Keen Madrid Ballerina Shoes, the Ultimate Travel Shoe

Going somewhere warm this winter? Keen's Madrid Ballerina shoes are the perfect shoe for traveling. You can slip them right off to go through security at the airport and they're lightweight enough for the suitcase. Most importantly--they are very comfortable. I am not one for flats with thin soles--I like a lot of shock absorption in my shoes and want the option of being on my feet all day comfortably, especially while traveling. This cute little shoe fits the bill while still looking feminine. You can wear them sightseeing all day and go right into night with a dress or skirt.

Keen shoes last forever--I have a pair of six year old Keen boots that are still my winter staple. Sizing can be tricky, I always size up a half size with Keen from an 8.5 and it's a perfect fit for me, but I have heard others say they are true to size. If possible, it might be a good idea to try them on first or order from an online store like Zappos which makes exchange super easy and fast.

They would look adorable with a pair of yoga pants and would work well in a business casual office environment...the options are endless. Cluttered closets are no fun, so I really appreciate a multifunctional shoe. They are vegan friendly, come in several different colors, and are cuter in person than in the photo. I can't say enough good things about this shoe, whether you are traveling or reside in a warmer climate, check them out. They are the shoe equivalent to the little black dress.

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Whole World Botanicals Royal Maca

Maca is a cruciferous root vegetable which grows in the high altitudes and harsh conditions of the Peruvian Andes. It's enjoyed by the locals as a food and is prized as a nutrient dense botanical beneficial to reproductive health among other things. I personally like Maca root for its butterscotchy flavor and energy boosting qualities and have used it successfully to quit coffee.

You can use Maca in a variety of ways such as adding it to baked goods, sprinkling on oatmeal, or putting it in smoothies. If you don't care for the taste but want the health benefits, you can take it in capsule form (always check with your doctor first).

Whole World Botanicals is an environmentally and socially responsible company with a fascinating backstory. Created by American anthropologist Dr. Viana Muller and Peruvian Elena Rojas-Martinez to "to serve people who have been disconnected from the land and its healing plants by making available the purest, most potent, organic and wildcrafted herbs, grown and used by people with strong roots in their native soil and culture," they offer a line of noteworthy Peruvian botanicals.

Whole World Botanicals' Royal Maca differs from another Maca I've tried in that it is cooked. I can't really tell the difference, I like them both, but it might interest some to know that this is the traditional form in which it's used. Dr. Muller explains that this is how the locals use Maca, noting that she has never seen a peruvian use raw Maca.

Dr. Muller is a true pioneer. How many women do you know that go into the Amazon region to help out with the harvesting of herbs for their own botanical company? It all started during a research trip twenty years ago, when Muller discovered Cat's Claw in the Peruvian rain forest. That was the beginning of her journey into Peruvian botanicals. In 1994 she discovered Maca, and spent the following two years researching it.

Eventually, she teamed up with Rojas-Martinez, a Peruvian midwife with a family history of herbal knowledge and healing, and the two created Whole World Botanicals. I have great admiration for what these women have been able to accomplish and love to support companies that are a positive force in the world. You can check them out HERE.

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Buy Nothing Day and Conscious Consumerism

I love a good deal as much as the next person, but there is nothing that could convince me to go out for any Black Weekend deals. Nothing. Just the thought of going to a mall ignites my fight or flight reflexes. Particularly during potential stampedes.

The Adbusters Buy Nothing Day campaign, though not for everyone, is a refreshing antidote to that frenzy known as Black Friday. You can participate by not participating, they say, through November 28.

Hopefully, the campaign will encourage us to think about how we are spending. We are going to consume, but what if we get as green and mindful as we can about it? There are more and more eco friendly options out there now and the less-is-more sentiment seems to be gaining ground.

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And a piece of Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake...

We have been feasting big time today on steamed broccoli, brussels sprouts, acorn squash, whole grain stuffing with miso gravy and salad. It was soooo good. Too good! For dessert I made this double layer pumpkin cheesecake, modified from THIS recipe. Vegan food is so yummy, it's hard to believe people eat otherwise.

I'm so thankful to live in a place where fresh organic food is readily available, and that I have a sweet little munchkin to cook for. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

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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.

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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!

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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.

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