I’ve tried a lot of eco-friendly laundry soap, but like most people, I eventually picked a favorite and settled down with it. For over a year I’ve been using Biokleen Citrus Laundry Powder or the Biokleen Free & Clear Laundry Powder. I like both, it just depends on what my store has in stock.

I first tested the Biokleen Liquid Detergent, but didn’t like the plastic bottle issue so I switched to powder which comes in an unbleached corrugated box. The powder works much like the liquid, which I gave a full review on at Tree Hugging Family, but we’ll look …read more

I haven’t done a link sort of post in a long time, not since Veggie Chic became part of Blisstree Food and Nutrition.  Here are some links that may be of interest to vegetarians or veggie-interested folks……..
If you have a Twitter account, then you might consider following vegetariandeals. Their plan is to share links to “vegetarian coupons, samples, affiliate deals, discounts, and freebies.” So far I see links to samples of Aveda hair product, Luna cookies, and a free Vegetarian Times subscription.
The sister site to vegetariandeals is Groovy Vegetarian. Groovy Vegetarian covers a multitude of veg subjects including vegan clothing, …read more

If you’ve been contemplating a raw food diet, then pick up a copy of The Live Food Factor: The Comprehensive Guide To the Ultimate Diet for Body, Mind, Spirit & Planet, by Susan Schenck, LAc, MTOM.  The book contains information from scientific studies that show a diet of raw food is helpful in fighting disease or preventing it in the first place.
Raw food advocates chose the path of the fresh and crunchy because cooking kills the healthiest parts of the food. A diet that is 90-100% yields fuller hair, softer skin, no PMS, and fresher breath.
The book is thick and …read more

The Vegan Cook’s Bible, by Pat Crocker, is great addition to any cook’s kitchen – vegan or not. Eating meatless is healthy, economical, and can be better for the environment.
So far, my favorite recipe is the Sweet Potato and Wild Rice Cakes that are on page 308. A combination of two types of rice, diced sweet potatoes, shredded vegetables, and rosemary – yum. I look forward to using my own fresh sweet potatoes for this recipe next Fall.
I had the opportunity to ask Pat Crocker a few questions that I’m hopeful will help beginning vegans. Please come back tomorrow and you …read more

Sarah and I tried Pete’s Soyganic Smoked Tofu today.
I found it in the refrigerated part of the vegetable section at the grocery store – next to the regular tofu. This was the first prepared smoked tofu product that I’ve tried, so I don’t have anything to compare it to. Usually I think, hhmm, no, too pricey, but Pete’s was on sale so I grabbed it.
Pete’s smoked tofu has a firm texture and a good flavor. I liked it, but Sarah did not. She kept trying to get me to eat hers. She said, “I’m not sure, but I don’t think …read more

I recently purchased my first wok. Up until now I’ve been making stir frys with a regular fry pan, but when I got my tax return I thought I’d splurge and treat myself to the real thing. I love it! 
If you’ve thought about getting a wok, but aren’t sure what is out there, take a look at this quick list I’ve put together with cookware from Kohls.

Everybody Loves 7-piece Wok Set
$49.99
The perfect starter kit for the beginner. It includes pan, lid, strainer, bamboo tongs, spoon, chopstick, and turner. The wok itself measures 14 inches in diameter.
Carbon Steel Wok
$29.99
A classic …read more

Pregnant and lactating women have special nutritional needs in order to feed both mother and baby properly.  Vegetarian Mother’s Cookbook: Whole Foods to Nourish Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women and Their Families, by Cathe Olson is perfect for busy vegan and vegetarian moms. 
This book contains more than 300 healthy recipes, including options to make vegetarian meals vegan, changes for people with allergies, wheat-free, and soy-free. Some of the recipes are quick and easy, while others are perfect for plan-ahead, re-heat it meals. This handy cookbook also contains complete nutrition information, helpful shopping lists, and time-saving tips.  It’s a great addition to …read more

Do you enjoy Indian cooking, but find the spice blends hard to master? Waverly Kitchens has come out with a product that takes the guess work out of preparing fresh, delicious Indian meals.
Simply order the spice packs, shop for the groceries listed on the spice package, then follow the easy instructions (brown this, stir in that, add the bottom half of spice pack, etc), and in minutes you can enjoy your meal. This is a great way to introduce kids to cooking basics, as well as giving them the opportunity to try a new type of cuisine.
Each spice mix pack contains …read more

Lasang Pinoy 18 is being hosted by Toni of Wifely Steps. The theme?
Oh My Gulay!

Gulay is the Filipino word for “vegetable”. (See Toni’s post for a more detailed explanation of the expression.) So if there’s a Pinoy vegetable dish you love, or any type of vegetable dish cooked the Pinoy way, come join us!