your water and electric usage and try to carpool, ride your bike or walk when you can. Making a difference doesn't happen over night and no one expects you to live completely off the grid - yet ; )
Watch your spending. 2009 was a financial bust for many so let's learn from that and make 2010 a more financially responsible year by implementing healthier money habits at home. Cut down on impulse buys and services you don't really need or use; make a list of what you can and can't do without and find alternatives (i.e. quit your Starbucks habit & make healthier lattes at home - you can save up to $150 a month this way!); see how you can barter services and/or items for things you need (i.e. baby sitting for house sitting, etc). Get creative and see the savings!
Make this the year you go for what you love. 2009 also taught us that sometimes we need to adjust our lives depending on our finances. Many folks lost their jobs and used that to their benefit to start their own business. If you've always wanted to be a chef, look into affordable classes. If you want to start a home business, make time to do the research on what you need to get started - and don't be afraid to ask for help. Be the Phoenix that rises from the ashes of 2009!
Surround yourself with a good support system. No matter what you situation, nothing is worth having without being able to share it with people you love. Remember what is truly important in life & no that when times are tough, you have people to lean on & that you can be supportive to others. Bad times shall pass and we can all be, and use, a hand to hold for better or for worse; )
And as Ghandi once said "Be the change you want to see in the world"

Here are some sure fire ways to not only implement your best resolutions but also how to keep them!:

Be realistic - The surest way to fall short of your goals is to make them unattainable.
Plan ahead - If you wait until the last minute, it will be based on your mindset that particular moment & might not afford you the time you need to make it happen.
Outline your plan - Decide how you will deal with the temptation to skip that exercise class or have one more cigarette. Find positive ways to reward yourself when you meet your goals (try your best to not make them food or over spending related!)
Make a "pro" and "con" list - It may help to see a list of items on paper to keep your motivation strong. Visual aids help you stay accountable.
Talk about it - Don't keep your resolution a secret. Tell friends and family members who will be there to support your resolve to change yourself for the better.
Track your progress - Keep track of each small success you make toward reaching your larger goal.
Don't beat yourself up - Obsessing over the occasional slip won't help you achieve your goal. Do the best you can each day, and take each day one at a time.
Stick to it - Experts say it takes about 21 days for a new activity, such as exercising, to become a habit, and 6 months for it to become part of your personality. You can do it!
Keep trying - If your resolution has totally run out of steam by mid-February, don't despair. Start over again! There's no reason you can't make a "New Year's resolution" any time of year.

Here's hoping 2010 is a great one and that we can all look back fondly on the beginning of this new decade next year!

Healthy Voyager Holidays!

2009-12-18T00:05:00.002-08:00

Here we are again, another year behind us and a new decade just days away. Sure we've been inundated with holiday spirit since the latter part of November, but we still have a few weeks to go until we kiss the festive season goodbye until next year. As I have in year's past, I have compiled some tips, suggestions and recipes to help make these next few weeks brighter, happier and healthier. They are my gift to you in wishing you and yours a very happy holiday season and an even better new decade year!

In years past, I have written about eco, healthy and affordable holiday ideas and you can check them all out here: 2006, 2007, 2008.

But this year, i thought I'd share a few tips to just make this joyful, yet stressful season, a little lighter. Seeing as how 2009 has been a rough year for many, we should close out the year on a high note so that we can all enter the new year happy and optimistic ; ) I hope that some, if not all of these can help make your, and those around you, holidays merry!

Let go of a problem you can't solve. Enjoy the season ; )
Don't despair if you are short on cash. Be creative. Sometimes thoughtful gifts are better than store bought ones.
Organize a neighborhood holiday dinner. Have appetizers at one home, the main at another and dessert at the next!
Remember our feathered friends! Roll pine cones in peanut butter and bird seed and hang them out side a window where you can enjoy them feasting on your treat.
Don't wait until the last minute to wrap gifts or write all your cards. Wrap as you buy and divvy up your cards to do 10 a night until they are done. Don't make yourself work harder then you have to.
Sing!
Give your loved ones, friends and everyone you encounter the gift of a sweet disposition ; ) We are all stressed over the holidays to some extent but try to be the first to spread the holiday spirit! a person wrapped up in himself is a very small package.
Give instead of receive. Pick some charities you would like to help out and try to donate some time or funds to help those less fortunate.
Remember the best solution for holiday blues is to do something nice for someone else! Give anonymous gifts and be kind without expectations.
Start collections of recipes and decorations for your children, adding one to each collection every year. When they are all grown up, they will have a nice collection to get them started along with wonderful memories attached to them.
Plan ahead, be prepared and keep it simple.
Curl up in front of a blazing fire with someone you love.
Take the long way home and enjoy neighborhood lights.
Start your own traditions, however small they may be ; )
If you have the time, bake double batches of your holiday goodies to share with friends. Having extra baked goods is also great to have as an impromptu gift to take to a party.
If you have children, have a decorations craft night and help them decorate their room for the holidays.
Dance!
Get the names of local military personnel and send holiday cards thanking them for their service. Do the same with nursing homes and find out who doesn't receive much mail. Send them a card and sign it "Love, Santa"
Have hot cocoa, apple cider ans popcorn on hand for unexpected guests ; )
Give yourself the gift of slack. No one expects perfection, especially during the holidays. Even Santa needs helpers!
Make sure to make time for yourself to enjoy the season, to reflect on the past year as well as some goals for the new one ahead.
Remember the best gift is a person filled with love & understanding ; )

And enjoy the flavors of of the seaon!! For a hearty and healthy holiday meal, try some of these recipes! If you're in search of seasonal sweets, be sure to visit my recipes page on my website for some yummy ones under holiday, beverages and even the sweets page ; )

Cranberry Chutney

8 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (2 pounds)
2 shallots, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups red-wine vinegar
2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
2 tablespoons whole mustard seeds
1 tablespoon freshly grated orange zest
1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest
2 teaspoons salt

Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan; bring to a boil over high heat. Simmer, uncovered, stirring often, until the cranberries have broken down and the mixture has thickened somewhat, 10 to 15 minutes. Let cool completely and serve or store in glass jars.

Cranberry Spinach Salad

1 (6 ounce) package fresh baby spinach
1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup olive
3 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons red wine or balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon sour cream
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard

In a bowl, combine the spinach, pecans and cranberries. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the remaining ingredients; shake well. Drizzle over salad and toss to coat; serve immediately.

Holiday Shepard's Pie

Filling:
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 1/2 pounds ground soy beef (boca, ives or sub with marinated tempeh)
16 ounces canned tomato sauce
1 1/2 cups cooked mixed vegetables (peas, diced carrots and corn)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Mashed Potatoes:
5 russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
1/2 cups unsweetened soy milk
1/2 cup vegan butter
1/2 cup vegan sour cream
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Cornbread Crust:
1 (12-ounces) boxed cornbread mix (follow instructions but sub eggs with egg replacer, butter with vegan butter & milk with unsweetened soy milk)

Directions
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, saute the onion in vegetable oil. When the onion is soft add the soy ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon and brown. Stir in tomato sauce and mixed vegetables. Season with salt and pepper.

In a pot of boiling, salted water, cook the potatoes about 20 minutes or until fork tender. Drain well and return to the pot. Whip the potatoes with an electric mixer until moderately smooth. Add milk, butter and sour cream and mix well. Season with salt and pepper. Adjust consistency with more milk, if desired.

Follow directions on box to make cornbread batter.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Lightly grease 6 (8-ounce) ramekins with nonstick cooking spray.

Spoon the mashed potatoes into the bottoms of each prepared ramekin, spreading them evenly with a rubber spatula. Then add the meat filling, spreading that evenly over the mashed potatoes. Pour the cornbread batter evenly over the meat layer in each ramekin.

Bake for about 30 minutes until the cornbread is cooked through and golden on top.

Butternut Squash Rice Pilaf

2 pounds butternut squash, peeled, halved and seeded
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 large red onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 parboiled brown rice
1 3/4 cups water or 1 14-ounce can vegetable broth
1/2 cup white wine
1/2 cup chopped fennel fronds (leafy tops)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
1 teaspoon salt
Pinch of cinnamon
Freshly ground pepper to taste
Grate the squash through the large holes of a box grater.

Heat oil in a large cast-iron or nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Add onion and garlic and cook, stirring, until soft and lightly colored, 10 to 12 minutes. Combine 2 tablespoons water and tomato paste in a small bowl and stir it into the pan. Add rice and stir to coat. Add the squash, in batches if necessary, and stir until it has reduced in volume enough so that you can cover the pan.

Increase the heat to medium-high, pour in 1 3/4 cups water (or broth) and wine, cover and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, covered, stirring once or twice, until the rice has absorbed most of the liquid and the squash is tender, 25 to 30 minutes.

Add fennel fronds, oregano, salt, cinnamon and pepper; gently stir to combine. Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Serve hot or at room temperature.

I wish you very happy & healthy holidays as well as a wonderful new decade! See you in 2010!!

Healthy Voyager Radio - Healthy, Eco-Celebrities

2009-12-17T18:11:00.000-08:00

Listen to the Healthy Voyager Radio right here!! Featuring Actor/Director/Activist Ed Begley Jr. & Wellness Guru, Kathy Freston!:

Healthy Voyager Radio

I wish you very Happy Holidays & a Wonderful New Year!

See you in 2010 with more great guests, tips, music & more!!

Ahh, Ashland ; )

2009-12-11T00:05:00.001-08:00

As we crossed over the Oregon/California state line, we hoped to find a place to grab some grub. We lucked out and drove through the cutest town nestled in the mountains, a town called Ashland. Well known for it's renowned Shakespeare Festival, this once mining village is now an adorable artist community and college town. I was so excited to explore the downtown area so we stayed a bit and discovered some yummalicious locales!

If you're looking for a quick and healthy bite, Pangea is your spot. I could tell by the name that they were veg & health friendly so I popped in just to be sure. And I was right ; ) They offer all kinds of veggie salads and sandwiches as well as tofu & tempeh options. IN addition they've got gluten free options as well as some really nice low fat goodies ; ) Yummy, quick and affordable so if you are in town, give Pangea a whirl!

In the mood for something warm, spicy and/or delicious? Then Sesame Asian Kitchen is a must visit. With a menu that suits everyone at your table, Sesame had some of my fave dishes like tofu lettuce wraps and pumpkin curry. With a chic vibe and creative menu, I recommend this place for a fun night out with friends or even a romantic meal. A meal at Sesame is like dying and going to the veg-friendly orient heaven ; )

For a family fun, great for all "omnis" & "herbis" alike, Grilla Bites is your place. This natural and organic sandwich-soup-salad-ery has something for everyone. For sit down or take out, Grilla Bites is super accommodating as the menu is clearly marked with what is veg, vegan and even heart healthy! Their tempeh burger rules and so does their bbq tofu ; ) With locations in Oregon, California and Utah, you gotta try them out next time your in the Pacific Northwest.

I LOVE Italian food, especially when it's chilly out. Very comforting and warm ; ) Pasta Piatti mixes casual with traditional and was totally a hit with this veg-maniac. I devoured my huge bowl of veggie minestrone along with a scrumptious organic mista salad. Warm bread and Italian comfort food, how can you go wrong. Check out what you'll order at Pasta Piatti online!

I wish we had more time in Ashland as it was just charming. perhaps I'll come back to catch some Shakespeare festival action soon!

Healthy Voyager Radio - Vegan Cooking & Compassionate FIlms

2009-12-10T17:59:00.000-08:00

Listen to the Healthy Voyager Radio right here!! Featuring Celebrity Vegan Chef, Tal Ronnen & Documentary Film Director, Shaun Monson:

Healthy Voyager Radio

Next show, Ed Begley Jr. & Kathy Freston close out 2009 with a bang!

Eco & Healthy Holiday Gift Guide

2009-12-04T00:05:00.000-08:00

So here we are, Black Friday and Cyber Monday behind us and the holiday shopping season in full swing! We still have a few weeks before the presents are all unwrapped, Santa has made his way back home & we're prepping for the new decade. So that means it's time to hit the stores, both online as well as brick & mortar. I've gathered my top healthy & eco holiday picks for everyone on your list, just in time to check off before time runs out!

Just a few tips before you flash your credit cards and get yourself into a wrapping frenzy:

When heading out to shop, be sure you eat before leaving the house. Nothing kills your wallet and your stomach like fast or food court food. Walk off your meal, that's a better option ; )
Bring a healthy snack with you so you're not tempted to snack on trash. It's also handy when you find yourself starving in a long line with no end in sight.
Wear comfortable shoes! Nothing kills a day of shopping like blisters and a headache. You need supportive and comfy shoes for holiday marathon shopping. Plus it makes it easier to run from sale to sale!
If you're shipping gifts that you are purchasing out and about, bring your address list with you. A lot of the times stores can ship for you directly from the store so it saves you a step.
Speaking of shipping, know the cut off dates for packages to arrive on time. If you are a procrastinator, this tip will come in handy ; )
When shopping online, be sure that the sites you are shopping are secured sites. You can tell that it is secured if the address reads https: and/or there is a lock icon with a secure company logo on the bottom of your window. If uncertain, don't make the purchase or you will have a nightmare before Christmas!
Be sure to add your coupon and promo codes at the right time before check out. Once you hit submit, sometimes it's a hassle to get your discount. Keep a window on your browser open to search for coupon codes of any store you are shopping at - you can save a pretty penny! Just cut and paste the codes into the promo window. Sometimes they don't work but it's always worth a shot!
Gift giving etiquette - Don't give a gift you wouldn't like to receive. Sure, it's the thought that counts however, if you re-gift some used, crappy odd n' end or pick something up from the 99 cent store on your way to a party, maybe it's best to just get a nice card instead ; ) Words can sometimes be better than a tacky nick knack that screams "gas station gift rack".
Shop all year long - sounds like fun right? Actually, it's a smart way to ensure that everyone on your list get something they actually want or speaks to their personality. Ever see something and say "So and so would love that". If you have the cash, buy it and save it in a special place instead of racking your brains Thanksgiving weekend wondering what you should get that so and so or where that cool thing was that you saw in July. Think ahead as it will save you time, money and you look like the hero. Also, keep notes of when the people on your list mention something they like or need - it really comes in handy during shopping season and your giftees will be overjoyed with your thoughtfulness ; )
When in doubt, give a gift card! You can get them virtually anywhere, in any denomination and the person o your list gets to go on a mini shopping spree, thanks to you!

Alright, here are the goods for Holiday 2009!:

Charity

(To give instead of receive)

HOW - www.helpinghow.com - Donate time or money to helping orphans all over the world
Talk About It - www.talkaboutit.org - Help those who have trouble coping with epilepsy as well as helping spread awareness
Generation Rescue - www.generationrescue.org - Help families affected by autism by donating time and money to help promote therapies, awareness and more
Homefront America - www.homefrontamerica.org - Providing assistance to families when their head of household is in deployment. Job assistance, school supplies, and services need volunteers and donations.
Make-A-Wish - www.wish.org - Help make an ailing child's holiday season bright
Family to Family - www.family-to-family.org - Help a needy family this holiday season by helping with time or money towards food, shelter, supplies, etc.
The Animal Rescue - www.theanimalrescuesite.com - Donate to this wonderful organization that helps needy pets. Or better yet, adopt a pet this gift giving season!

Him
(For the men on your list, both young & old)

Shoes, Belts & Wallets - www.thevegancollection.com - The Vegan Collection is an online vegan shoe and accessories company providing stylish, cruelty-free men’s shoes at reasonable prices ; )
Pacific Shaving Cream - www.pacificshaving.com - Personal care products (for men and women) that are good for the skin, good for the wallet, and good for the earth. Made with certified organic, natural and naturally-derived ingredients, environmentally friendly practices, and minimal packaging.
Eco Poker Tables - www.egmgreen.com - Need a gift for the man who has everything? How about an eco poker table! Using sustainable design principals and manufacturing in a 100% green building, you can think of it as doing something good even when you're bluffing ; )
Recycled Beer Glassware Sets - www.elsewares.com - Men of all adult ages will enjoy these for their big boy drinks. Hearkening back to college days is this frat boy to father friendly glassware sets. You can find their favorite brand so they can enjoy any beverage in it, any time, any place ; )
Cardboard Animal Heads - www.uncommongoods.com - More modern design than hunting lodge, these clever, cruelty-free cardboard deer and moose heads are a fun way to add a trophy to your wall without having to go after Bambi's mom.

Her
(For the ladies be they young, moms or busy bees)

Golden Earth - www.goldenearth.net - Perfumes, lotions, bath gels and more made from cruelty free and 100% organic, vegan ingredients. All essential oil based, spoil the ladies on your list with natural bath, body & beauty.
Annatarian - www.annatarian.com - Be it a 7 wishes bracelet from their PeaceLoveEarth line (www.peaceloveearth.com) or a custom couture gown, their is something beautifully green for every lady. An eco-effective design firm, anything from Annatraian is an art piece with intention while sacrificing nothing in the environment. Beauty & function is a gal's best friend ; )
Matt & Nat - www.mattandnat.com - For luxury, vegan & eco handbags and accessories, you can't go wrong with anything from Matt & Nat. Super chic bags, no one will know they aren't fresh off the European runways. From clutches to diaper bags, introduce your gal to accessorizing the eco way! (they've got some nice goodies for men too!)
Espe -www.espe.ca - 100% vegan, cruelty free accessories such as wallets, cell phone pouches, computer bags and more, their colorful and handcrafted designs are great for gals of all ages. And they too have not forgotten about their male counterparts. Super cute stuff!!
Beyond Yoga - www.iambeyond.com - Organic line is beautiful! From yoga pants to jackets, built in bra tops to wraps, they've got it all. For your work out or you night out, Beyond Yoga helps you strike an organic and stylish pose ; )
Psi Bands - www.psibands.com - Great stocking stuffer! Acupressure wrist bands for the relief of nausea due to morning sickness (pregnancy), motion sickness/ travel, chemotherapy, and anesthesia. They are stylish, drug-free, adjustable, comfortable, waterproof, reusable, and affordable.

Unisex & Couples Gifts
(For anyone or any duos)

Recycled LP Record Bowls - www.uncommongoods.com - Great for the music loving couple, or person, on your list. Choose the music style and even the artist to suit your giftee's style. Way cute & uber eco-chico!
Recycled Wine Barrel Chair - www.uncommongoods.com - Beautiful, functional and 100% green, these chairs are a great addition to any home. Not only a killer conversation piece, these chairs are comfortable and are good for you as well as they have been to the environment. No more "whin"ing about where to sit!
Digital Magazine Subscriptions - at Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com as well as select publication websites, you can find tree-free subscriptions. These magazines are emailed directly to your inbox and leave nothingout from their hard copy siblings excpet that it saves paper, printing, shipping and moola! And best of all you can print things you like, save articles, etc. A lot are way sophistocated and can turn the pages and everything. Eco, cool & a monthly gift that is also easy to shop for!
Organic Bedding - www.gaiam.com - Put allergies and chemical sensitivities to rest with exclusive beds and linens made from pure organic cotton and other natural fibers. Organic bedding offers superior comfort, gorgeous style and fabrics that are better for life and the planet. Feel extravagant while being good to yourself. Choose from organic cotton sheets, comforters, blankets, pillow cases and throws. Green your & your friends' homes with Gaiam.
Emailable Fandango movie gift cards - www.fandango.com - Personalize the designs on the gift cards to send your friends & families out for a nice night at the cinema. Best of all, you can email their gift certificate so you save on buying non-eco-friendly plastic gift card, postage, etc as well as time on your end. Certificates are valid at most theaters nationwide, just be sure to check the small print just in case. On top of it, you can buy and email to all everyone all your list, all at once, with the click of the mouse!
BYO Lunchbags - www.builtny.com - Gotta love these eco lunch bags for takin' to the office, on road trips, or to send the kiddies off to school. They also carry rockin' wine bottle bags as well as goodies for laptops, cameras and more. You can go wrong with a useful, cool lookin' and enviro-present ; )
Organic Spa Robes - www.thepristinehome.com - Snuggle into a Pure Bamboo Bathrobe made of 100% bamboo fiber. These plush robes feature a detailed shawl collar, cuffed long sleeves, two front patch pockets, and available in sizes for both men and women. If you're looking to spoil someone on your list this year, this is it!

Kids
(Babies, teens & all in between)

Eco Building Sets - www.uberstix.com - Talk about teaching our kids about the importance of recycling early on, these sets not only boast green technology and components, they also promote creativity, critical thinking and coordination without the help of a game console or computer monitor. Nope, just good old fashioned hands on building sets with an eco twist. And you don't need to throw out all the other stuff as thes sets are made to mate with with competitors such as Lego and more!
Organic Front & Back Baby Carriers - www.ergobabycarrier.com - I guess this is more for new 'rents but, this can be a great gift for baby nonetheless. A wonderful product line and company, these carriers help mom & dad carry baby from infancy to toddler while keeping kiddie comfy and safe. Lots of other goodies in adorable colors, you can't go wrong with a gift from Ergo baby.
Ripstik Caster Board - www.ripstik.com - These aren't by any means new but they a cool and healthy gifts so they made it on the list. The coolest offspring from the age old skateboard, Ripstik is a whole new kind of fun. keeping your kids active, this slick board helps them with balance, core strength and will have them out of your hair for hours!
Build Your Own Kits - www.cardboarddesign.com - Help their imaginations run wild in a plane, a rocket or a teepee they built all by themselves (and with you!). Made from eco friendly cardboard patterns, kids can build, paint & personalize their own magical world ; )
Eco Friendly Doll House - www.peapods.com - A mother-owned family store offering wood toys, baby slings, cloth diapers, music and books. Their doll houses & doll house furniture are so pretty, hand crafted and hours of fun for little girls.
Mighty Muggs - www.hasbro.com - Oddly enough from toy tycoons, Hasbro, come 100% recycled material toys of awesomeness. They are figurines/collectibles/pop art all in one - neat, stylized models of your favorite movie heroes like Iron Man & all the Star Wars peeps. Eco Pop!
Sprig Toys - www.sprigtoys.com - An exciting line of battery-free, eco-friendly, paint-free, kid-powered toys that are sure to dazzle the most discriminating preschooler.
Eco Friendly Play Kitchen - www.guidecraft.com - Children will delight in this mini kitchen unit chock full of amenities. Includes sink, refrigerator, oven, microwave, stove top, clock and wireless telephone. You can't beat education and green toys as well as teaching your kids early on how to fend for themselves, heehee!
Organic Baby Gifts - www.kee-ka.com - Again, baby gifts are more for the parents but no need to skimp on health & greenness for the little ones. Clothing, bedding and all in between goes over super well for the tiny ones and the new parents on your list will appreciate such a heartfelt & thoughtful gift for their most precious possession; )

Pets
(For all furry babies)

Mane Street Bakery -www.manestreetbakery.net - Tasty, eco and mainly organic vegan treats for dogs & horses. They even have some yummy peppermint treats for our merry and furry friends!
Puppermint Chew Toy - www.fetchdog.com - Hours of fun with this eco toy that also keeps your furry friend's breath pepperminty fresh!
Eco Collars & Leashes - www.thegooddogcompany.com - uhh, so cute and sustainable? Your 4 legged baby must have one of these eco & hemp accessories this season ; )
Eco Pet Beds - www.modernecohomes.com - They've got everything your pet needs to have a comfy and restful nights’ sleep. There are 100% natural cotton beds, eco-friendly hemp beds and beds filled with 100% recycled material. Round, square and bumper pet beds, all natural and earth friendly. They have even carry eco-conscious cat furniture - good for bunnies too ; )
Eco Scratching Posts - www.mountaincattrees.com - Unique, eco-friendly products for enriching the life of your feline companion. Their handcrafted cat trees and scratching posts are 95% biodegradable, made from real trees and untreated wood, and are built to last.
Ionic Pet Brushes - www.lentek.com - The perfect answer to easy pet care! The Ionic Waterless Bath Pet Massage Brush allows you to clean and massage your pet with minimal effort. Reduces pet odors without messy baths or harmful chemicals, and relaxes your pet through its gentle massage action.

Health & Beauty
(For all aspects of health & vanity)

ToGoBrands - www.togobrands.com - Promote a healthy new year with these packets of goodness either as stocking stuffers or as a big box under the tree. Packets such as Go Greens that gives you 6 servings of green veggies in 1 pack as well as Green Tea Energy, Vitamin C and more, you can't pick a more healthful gift this year!
Pillo1 - www.pillo1.com - If you want to give the gift of a good night's sleep, it the Pillo1. It's unique design is built for side and back sleep and gives ultimate neck support which keeps your back aligned all night long. Great sleep equals great days, health & productivity.
Care by Stella McCartney - www.stellamccartneycare.com - Ok, so maybe splurging on a Stella gown this year isn't in the cards but pampering yourself with 100% organic skin care should be. The veggie rock star offspring of style has done it again and oh so well. A gorgeous line with nothing but beneficial ingredients to give you that healthy glow is the perfect package to be wrapped up in a bow this season ; )
EcoBella Makeup - www.ecobella.com - Ecco Bella's got body care, hair care but best of all, makeup! All natural, vegan, gluten free, mineral cosmetics in dazzling colors; what lady wouldn't want to sparkle while being au natural!
No Miss Vegan Nail Polish - www.nomiss.com - Nothing is as decadent as getting a mani/pedi but in this economy, we're started to go back to doing it ourselves. And why not keep up the healthy trend by using nail polish that is good for you! UV inhibitors, moisturizing, and durable, these little ditties come in a rainbow of colors. They are sure to please and light on the wallet ; )
Alba Facial Skin Care Line - www.albabotanical.com - Get on a healthy skin & body regimen this new year with the delicious product line from Alba. Great for men & women, their full line of skin, hair, body & sun care products are made from natural botanical, enzymes, fruits and nuts for a healthy & affordable way to stay pretty and handsome all year long.

Fitness, Adventure & Sport
(For the fitness sport & adventure nuts on your list)

DynaFlex - www.dynaflexpro.com - Used by top athletes, NASA, military, doctors, chiropractors, fitness trainers and more, the dynaflex line is the leader in gyroscopic fitness. Great for strength training to battling carpal tunnel syndrome, these fitness gadgets are a fun and nifty gift this year for the fitness guru to the desk jockey ; )
Eco Skateboard - www.bamboosk8.com - To shred in the most eco of ways, you can go wrong with a skateboard from eco-friendly Bamboo Sk8. Look out for their new longboard line in 2010.
Eco Surfboard - www.imaginesurfboards.com - For the wave rider on your lost, get them a performance driven and fully sustainable board from Imagine Eco. They even have take apart boards for airline travel!!
Cold Weather Training "Bone Beanies" Caps - www.thenorthface.com - Moisture-wicking beanies are great at regulating your temperature- keep it on until you warm up & peel it when you've reached your ideal temperature.
Eco Sleeping Bags - www.rei.com - Sleep in comfort while you slumber in an eco-friendly sleeping bag under the stars. Your gear will be great for you while not taunting your natural habitat with city slicker garbage ; )
Eco Yoga Mats - www.naturalfitnessinc.com - Green your workout & health sanctuary with this awesome eco mat!

Home & Lifestyle
(For cool home and miscellaneous goodies)

Game Whys - www.thegreenboardgame.com - Hours of fun with family, friends and kids while learning a great lesson about our earth. Whether it's the beautifully handcrafted board game or a cute stocking stuffer card game, a game of Paradice or GameWhys is one of the best gifts for anyone this holiday season.
Pong - www.pongresearch.com - If you love someone, keep them safe from radiation with the Pong Iphone case. Coming soon for blackberry, this stylish case reduces over 85% of "hot spot" radiation, redirecting the flow of energy away from the head. And it's the only FCC certified case on the market!
Scent of a Scandle - www.ascentofscandal.com - Giggle while filling your home with yummy aromas. With names that will make you chuckle, the scents & ingredients won't as they are made of vegan awesomeness. The perfect, and affordable, gift for anyone on your list.
Love Bottles - www.lovebottle.net - The rage is BPA free bottles and the slick aluminum ones with neat designs. But drinking from glass is the best way to imbibe your daily H2O and Love Bottles has the neatest designs around. Carry your healthiest water in style and be the envy of all your work out friends ; )
Vapur Bottles - www.vapur.us - Great as an eco-stocking stuffer and fun for the traveler on your list, the vapur bottle is the anti-water bottle. BPA free and fully roll-upable, this neat gift can fit in a purse or carry on bag and is dishwasher friendly.
DSI International Energy Saver Power Strip - www.notestation.com - Did you know that leaving your appliances plugged in sucks energy even when they are turned off? Well, here is a gift that will save people money this year and they will love you for it. This energy strip has a master switch that shuts of the energy suckage without having to individually unplug everything in your house. Time & money savers are a hit under the tree!
Ionator from ActiveIon -www.activeion.com - The coolest, eco & money saving cleaning product ever! The ionator is a powerful appliance that uses ionizing technology to convert tap water into a safe, effective cleaner and sanitizer.
VerTerra -www.verterra.com - Dinnerware made of nothing but fallen leaves and water. Super eco-chic!
Green Garmento -www.thegreengarmento.com - This eco bag is a hamper, laundry bag, duffel bag and also a great way to pick up your dry cleaning without wasting so much plastic.
Solar Chameleon Pool Lights - www.stigroup.com - Literally making someones life brighter the solar way! Perfect to float in the pool for some neat night swimming or parties or even to place around the yard from ambient color ; )

Books
(For cooks & bibliophiles)

The China Study by T. Colin Campbell, PhD - www.thechinastudy.com - It will change your life!
The Conscious Cook by Tal Ronnen - www.talronnen.com - One f the yummiest vegan cookbooks around
The Mad Cowboy – www.madcowboy.com - Learn about healthy, vegan eating as well as the truth behind factory farming from one the pioneer of the vegan moo-vement himself!
I'm Dreaming of a Green Christmas - www.amazon.com - Green your holidays with this nifty book covering everything from decor to party planning
Why We Don't Eat Animals by Ruby Roth - www.wedonteatanimals.com - A very sweet book that helps introduce compassion to animals to the kiddies ; )
Healthier Ever After by Doc Rob - www.docrob.com - A good read on how to get your health in order, simply and smartly this new year!
Compassionate Table by Colleen Patrick Goudreau - www.compassionatecooks.com - All her books are great but this is her newest and I would say yummiest!
The Kind Diet by Alicia Silverstone - www.thekindlife.com - A nice intro to veganism from beginners to advanced plant eaters. Filled with delish recipes too ; )
The Bubbly Bride: Your Ultimate Wedding Cocktail Guide - www.theliquidmuse.com - I'm particularly fond of the Low-Cal cocktail chapter and the "Green Wedding" cocktail section ; )
Veganomicon by Isa Chandra Moskowitz & Terry Hope Romero - www.theppk.com - One of the most comprehensive vegan cookbooks around, it will hold you over for a long time if it's the only vegan cookbook you can get this year ; )
Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World by Isa Chandra Moskowitz & Terry Hope Romero - www.theppk.com - The title says it all!

Travel
(For the globe trotters you'll be gifting)

Select Wisely Special Diet Travel Cards - www.selectwisely.com - Super handy cards that fit in your wallet that illustrate and say, in virtually any language, what foods you cannot eat. Perfect translations for all special diets from celiac to vegan so that dining while traveling is no longer a mystery or health hazard.
To-Go Ware - www.to-goware.com - Fabulous utensils & containers to take with you anywhere you go! Made of bamboo and recycled materials, a To-Go Ware set is the perfect stocking stuffer for the eco person on your list.
Jane Marvel Luggage - www.janemarvel.com - Slick and vegan luggage, done deal!
Solar Chargers -www.solio.com - Save time, money and hassle when you're on the go with these nifty solar charging gadgets. Good for phones, Ipods & more!
Terra Pass - www.terrapass.com - Buy credits for any one on your list to balance the carbon footprints of friends & family. It's the gift that gives back!
Bamboo Eyemask & Blanket - www.wrapables.com - Green your mile high zzzzz's with this yummymy soft duo ; )
Water Powered Travel Clock - www.thinkgeek.com - A smart, cheap and dependable way to stay on time wherever you may be!

Cooking
(For the novice to the pro)

Vitamix - www.vitamix.com - It's way more then a food processor, blender, mixer - it rules! Chopping, blending and even making hot soups on the spot, Vitamix will be a welcomed gift this holiday.
Eat Cleaner - www.eatcleaner.com - This is a great, affordable and health promotion gift. The coolest is the "Wash & Dryer" kit for veggies!
360 Cookware - www.360cookware.com - Vapor cooking technology in beautiful, eco-friendly pots and pans that are not only durable and sustainable but healthy ; )
MuBamboo - www.mukitchen.com - Super green kitchen towels, mitts and aprons - cute!
Eco Slow Cooker - www.vitaclaychef.com - There is nothing like throwing your food into the slow cooker in the morning and coming home to a fully prepped, hot meal! Slow cookers promote easy and healthy cooking while the VitaClay uses less energy to do the job then its competitors.
Easy Composting Starter Kit - www.uncommongoods.com - Promote a green kitchen but gifting the gift of easy composting. Fun for the whole family!
Happy Tiffin - www.happytiffin.com - Sustainable, reusable, eco friendly food storage containers. Cute, healthy and functional - and they travel too!

Food & Beverage
(For gifting with a smile)

CSA Organic Produce Subscription - www.localharvest.com - Purchasing an organic produce subscription for someone this holiday is one of the most thoughtful gifts there are. Organic produce that can be picked up or delivered weekly or monthly, offering only the freshest produce to your friends and family while helping local farmers all year long ; )
Frey Wine - www.freywine.com - Organic Wines from California Wine Country
VeeV - www.veevlife.com - Accai Spirit, great straight or mixed!
Maison Le Grand - www.maisonlegrand.com - Artisanal pestos, tapenades & sauces for all sorts of special diets. Great for a ton of yummy dishes throught the holidays and all year long.
Gift Certificates - Give the gift of a meal out on the town or a week of groceries when gifting gift cards to local veggie restaurants or markets like Whole Foods or Trader Joes!
Allisons's Gourmet -www.allisonsgourmet.com - Who can deny that the gift of killer chocolate isn't on their top 5? Allison's offers a wide variety of scrumptious vegan confections and cookies that are available as single items, gift baskets or "of the month" club deliveries.
Vegan Divine - www.vegandivine.us - Vegan Divine is your premier online vegan gift shop, specializing in quality vegetarian (100% vegan) gift baskets and gifts made with all natural, organic, vegan, eco, fair trade, and hand crafted products. Talk about guilt free gifting!
Healthy Voyager Wine Club - www.healthyvoyager.com - Featuring organic, biodynamic & sustainable wines, delivered to your door, every month!

Services & Classes
(For the gift that keeps on giving)

Get Real Plan - www.getrealwellnesscoach.com - Give the gift of a wellness coaching certification. No gift keeps on giving like that of a fresh new career or hobby!
The Vegetarian Cooking School Online - www.thevegetariancookingschool.com - Online cooking classes for vegetarians and vegans!
Healthy Voyager Cooking Classes - www.metabellapilates.com - If you're in the LA area, you can purchase gift certificates for my cooking classes that are held at MetaBella Pilates in Studio City. Every week I will cover a vegan, gluten free and other special diet class that will take us all over the world. From theme classes to general cooking how-to's & nutrition, Healthy Voyager Cooking Classes can be the gift that keeps on giving.
Online Yoga Classes - www.myyogaonline.com - For yourself or a friend, this site has online classes for beginners all the way to advanced yogis. This is great for travelers as you can log into your account and get your stretch on in your hotel room any where in the world! Begin your path to a healthy lifestyle in 2010 ; )
Bootcamp for Your Mind Entreprenurial Coaching - www.amyapplebaum.com - When you need a helping hand in building your business, join Amy one on one or in her fabulous teleclasses!

Online Stores

Herbivore Clothing & Store - www.herbivoreclothing.com -Vegan clothing, books, accessories, nick knacks and more!
Cosmos Vegan Shop – www.cosmosveganshoppe.com -A virtual vegan market
Uncommongoods.com - www.uncommongoods.com - All kinds of neat and off the wall gifts
Alternative Outfitters - www.alternativeoutfitters.com - A vegan boutique
Moo Shoes - www.mooshoes.com - Lovely vegan shoes for ladies
Earth Shoes - www.earthfootwear.com - Eco, vegan shoes for men & women that promotes fitness
Toms Shoes - www.tomsshoes.com - A pair for you also gets you a pair to someone in the world who needs them ; )
Viva Terra - www.vivaterra.com - Eco living with style
GreenLoop - www.thegreenloop.com - Sustainable style

I hope this list helps make your holiday shopping easier and merrier while making your holiday giftees happy, healthy & green!!

Happy Holiday Shopping Days!!!

Healthy Voyager Radio - Holiday Gift Guide

2009-12-03T18:54:00.000-08:00

Listen to the Healthy Voyager Radio right here!! Featuring my Holiday Gift Guide Picks as well as picks from Ecostiletto.com's Rachel Sarnoff:

Healthy Voyager Radio

Next show, Holiday Cooking with Celebrity Vegan Chef, Tal Ronnen & Animal Love with Earthlings director, Shaun Monson!

Thanksgiving Throwdown ; )

2009-11-20T00:05:00.000-08:00

We are here once again! The holidays have made their way around again and for most folks, evoking mixed emotions. While most people enjoy the onset of the holidays because it means time with family, good food and a time filled with cheer, 2009 has taken its toll on folks so it may seem as not so merry a season this year. However, this Thanksgiving, it is more important then ever to be thankful of what we do have and look towards the new year & decade with hope and positivity. Sure there maybe less gift giving and some may have to skip the trip home but I've got some ways to help you salvage & enjoy this Thanksgiving and holidays season! For tips to green up your holiday as well as additional recipes, be sure to check out past Thanksgiving posts from 2007 & 2008.

If you aren't able to make it home this holiday, gather up a group of others who can't make it home and have a potluck dinner. It's great fun to cook together to create a beautiful meal and enjoy the eclectic menu. Make it an event to look forward to with games, movies or even holiday crafts or even host a "Thanksgiving Throwdown" cooking competition a la Food Network style. Whether you are hosting or going to a dinner, make a full day of celebrating so that no one is feeling lonely. It is also great fun to host a Thanksgiving leftovers brunch so that the food does not go to waste and it is a way to continue the fun with your friends for a lovely holiday weekend.
Be creative with your menu. If you can't afford all of the usual holiday fixings, cook up a more affordable menu like pasta, salad and rolls. Or if you're looking for something different, try a themed dinner. No matter what is served, it's all about the company ; )
If you don't have time to cook, make it a semi-homemade dinner and plan ahead. It's always smart to cook a few things ahead of time and freeze/refrigerate them until the day of. And for labor intensive parts of the meal, be sure to check your local markets to compare pricing on pre-cooked holiday meals. In addition, if you are invited to a dinner where you know you're dietary needs will not be met, bring your own meal (which can be ordered as well) along with a dessert or a bottle of wine for your host. Then everybody wins ; )
Give instead of receive. Volunteer at a local shelter or soup kitchen and help those who are less fortunate. Clear your cupboards of non-perishable food you know you will never make and donate it to a food bank to help feed a needy family this year. Rally your friends to do the same and make a day out of it ; )
A big tip that tout year round whether it's the holidays, you're traveling or just hangin' at home, it is sticking to your routine. There are so many helpful resources that can help you with everything from menu planning, fitness planning, recipes, etc. Outside of healthyvoyager.com, a wonderful site that can help you now as well as year round is Vitaljuice.com. They are promoting their Happy Healthidays and if you are one of the first 100 people to sign up for their free daily newsletter from this Vitaljuice.com link, you will be entered to win $2010 on January 1st! Cash along with a healthy new year? You can't beat that!
And always make healthy choices! Be sure to check out my Winter Wonderland Holiday mini Ecookbook, available here. And as an added treat, enjoy these recipes this day of thanks:

Pumpkin Stuffing

1 medium sugar pumpkin
6 Granny Smith apples - peeled, cored and chopped
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 (16 ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce
1 (20 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup dark rum (optional)
2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger root
1 tablespoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Position rack in the center of the oven.
Cut out top of pumpkin, and set aside. Scoop out seeds with a metal spoon.

In a large bowl, stir together the apples, walnuts, cranberry sauce, pineapple, brown sugar, raisins, and rum. Season with ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon, and mix well. Spoon the mixture into the cleaned pumpkin, and replace top.

Set pumpkin directly on a baking stone or a thick baking sheet. Bake for 1 hour in the preheated oven, or until pumpkin begins to soften. Remove from heat, and stir, scraping the sides gently, so that some pieces of pumpkin fall into the apple mixture. Serve & enjoy ; )

Sweet Potato Fries

9 sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced
1/2 cup agave
3 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees (205 degrees C).

In a large bowl, combine the sweet potatoes, agave, ginger, oil, cardamom and pepper. Transfer to a large cast iron frying pan. Bake for 20 minutes.

Turn the mixture over to expose the pieces from the bottom of the pan. Bake for another 20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and caramelized on the outside.

Apple Pound Cake

2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
3 egg replacers
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 cups chopped, peeled tart apples
1 cup chopped almonds
1/2 cup raisins

Apple Cider Glaze:

1/2 cup apple cider or apple juice
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons vegan butter

In a mixing bowl, combine sugar, oil, eggs and vanilla; mix well. Combine the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg; add to egg mixture and mix well. Stir in apples, almonds and raisins. Pour into a greased and floured 10-in. fluted tube pan.

Bake at 350 degrees F for 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 15 minutes before removing from pan to a wire tack to cool completely.
In a saucepan, combine glaze ingredients; cook over low heat until sugar is dissolved. Prick top of cake with a fork; drizzle with glaze.

Butterscotch Cocoa

3/4 oz Butterscotch Schnapps
3/4 oz Coffee Liqueur
5 oz Vegan Hot Cocoa (prepared)

Mix ingredients in coffee mug, and top with vegan whipped cream.

Fizzy Apple

2 oz Apple Juice
4 oz Soda Water

Pour the apple juice into the old-fashioned glass filled previously with 3 to 5 ice cubes and add the soda. Stir before you serve.

I'm wishing you all a very happy and healthy Thanksgiving! See you soon with the 2009 Holiday Gift Guide!

Healthy Voyager Radio - Thanksgiving Special '09

2009-11-19T17:00:00.000-08:00

Listen to the Healthy Voyager Radio right here!! Featuring Guests, Molly & Dave Anderson of Madeleine Bistro as well as CEO of Flanigan Farms, Nutritionist Patsy Flanigan:

Healthy Voyager Radio

Next show, Healthy & Eco Holiday Gift Guide 2009 with Me & Rachel Sarnoff of Ecostiletto.com!

Before Departing Portland

2009-11-13T00:05:00.000-08:00

Woe is me, if I could only stay a little bit longer or visit a little more frequently, I would be a happy girl. Portland charmed the pants off of me with it's fun folks, eco-friendliness and health, vegan goodness. I could go on for ages but I'll save some for my next visit. In the mean time, here are a few more "musts" to check out in good ol' Portland!:

There are no words to describe how phenomenally awesome Portobello Vegan Trattoria, it is that indescribably good. With a seasonal, vegan menu, this coffee shop by day, fine dining by night phenom blew me out of the water. Each course was even tastire then the next and I knew that every dish on it's ever changing menu was not only well thought out but prepared with meticulous love. Since I was there in the fall, I indulged in all things autumn starting with their hearty Fall minestrone and moving on to their pumpkin crepe topped with cashew cream & basil. An I didn't stop there because I was torn between 2 desserts so I got them both (which was totally cool as I had Dan to share them with). Uh, uh, uh, what???? The best tiramisu on the planet & the bomb diggitiest chocolate cream filled cannolis! Yes, I know, I stuffed myself which is not of the Healthy Voyager code but man, ohhhh man, sometimes you just have to live a little and Portobello is where its at!

One of the newer kids on the Portland scene is the appropriately named, Back to Eden Bakery. A veritable wonderland for shutting up your sweet tooth, Back to Eden dishes up freshly baked vegan delights along with soft serve soy & scoopable coconut ice cream. In addition, they have a boutique that stocks all sorts of vegan goodies, candies & even local crafts from other artsy vegans. Back to Eden is a super sweet spot so add it to your dining card!

One thing I absolutely love but don't get to much of, is fabulous breakfast or brunches. There are some terrific places in LA but their all spread out all over town so I rarely get my butt out of the house in time to go get some on any given weekend. But on my trips, I am always in search of that elusive, perfect breakfast and I found it at Paradox. Serving food all day, this menu is just heaven. They've got everything from comfort food, fun food and healthy dishes so no matter your mood, Paradox has it. But brunch was my meal of choice and Paradox delivered. It's been well over a decade since I've been able to order my breakfast by number so I was stoked when my number 1 made it to the table, tofu with home style potatoes along with a hunk of corn bread. I had to try their pancakes so I split a baby stack of the Solstice Corn Cakes with my guy. Talk about a breakfast of champions!

I love places that has something for everyone and Old Wive's Tale is just that kind of place. From omnivores to vegans, gluten free folks to low fat diners, this menu is drool inducing and wonderfully accommodating. Serving up yumminess all day as well as their famous Sunday brunches, this is the spot to bring everyone in your crew and no one leaves hungry. On top of the eclectic menu, OWT gives you a choice of fun dining areas: the main dining area, the children's playroom & the classical music dining room. It is hard to dine at the Old Wive's Tale and not want to try everything once and if you did try that, you wouldn't run out of options for an awfully long time! I made the healthy choice of visiting their soup & salad bar and just loved all of the great selections. Fresh & friendly isn't just an old wive's tale in Portland ; )

The last but certainly not least on the list is Vita Cafe. The epitome of Portland culture with its sustainable philosophy, veg-tastic food & fun for everyone vibe at and affordable price, Vita Cafe rocks! Specials for healthy kids meals are a great draw but the food itself is draw enough. Another all day eatery, you can eat your 3 square meals here and be surprised by each and every one. I went both naughty & nice with an order of shareable mac & cheese along with a super stuffed cold veggie wrap that was chock full of crunchy and good-for-me goodness. Another hot spot in the Alberta Art District Vita Cafe is yet another home run ; )

So it's ta-ta for now to Portland but so much more ahead. See you next week for some more healthy eats in a new city!

Healthy Voyager Radio - Veggie Pioneers

2009-11-12T20:42:00.000-08:00

Listen to the Healthy Voyager Radio right here!! Featuring Guests, The Mad Cowboy's Howard Lyman & Raw Vegan Radio's Steve Prussack:

Healthy Voyager Radio

Next show, Thanksgiving Special with Dave & Molly Anderson of Madeleine Bistro & Nutritionist, Patsy Flanigan!

PDX-ellent!

2009-11-06T00:05:00.000-08:00

I just couldn't get enough of Portland and neither will you! If you're a foodie, this town is the gem of the northwest. Sure San Fran, LA and even Seattle have their famous eateries on this vast west coast, but Portland rivals the best of the best with some surprisingly delicious dishes!

You cannot, I repeat, cannot, visit PDX without hitting up Voodoo Doughnuts. With locations in downtown as well as South East Portland, these all night doughnut shops are more then the usual joint. I've never seen a more creative, funny & outstandingly tasty menu of doughnuts, not to mention, a HUGE selection of vegan choices. I haven't had an iced & topped doughnut in ages so I splurged and ordered a few. On top of the ginormus variety of sugary sweets is their killer collection of artwork, knick knacks & overall enjoyable eye candy. And if awesome doughnuts for all kinds of eaters along with a fun environment & staff wasn't enough, the cool cats at VooDoo also perform weddings! Yep, that's right, from super simple to the big shebang, owners Cat Daddy & Tres are the kings of bliss both in dessert & of the wedded variety. Check them out as soon as you roll into town and go every day until you leave because you can't have just 1 when the VooDoo casts its spell on you!

The best thing to do after mountains of sugary dough is to work it off. Seeing as how Portland is one of the most bike friendly cities in the U.S., it is a great idea to set up a ride with Pedal Bike Tours. See the great metropolitan areas of the city on the most eco-friendly of vehicles while hearing city secrets & stopping for local treats with your savvy tour guide on 2 wheels. I was lucky enough to have Todd, PBT's owner himself, to give me the grand tour of the cit he calls home and it was fantastic. Through downtown, a few of the bridges that link the city with the burbs, checking out some history and more was a fine way to spend a Fall afternoon in Portland. The tour comes with a bike, your helmet and a whole lotta fun, visit Pedal Bike Tours online for more information.

Most of the cheap eats & meal deals aren't consumed by us veggie folk as they rarely exist. But again, Stumptown hits it outta the park at the Hungry Tiger Too. Every day of the week, this bar & grill boasts a "regular" as well as a vegan menu so everyone can enjoy a brew with some good grub and not feel left out. Their mac & cheese is to die for, their butternut squash filled wontons with coconut cream are just insane but the big draw... $1 vegan corn dogs every Wednesday. Oh yeah, they are always on the menu but hump day is the day to hit them up for cheap eats, laughs and even cheap beer. Make sure you head over to the Hungry Tiger Too and if you happen to be around on a Wednesday, live it up for a few bucks ; ) Visit them at 207 SE 12th Ave, Portland, OR 97214, (503) 238-4321.

With 2 locations, one in the Pearl District and one in SE Portland, the Blossoming Lotus is the talk of the town. Everywhere I went, all I heard was "Have you been to the Blossoming Lotus yet?" so I finally made it in. The cafe in downtown is located in a beautiful yoga studio and offers some gorgeous, healthy fare as well as a nice variety of raw food. Their newest location serves all day and has a larger menu for a more sit downy, romantic feel. Either way, Blossoming Lotus has a fresh and pure menu that doesn't leave out taste. Their signature cashew hummus, raw cacao truffles & lavender lemonade are just a smattering of how innovative the food is here at this healthy sanctuary. So after a great yoga session or for a romantic dinner, Blossoming Lotus is the perfect choice!

I am a sucker for all kinds of ethnic cuisine and Arabian Breeze hit the nail on the head. With a mix of Syrian, Lebanese & Middle Eastern flavors, their authentic menu sends your right out of the states and into a new and exotic world. They offer everything for all sorts of patrons so I had no problems finding a hearty array of things to try. I went for the vegan Arabian Breeze Mezza which was a delicious sampler plate of middle eastern goodies then followed that up with their vegan Arabian Breeze pizza, whoa! What a neat combination of flavors and I'm so glad I had some to take back to the room with me to enjoy later.

If only all of these placed could same day fed-ex me, I would order up dishes & treats from them every day! Stay tuned because there is still more Portland next week - hungry yet?

Healthy Voyager Radio - Vegan & Eco Authors/Advocates

2009-11-05T18:29:00.000-08:00

Listen to the Healthy Voyager Radio right here!! Featuring Guests, co-author of Skinny Bitch, Rory Freedman, and Founder/CEO of Ecofabulous.com, Zem Joaquin:

Healthy Voyager Radio

Next show, vegan pioneers, The Mad Cowboy, Howard Lyman & Raw Vegan Radio's, Steven Prussack!

Portland Ohhh-regon!!

2009-10-30T00:05:00.000-07:00

Well, Portland is pretty much like visiting vegan & eco-friendly heaven. It is so easy to find something healthy, gluten free, vegan or whatever in this town along with super convenient bike paths & parking. The city is very busy downtown and connected to the "burbs" by 10 very different bridges. It is bustling with out feeling hurried or stressed, manageable without feeling trapped. I really enjoyed my time here, made a bunch of new friends and know that if there is just 1 thing I need to come back for, it's the food!!!!

For first rate accommodations, the Hotel Monaco in downtown is a must. Not only is it mega pet friendly and green seal certified, this place is luxurious and fun with zero pomp. Beautiful rooms and killer decor throughout the hotel, the Monaco is a fabulous place to rest your head in the heart of the city. With fun music and complimentary wine & food tastings at happy hour along with extraordinarily friendly and helpful staff, Hotel Monaco is a healthy, eco & adventurous traveler's dream. Find out more about the hotel, reservations, their fantastic car-less vacation package, bike rentals and other reasons why they are not only green certified but also awesome, online at the Hotel Monaco website.

During my stay in Portland, I was able to visit the Bob's Red Mill facility as well as the restaurant & market. Not to mention, I got to hang out with Bob himself! Visiting the healthy & gluten free flour king at his plant was like seeing Wonka in action. His product line is impressive and his factory, jaw dropping. After a tour of the building, I got to ride over the nearby Bob's Red Mill market & deli with Bob in his '31 Model A Ford. I totally dug the big red barn filled with all things Bob & his Mill produce while enjoying a fabulous brunch with him and his staff. The deli offers food for all kinds of folks and is very accommodating to vegans & gluten free diners. If you do ever find yourself in the Portland area, make a date to visit Bob's Red Mill. Stock up on all their wonderful products and have a fresh, healthy & scrumptious breakfast or lunch too! Who knows, Bob himself might have a seat at your table!

Sweet Pea Baking Company, Herbivore Clothing, Food Fight Grocery & Scapegoat Tattoo are all a part of what has been coined as the world's first all vegan mini-mall (it's just like, it's just like - a mini - mall!). And I spent hours there! I started out with a tasty brunch at Sweet Pea Baking Company. Offering home made and ridiculously delectable sweets, treats, sandwiches, soups & healthy rice bowls, Sweet Pea rocks! I couldn't decide on just one thing so I ordered a bunch to be sure I didn't miss out on any of the goodness. I helped myself to a hug pumpkin cinnamon roll, a bbq sandwich, a happy rice bowl of veggies, brown rice & beans topped with garlic aioli & a latte. No I did not eat it all in one sitting but I did devour it shortly after ; )

After my brunch I popped into Herbivore clothing. Also an online retail store, their brick & mortar location boasts some pretty nifty goods. From clothing, bags, jewelery & books, Herbivore Clothing is 100% vegan & cruelty free. A great place to shop for hip, guilt free gifts!

Next door was the famed Food Fight Grocery. Also with an online component, their physical shop is not only full of great, hard to find products but it's also a crack up. Every corner has something that is chuckle worthy and their veggies fighting the McDonald's cast of characters is priceless. In town or not, make it a point to shop at the Food Fight Grocery.

While I'm not a tattoo clad gal myself, I was intrigued by Scapegoat Tattoo. Another 100% vegan establishment, Scapegoat's tattoo artistry is eco and animal friendly. From soy based inks to healthier ways to clean their instruments, Scapegoat, mainly staffed by vegans, is a neat departure from the run of the mill ink shop.

Since I had walked off my brunch, we decided to grab a slice o' pizza so we headed over to Bella Facia Pizzeria. Pizza pie for everybody, I was stoked to be able to order a fully vegan, fully delicious, piece of pizza. It's not every day that I can walk into a pizza joint and get 1 slice. Usually I have to special order it and get the whole darn pie but at Bella Faccia, they know to have it ready and waiting. The vegan is rad with its roasted pepper, tomato & cashew base, topped with marinated tempeh & loaded with veggies. And the crust is boss! Nothing rocks harder then killer crust, ok and vegan cheese, but crust is king. Bella Faccia also offers great salads and a variety of baked goods from Piece of Cake Bakery (lots of goodies for gluten free peeps & vegans).

For an elegant yet affordable and sustainable dinner, Aquariva on the river is just the spot. A really chic locale with a nice bar and event space on the second floor, Aquariva isn't what you'd expect. The menu is extremely affordable and on top of that, features local and organic, seasonal ingredients. They even have their own vegetable and herb garden for added freshness. I was glad to see how helpful they were in recommending and creating a wonderful vegan meal for me. My risotto was off the charts and the baby greens and beet salad was nothing to sneeze at. For a change of pace & ambiance, have a romantic and relaxing meal at Aquariva.

Let me tell you, there is way more Portland to come. I could go on for days and still not have covered all the phenomenal food & neat things to do in this Pacific paradise. See you again next week with some mo' Portland!

Healthy Voyager Radio - Halloween w/Veggie Grill & VegNews

2009-10-29T19:10:00.000-07:00

Listen to the Healthy Voyager Radio right here!! Featuring Guests, Kevin Boylan & Ray White from Veggie Grill as well as Colleen Holland fro VegNews Magazine:

Healthy Voyager Radio

Next show, Co-Author of Skinny Bitch, Rory Freedman & Zem Joaquin of Ecofabulous.com!

A Green & Good for You Ghoul's Day!

2009-10-23T00:05:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know, I LOVE Halloween ; ) Dan and I love dressing up as a fun and famous duo each year - last year it was Bonnie and Clyde! The crisp air, the colors and onset of the holidays season, Halloween is nothing but a big ol' treat for me!! From October 1st on, I relish each day by burning pumpkin candles and planning which haunted houses to hit up while helping Dan build one of our own in front of our house to entertain the neighborhood ghouls on all Hallow's Eve. For the past 2 years I have offered up some healthy as well as eco ideas for a slim and trim as well as green Halloween - you can view the past posts right here - 2007 and 2008. Lots of fun tips and recipes to make this a rockin' Halloween for all. Below I have also compiled some new tips and recipes to try out this year at your own or if attending any spooky festivities!!

The best new vegan chocolates on the market are by Go Max Go Foods - they are hoping to roll out the holiday fun size bars in 2010 but for now, hand these sweet treats to the best dressed kids in your hood ; )
Another great healthy candy find are Surf Sweets! Healthy, naturally sweetened, gluten free and mostly vegan (a few items aren't so make sure you read the ingredients) gummy and jelly beany treats. Awesome!
Visit and sign up for Green Halloween - it's a great resource for parents & schools to help make Halloween healthy and safe for our most precious goblins ; )
Visit school and community organized Halloween events, pumpkin patches and haunted houses. It's a great way to help out your community while having some good clean fun.
If you are hosting a party, opt for the weekend after Halloween. This way, you can enjoy the actual Halloween night as well as the competing parties and you have an excuse to wear your costume 1 more time! It's also a great way to rid yourself of left over candy and be able to enjoy the fun for a bit longer ; ) Or maybe, celebrate Dia De Los Muertos Day on November 1st with some creepy pinatas and fun Mexican style cuisine!
Make creative and healthy treats for your guests as well as opting for home made or recycled decorations. Please visit my previous posts for some green decoration as well as yummy recipes to go withe the ones below:

Spooky Juice
1 oz Organic Vodka
2 splashes Blue Curacao
1 splash Grenadine
Fill with Orange juice

Mix with ice and serve in a scary goblet!

The Great Pumpkin Punch
1 Pumpkin
1 part Apple cider
2 parts Ginger ale
1 part Rum
Sprinkle with nutmeg

Serve in a hollowed out pumpkin with floating pumpkin chunks. (make non-alcoholic by removing the rum)

Cranial Cream Cheese Dip
Plastic wrap
1 small party favor plastic skull candy container
1 package vegan cream cheese
1 jar chunky salsa (or fresh home made salasa!)
crackers or chips for spreading/dipping

Set the cream cheese out to warm to room temperature. Line the inside of the plastic skull dish with plastic wrap leaving enough edges to wrap around later. Spoon the softened cream cheese into the plastic-lined skull dish, mashing in as much cream cheese as possible to pick up the most detail in the mold. Scrape any extra cream cheese off the top so it is flat. Close the plastic wrap over the flat cream cheese top and place in the freezer to set. Once set, remove the plastic wrap from the skull dish, and serve. Place the skull in a shallow dish, garnish with the bloody salsa, including inside the eye sockets, and stab with your favorite spreader. You can extend the time before needing to refill by placing the skull on half a block of cream cheese, but cover the plain cream cheese with enough sauce so you can only see the skull above the "blood."

Pump-cicles
2 1/2 lbs. butternut squash
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
2/3 cup vegan whipping cream
1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Cut a butternut squash into quarters and scoop out the seeds. Boil or bake the squash until soft. Let the squash cool a bit before scooping its flesh into a medium-size bowl. Add pure maple syrup, vegan cream, and pumpkin pie spice to the bowl. Use a potato masher to mush the squash and blend all of the ingredients. Spoon the mixture into ice pop molds, add sticks, and freeze for at least 6 hours before serving.

Healthy & Haunted Graveyard
1/2 cup fresh spinach
10 ounces garlic hummus
Broccoli and Celery (for trees)
Pretzels (shirt, thin sticks & mini twisties for the fence)
Tofu (marinated in clear or white marinade like italian dressing & cut into ghost shapes)
Crackers (square for tombstones)
Black olives
Paint brush and black food coloring

In a food processor, puree the spinach and hummus.

To make the tofu ghosts, cut slits and insert black-olive facial features. Use the small paint brush and food coloring to turn crackers into tombstones.

Mound the dip on a tray and top it with veggie trees, a pretzel fence, tofu ghosts, and cracker tombstones to create your graveyard!

Dead Gingerbread Men
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup vegan shortening
1 egg replacer
1 cup molasses
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons warm water
1/4 cup raisins for decorating

In large bowl, cream vegan shortening, sugar, egg replacer and warmed molasses. Dissolve baking soda in warm water and add to egg replacer mixture. Beat until smooth. Slowly add flour, spices and salt. Mix until well blended. Cover and chill for 24 hours.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease cookie sheets. Roll out dough to a thickness of 1/4 inch on a floured surface. Cut out gingerbread men using cookie cutters and place 2 inches apart on cookie sheets. Bake 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool on wire racks.

Use black icing to make an "X" where the eyes should be, you can also make a frown for a mouth using the icing. Break off some of the heads & use red icing for blood around the neck on the heads & bodies ; )

Have a very happy and healthy Halloween!! OOOOHAHAHAHAHA!!!

Healthy Voyager Radio - Natural Health & Fitness

2009-10-22T21:22:00.000-07:00

Listen to the Healthy Voyager Radio right here!! Featuring Guests, Naturopath & Chef, Doc Rob, & Vegan Fitness Guru, Ashley Marriott:

Healthy Voyager Radio

Next show, Halloween treats with VegNews Magazine & Veggie Grill!

Healthy Voyager Radio - Pet Adoption Benefits & Resources

2009-10-08T23:44:00.000-07:00

Listen to the Healthy Voyager Radio right here!! Featuring Guests Abbie Binstock Moore from AdoptAPet.com & animal lover, comedienne, Lang Parker:

Healthy Voyager Radio

Next show, Health & Fitness for the holidays with Doc Rob & Ashley Marriot!

World Veg Festival Weekend in San Francisco

2009-10-02T00:05:00.000-07:00

If you happen to be withing driving distance to San Francisco this weekend, make it a point to spend some time at the World Veg Fest in Golden Gate Park. It will be full of all kinds of great exhibits, vendors, TONS of awesome food and some wonderful speakers. One you won't want to miss is my presentation at 2:45pm on Saturday in the Garden Club Room. I will be chatting about my global experiences on planes, trains and automobiles as the Healthy Voyager as well as some fun, healthy and green tips that you can use on future travels.

For more information on the event as well as the speaker schedule,

visit the World Veg Fest website!

Hope to see you there!!

I will be off on some Pacific Northewest Healthy Voyages over the next few weeks but I will be back in time for some fun Halloween tips and recipes as well as some great new healthy city secrets!!

Healthy Voyager Radio - Women's Health

2009-10-01T15:53:00.000-07:00

Listen to the Healthy Voyager Radio right here!! Featuring Guest Lissa Rankin, Holistic OB/GYN & Founder of OwningPink.com:

Healthy Voyager Radio

Next week, Pet Adoption and Benefits with Abbie Moore from Adoptapet.com & Comedienne Lang Parker!

Hangin' in Hendersonville

2009-09-25T00:05:00.003-07:00

Passin' through North Carolina, we made a pit stop in Hendersonville, located about 30 minutes from Asheville. Cute, quiet and lush with green forests, this small, American town had some fine places to dine. Not far from here, Dirty Dancing was filmed, and its no wonder as the calm and peaceful, rolling hills are a slice of American splendor ; )

A way stylish joint with a creative menu, the Never Blue was our first meal in town. I devoured my home made hummus (yummy with spinach and lots of garlic) along with my fresh beet salad (sans cheese). Some great Spanishy & Asiany culinary action going on here. This place is such a treat for anyone passing through town. For more information, visit the Never Blue website.

Square 1 Bistro felt like chic and hipster Asheville had moved to small town America. Open for brunch, tapas and dinner, Square 1 prides itself on serving sustainable, green and local cuisine. The menu is based on what is in season and grown locally so that each dish that leaves their kitchen is as fresh as can be. Their garden plate was not only beautiful but tasty too! There is nothing like freshly picked veggies cooked with flare. Do yourself a favor and have a meal and a glass of wine at Square 1 Bistro.

For a great cup o' joe and a killer snack before heading out of town, pop into the Living Room Cafe. Really cute inside, this coffee shop is more then meets the eye. Home made desserts, soups, salads and famous sandwiches are a great reason to come on back through town. The veganized veggie cuban was rad and the service was stupendous. Don't miss your latte or your road snack, head over to The Living Room Cafe at 536 N Main St, downtown, Hendersonville, NC 28792 (828)692-6335.

Some of my favorite finds are in the smaller towns. It's so much fun to discover great food in all sorts of neat locations. Hopefully your future travels will bring you through good ol' Hendersonville someday!

Healthy Voyager Radio - Getting Fiscally Fit

2009-09-24T20:50:00.000-07:00

Listen to the Healthy Voyager Radio right here!! Featuring guest Peter Bielagus, Young America's Financial Coach:

Healthy Voyager Radio

Next week, Women's Health & Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Dr. Lisa Rankin, vegan OB/GYN!