eeBoo's I Never Forget a Face Travel Game

Doing any traveling with the kids over the holidays? Eeboo's I Never Forget a Face Travel Memory Game is perfect for plane rides or time in a hotel room or train. It's about 4"x 4" and would tuck nicely into a backpack for those moments when things can get hairy. I heard a great travel tip once--pack a few small new toys your kids have never seen and pull them out sporadically throughout the trip. Brilliant.

I Never Forget a Face is a Concentration-style memory game that embraces different cultures. The tiles are depictions of children dressed in traditional clothing from various countries. Kids love to look at pictures of other children and it's a great way to begin conversations about various cultures and travel adventures. It's well made and durable and the artwork is colorful and appealing. Great for the budding world traveler.

VEGAN COOKIES INVADE YOUR COOKIE JAR

I've been looking forward to this book since I realized it was coming out. Moskowitz and Romero are the authors of two of my favorite cookbooks, Vegan Cupcakes Take Over The World, and Veganomicon, and I've come to rely on them for sure-thing recipes. Cookies are my choice indulgence so I'm thrilled to have Vegan Cookies Invade Your Cookie Jar.

I just got it, so I haven't had time to try all of the recipes yet but I can vouch big time for the Peanut Butter Chocolate Pillows--dramatic presentation and yummy! I can't wait to try the Key Lime Cookies, Lazy Samoas, and Chocolate Chip Biscotti. This is perfect timing for the holidays! There's nothing like a nice assortment of cookies on the table for parties and desserts.

The recipes are straightforward and the tone is entertaining. There is a warmth and sense of humor that pervades. I love the way they understand their readers and can anticipate little tidbits we need to know like how and when to make substitutions and cookie troubleshooting. They have a gluten free flour mix for those who need that option and a primer on ingredients.

This book has lots of fab photos and is the sister book to their cupcake book--same format. It's funky and fun and would make an awesome holiday gift for vegans and non-vegans alike. Highly recommended for every kitchen!

Help Put an End to BPA--sign Petition

Mom's Rising and CREDO Action have teamed up to get BPA out of our lives once and for all. The FDA is reviewing BPA restrictions as I speak. Next week they will announce their new recommendations, so it's important we speak out now.

BPA is heavily linked to infertilty and a host of other health issues including cancer. It has no business in our food supply and we are swimming in it! Let's get it banned! It takes about two seconds to sign the petition, you can do that HERE.

Affordable Crate and Barrel RECLAIM recycled glass tumblers

Check out these inexpensive recycled glass tumblers from Crate and Barrel. Sleek and big (20 oz.) and only 8.95 for a box of four. Great if you need those extra glasses for the holidays or for every day. They come in a gift worthy recycled cardboard box and are available in a smaller size as well.

Cozy Vegan Faux Shearling Boots by Nino Puccioni

I have wanted a pair of UGG-type boots for a long time. But I don't want to support the leather industry so I've held off. When I came across these fab faux shearling boots, I thought, finally! I'm very pleased to see some vegan options out there.

These Nino Puccioni boots look like just like Uggs, but are man made and vegan friendly. They are much lighter weight and not as warm--I would not choose these for really cold (or wet) weather. But for more moderate Fall-Winter weather, I think they're great. They'd also work well for travel because they're so light, think slip-off boots for the airport or something lightweight to pack. Having said that, the sole is thin, so probably not the best for walking all day and keeping the tootsies comfortable unless you're used to that.

As for the fit, they are cozy and comfy, but tend to slip in the heel on me, so I've now tried wearing them with thicker socks and that helps. I think one of those insert things might work too. Sizing runs slightly small--if you plan to wear socks, you're supposed to size up a half size, but if you are wearing them without socks, you get your true size or size down a half size. Check them out HERE.

Thai Inspired Butternut Squash Soup

Thai food is my go-to comfort food, and this time of year, so is soup. Enter this improvised Thai inspired butternut squash soup. It's warming, satisfying, and filled with immune boosting ingredients to help you fight or avoid a winter cold. Serve it up with some brown Jasmine or Basmati rice and garnish with cilantro.

Here's a very loose recipe--adjust amounts according to taste:

--butternut squash (baked for about 1.5 hrs first, then take meat out)

--garlic clove, minced

--vegetable stock

--coconut milk

--finely chopped lemongrass

--Thai basil

--lime leaf finely chopped(optional--sometimes very hard to find)

--galangal root (like the lime leaf, easy to find at Asian markets. Ginger works okay too)

--spoonful red curry paste (I like a brand called Maes which is vegan. Again, at the Asian market)

Place ingredients in pot, blend with hand blender (or you can do it in your regular blender, but be careful not to fill it too full or you'll get really hot splatters!) and let cook on low heat 20-30 minutes. You can add tofu, vegetables, whatever you want!

Bubble and Bee Fabulous Organic Coconut Lime Lotion Stick

Anyone who reads this blog knows I have a thing for coconut. Bubble and Bee's Organic Coconut Lime Lotion Stick is the jackpot for me as it works wonderfully on my face and lips as well as hands. You know how winter winds can make your lips and face dry? Keep this stick in your coat pocket and just pull it out for a quick soothing touch up on the go.

The flavor is fabulous and it stays on for a long time. I've tried the coconut lime lip balm which I would also recommend, but I actually find myself reaching for this lotion stick more. I love a multifunctional product that is safe, affordable and portable. The logo is fun and cheeky--great for gift giving (think stockings at Christmas). Check out Bubble and Bee for something refreshing in body care!