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All posts for the month March, 2012

Vegan Recipe of the Week…Yum!!

Posted by Mandy Smith on March 30, 2012
Posted in: Vegan (Cookbooks, Recipes, Info). Tagged: , , , . Leave a Comment

Vegan Lasagna Cupcakes
Makes 12

24 wonton wrappers
1 cup pasta sauce or spaghetti sauce
1/4 cup of your favorite cheese

Vegetable Filling
2 ounces shiitake mushrooms, washed and thinly sliced
2-3 baby zucchini, peeled, washed and sliced crosswise
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon vegetable oil

Tofu Ricotta
8 ounces firm tofu with water squeezed out and crumbled
10 fresh basil leaves, chiffonade
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

To make the vegetable filling, heat a wok or sauté pan to hot. Add the oil and swirl to coat. Add the garlic and sauté for a few seconds, add the zucchini and cook for a minute or so then add the mushrooms and cook for another minute until the vegetables are tender. Place in a bowl and set aside.

Next, make the tofu ricotta. Crumble about 3/4 of the tofu in a bowl, add the basil, olive oil, nutmeg, garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to a food processor and pulse until smooth but still slightly lumpy. Crumble in the remaining 1/4 tofu, mix to combine and set aside.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Lightly coat a 12 cup muffin pan with oil. Layer a wonton wrapper in each cup, gently pressing down on the bottom and up the sides of the cup.

Divide the tofu ricotta in half. Using the first half, distribute evenly on top of each wrapper. Layer the vegetables next using the same distribution method. Top with the tomato sauce then cheese.

Place a wonton wrapper on top but turn in the opposite direction, so that the points of the top wonton wrapper are in between the points of the bottom wonton wrapper. Repeat the layers of the ricotta, vegetables, sauce and finally the cheese on the very top.

Bake for 10 – 15 minutes until the wonton wrappers are golden. Let cool in the pan for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy!!  These can actually be picked up, so they are great for parties!

via Vegan Entrees | Chow Vegan.

What I Learned from Oprah…and Iyanla Vanzant!

Posted by Mandy Smith on March 27, 2012
Posted in: Yoga, Meditation, Spirituality. Tagged: , , , , . 1 comment

I watched “Oprah’s Lifeclass: The Tour” last night, and I had several “ah ha” moments!  Broadcasting live from St. Louis, this first episode of the tour was all about “Stopping the Pain“, but several things that were said applied to life (and your outlook about it) in general.  Iyanla Vanzant was brilliant last night, and Oprah said that it was just the right time for her to have her own show on the OWN network.  She mentioned that it will be airing this summer.  Below is a compilation of what I felt were the most ”ah ha” inspiring messages from last night.

Watch the episode – “Stopping the Pain”

**UNTIL YOU HEAL THE WOUNDS OF YOUR PAST, YOU WILL CONTINUE TO BLEED.

**P.A.I.N – PAY ATTENTION INWARD NOW…YOU HAVE TO FEEL THE PAIN, DEAL WITH IT, THEN HEAL IT.

**HOW YOU TREAT YOURSELF IS HOW YOU TREAT GOD, BECAUSE YOU ARE THE REPRESENTATIVE OF GOD IN YOUR LIFE…BE AS GOOD TO YOU AS YOU WANT TO BE TO GOD.

**MY CUP RUNNETH OVER…WHAT COMES OUT OF THE CUP IS FOR YOU, WHAT’S IN THE CUP IS MINE.  I’VE GOT TO KEEP MY CUP FULL.

**WHEN YOU SACRIFICE YOURSELF FOR OTHER PEOPLE, YOU MAKE THEM A THIEF, BECAUSE THEY ARE STEALING FROM YOU WHAT YOU NEED, AND THEY DON’T EVEN KNOW IT.

**YOU ARE ADDICTED TO YOUR STORY (MY BIGGEST “AH HA” OF THE NIGHT!)…YOUR STORY (BROKEN RECORD) IS WHAT IS HOLDING YOU BACK!  HOW DO YOU GET YOURSELF UNSTUCK AND START TELLING ANOTHER STORY.

**IF THE THOUGHT BRINGS YOU PAIN OR STRESS, THINK ANOTHER THOUGHT.

**STATE THE FACTS…SPEAK THE TRUTH.  ASK FOR WHAT YOU WANT & GET A VISION!  I WANT TO BE HAPPY, BUT WHAT DOES THAT LOOK LIKE?

**YOU ARE NEVER ANGRY FOR THE REASON YOU THINK YOU ARE…THERE IS AN OLDER HURT UNDER THAT.

**YOU’VE GOT TO BE ABLE TO LOSE EVERYTHING TO GAIN YOURSELF.

If these have brought you some “ah ha” moments, “Oprah’s Lifeclass: The Tour” airs Mondays at 8/7c on OWN.  They also webcast on Facebook and receive Tweets during the show.  Coming up next week…Oprah and Tony Robbins Live from New York: Living Fearlessly

Related articles

Vegan Recipe of the Week…Yum!

Posted by Mandy Smith on March 23, 2012
Posted in: Vegan (Cookbooks, Recipes, Info). Tagged: , . 2 comments

Vegan Pepperjack Panini

2 slices Italian bread
2 tsp vegan buttery spread – like Earth Balance
4 slices tomato
handful fresh basil
1/2 cup Daiya pepperjack cheese
a few slices roasted red pepper

1.  Butter one side of each slice of bread – butter faces outward on panini press grill

2.  Top one slice with tomatoes

3.  Stack basil on top of tomatoes

4.  Stack roasted red peppers on top of basil

5.  Add heaping handfuls of cheese – add as much as you like!

6.  Top with other slice of bread (remember – butter goes on outside)

Place on panini press grill and cook until cheese is melted and grill lines form.

Enjoy!!

via http://blogs.babble.com/family-kitchen/2011/06/22/step-by-step-daiya-pepperjack-panini/?pid=289#slideshow

Daddy’s Words of Wisdom…

Posted by Mandy Smith on March 21, 2012
Posted in: Fun Stuff!!. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , . 6 comments

I read a blog the other day called “Ten Things I Learned From My Father“, and it reminded me of things my dad taught me…even though sometimes growing up, I just thought he was being funny.  It wasn’t until I got older that I could see the lesson or wisdom in his sayings.  My father was a very humorous man…he was voted “wittiest” and “best personality” in high school, could tell a joke like no other and was always the life of the party.  He was my best friend, and I learned just about everything I know about life from him…but, he taught it in his own way…you’ll see what I mean.

Here are some of the life lessons my daddy taught me :)

Gary Foster Smith
03/04/1951 – 04/02/2010

**WALK IT OFF - I can’t begin to tell you how many times I heard this growing up!  I played a lot of sports, and every bump, bruise, crash and burn was followed by…”walk it off”.  If you’ve ever heard Chris Rock’s bit about “put some Tussin on it”, you know exactly what I’m talking about!  For any injury, this was the first and only option, and believe it or not, 99% of the time, it worked.  If “walking it off” didn’t work, you were REALLY hurt.  Later in life, I realized that this applies to certain other times in life also.  Everyone gets beat down or beat up or knocked around by life at some point…usually several times throughout the course of life, but the lesson here is, you’ve got to get up, walk it off, and keep it moving.  The game of life isn’t going to stop just because you’re on the injured list.  Don’t sit it out…get back in the game!

**DON’T ARGUE WITH A FOOL – The first time Daddy said this to me, I didn’t get it.  I thought he meant that I was wasting my time and breath trying to convince someone to see my point of view about whatever topic I felt that they were wrong about.  How wrong I was!  This lesson can be summed up in one sentence…When you argue with a fool, you look like a fool, and no one can tell the difference.

**DON’T LET YOUR MOUTH OVERLOAD YOUR ASS - You hear this a lot when someone is, as they say, “barking up the wrong tree”, but this little tid bit can be used in just about any situation.  All of us have known someone who talks the talk, but can’t or doesn’t walk the walk.  Ever promised or committed to something, and then a second later, you wish you could take it back?  Ever made a bet or a statement that you couldn’t back up?  I learned early on that your word is your bond, a handshake is a legal contract, and you better be able to back up what you say.  This applies to friendships, business and relationships.  Trust, loyalty and honor are priceless characteristics.  Respect is earned over time, but lost in a moment.

**DON’T GO OFF HALF-COCKED AND NEVER BRING A KNIFE TO A GUNFIGHT -  So many times, I have jumped into things without even really thinking about it.  Granted this has provided me with a lot of life experiences and opportunities for growth, but it has also caused a lot of headaches, heartbreaks and hangovers!  Lesson learned!  Spontaneity is great, but some life choices deserve some time, attention and reflection.  But, the biggest lesson here is just don’t do anything half-assed.

**DON’T GET CAUGHT WITH YOUR PANTS DOWN - I’m not sure this one needs any explanation, but…We all can’t be prepared all the time, and all of us have been in an embarrassing situation at some point.  But, if you know that you are going into a situation that requires a certain amount of preparation on your part, then get prepared…expect the unexpected and try to be prepared for everything.  If you end up in an embarrassing situation, plan for that too, and how you best can handle it.  In a lot of circumstances, it’s your reactions or remarks (or lack thereof) that determines whether or not you look like an idiot!  Having a good fall back line (that will evoke laughter) in case something comes up that you haven’t prepared for can make all the difference in the world!

**FISH OR CUT BAIT -  I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “Shit, or get off the pot.”  Well, this was my dad’s version of it.  You can’t just do nothing and expect things to change.  You have to take action to make change.  If you want something, go get it.  Make up your mind, get a plan and get it done.  Don’t sit around and wait for it to come to you.  Hard work, self-motivation and determination are key to success.

**DON’T GET TOO BIG FOR YOUR BRITCHES -  Any time my ego or attitude got a little bit cocky or over-confident, my dad had no problem putting me right back in my place by using this line.  He always told me to treat others like you want to be treated, work hard, don’t take yourself too seriously, and never forget where you came from.  No matter how much fame, fortune or success I attain in life (maybe someday), I will always be this country girl from Columbia, TN.  By the way, Mule Day is Saturday, March 31st!! (This is Columbia’s claim to fame…people come from all around the US…I have been wondering why my whole life???).  Yee Haw!

**MEND YOUR FENCES - Just like fences, sometimes relationships get broken.  Rather than holding on to anger or resentment, ego, selfishness, self-righteousness or hurt, either try to fix it or do what you need to do to make it right with yourself.  Regardless, you never want to walk away with regrets or wondering what if.  Don’t hold grudges, say your piece and fix what can be fixed and leave what can’t, but make sure that either way, you make your peace with your role in it.  My dad mended his fences in life, so he did not leave this world with any unfinished business.

**GIVE THE SHIRT OFF YOUR BACK – This is very simple.  Helping others should just be in our DNA.  My father was the type of person that would do just about anything to help someone out.  Whether this was passed along genetically, or if by watching him and seeing how happy it made him to do it, and how happy it made others, I just wanted some of that feeling, I don’t know.  I’m inclined to think it’s catching…I hope so!

**SITTING IN HIGH COTTON - It didn’t matter where he was or what was happening, Daddy always made the best out of the situation.  He always said, that it was all about attitude.  He would say to me, “If you want to be miserable, you will be…it’s your choice.”  He always managed to make me laugh when I was at my lowest.  It’s funny how the bad times never last, and because of them, you can really appreciate the good times.  The trick is to try to find the positives in all of them, so you can always be “sitting in high cotton”.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day…Yum!

Posted by Mandy Smith on March 17, 2012
Posted in: Vegan (Cookbooks, Recipes, Info). Tagged: , , , . Leave a Comment

I love this recipe!  It’s so easy and delicious…a little sweet, a little spicy!  I made myself one this morning…Yum!!  Happy St. Patrick’s Day, ya’ll!

Shamrock Breakfast Sandwich. Kale. Pepitas. Jalapeno Sauce.

From kblog.lunchboxbunch.com

Creamy chipotle jalapeno sauce drizzles and melts over top tender avocado, a pepper-chipotle spiced vegan sausage patty, buttery pan-toasted pepitas, shallot-infused kale and plenty of fine pepper. All on a toasted English muffin.


Shamrock Breakfast Sandwich
vegan, serves one

patty:
1 vegan sausage patty (I use GimmeLean vegan sausage)
top with during cooking:
dash chipotle powder
dash fine black pepper
dash seasoned salt (I use Penzey’s Spices 4/S spicy)
rub of veggie oil (safflower or EVOO for me)

Kale saute:
2 cups kale, torn
1/2 tsp truffle infused oil (optional, but oh so YUM)
1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
dash fine pepper
2 Tbsp raw pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
a few dashes seasoned salt
1/2 shallot, thinly sliced

Jalapeno Mayo:
1 1/2 Tbsp Vegenaise (vegan mayo)
1/2 tsp dried jalapeno
dash chipotle powder
dash seasoned salt
1 Tbsp sweet green juice for color/thinning (or use citrus juice)

sliced avocado, lemon juice rubbed (2-4 slices)
1 English Muffin, toasted

note: You can reduce the oil used in the cooking process to lighten the total calories if desired. You can easily cook the components without using any oil and just a few splashes of water.

Directions:

1. Add a drizzle of oil to a saute pan. Turn heat to high. Add in the chopped shallot. Cook for about one minute – until shallot starts to brown. Pour shallot and oil into small bowl, set aside.

2. Keep heat on high and lay your vegan sausage patty in the pan. I use the kind that comes in tube and you can press out into whatever thicknes, size you’d like. Cooks super fast. Well seasoned, but I add a few extra spices. While cooking, add spices to both sides of patty. Add a drizzle of oil if desired. The patties are naturally fat free, but I add a splash of oil to saute. Cook 1-2 minutes on each side – until edges brown. Remove hot patty and set aside.

3. Add all the kale saute ingredients to the warm pan. Cover with lid while the kale cooks.steams for about one minute. You just want to wilt the kale and infuse it with some flavor. Turn off heat and transfer wilted kale to shallot bowl. Toss the shallot with the kale and pepitas.

4. Mix together the vegan jalapeno mayo.

5. Assemble! Spread the vegan jalapeno sauce/mayo on the inside of each toasted English muffin. Add sliced avocado, patty, then top with plenty of the kale mixture. Close sandwich with top muffin and serve warm!

Add a side of fruit or a green juice and ENJOY!!  SO GOOD!

Hungry for Change – A Food Matters Film

Posted by Mandy Smith on March 16, 2012
Posted in: Vegan (Cookbooks, Recipes, Info). Tagged: , , , , , , , , , . Leave a Comment

I wanted to share with you this documentary that I’ve signed up to watch free online called Hungry for Change.  This is another “rock your world” film from the creators of the groundbreaking documentary Food Matters.  My girl, Kris Carr, and Dr. Joseph Mercola, a frequent guest on the Dr. Oz show, are just two of the best selling health authors and leading medical experts featured in this film.   Watch the official trailer below, and if you’re interested, register to watch the film online during the Free Worldwide Online Premiere, March 21-31, 2012.  After you register, you will receive an email that gives you a link to watch Part 1, and then later you will receive a link to the entire documentary that can be viewed anytime between March 21-31, 2012.  It’s free, so I encourage you to register at: http://www.hungryforchange.tv/.

All of these topics and more are included in the film:

  • How to navigate your supermarket – what to buy and what to avoid
  • The real truth behind “DIET”, “SUGAR-FREE” and “FAT-FREE” products
  • How to overcome food addictions and cravings
  • Why fad diets dont work
  • What food additives to avoid and how to read labels
  • What is fat and cellulite and how do we get rid of it for good
  • The most effective detox and cleansing strategies, and
  • How to eat for clear eyes, glowing skin and healthy hair
Related articles

Vegan Recipe of the Week…Yum!

Posted by Mandy Smith on March 14, 2012
Posted in: Vegan (Cookbooks, Recipes, Info). Tagged: , . Leave a Comment

Baked Spinach and Pasta with a Creamy Roasted Garlic Sauce

From sweetbeetandgreenbean.net

baked spinach and pasta with a creamy roasted garlic sauce
1 bag of pasta (any kind you’d like; 14 oz)
1 bunch of spinach
1 block of silken tofu (12 oz)
2 heads of garlic
1/4 c of oil (olive or canola work great)
1 tsp salt
flax meal (optional)
bread crumbs (optional)

First off, you must bake the garlic as this takes much longer than everything else.  Peel all of the cloves of the 2 heads of garlic and remove their tough bottom tip.

Bake them at 400F for 30 minutes loosely wrapped in aluminum foil, they should be slightly softened, light golden in color and much sweeter and less pungent than raw garlic.

While that’s roasting you can prep everything else.  Boil your pasta until soft, then strain.

Wash the spinach well and remove the bottoms of the stems.  The leaves will shrink a bit when cooked, but you can cut them smaller, if you like.

The last thing to prep is optional.  Mix even parts of flax meal and bread crumbs to sprinkle over baked pasta dish.  It gives it a nice hardy crunch on top.  If you don’t want to buy them, you can make bread crumbs or flax meal at home just by pulsing stale bread or flax seeds in the blender.

Once the garlic is all done roasting, throw it in a blender along with the block of tofu, oil and salt.  Blend and you’ve got the simplest, tastiest, creamiest sauce that’s perfect for any pasta dish or even with cooked vegetables.

Mix the pasta, spinach and garlic sauce all together in a large bowl or pan.

Then spoon out portions into small dishes for individual servings, or you can put it all in a casserole dish and bake it all together.  Sprinkle with the flax meal/bread crumbs before popping it in the oven at 350F for about 15 minutes, or until the top is beginning to look crunchy and baked.

ENJOY!!!

 

Geniskin vs. Proactiv

Posted by Mandy Smith on March 12, 2012
Posted in: BlackBox Cosmetics. Tagged: , , , , , , , . 1 comment

I wanted to give a snapshot of Geniskin and Proactiv in order to point out the differences between the two, and highlight why I think that Geniskin is superior for healing & preventing acne and problem skin.  I took the descriptions, ingredients and warnings right off the respective websites.  Note that the #1 ingredient in each of the Geniskin products is Aloe rather than water, which is the #1 ingredient of all the Proactiv products.  Pay attention to the ingredients…Proactiv uses only Benzoyl Peroxide as an active ingredient in the main products, while the Geniskin products contain several different acne and problem skin fighting & healing ingredients.  Also, take note of the parabens used in the Proactiv products and the differences in the warnings between the Geniskin products and the Proactiv products.  I know this is quite a long post, but the information gained is invaluable when comparing these products.  Y’all are smart cookies…you decide!

Geniskin System Kit (4 products)

FaceWash:  For the highest effectiveness, our face was is loaded with sea-algea, many forms of bacteria killers, salicylic acid, vitamins (including Vit. C), botanicals and compounds.  It is packaged in airless, light-blocking pump bottles to protect these vital nutrients.  It removes oil and bacteria buildup while leaving your face feeling cool, clean, and refreshed.  Geniskin Face Wash is unrivaled in the face wash category and is a perfect start to your daily skin routine.  It is scented with hints of peppermint, spearmint, and tea tree oil.

Ingredients: Aloe barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Juice, Vegetable Glycerin, Ammonium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate, Lauryl Glucoside, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Cocoglucoside, Glycrrhiza glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Plantago Species (Plantain) Leaf Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Glycol Stearate, Decyl Glucoside, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cocamide MIPA, Lactobacillus Ferment, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Salicylic Acid, d-Calcium Pantothenate (Panthenol Vitamin B5), Alphanizomenon flos aquae Extract (Blue Green Algae), Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Beta Carotene (Pro Vitamin A), Salix Nigra (Willowbark) Extract, Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) Essential Oil, Gingko Biloba Leaf Extract, Oleaeuropaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, Aspalathus linearis (Rooibos) Leaf Extract, Camellia sinesis (White Tea) Leaf Extract, Aminopropyl AscorbylPhosphate (Vitamin C), Rosemary Oleoresin, Polysorbate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Essential Fragrance Oils.

Warnings: none

Facial Scrub:  We have always believed that exfoliating your skin is vital to good skin tone and quality.  In regard to problem skin, exfoliating helps keep pores free of dirt and oil that can create blockage, which in turn creates bacteria and breakouts.  Mild daily exfoliation with our organic grain microdermabrasion scrub is perfect for keeping your pores free and clear, yet gentle enough for those with an active breakout.  Our daily scrub was designed to be the most effective exfoliator ever developed.  Using microdermabrasion ingredients and techniques, you will be amazed at how soft your skin feels after one application.  Each treatment will assist in reducing visible scar tissue large pores, while healing and regenerating new healthy skin tissue.

Ingredients: Microdermabrasion Organic Grains (pharmaceutical grade), Aloe barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Juice, Punica Granatum L. (Organic Pomegranate) Distillate, Rosa Damascena (Rose) Distillate, Cocos Nucifera (Organic Coconut) Oil, Pure Vegetable Glycerin, Sodium Chloride (Dead Sea Salt), Magnesium Salt, Creatine Palmitate, Emulsifying Wax NF, Palm Stearic Acid, Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, Hamamelis virginiana (Witch Hazel), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea EGCG 90%), Phenoxyethanol, Xanthum Gum (Polysaccharide Gum), Hydrolyzed Silk, Mannan, Salix nigra (Black Willowbark) Extract, Glycrrhiza glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Plantago species (Plantain), Azadirachta indica (Neem) Oil, Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) Oleoresin, Tetrasodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Essential Fragrance Oils.

Warnings: Individuals with sensitive skin may wish to wait 1-2 hours before applying the Treatment Serum.  If by chance you get scrub particles in your eyes, rinse your eyes with luke warm tap water.

Treatment Serum:  Our treatment serum is unlike any product you have ever seen or used before.  Based on the same skin-healing technology and nutrients that made our Infusion AM age-reversing serum so popular, we dramatically raised the bar in the acne and problem skin category.  Geniskin Serum is loaded with various forms of bacteria killers that are designed to reach deep into the skin tissue to kill bacteria where it develops.  During this process, Genskin serum infuses the skin with high levels of Vitamin C and other healing nutrients…including the new advanced Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate and our super anti-oxidant formula.  Users report seeing an almost immediate reduction in breakouts and an improvement in their skin condition.

Ingredients: Aloe barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Juice, Punica Granatum L. (Organic Pomegranate) Distillate, Rosa Damascena (Rose) Distillate, Pure Vegetable Glycerin, Emulsifying Wax, Stearic Acid, Rosa mosqueta (Rosehip Seed Oil), Tocopherol (Vit. E), Benzoyl Peroxide 3%, Butylene Glycol, Limnanthes alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Ceteareth-20, Cetearyl Alcohol, sodium polyacrylate, Sodium acrylate, acryloyldimethyl taurate copolymer, isohexadecane, polysorbate 80, Centella asiatica (gotukola), Camellia sinensis (Green Tea EGCG 90%), Salix nigra (Willowbark) Ext., L-Arginine, Plantago Species (Plantain) Leaf Ext., Euterpe oleracea (Acai Berry) Ext., Lycium Barbarum (Goji) Fruit Ext., Morinda Citrifolia (Organic Noni) Fruit Ext., Mangosteen (Garcinia Mangostana L.) Fruit Ext., Glycrrhiza glabra (Licorice) Root Ext., Populus tremuloides (Aspen) Bark Ext., Lactobacillus Ferment, Phenoxyethanol, Curcuma Xanthorrhiza Root Ext., Helichrysum Stoechas Ext., Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vit. C Ester), Leontopodium Alpinum (Edelweiss) Ext., Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (Vit. C Ester), Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE), Citrus auranium dulcis (Organic Orange) Fruit Ext., Citrus medica limonum (Organic Lemon) Ext., L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10), Vaccinium myrtillus (Organic Bilberry) Ext., Beta Carotene (Pro Vit. A), Silybum marianum L Gaertn (Milk Thistle/Silymarin), Alpha Lipoic Acid/Thioctic Acid, Saccharum officinarum (Organic Sugar Cane) Ext., Acer saccharinum (Organic Sugar Maple) Ext., d-Calcium Pantothenate (Panthenol Vit. B5), Niacinamide (Vit. B3), Retinol Palmitate (Vit. A), Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide – NAD (Vit. B3), Olea europaea (Olive Leaf) Ext., Gingko Biloba (Gingko Leaf) Ext., Aspalathus linearis (Rooibos) Ext., Camellia sinensis (White Tea) Ext., Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) Oleoresin, Azadirachta indica (Neem) Oil, Daucus carota (Carrot) Oil, Lecithin, Xanthum Gum (Polysaccharide gum), Tetrasodium EDTA, Citric Acid, essential frangrant oils.

Warnings:  Some ingredients can cause discoloration on clothing, linen, and bath towels.  Wash hands before touching any of these items.

Face Masque & Spot Treatment:  As a spot treatment, this product is so incredible you will hardly believe your own eyes.  A dab of this product left on an active breakout over-night has dramatic results.  The blemish size, inflammation, and redness are almost non-existent by morning.  As a face masque, the quality and overall condition of your skin will be greatly improved.  There are 3 forms of special sea algae designed to remove and eliminate toxins and bacteria.  It contains vitamins, aloe, bacteria-killing botanicals, and other special compounds.  Geniskin Masque dramatically heals damaged skin, reduces inflammation, and leaves skin smooth and soft.  This is an important benefit for those individuals that wear makeup or use a cover stick.

Ingredients: Aloe barbadensis (Organic Aloe) Juice, Montmorillonite (Calcium Bentonite Clay), DL-Panthenol (Vitamin B5), Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Beta Carotene (Pro Vitamin A), Camellia sinensis (Green Tea) Ext., Vitis vinifera (Grape Seed) Ext., Saliz nigra (Black Willowbark) Ext., Phenoxyethanol, Leuconostoc (Radish Root Ferment Filtrate), AscorbylPalmitate (Vitamin C), Chlorella Pyrenoidosa (Chlorella), Spirulina Platensis G. (Blue Green Algae), NereocystisLeutkeana (Sea Kelp), Lecithin, Vegetable Glycerin, Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) essential Oil, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Ext., Vaccinium macrocarpon (Cranberry) Ext., Euterpe Oleracea (Acai Berry) fruit ext., Lycium Barbarum (Goji) fruit ext., Garcinia Mangostana (Mangosteen) fruit ext., Morinda citrifolia (Noni) fruit ext., Polysorbate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride, essential frangrant oils.

Warnings:  none

 

Proactiv 3-Step Acne Treatment System (Refining Mask included as a counter-part to the Geniskin Face Masque & Spot Treatment)

Step 1 – Renewing Cleanser:  A unique oil-free formula that contains smooth, tiny beads to gently exfoliate dead skin cells and other impurities, plus prescription-grade benzoyl peroxide to penetrate pores, attack bacteria and heal blemishes fast.

Active Ingredient: benzoyl peroxide 2.5%.

Inactive Ingredients: water (aqua), magnesium aluminum silicate, glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate, disodium PEG-12 dimethicone sulfosuccinate, sorbitol, dimethyl isosorbide, tridecyl stearate, neopentyl glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate, polyethylene, cetyl esters, anthemis nobilis flower extract, sodium hyaluronate, sodium PCA, xanthan gum, tridecyl trimellitate, propylene glycol, imidazolidinyl urea, methylparaben, propylparaben, fragrance (parfum).

Warnings: When using this product, using other topical acne medications at the same time or immediately following use of this product, may increase dryness or irritation of the skin. If this occurs, only one medication should be used unless directed by a doctor. Do not use this medication if you have very sensitive skin or if you are sensitive to Benzoyl Peroxide. This product may cause irritation, characterized by redness, burning, itching, peeling or possibly swelling. Keep away from eyes, lips and mouth. Avoid product contact with hair and dyed fabrics, including carpets and clothing which may be bleached by this product. If going outside, use a sunscreen. Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.

Step 2 – Revitalizing Toner:  A refreshing, alcohol-free toner that helps balance skin tone and remove dead skin cells to reveal the vital, radiant skin beneath.  Contains our special formulation to balance skins natural acids, witch hazel to refine and purify pores, aloe and chamomile to smooth and soften, plus allantoin, a moisturizing and skin conditioning agent.  Removes excess surface oil without drying, leaving skin even-toned and soft.

Ingredients: water (aqua), glycolic acid, hamamelis virginiana (witch hazel) extract, anthemis nobilis flower extract, rosa canina fruit extract, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, sodium PCA, panthenol, glycerin, propylene glycol, allantoin, polysorbate 20, hydroxyethylcellulose, sodium hydroxide, benzophenone-4, tetrasodium EDTA, imidazolidinyl urea, methylparaben, propylparaben, fragrance (parfum), blue 1 (CI 42090), yellow 5 (CI 19140).

Warnings: If going outside, use a sunscreen.  If irritation or sensitivity develops, discontinue use of both products and consult a doctor.

Step 3 – Repairing Treatment:  Our light, oil-free treatment contains finely milled prescription-grade benzoyl peroxide to heal blemishes and help prevent future breakouts.  The advanced delivery system in Repairing Treatment is safe for your entire face.

Active Ingredient: benzoyl peroxide 2.5%.

Inactive Ingredients: water (aqua), ethoxydiglycol, cyclotetrasiloxane, propylene glycol, cetearyl alcohol, dimethicone, glyceryl stearate, PEG-100 stearate, cyclopentasiloxane, panthenol, allantoin, xanthan gum, ceteareth-20, carbomer, triethanolamine, diazolidinyl urea, methylparaben, propylparaben, fragrance (parfum).

Warnings: When using this product, using other topical acne medications at the same time or immediately following use of this product, may increase dryness or irritation of the skin. If this occurs, only one medication should be used unless directed by a doctor. Do not use this medication if you have very sensitive skin or if you are sensitive to Benzoyl Peroxide. This product may cause irritation, characterized by redness, burning, itching, peeling or possibly swelling. Keep away from eyes, lips and mouth. Avoid product contact with hair and dyed fabrics, including carpets and clothing which may be bleached by this product. If going outside, use a sunscreen. Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.

Refining Mask:  A customer favorite for zapping pimples fast!  Just dab this rich, deep cleansing formula onto blemishes as an overnight treatment.  Use as an overall mask 2-3 times a week to help absorb excess surface oils while soothing inflammation and refining skin tone and texture.  Helps visibly reduce the appearance of pore size, letting you wake up to fresh, radiant-looking skin.

Active Ingredient: sulfur 6%.

Inactive Ingredients:  water (aqua), kaolin, glycereth-26, linoleic acid, cetearyl alcohol, magnesium aluminum silicate, zinc oxide, ceteareth-20, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, linolenic acid, cymbopogon schoenanthus extract, melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) leaf oil, tocopherol, tocopheryl acetate, butylene glycol, hydrated silica, ethoxydiglycol, ethylparaben, methylparaben, fragrance (parfum), titanium dioxide (CI77891).

Warnings: When using this product, using other topical acne medications at the same time or immediately following use of this product, may increase dryness or irritation of the skin. If this occurs, only one medication should be used unless directed by a doctor.   Keep away from eyes, lips and mouth. If going outside, use a sunscreen.  Stop use and ask a doctor if skin irritation occurs.  Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.

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My 2012 Cookbook Pick – THE SEXY VEGAN COOKBOOK!!

Posted by Mandy Smith on March 10, 2012
Posted in: Vegan (Cookbooks, Recipes, Info). Tagged: , , , , , , . Leave a Comment

I love Brian L. Patton!  I think he is absolutely hilarious, and I love this cookbook!  In true form, the cocktails section is aptly named “The Most Important Meal of the Day”…the breakfast section is “The Second Most Important Meal of the Day” :)

Check out the official trailer and endorsements below:

Extraordinary Food from an Ordinary Dude!  Not Yo Mama’s Vegan Cookbook!

Are you craving a way to eat killer food without killing yourself, animals, or the planet? Is your brain bloated from watching cooking shows that present recipes you’re never, ever going to make? Have you been searching for a way to prove to your friends that vegan food can be just as delicious, hearty, and satisfying as the meaty meals they’re accustomed to? Then this is the book for you.

Of his journey from watching food porn on his parents’ couch to cooking in Hollywood kitchens to becoming vegan, author Brian Patton writes:

My roommate said he didn’t know what made me a bigger loser: that I was painstakingly preserving episodes of 30 Minute Meals or that I was trying to conceal their existence by labeling them Star Trek….Once I discovered that I could not only survive but thrive without taking the life of another being, I was sold. I was a vegan. For good.

And that’s how an “ordinary dude” became the Sexy Vegan and started creating “extraordinary food” with a decidedly real-meal appeal. On every page, Brian proves that seriously good food needn’t be too serious.

 

Endorsements

“[D]ecidedly unpreachy…[A] really funny book, which isn’t something most cookbooks—especially not most vegan cookbooks—can claim….Recipes are simple and approachable, and they cover everything….The author demystifies ingredients with ‘WTF is…?’ boxes, and many recipes feature smartphone scan codes that lead readers to a relevant cooking video—a nice interactive touch in this fresh, of-the-moment volume.”
— Publishers Weekly

“Anyone who starts out a cookbook with a quote from Mr. Spock is already a winner in our (cook)book. The Sexy Vegan isn’t short on anything: humor, sass, creativity, or delicious food. We’re particularly excited about Patton’s breakfast chapter aptly titled ‘The Second Most Important Meal of the Day, After Cocktails.’ Humor and the Mostest Ultimate-est Breakfast Sandwich in the History of the Universe? We’re in love.”
— VegNews.com

“Reserve a spot on your bookshelf for this one. It’s a must-have!”
— Ed Begley, Jr., actor, activist, and author of Living Like Ed: A Guide to the Eco-Friendly Life

“Brian Patton takes the mystery out of cooking with easy-to-find ingredients and simple presentation. And with sexy offerings like the Portly Fellow, Bourbon Tempeh Sliders, and Buffalo Wangs, this is the perfect book for the veg-curious or the veg-committed.”
— Rory Freedman, coauthor of Skinny Bitch

“Jam-packed with unfussy yet inventive recipes that anyone can make. The perfect starting point for dudes (and dudettes) with minimal cooking skills, and quite possibly the most-fun-to-browse vegan cookbook ever.”
— Vegan.com

via New World Library – THE SEXY VEGAN COOKBOOK.

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Get Chased by Hungry Zombies to Improve Your Running With New iPhone App!!

Posted by Mandy Smith on March 7, 2012
Posted in: Fun Stuff!!. Tagged: , , , , , , . 2 comments

I came across this today, and I just had to share it!  This might just be my motivation to get running!  This is hilarious and seems like SO much fun!

Get Chased by Hungry Zombies to Improve Your Running With New iPhone App!!

If you have a hard time getting off the never-ending loop and into the great outdoors (especially in winter), perhaps being chased by fiends with a taste for brains might sweeten the pot. There’s a new iPhone app on the block, and if it doesn’t get you running, nothing will.

Already there is a wide array of running apps that coach you off the couch, record your routes, and count your calories, but mainly they function as stat trackers.

Zombies, Run! is different. This audio-immersive adventure is part video game, part horror flick, part audiobook, part scavenger hunt, and part runner’s caboose-kicker. The app throws you right in the midst of the zombie apocalypse, via your headphones. Runner 5, you have a mission.

As Runner 5, hundreds of lives are depending on you (and your running skills) in a suspenseful story written by award-winning novelist Naomi Alderman. You’ve got to help your base rebuild from the tatters of civilization by automatically collecting supplies like medicine, batteries, and ammo while avoiding the mad roving zombie hordes.

Can you save the innocent and learn the truth about the zombie apocalypse? Keep running to find out.

Once you’re back home, you can build and continue to develop your base with the items you’ve collected. The larger a base you create, the more missions you can run-play. And there’s plenty of mystery to be unveiled, puzzles to be solved, websites to be discovered, and documents to be found to uncover just exactly how Runner 5 got into this predicament.

If ever there was an app to make a gamer a runner, a runner a gamer, and a zombie enthusiast of both — this might be it. Run for your life.

Zombies, Run! is created by Six To Start and is available now on iTunes ($7.99). An Android version is planned for the spring.

via Get Chased by Hungry Zombies to Improve Your Running With New iPhone App : TreeHugger.

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