• WorldWide

    Cure your Post-Thanksgiving blues with @Nasoya Tofu Tandoori Masala

    If you need a break from Thanksgiving leftovers, I’ve got a great recipe for you to help switch things up: Tofu Tandoori Masala.

    Though the original recipe calls for chicken or fish, I decided to take a new, even healthier approach with tofu.  I used a package of Nasoya Organic Extra Firm TofuPlus.  The consistency was perfect for this recipe and it tastes delicious, plus it’s fortified with vitamins B2, B6, B12, D and Calcium.

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    I took the tofu out of its packaging and padded it dry with a paper towel before cutting it into six 1/2 inch pieces.  In a large ziplock bag, I prepared the marinade of plain yogurt (1 cup), lemon juice (4 tablespoons), ghee/oil (1/4 cup), cardamom (1 teaspoon), and Tandoori Masala spice mix* (a mixture of coriander, cumin, cardamom, ginger, garlic, cinnamon, chili, nutmeg, mace, paprika, star anise, and salt).  Mix up all of these ingredients in the bag until well blended, then add the slices of tofu.  Put the sealed bag in the refrigerator for at least a few hours, but I recommend leaving it overnight to really maximize the flavor.

    TandooriMasala

    After the marinade process is complete, remove the tofu slices from the bag and place them in a baking dish.  I used some of the marinade to slightly submerge the tofu pieces and put it in the oven at 375 degrees for 45 minutes.   I was also able to save and reuse the remaining marinade for another batch of tofu the next day.  The results are so awesome, I completely forgot to take a photo of the final dish.  Honestly, it was that good!  The flavors from the spices and the creaminess of the tofu are an unbeatable combination.

    There are four types of Nasoya TofuPlus including Organic Extra Firm TofuPlus, Organic Sprouted TofuPlus, Organic Black Soybean TofuPlus, Organic Firm TofuPlus.  I can tell you from experience that all of them are very tasty and a great substitute for meat.  More information and recipes can be found at nasoya.com.

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    *The original recipe was provided by the good folks at one of my favorite small spice shops on Manhattan’s 1st Avenue called Dual Specialty Store.  They’ve got all sorts of spices, teas, and other treats you may have never known existed and it’s totally worth the visit if you’re into obscure ingredients and experimenting in the kitchen.  If you’re in New York, I highly recommend picking some up there, but you can also find a recipe online (like this one here) or order it directly from Dual Specialities online.

  • New York,  WorldWide

    @lushcosmetics Serves Up Christmas Pudding, Christmas Kisses + Rudolph Face Masks!

    Someday I’ll make a list of all my favorite cosmetic companies — there are so many I love — but one that stands out (especially during the gift-giving season) is LUSH.

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    LUSH has a great backstory, with the founders actually selling their winning formulas to The Body Shop franchise back in the 90’s. Now, LUSH is a worldwide brand that is all about fresh ingredients, staying green and giving back to the community. And no animal testing, ever. In fact, LUSH has gone as far as offering an annual “Lush Prize” to those that fight against animal testing–check out who won here!

    LUSH is known for their incredible bath bombs, soaps, shower gels, haircare, bodycare — ok, basically anything you want in the bathroom for hours of pampering and making you look fab, LUSH has it.

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    And with the holidays so near, LUSH is your best bet for satisfying every member of the family, all your gals and even spoiling yourself–you deserve it!

    I’ve picked out a few items that are so fun for the holiday season you’ll love:

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    Rudolph Face Mask: ($6.95) Every gal needs a face mask to keep her skin in tip top condition and LUSH has the perfect one during the holiday season — Rudolph! This particular mask soothes and softens the skin with ingredients such as calamine, lavender and oatmeal. Fresh mint and cucumber are also in this power-packed mask, making sure your skin is revitalized and replenished. Mmm!

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    Christmas Kisses: ($22.95) What do you need for fabulous Christmas Kisses? This gift set, that’s what! This adorable pack includes LUSH’s brand new fizzy cola flavored Santa’s Lip Scrub, Chou Chou… I Love You Toothy Tabs, cola flavored Santa Baby lip tint, and of course, the chicest box to store them all in!

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    Pudding: ($35.95) So in England (and Australia, where I’m from), it’s tradition to enjoy a massive fruit pudding at Christmas time, so I’m naturally drawn to this quirky little holiday pudding gift set. What’s inside? A bar of Honey I Washed the Kids-scented Gold FUN, the boozy Mr. Punch soap, spicy and warming Cinders Bath Bomb, and the gorgeous, creamy scents of Bombardino and Luxury Lush Pud Bath Bombs.

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    Fab Christmas: ($139.95) Ok, this is the mother of all Chrissie presents at LUSH. And, if you’re reading this, Mum, sister, BFF, work colleagues, I really want this under my tree! What’s inside?

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    Wait, there’s more!

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    Check out Lushusa.com to grab your goodies from the U.S. site or visit Lush.com to find your country’s LUSH online home.

  • New York

    Fun NYC Cooking Events with @SweetpotatoSoul

    I am a vegan chef and holistic health coach based in New York City. I guide women to transform their lives with delicious and nutritious vegan meals. I help women lose weight, improve their energy, and stay motivated so they can feel and look their best without confusion or frustration.

    For more information visit, www.thenourishingvegan.com

    jenne@thenourishingvegan.com

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    Autumn Immunity Cooking Class + Workshop
    Protect your body from the flu and colds this year with delicious foods! My partner and I will show you how to eat for immunity.
    October 20th @ 12-3pm
    Suite ThreeOhSix 59 Franklin St. Tribeca, NYC
    Register Here

    Guest Chef at Suite ThreeOhSix: Tropical Fall
    I’m looking forward to my second guest chef dinner at NYC’s hottest new supper club, Suite ThreeOhSix. The 5-course menu will be inspired by the produce of fall, and the flavors of the tropics.
    October 29th @7pm
    59 Franklin St. Tribeca, NYC
    Register Here

    Holiday Vegan Cooking Class
    Join me as I share my favorite holiday recipes in this hands-on cooking class. We’ll make a festive breakfast, side dish, main course and dessert! Your non-vegan friends and family will be so impressed.
    November 2nd @ 2-5pm
    59 Franklin St. Tribeca, NYC
    Registration Coming Soon (If you’re interested in this class let me know and I’ll send you the rsvp link asap)

  • New York

    Seasonal Goodies from @LushCosmetics

    What beauty brand can brag of the 100% Against Animal Testing 100% Vegetarian 83% Vegan* 60% Unpreserved* 38% Unpackaged Naked (with no outer pack!

    Lush Cosmetics has been a long time favorite of mine and proudly Canadian! In case Santa didn’t give you what you wanted, you can get  some of their seasonal goodies for yourself.

    Sandy Santa Sugar Scrub ($5.95) – Start the night off by scrubbing up with the big man! A fun sugar scrub to help you eliminate all the overindulgences and toxins of the celebratory season. Use in the shower, work in circular motions all over the body and allow the sand and sugar to reveal brighter and smoother skin. Vegan

    Popcorn Lip Scrub ($8.95) – A tasty treat to prep your pout! Take a small amount of this lip scrub and apply to lips in a circular motion – the castor sugar will gently scrub away any dry flaky skin while the organic jojoba oil will soothe any redness and soreness. Follow with your favourite LUSH lip product to keep your kisses mistletoe ready! Vegan

    Had A Very Shiny Nose ($23.95) – Perfect for the person who had too much to drink, these little treats are scent-sational to wash your body with. Sandy Santa will polish skin while the olive oil and mandarin juice in Olive Branch softens and uplifts. The splash of gin in Mr. Punch will give a kick!
    Contents: Sandy Santa sugar scrub, Olive Branch shower gel, Mr. Punch soap

  • New York,  WorldWide

    Obsessed with @OCCMakeup

    We gave you the news that Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics was opening their flagship store in the Lower East Side last week.  I attended the grand opening and wanted to give you a peek…

    Located at 174 Ludlow Street, NY

    Of course, it’s best that you get down there yourself to check out this 100% vegan line.

    This was my first time experiencing OCC and I was impressed by their wide range of bold colors and the professional quality of the makeup.  I’m currently sporting a mani in Strumpet Nail Lacquer ($8), a retro plum-red with a satin finish, and rocking Lip Tar ($13) in Pretty Boy, a rich, saturated fuschia.  A little goes a long way with these products.  One coat gave me a rich, professional manicure and just a dab of the Lip Tar was all I needed for the entire night!

    CEO/Creative Director of OCC, David Klasfeld


    kisses, Olisa

     

  • Toronto,  WorldWide

    HCB #53: fried rice loving!

    I loves me some celery and adore sweet peppers, and sometimes I love them with my rice. So I put 2 and 2 together… or 3 and 3… Whatever, I was feenin’ for some fried rice, so I did the damn thing!

    You know I had to have some craisins in there!

    Why is fried rice so damn good?!
    Happy cooking lovelies!
    peace and love
    Bella
    *HeyDoYou is for the cute, clever and connected*