Go Beyond the Grill with LightLife Smart Dogs (Recipe + Giveaway) #MomsMeet

I've been asked so many times how I manage to cook meals for a vegetarian spouse when I and my daughter are meat-eaters. Truth is, it's really easy. Made easier with the fact that my daughter and I are Flexitarians - by influence, and smart choice on my part. Rather than cooking two different dishes and giving me more work in the kitchen than I would like to, I choose to stick with the vegetarian option which worked pretty well for us for years now.

With this being said, we have tried and tested every possible "meatless" vegetarian options currently out in the market to supplement mostly of my husband's "meat" protein requirements. We have a few favorite that is a regular in our shopping list. Now, I should say that one of the most hard-to find, good-tasting "meatless" versions of deli meats is the hotdogs. We've tried LightLife before but we were not too impressed with it. However, with their more improved recipe, I think it deserves a second taste-test. This is why when Green Moms Meet asked me to try LightLife Smart Dogs meatless veggie hot dogs, I couldn't resist.

Getting Refreshed with Santa Cruz Organic® Agua Fresca Beverages From #MomsMeet and #KeepOnCruzin (Giveaway)

My house is a house that loves lemonade. But not just any lemonade. We love our own homemade, organic, freshly-squeezed lemonade that we make a lot of when the weather gets hot. With Summer just around the corner, the thought of a refreshing frozen lemonade is not that far off from our minds. But let's face it, there are times when we don't have the time to make a good-tasting homemade lemonade. So, once in a while, we rely on store-bought versions to quench our cravings.

Now you should know that we are very particular about what product we buy. My family is a huge consumer of organic products and we are ingredients-nazi as well. If we can't pronounce an ingredient or there are just way too many it's ridiculous, that product immediately goes straight back to the store shelf. Thankfully, Santa Cruz organic lemonade and Agua Fresca Pomegranate is an organic product. So, when Green Moms Meet asked me to try Santa Cruz Organic® Agua Fresca products, I said yes, right away.

Filling In the Gaps with the Amazing Grass Green Superfood to Stay Whole

There is so many alternative to staying healthy and making sure you are getting the right amount of vitamins and minerals in your system - but let's face it, sometimes, taking those humongous vitamin pills are ridiculously not so throat-friendly. If for anything, it just reminds you that your gagging reflex still works pretty well. This is why the Amazing Grass Green Superfood is no stranger in my household. It has been a part of our diet for years and makes up for those days when taking vitamin pills are just too much to swallow. And with that being said, when you like a product and someone asks you to try a few of their flavors to review, what do you do? You, of course accept the request and say, yes! right away.

Well, that's exactly what I did when Green Moms Meet asked me.

Are You Sure You're NOT Eating Genetic Engineering Foods?

I recently got this disturbing bit of information in my inbox. According to Gary Hirshberg, President and CEO of Stonyfield: "Genetic Engineering (GE) also known as GM (Genetically modified) ingredients are in 60-70% of non-organic processed foods. Most people don't know this, and food companies aren't required to tell you!" - Ok, that last statement is quite a shocker, is it not? If that was the case then we've been fooled for years eating un-natural food just because they can hide it from us!

The Quest to Conquer the infamous Stinky Kili-kili {Armpit}

Did you know that having a stinky kili-kili can be a lethal weapon?

Once I was inside a comfortably crowded bus in Singapore. It was Summer. It was hot. Everyone was sweaty. And you know what that means. Stinky armpits! Ugh. Mine was too. Sweaty I mean. So there was this lovely lady garbed in her traditional clothing standing just a little below where the AC was blowing air quite strongly. On a sweltering hot day like that day, it was a blessing to have a working AC inside a bus, but on that particular day, it was more of a curse. At each burst of cold air, comes this despicably strong pungent aroma, almost as offensive as a skunks' stinky scent. And I was the lucky one. I was standing next to this lady! I was at the verge of passing out. At the end of that 10 mins. bus ride, I had a headache. I was nauseous and was puky by the time I reached my destination. What a Lethal scent! Talk about armpit power!

Healthy Living Healthy Savings: Kid's Eat Free!

One of my great pet-peeve is not finding a whole lot - sometimes none- of discount coupons for organic and natural products. And for families who lives a frugal life like mine, it can get frustrating trying to budget everything at times while still living a healthy affordable lifestyle. And when it's free the better! This is the reason, I'm rounding up valuable discount coupons for that purpose. I hope you find them useful:

Family Dinner night: Kids eat free! A healthy treat for the family. Thanks to Earth Fares' conscious effort to help eliminate childhood obesity epidemic.

Healthy Living Healthy Savings: Great deals on Organic products

 My Earth Fare Bounty of the week

Living on organic or natural products doesn't come cheap. I can attest to that! And while couponing is a great money-saving tool, it is not always a luxury offered on most organic products. So when I find a great deal on organic finds, I'm more than happy to share them.

Earth Fare: Free 5 pound bag is coupon is good until Tuesday, May 16. The $1 OFF coupon is good until 3/24/10 - Got mine today!

To print this coupon: Highlight the image and then check "print selection" option before printing.

Deals on my bounty:
Stonyfield: 5/$4 Sale ends 3/30/10
Milk Chocolate covered Almond: $6.99 lb Sale ends 3/30/10
Sunspire Sundrops: $6.99 lb Sale ends 3/30/10
Gaia Essential Oils: $2.00 off coupons while supply last 

Check this out for more deals:

• Fare Deals
• Weekly Deals

SuperTarget :  Free Physicians Formula All Natural Bamboo Compact Mirror and Brush - after mail-in rebate. $5.99 value. Great for the Eco-conscious!

My Bamboo compact and Bamboo Silk Face Powder Refill

 Peek-a-Boo!

The compact is innovative and the design is very attractive! Both top and bottom swivels to open and is refillable. Magnets are used to lock the compact and hold the powder refill in place. The powder refill is $8.99 and also made of Bamboo powder.

Enjoy! If you have any deals on organic products, please share them. I would love to get my hands on them. 

Zen Recycling: Cash For Old Electronics

Photo courtesy of Target

If you know me, you'd know that I'm all for recycling and helping preserve the only planet we'll ever have. While shopping browsing Target online, I came across their Electronics Recycling Program. I thought it was an innovative idea to help Mother Earth and getting paid for it in return! A program definitely worth sharing. And looks so simple too!

All you do is trade-in your new or used iPod, iPhone, video games, GPS system or camera and you get a Target Gift Card for the trade-in value of your item which is made accessible via the calculator provided on site. The shipping label is also provided! How cool is that?! So similar with the Terracycle program of which I'm a trash brigade for Kashi. I say, get in to the program! Every little thing we do counts... And in this economy, every extra cash means a lot...

Timeless Beauty straight from the Farm

Yukky chemical ingredients in beauty products drives you mad? Organic options too expensive for your budget? What then if you were given an all-natural, do-it-yourself alternative, will you go for it? Yes? -Then go old school with me! In this world of ever-growing chemical abomination & health-risks, it always makes me think twice (scrutinize the label ) when I buy certain manufactured products especially stuffs that goes to my skin. It's the only skin I'll ever have so, I better take care of it when I can -and now. It will do me good when I'm older & aging gracefully (I hope) - I'm a woman just like you (unless you're not), you'll agree that we're naturally vain about our looks! And in this tough economy, anything that's not tough on the budget but tough on wrinkles are always a welcome treat! That is why, I am thrilled to share to you this beauty potions I stumbled upon during my Eco-questing patrols. They're Eco-licious, fabulously yummy concoctions that's 100% natural & made for timeless, ageless skin!

Now that you're armed with "weapons" for conquering the farmer's market from my previous post, here's an added small task: buy a little extra for your skin's consumption. Yep, those same food you eat, will also be "eaten" by your skin! Here are some of my top pick recipes - and remember, don't lick that spoon!

Sumptuous Rose Bath - beyond this flower's heavenly scent lies an amazing antidepressant, astringent, cleansing, antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties- known for soothing body, mind & spirit.

1 cup rose petals OR 1/2 cup rose water(from health-food store)
1/2 cup coconut milk.

Draw a warm bath.Add the rose petals or rose water and coconut milk. Slip into tub and relax for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse, tone and moisturize.

Avocado Cream Mask - Rich in Vitamins A, D & E as well as potassium, sulfur & chlorine, this fruit is often used on the face & hair. Combining carrots, w/c are high in beta-carotene & antioxidants, & cream which is high in calcium & protein, may help rebuild skin collagen, improve tone & texture & help fade age spots.

1 avocado, mashed
1 carrot, cooked & mashed
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 egg beaten
3 tbsp honey

Combine all ingredients in a bowl & mix until smooth. Spread gently over face & neck & leave in place 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water & follow with toner.

Cucumber Honey Toner - The cucumber can have an internal temperature as much as 20 degrees lower than its surroundings & is often used for its cooling & astringent properties.

1 medium cucumber, peeled and cut into pieces
2 tsp. honey

Puree cucumber in a blender, line a sieve with cheesecloth & set the sieve over a glass bowl or measuring cup. Pour the cucumber puree into the sieve & let it stand for 15 mins while the juices drip into the bowl. Pour the clear juice into a clean bottle & add honey. Makes about a cup. May be stored in the fridge for up to a week. To use, shake the bottle & saturate cotton pad with the liquid. Sweep over face, neck & chest morning & night & allow about 3 o 4 minutes for the solution to air-dry.

Invigorating Coffee Scrub - Coffee beans contains magnesium & vitamin E. It has antioxidant,antibacterial,exfoliating & stimulating properties that may revive tired skin. And you get a great cup of Java to boot!

3 tbsp. cofee grounds(organic, caffeinated)
1 tbsp. salt (optional)

Brew a fresh pot of coffee. Put grounds ( and salt) in a small bowl. Use fresh grounds within 20 minutes of brewing to avoid oxidation. Scrub mixture over entire body while in the shower. Rinse, tone & moisturize.

What do you think ? Do they seem like a very sensible, easy to manage beauty solution for you? I think it is awesome.Do you agree? Did you want me to quest for more natural beauty alternatives that we all can use ? - let me know.

For more eco-yummy recipes, go to www.allnaturalbeauty.us & knock your wrinkles crazy!

How to conquer the Farmer's Market - Buyer's Guide 101

If you're following my posts, as promised: here is the addendum for my previous post Ways to beat soaring prices where I cited shopping at your local farmer's market is one way of saving some bucks!- Which I can vouch for, being a farmer's market shopper for a time now. Shopping at the farmer's market not only keeps the money in your local economy , helping your friendly farmer neighbors but also improves your diet since it ends up cutting all sorts of processed and packaged foods in favor of raw, whole ingredients. Best of all, since they're locally produce, they're cheaper & fresher compared to store bought ones. Whether you're a new convert to the joy's of farmer's market or a long time supporter, here are some expert tip I have collected along with my own experience to help you buy wisely and make the most of the experience:

1. Be prepared - plan your day ahead. If you prefer to pay in cash, make sure you have enough small bills (Most vendors/farmers accepts credit card payments anyway, so no worry there, if you don't have cash) - but to be in the safe side, hubby & I usually stash some cash in our pockets for instances where we encounter cash only vendors. We also bring our own recyclable, reusable bags. If you love mother earth, ditch the plastic bags and provide your own eco-green bags. Put a cooler in your car too, to store perishable produce especially when you'll have to do longer rounds. Aim to arrive early to get the freshest variety available or late in the day, just before closing, to get the best bargain (but may not be as fresh).

2. Talk to Strangers - Strike up a conversation with the vendor: It may land you a better deal & discounts too. I usually chat with either the vendor or his assistants to get "inside" scoops on his produce which makes for essential choices. It also creates a relationship which will be beneficial in the long run. Also, connect with other shoppers, they are the best tools for finding best priced produce & customer-friendly vendors.

3. Be mindful of Prices - Don't jump on the 1st banana you see on sight. Some vendors sell their produce higher than others. Scour the premises for price comparison first & as soon as you find the best deal, then dude, you can grab that banana! A tactic hubby & I learn when perusing the farmer's market is to "divide & conquer". I prowl half of the premise while he scours the other half of it, then we meet in the middle and compare notes. By doing this, we get the best deals & getting the best produce we needed.

4. Sample the Goods - I love this portion especially when watermelon is in season! Since most vendors will encourage you to stop, smell and taste before you buy- just go for it! My daughter loves the free-tasting too. It makes for an instant snack! Keeps her happy, makes our shopping a happy experience! There's also nothing compared to savoring the goodness of something you're paying good dollars for before actually buying it. It's worth each penny you spend!

5. Bring the Kids - taking the kids can be fun & educational. Kids are a lot more likely to eat their veggies if they help pick them out. Not to say, if you have a toddler, the stroller becomes a useful tool for hanging your grocery bags! My daughter loves looking at all the fruits she knows and loves being able to help select the veggies & fruits when we do buy them. It keeps her entertained & also learning a few other things in between.

6. Don't insist on organic - A lot of small farms don't get certified because the process is just too burdensome and expensive. Most of them are pesticide free or no spray. If you're not sure about the produce you're buying, you can always ask the farmer. This is where striking up a conversation with them comes in handy.

7. Make it last - Buy fruits & veggies you can pickle or jar or freeze them to use as jams & sauces later on. I don't have the talent for this, so I just buy what we need. Sorry, not perfect! (",) - but hey, if you do - go crazy and stock up on seasonal fruits & veggies that you can make use of at any given season.

8. Be a composter -If you don't know how to do it or care to do it, some markets provide compost stands. Composting helps prevent pollution, cleans up contaminated soil and reduces the need for water, fertilizer, and pesticides. If your market doesn't offer a composting drop-off, suggest one.

I hope this will make your trip to the Farmer's market an exciting experience. Do you have any shopping tips to share to make shopping at the farmer's market pleasant? I would love to hear them.

*complimentary resource: vegetarian times

Au Naturel

So why Au Naturel ?

Being born and raised in Asia (Philippines), I have always been exposed to "natural" products. It has been the way of life back then, be it a soap, shampoo or even the version of toothpaste. Best of all, you don't need chemicals to help exfoliate your dead skin daily. All we do is walk out in the garden or at the beach or the river and voila! Out there is a trove of unending supply. You just have to look closely to find that "special" rock ( we call them pang-hilod) - rough the right way but gentle enough to rub against the skin (This natural technique is actually doing a comeback although modified for "modern" use). So, modern times came and so did advanced technology "formulations", which started to pollute every staple resources we have with the introduction of genetically engineered by-products formulated to taint all imaginable products we have these days. Gone are the naturals. So is our health...

"Modern food and products" has totally incapacitated our body's ability to resist disease. Thus, we revert back to naturals and organic products. Something that was always within our reach but never really put importance to it. We were so blinded by the modern, by the popular - not so much that it has unhealthy ingredients in it. With all these prevalent in the market, my household tries to live healthy, meaning, eating healthy and only patronizing only natural and organic products!( we try and very hard!)

We love Morningstar Farms ( try their Asian Veggie Patty you'll fall in love with it) and Some Boca products (their italian Sausage is yummy). For milk, Hubby and my princess loves Silk milk (with omega 3 & DHA for princess) & chocolate milk respectively. My Princess has always been a soymilk drinker from the day she was weaned off breast milk. She never liked cow's milk. Silk was her best choice! Stoneyfield (rated excellent)provides our yogurt cravings and Ben & Jerry's (rated Very good) satisfies our guilty pleasures. Breakfast consist of either Kashi cereal or waffles ( i personally love honey-oats and have tried a variety of other organic ones and so far Kashi wins in the best taste category). Try their chewy bars for some healthy snack option. And if you or your child love Mac n' Cheese, you won't go wrong with Annie's to fill that need. Add in their bunny crackers for a fun snack.

These days, it is very expensive to live healthy but it's either that or your life! Even the cosmetics I use, I make sure it uses only natural ingredients and talc-free( which is found to be a carcinogen and causes cancer). I couldn't care less if I don't have signature brand name vanities in my purse. Most of them contain this harmful ingredient in their products!

So, I trust Physicians formula for my make-ups. It is affordable and the company is a purveyor of organic and natural products. And to care for my face, I use Avalon Vitamin C moisture plus with SPF 15 for daily moisture and protection from the radical effect of the sun. They have several line of products to meet your needs. For our hair and body wash, Jason does best! We especially love the lavender-infused ones. And for lipstick (hey, we end up eating it so it's worth to be extra careful), I stick with Jason Tempations Moisturizing lip tint (Jewel - Bronze shimmer) and Burt's Bees replenishing lip balm with pomegranate oil .

This is just the start.It doesn't take much to live a healthy you. The biggest wealth is your health. So take care of it. I will continue to update this post with products, organic or natural enough that it is good for you and me. Live well!

Sunflower Power

Who doesn't like sunflower? Well, half of the woman population I know adores it tremendously - and maybe a few men here and there . So what is it about sunflower that makes us so attracted to it ?

I believe it is the vibrancy of its' yellow-colored petal that opens up like the full sun. Just looking at it lifts the soul of a dull spirited-being. It also enlivens a dreary room when used as a decorative item to accentuate it. Sunflower is just plain attractive! To me, it is the "new rose" of the century.

But there is more to it. Sunflower is not just a pretty, attractive flower. According to NSA ( National Sunflower Association), it also acts as food additive, medicine and dye for textile and body painting. This shows that Indeed, sunflower is a powerful flower. Here is an excerpts from NSA:

Sunflower was used in many ways throughout the various Indian tribes. Seed was ground or pounded into flour for cakes, mush or bread. Some tribes mixed the meal with other vegetables such as beans, squash, and corn. The seed was also cracked and eaten for a snack. There are references of squeezing the oil from the seed and using the oil in making bread.

Non-food uses include purple dye for textiles, body painting and other decorations. Parts of the plant were used medicinally ranging from snakebite to other body ointments. The oil of the seed was used on the skin and hair. The dried stalk was used as a building material. The plant and the seeds were widely used in ceremonies.

To read more click on this link: sunflower

I'm a proud fan of sunflower !!!