Category Archives: Product Reviews

June 25, 2012 · 1:30 pm

PRODUCT REVIEW – GREEN KID CRAFTS

Penny Bauder, the CEO of Green Kid Crafts contacted me recently about doing a review of their service.  My children have always really enjoyed craft projects, so I jumped at the chance to try their service.

What a gift to be sent pre-organized crafts!  The kids were thrilled when the box arrived and even more thrilled to learn that one of the crafts was pirate themed….Arrrrrr Matey!

For those of you unfamiliar with Green Kid Crafts, here is the description of their service from their website:

With Green Kid Crafts, your child will receive at least 3 inspiring projects each month that will engage them with the world and with nature. Every month is a new surprise and all the crafts are projects kids and parents love! Included are all the materials needed to complete an earth-friendly craft with some parental supervision (some of the tasks will require more supervision than others), instructions, and material disclosure information. The only thing you will need to provide is glue and scissors. Projects are composed of non-toxic, natural, and sustainable supplies. Each project is designed and made by hand, giving 100% love and attention to each one. 

As described above, the kit we received contained three entirely different craft themes:

  1. Pirate Loot – the materials for a pirate hat, making coins, and an eye patch
  2. Wooden wind chimes
  3. All About Me Scrapbook

Of course my buccaneers zeroed in on the pirate craft first.  It was fun to watch the kids work cooperatively on the eye patch.  Once that was done I swooped-in to help my little one make the hat and coins.

In addition to the projects they prepare ahead of time for you, Green Kid Crafts also sends a book filled with more craft ideas to go with the themes.  My son decided to work on one of their suggestions…a pirate map.  He had a lot of fun trying to make it look distressed and my daughter loved the results.

When I first opened the box I thought we would blow through all of the crafts in an hour or so, but as it turns out, we didn’t.  We had so much fun rolling with the pirate theme and ended-up working on it for a few hours…long enough that I was able to put away the other crafts to use on the next two weekends.

I see the brilliance in this service.  There are so many of us out there that really enjoy doing crafts with our children, but don’t have the time or creativity to prepare them.  With Green Kid Crafts monthly service you get three separate crafts each month and don’t have to shop for supplies, etc.  While my first box was a gift from the company, I signed-up for the monthly service (costs $19.95/mo.).  I know my kids will enjoy spending time with me making crafts.

A fun little teaser they have is to include a card in the box cluing you in to the theme for the next month’s craft…

What do you think?  Is this a service you would be interested in???

Click HERE to see some of our GREEN KID CRAFTS!

Click HERE to join.

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June 6, 2012 · 1:30 pm

BOOK REVIEW – Naked Calories

I recommend the book “Naked Calories” to those of you who are interested in learning more about both micronutrients and macronutrients.  Mira and Jayson explain the importance of micro/macro nutrients in depth and go into the science of vitamins and minerals, etc.  I appreciate the fact that Mira and Jayson focus extensively on the quality of food consumed and how they believe that micronutrient deficiency is responsible for most of the ill-health experienced by people today.

In their words, “Our goal is the spread the message that processed, micronutrient-poor naked calories are detrimental for vegans, vegetarians, low fat, Mediterranean, and low-carbohydrate dieters alike.”  I completely agree that the root of our healthcare epidemic falls under the auspices of micronutrient deficiency.  Though we have access to it, the developed world quite simply does not eat high quality food and our bodies are suffering dramatically; our bodies are SCREAMING for us to change.

Where we differ is in their assessment that, “The Rich Food, Poor Food philosophy works no matter what type of diet you choose to follow.”  I simply do not agree.  I do not believe that high nutrient diets that include the consumption of animal protein (meat and dairy) at what is now considered “normal” levels is healthy.  The Caltons believe that animal protein which is grass fed and organic has its place in a healthy diet.  We are going to have to agree to disagree on that point.

I really appreciated the sections of their book that focused on common micronutrient depleters; many of which I don’t believe people are even aware of.  You can be eating wonderfully nutritious food and unknowingly be simultaneously depleting your body of the same valuable nutrients.  Their book shows you the hows and whys along with how to avoid these depleters.

While I do not agree with all of the information in “Naked Calories” (namely the information provided regarding animal protein) I do find that the book is overall very informative and a worthwhile read.

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May 25, 2012 · 1:30 pm

LENTIL SALAD IN A BELL PEPPER BOWL

I couldn’t for the life of me come-up with an interesting name for this meal, but that doesn’t mean that this meal doesn’t rock…because it does.  This salad in a pepper bowl covers all the bases; protein, complex carbs, and vitamins galore not to mention the fact that you eat the bowl…no dishes!!!

A few weeks ago I was talking to my daughter’s Kindergarten teacher after school about food and recipes…an almost daily occurance between the two of us (my daughter knows to keep playing when we get on the subject of food, because we are GUARANTEED to be there for a long while) and she mentioned that the last time she was at Trader Joe’s they made a yummy salad by mixing together pre-cooked lentils and bruschetta.  Um, yum!

I think I might be single-handedly responsible for purchasing all of Trader Joe’s bruschetta.  While I can make my own, this product has saved me so much time and the flavor is amazing.  What is NOT amazing is the amount of olive oil they add to it.  Rest-assured, I have a solution for this problem.  When I buy the bruschetta I put it in the coldest part of my fridge for a day and all of the olive oil floats to the top and solidifies a bit making it quite easy to skim-off and throw in the trash can (better the trash can than my arteries!).

I have been eating this like crazy and it is now a staple in my fridge.  I took the liberty of adding some rice to the salad and really enjoy the results.

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INGREDIENTS

1 container Trader Joe’s Bruschetta (oil skimmed off)
1 box Melissa’s Steamed Lentils
1 bag Trader Joe’s Frozen Rice Medley* OR Frozen Organic Brown Rice

*Trader Joe’s Frozen Rice Medley contains barley which is not gluten free

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Cook the frozen rice by placing it in a glass bowl (NOT in the plastic as the directions suggest) and microwaving for 2-3 minutes.

Mix together the rice, lentils, and bruschetta (including all of the juice).

Cut the top off of a bell pepper and remove the seeds.  Spoon the lentil salad into the prepared bell pepper and enjoy!

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For a printable version of this recipe click HERE.

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Filed under Beans/Legumes, Gluten Free, Grains, Main Dish, Product Reviews, Quick, Quick Tips, Recipes, Salad, Sides, Vegan, Vegetables, Vegetarian

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May 11, 2012 · 1:30 pm

PRODUCT REVIEW – PIG OUT Vegan Whole Grain Bacony Bits

Growing-up in an omnivorous household I definitely had my share of BLTs and I LOVED them.  The funny thing is that I never liked real BLTs…that is BLTs with “real” bacon.  The BLTs I grew-up on were made with imitation bacon bits.

Wayfare debuted their new PIG OUT (such a clever name) whole grain bacony bits at this year’s Natural Products Expo West and they did not disappoint this imitation-bacon-flavor-loving gal.  If you are expecting a direct substitute for slices of bacon, these are not for you, however if you share my taste for imitation bits you will be in love.  I made a quick sandwich with two slices of toasted Sami’s Bakery’s Millet Bread (our favorite gfree bread), some soy-free Vegenaise, tomato, lettuce, pepper, and a scattering of Pig Out…this served as lunch 3 days that week!

WARNING – Pig Out is NOT gluten-free.

While we are on the subject of Wayfare, I feel compelled to tell you about their wonderfully cheesy products as well.  The recently sent me some samples to try and I can say that I am definitely a fan of their We Can’t Say It’s Cheeses which are perfect for dipping or drizzling over nachos.  The Mexi Cheddar-Style Dip tops the list for me.  I tend to prefer their cheeses for use as dips vs. using them for grilled cheese / pizzas, etc.

My kids also really like their puddings for occasional treats (My daughter’s fav is the chocolate and my son loves the butterscotch).

Unfortunately I am not a huge fan of their sour cream as I prefer a creamier and tangier sour cream, but that is the only product they make that I feel is lacking.

If you haven’t tried Wayfare’s products yet, please do give them a try.

To learn more about Pig Out and Wayfare’s other products click HERE.

Click HERE for nutrition information.

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May 9, 2012 · 1:30 pm

BOOK REVIEW – Rawesomely Vegan

Rawesomely Vegan by Mike Snyder is a behemoth cook, er “un”cookbook. One looks at the table of contents tells you that it definitely covers all of the raw bases:

  • Stocking Your Raw Kitchen
  • Raw Kitchen Equipment
  • Strategies for Success
  • Juices
  • Smoothies
  • Breaking the Fast
  • Step Into Salads
  • Soups for All Seasons
  • Dressings, Sauces, and Condiments
  • Dips, Spreads, and Sides
  • Sandwiches, Wraps, and Rolls
  • Mix and Match for the Main Event
  • Crackers, Breads, and Other Snacks
  • Drinks and Dessert

I have to admit that when I first saw an entire chapter on juices I didn’t expect it to be worthwhile. Boy was I wrong! My mouth began watering just reading the recipes. Mike’s juice recipes are genius and simple. My favorite new juice is called “Drinking Dessert” and consists of apple, sweet potato, cinnamon and nutmeg. Why didn’t I ever think to juice sweet potatoes??? In addition to wonderful juice recipes, Mike prefaces each juice recipe with a quick explanation of the nutritional benefits of that particular juice.

With over 300 recipes in the book, I have flagged many to try, however seeing as I am not a fan of agave, I will need to make some substitutions since agave nectar is used prevalently in the book.  One other point to keep in mind when perusing raw cuisine is that the use of nuts and seeds (along with coconut oil) tends to be very high and this cookbook is no exception.  While those types of recipes are fine on occasion, I don’t believe nuts and seeds should make-up such a large percentage of one’s diet.

I am excited to try making Mike’s recipes for yogurt (either seed or coconut based) and his “Ginger-Spiked Raw-ldorf” salad is such a fresh take on the classic. Here are a few more that are calling me:

  • Fearsome Fiery Red Hot “Rooster” Sauce
  • Topaz Ginger Dressing
  • Bountiful Baba Ganoush
  • Cactus in the Raw (I want to learn how to use cactus)
  • You Won’t Believe How Simple Sauerkraut
  • Crunchy Cultured Dill Pickles
  • Spiked Citrus Curried Quinoa Salad
  • Sweet Honey Melon with Heat (Soup)
  • Secret Success Zucchini Hummus
  • Go-Go Granola Bars
  • Chewy Chocolate Nib Cookies
  • Orange and Almond Macaroons
  • Ooey-Gooey Chunky Chewy Raw Fudge

As I mentioned earlier, I did not expect to be as impressed with this raw recipe book as I am. If you or someone you love is a raw foodie or dabbles in it, this will be a wonderful addition to their library…I just wish there were more photographs!

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April 25, 2012 · 1:30 pm

PRODUCT REVIEW – Simply So Sweet Chili Tortilla Chips

We all have our vices. Some people are addicted to sweet, some to salty treats. While I would love to have everyone avoid processed foods entirely, those of you who still eat Doritos on occasion (gasp!) now have a better option.

I came across these chips at the Natural Products Expo West. Please don’t misunderstand me, these are not “healthy,” but I would MUCH rather have you eat Simply So Sweet Chili Tortilla Chips by Way Better Snacks than Doritos.

I haven’t had “real” Doritos for years, but I still remember what they taste like and in my opinion Simply So Sweet Chili Tortilla Chips taste like a cross between Nacho Cheese Doritos and Cool Ranch Doritos with a chili bite.

One of the major plusses as far as these chips are concerned (besides the fact that they taste great) is the fact that all of the ingredients are pronounceable AND recognizable. In addition, they contain sprouted: golden flax, chia seed, quinoa, radish seed, and broccoli seed.

The chips are also:

  • Gluten free
  • Vegan
  • Non GMO
  • Kosher
  • Whole grain
  • Low sodium (only 95mg per serving!)
  • Has no trans fat
  • No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives

The fat content is much higher than I’d like it to be (7 grams), however it is still lower than Doritos.

So…IF you are a Dorito eater (which I hope you are not), please, please, please find a healthier alternative like Simply So Sweet Chili Tortilla Chips.

Baby steps.

Click HERE for nutrition information.

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April 23, 2012 · 1:30 pm

BOOK REVIEW – The Lean

People often ask me if there are any plant based weight loss books that I recommend and while I definitely refer them to excellent books written by the likes of Drs McDougall, Fuhrman, Barnard, and my other favorite plant-based authors…I am adding another favorite to the list.

The Lean by Kathy Freston lays out a plan for transitioning (or rather “leaning”) into plant-based living that is so gentle and reasonable. Frequently people try to transition to plant-based eating too quickly and when they mis-step they trend back to their old ways. Kathy’s writes in such a non-judgmental and wonderfully guiding voice that the reader realizes they need to be gentle with themselves during the transition.

The Lean is a plan that is more about what is ADDED to your diet than what is taken out (though the animals products are eventually removed). When people focus on adding good quality food into their daily food plan, they naturally crowd out the undesirable food.

The concept of the book is that the reader will tackle one issue per day (each outlined in a chapter of the book). Kathy’s philosophy is that if it takes you longer than a day to add the new habit, then give yourself longer than a day before moving on to the next chapter.

Some of the easy nutritional modifications within The Lean are:

Day 7: Put a Little Flax On It
Day 14: Eat a Superfood
Day 16: Toss up a big bowl of Love, a.k.a. Salad
Day 25: Juice It!
Day 28: Do Something Purposeful

What I appreciate most about The Lean is its practicality.  If you live your life according to the principles found within The Lean, health will follow.

To purchase The Lean, click HERE.

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April 18, 2012 · 2:30 pm

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY – MUSEWEAR FLIP FLOPS

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I have been needing new flip flops for a while. The sad part is that I didn’t even realize how badly I have been needing new flip flops…that’s where my sister came in. Over the holidays she mentioned to me how sad and tired my favorite flips flops were. When I stopped to think about it, I realized that I bought them when my son was 5. Um, he is in 5th grade now (yikes). To top it off, I live in California and we tend to wear flip flops year round rain or shine, so you know those babies had been through the ringer.  They have been dearly loved.

So, I started wearing some of my old (but not as old) Havianas and then while out and about they snapped and I had to walk around with broken flip flops for the rest of the day, which is WAY easier said than done.

As if by divine intervention I was contacted by Musewear …they asked me to give their flip flops a whirl. Isn’t it funny how the universe works???  Their flip flops are cushy comfortable and I smile every time I put them on because each pair has an inspirational message printed directly on the footbed, so every time you slip them on you read a flash of positivity.  Musewear also has a line of flip flops called SunSignSoles that focuses on the Zodiac.  I have been wearing my Scorpio flip flops almost daily to and from pilates.

The eco side of me (which is a HUGE part of who I am) appreciates the fact that the flip flops are 100% recyclable and made from 100% Brazilian rubber.  Musewear is also very committed to giving back.  In their own words,

“Musewear was created to spread inspiration, positivity and plain ol’ fun with our flip flops AND our philosophy of giving something back to the world in which we thrive. We’ve built in the ability for you to make a difference when you shop with us. We think of it as “the Big Bang for Your Buck theory.” We’ve pledged to donate 15% of our profits to the organizations below [The Nature Conservancy, Best Friend’s Animal Society, andAmnesty International], because we admire their commitment to make our world a safer, cleaner and more vibrant place …”

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GIVEAWAY GIVEAWAY GIVEAWAY

Musewear has VERY generously offered to allow me to host a giveaway of their product where they will send FIVE readers ONE pair of flips flops (each winner gets to choose their design) Yay…5 winners!!!!

ENTRY DETAILS

  1. Become an e-mail subscriber of Veggie Grettie by entering your e-mail address in the e-mail subscriber box at the top right of the page under the header image of corn chowder (If you are already a subscriber, let me know in the comments)
  2. “Like” Veggie Grettie on Facebook (click HERE)
  3. Follow Veggie Grettie on Twitter (click HERE)
  4. Follow Musewear on Facebook (click HERE)
  5. Follow Musewear on Twitter (click HERE)
  6. Tell me your favorite inspirational quote.

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You will receive ONE ENTRY for EACH task completed.  You MUST leave a SEPARATE COMMENT BELOW FOR EACH  of the tasks you complete.

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The contest will run through 5/02/12 midnight PST.  The winner will be chosen randomly and must be a resident of the United States (includes Alaska & Hawaii). 

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Click HERE to read more about how Musewear got their start.

Click HERE to browse their products.

Images provided by Musewear.

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April 4, 2012 · 1:30 pm

PRODUCT REVIEW – Vega One Vegan Protein Shakes

I am sure most of you are familiar with Brendan Brazier’s Vega products (if not, click HERE to learn more). At the recent Natural Products Expo West I had the opportunity to try Vega’s newly improved Vega One all-in-one Nutritional Shake.

I really like this product. I am thoroughly impressed by how creamy it tastes when mixed with water (that’s a tall order for a vegan protein shake!). The new formulation has:

  • SaviSeed protein (in addition to pea, hemp, and sprouted brown rice protein)
  • Chia seed
  • Superfruits
  • More omega-3
  • Probiotics
  • Protein
  • Antioxidants
  • Greens
  • More servings per tub
  • Lower total per tub price

Vega One is also dairy, gluten & soy free in addition to being sugar free.

Available flavors:

  • Chocolate (my favorite)
  • Berry
  • Vanilla chai
  • Natural flavor

For more information about Vega One click HERE.

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April 2, 2012 · 1:30 pm

BOOK REVIEW – Chloe’s Kitchen

I was really excited when the publisher of Chloe’s Kitchen contacted me offering a review copy of Chloe Coscarelli’s first cookbook. I received the cookbook prior to it’s official release (March 6, 2012) and am embarrassed to say that I am only now getting around to posting my review. Trust me when I say the delay in posting is in no way a statement about Chloe’s cookbook…it is amazing and does not disappoint.

Life has been busy, but not too busy to find the time to interview Chloe for Chic Vegan (so fun!!!). Click HERE to read the interview. What most impressed me about Chloe is the fact that she went from a college kid at UC Berkley who didn’t really know her way around the kitchen to becoming the first vegan winner of a major network cooking show (Cupcake Wars) in a matter of a few short years.

One might assume that Chloe’s Kitchen is a dessert recipe cookbook if their only knowledge of Chloe is rooted in Cupcake Wars, however nothing could be further than the truth. Having attended culinary school at the Natural Gourmet Institute after completing college, Chloe’s food experience is vast. After completing culinary school, Chloe honed her skills at celebrated restaurants such as the famed Millennium Restaurant in San Francisco, Counter Organic Vegetarian Bistro in New York City, and Herbivore Restaurant in Berkeley.

Chloe’s cheerful voice is ever present in Chloe’s Kitchen and her dishes are inspired. During my first flip-through of the book (I have since read it cover to cover) I flagged so many recipes to try that it looked like a Post-It tree was growing out of the book.  The hearty main meals I quickly flagged to try were:

  • Curried Lentil, Squash, and Apple Stew
  • Chloe’s Award Winning Mango Masala Panini
  • Double Drive-Thru Burgers
  • Avocado Pesto Pasta
  • Drunken Noodles in Cashew-Shiitake Broth
  • And on, and on, and on

I am a huge sucker for food pics and her cookbook is chalk full of them. I want to SEE the meals a cookbook is offering me and have to admit that it is oftentimes uninspiring to me when cookbooks don’t provide gorgeous food photography. Thankfully, the reader gets to see photographs of most of the 125 recipes Chloe’s Kitchen cooks-up.

Slam dunk Chloe. When can we expect your next cookbook? …

Maybe we should let her enjoy the fruits of this one first, but I will definitely be in the front of the line for whatever she cooks-up next.

Images courtesy of Chloe Coscarelli

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