There are lots of fashion brands out there that describe their trendy, non-leather goods as "vegan".
But all too often, attaching the "vegan" label to product has less to do with protecting animals and is more about adding appeal to otherwise cheaply-made, sweatshop goods. But that is not the case for Freedom of Animals. Based out of New York, Freedom is a tightly-edited collection of luxury handbags that are both cruelty-free and eco-friendly. The stylish brand manufactures all of their handbags in sustainably run, American factories which not only reduces their carbon footprint but makes it easier to keep a tight rein on production.
MATERIAL GIRLS
A lot of research went into the materials used in Freedom of Animals bags. Instead of PVC, which can damage the environment, they use high grade, partially-recycled ultra soft polyurethane and vegetable dyes, which create their luxurious colors. Linings are of organic cotton and other textiles created from used plastic bottles. Design-wise, the bags have a modern, minimalist look -- no overtly trendy bells and whistles -- which means they will never look dated (with bags running about $360 a piece, you're going to want them to be a part of your wardrobe forever). Styles include a chic, two-tone flap bag with chain strap and a lavender, faux suede circle bag that is as soft and plush the real thing.
Nothing brings out my inner baker quite like the holidays. The process of gathering all of the ingredients and then mixing, pouring, and waiting for the confections to emerge from the oven (all while filling the house with the warm, sweet scent of the season) always puts me into a festive mood.
And while I do have a few favorite recipes that I whip up every year, I also try to find some new and interesting desserts to try out. Just a quick search around the Pinterest yielded so many picture-perfect cakes, cookies, and puddings that it was hard to choose which ones to put on my 'To-Do' list. But I managed! This selection here is not only completely vegan and dairy-free, but they all look so gorgeous, you think twice about taking a bite (but not quite...if you like what you see, you can always snap a photo first!)
A lot of people are confused about how coconut oil and coconut butter differ. While it is true that both contain healthy fats and anti-bacterial qualities that benefit your diet and beauty routines, they are actually two very different fares.
Coconut oil is extracted from the coconut and is pure fat. It's solid at room temp and turns into a liquid when warmed. In cooking, it is the go-to good fat option for stir-frys and baking. Coconut butter, however, is the meat of the coconut, scooped straight from the shell and puréed. It has the consistency of peanut butter and can similarly be eaten right out of the jar. Coconut butter is yummy when spread on bread or crackers, and many people love it in coffee (it adds a light sweetness for those avoiding sugar and artificial sweeteners). There are tons of recipes around the internet that explain how to make it yourself. But my personal favorite is from California gourmet food brand, Artisana. Their coconut butter is 100% organic and contains no pesticides, is GMO free, and is jarred in its raw state, so it retains all of its naturally occurring enzymes and nutrients. It is a formidable source of protein (2 grams per tablespoon!) and also boosts your daily fiber, potassium, and magnesium intake. Like all coconut butters, it smells amazing and just opening up the lid is a heavenly experience.
Shop here: ArtisanaOrganics.com
Not sure how to use coconut butter? Here are some ways that will keep your tummy happy and your skin lovely:
Coconut Butter Cream Cheese on PeaceLoveQuinoa.com
Fiber helps reduce the body's cholesterol levels, lower blood sugar, and decrease appetite, so it's a critical element for any well-rounded, healthy diet. One tightly-packed source of fiber is the chickpea.
Also known as the garbanzo bean, this unassuming roly-poly legume contains a whopping 18 g of fiber per 1/2 cup, along with nearly 20 g of protein. Chickpeas are also known as an exemplary source of manganese, a dietary mineral which builds strong bones and revs up energy.
The easiest way to add them to your daily regimen is by tossing them onto salads but you can also get creative by roasting them in the oven or whipping up some homemade hummus. One of my favorite new ways to enjoy chickpeas is with these chips from Maya Kaimal. They're extra crispy and satisfy the same cravings that beg for potato chips, but they are lighter, less salty, and not greasy. You'd never know they were made of chickpeas if it wasn't printed onto the bag -- they taste a bit nutty. I prefer the Lightly Salted variety, which are delicately spiced and go well with dips and salsas. All of Maya Kaimal's chips are gluten-free, non-GMO certified, and contain zero trans fats.
It looks like tar, has the consistency of honey, and possesses a pungent scent. It's blackstrap molasses, a gooey, bittersweet superfood packed with rich flavor and ample nutrients. But how does it differ from light and dark molasses?
During the refining process, sugar cane juice is boiled three times, and after each cooking cycle the liquid is spun to extract sugar crystals. However, not all of the sugar is removed with one process, which is why the juice is cooked multiple times. The syrupy by-product left over after each boil is molasses. The first boiling results in light molasses -- the sweetest and most sugar-dense of the three types. Dark molasses, mildly sweet and darker in color, comes from the second boiling. After the third round is blackstrap -- the thickest molasses. It has a slightly bittersweet taste and the color chocolate fudge sauce. Because it contains the lowest amount of sugar, it is considered the most healthy. It's also a substantial source of iron, calcium, and potassium, which contribute to strong bones and improved brain function.
PUT IT TO GOOD USE
Even though blackstrap molasses is less sweet than its light and dark cousins, it still retains some of its sweetness which makes it a healthful alternative to sugar. Traditionally, it has been utilized in baked goods like cookies and gingerbread and is a key ingredient in some BBQ sauces, baked beans, and marinades. If you are following a vegan lifestyle, you can use it as a substitute for honey, both in recipes and by itself. Drizzle it over oatmeal, blend in into smoothies, or use it bind homemade granola bars. This Hot Molasses recipe from EatingRules.com - which mixes blackstrap and soy milk -- sounds like the delicious way to cozy up on a crisp autumn morning.
Happy fall, everyone! I don't know about you, but the moment the weather starts taking an autumnal turn and the leaves start changing color, I start dreaming about all things pumpkin.
It might seem a little cliché at this point thanks to the ubiquitous Pumpkin Spice Latte (plus the millions of pumpkin-flavored products at the grocery store), but I don't care, because nothing signifies the joy of a brand new harvest quite like this almighty gourd. Aside from its wonderful flavor, pumpkins also provide a vast array of health benefits. They are high in vitamin A and beta-carotene, which help to improve vision. Their seeds can reduce cholesterol and improve your mood. And pumpkin's high levels of potassium serve as an all-natural, caffeine-free energy boost.
So when cooking up something pumpkin, why stick to just pie and bread when you can get a bit more experimental? For instance, how does pumpkin cheesecake sound? Or pumpkin and brown rice risotto? Or even pumpkin stuffed with raisins, couscous, and almonds? It all sounds amazing, right? Whether you prefer your pumpkin savory or sweet, there are dishes out there to suit your taste. Below are a few of my favorite recipe finds, all of which are naturally vegan, or include vegan alternative ingredients.
Healthy Pumpkin Cheesecake Muffins -- The Big Man’s World
