Category Archives: review

Product Review: HURRAW! Lip Balm

Posted on March 8, 2010 by | 2 comments

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I recently posted a review for Crazy Rumors vegan lip balm.  I have found another great vegan lip balm, HURRAW! a great all natural, vegan  and made from premium raw and fair trade ingredients.  One thing that I love about this lip balm is the shape, it’s oval versus round which helps to coat the lips better.  I loved the Cinnamon Tinted Lip Balm; it was a great flavor and gave my lips a nice pink tint. My hubby loved the Vanilla Bean Lip Balm and he was also a big fan of this stuff. It’s great to find not only a vegan but also raw lip balm. I would definitely recommend these to any raw foodist or vegan looking for a new lip balm.

Disclaimer: HURRAW! provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

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Review: Chocolate Inspirations

Posted on February 28, 2010 by | 5 comments

Chocolate Inspirations sent me a few samples of their toffee and brittles to review. The great thing about Chocolate Inspirations is that a number of their chocolates can be made sugar-free and vegan and they taste amazing.  Among the flavors that I was sent to try were:

Vegan Cashew Brittle- This chocolate was delicious mix of brittle, chocolate and nuts.

Vegan English Toffee- this was my favorite of all the samples and it was great because I haven't had toffee in years (I don't count the xmas I attempted to make my own and set the stove on fire). This was creamy, caramel and delicious.

Vegan Coconut Brittle- this one was really tasty with it's creamy coconut taste and toasted coconut topping

Vegan Coffee Toffee- this was my hubby's favorite - he loves chocolate and coffee together and this was a great combo especially with the chopped pecans.

Overall this chocolate was amazing and my hubby and I can’t wait to order more of it. I think we will definitely be ordering some chocolate from here soon. Did I mention there are vegan caramels cups? I am sure they are to die for.

Disclaimer: Chocolate Inspirations provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

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Review: Ayala’s Herbal Water

Posted on February 25, 2010 by | 2 comments

Ayala’s Herbal Water recently sent me samples of their Herbal Water, a water that has been infused with organic herbs to create a wonderfully tasty water. The flavors are different than most flavored waters and taste great. At first I as as bit apprehensive and expecting this water to taste like all the other flavored waters that I have tried, which is basically like an empty juice bottle was filled with water. This product was nothing like that, the flavor was strong but not over powering. It also was extremely refreshing.

The flavors hubz and I tried were:

  • lemongrass mint vanilla
    • My husband described this perfectly “it taste like your drinking a fresh roll” and it did – the flavor was fresh and cooling and we both loved it.
  • lavender mint
    • at first I didn’t know what to expect with this considering lavender is not something I generally eat or drink but the flavor with the mint was really nice
  • ginger lemon peel
    • this was one of my favorites it almost reminded me of a iced ginger tea it was delicious
  • cinnamon orange peel
    • another favorite of mine (who am I kidding I pretty much loved all of them) this one was different than the other because the cinnamon actually had more of a savory warming taste
  • cloves cardamom cinnamon
    • this was similar to the cinnamon orange peel in that the flavors were warming and reminded me of the fall
  • lemon verbena geranium
    • I liked this one but it was the only one that I didn’t love. I think it was the geranium flavor it was a bit too much floral tasting for me.

Overall these were a hit at my house.  After one bottle my husband was asking where we could buy more because he loved it.  This is my new favorite go to drink when I’m looking for something refreshing that isn’t just plain water.

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“At Herbal Water™, we make our beverages by infusing organic culinary herbs in pure water. We use no artificial sweeteners, no preservatives, and no additives of any kind. Culinary herbs have been prized for centuries, for their calming, stimulating and aphrodisiac qualities, and are the natural way to flavor and enhance any food or drink. You’ll find Ayala’s Herbal Water a delightfully refreshing, mellow yet complex aromatic drink that’s 100% good for you!™. Enjoy our taste of the garden, with fresh spring breezes in every sip.” source

Disclaimer: Alaya’s Herbal Water provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose.  Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

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Giveaway & Recipe: Coconut Red Curry Peanut Stir Fry

Posted on February 24, 2010 by | 63 comments

Coconut Red Curry Peanut Stir Fry

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup firm tofu, diced
  • 1 large carrot, diced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 5 cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 1.5 cups frozen edamame
  • 1T coconut oil
  • 1T coconut peanut butter (can substitute half coconut butter/half peanut butter or just use peanut butter)- win your own Coconut PB below
  • 1T red curry paste
  • 2T soy sauce, tamari or shoyu
  • 1/2T vegetarian oyster sauce
  • 1T arrowroot powder mixed with 1/4 cup of water
  • 1t garlic powder
  • 1/4 cup of dry roasted peanuts

Directions:

  1. In a wok over medium high heat melt the coconut oil and coconut peanut butter together.
  2. Add in the red curry paste and stir fry together for about a minute.
  3. Add in all the remaining ingredients EXCEPT the peanuts and cook for 7-10minutes until the vegetables are soft.
  4. Add in the peanuts at the end.  Serve with your favorite rice or noodles.

To make this recipe I used Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil and Coconut Peanut Butter.  The coconut peanut butter is rich and creamy tasting and works really well in this dish.  The peanut butter flavor is not overwhelming but is rather great combined with the coconut.  I found that this is not an easily spreadable butter but is great on warmed foods such as oatmeal, stir fries, noodles, and sweet potatoes.

“Tropical Traditions Organic Coconut Peanut Butter is made from organic peanuts and organic coconut. Two ingredients: nothing else! No fillers, no binders, no sweeteners, and no preservatives. The peanuts are 100% organic Valencia peanuts grown organically by family farmers in New Mexico and Texas. Grown in the dry climate of the southwestern United States, these peanuts are certified organic and free from aflatoxins. The dried coconut is certified organic coconut meat from the Philippines from coconuts that are grown with no fertilizers or pesticides. This premium dried coconut contains no additives or preservatives, and is not sweetened. Unlike most dried coconut on the market, our dried coconut products are not treated with sulfites to keep them white. Together, these premium organic roasted peanuts and the premium organic dried coconut are ground together to make a delicious and nutritious spread!” soucre

Tropical Traditions Giveaway- Please Enter by 8am on February 26, 2010

To win your own jar of Tropical Traditions Coconut Peanut Butter visit the Tropical Traditions website and take a look around- leave a comment on my blog telling me something you’ve learned or about a product that interest you.

Additional Chances to Enter

  1. Subscribe to Tropical Traditions email Sales Newsletter here:http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/subscribe_for_special_sales.cfm(Leave me a comment saying you did)
  2. Tweet about this giveaway – “I want to win @Troptraditions Coconut Oil from @cookveganlover http://wp.me/ppaTI-vQ
     (Leave me a comment saying you did)
  3. Follow me @cookveganlover on twitter (Leave a comment saying you did)
  4. Visit Tropical Traditions Free Coconut Recipe websitehttp://www.freecoconutrecipes.com/ and leave a comment telling me what your favorite recipe is.
Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose.  Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

Giveaway Winner is:

hihorosie // February 24, 2010 at 6:32 PM | Reply (edit)

How can one ever go wrong when there’s coconut involved? But there are a couple of recipes that catch my eye: coconut ice and Coconut Peanut Butter Cup Hot Cocoa. YUM!

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Book Reviews: Skinny Bitch

Posted on February 19, 2010 by | 9 comments

The Winner is lucky number 8: Congrats Emma! 

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My first impression of Skinny Bitch was that the name was just really not appealing as my husband and I are not ones to use the term “bitch” and I find it has just a negative feeling.  I decided to over look this and give the book a chance since everyone has been reading it.  I must say that the book has a lot of great information.  It is just as it says on the cover “a no-nonsense, tough-love guide” and that is exactly what it is.  The book is filled with important information about the foods people eat from animal products, sweeteners and coffee.  However if you are easily offended this may not be the book for you. 

View on Amazon

 

Following the release of Skinny Bitch a new book came out Skinny Bitch In the Kitch . This book is filled with a variety of recipes for the girl (or guy) who wants to be a skinny bitch (or bastard). The recipes are all vegan and are easy yummy recipes for anyone- you can check out some of the sample recipes on the Skinny Bitch website.

Rory and Kim came up with some kick-ass recipes for every craving there is:

  • Bitchin’ Breakfasts
  • PMS (Pissy Mood Snacks)
  • Sassy Soups and Stews
  • Down Home Cookin’
  • Grown-Up Appetizers
  • Happy Endings (Desserts)

Lastly, my favorite SB book is Skinny Bitch Bun in the Oven a “no-nonsense guide for pregnant gals”.  This book is great for any pregnant mom to be and especially those who are vegan or vegetarian.  For many vegan and vegetarian women there is a concern about eating properly during pregnancy and this book can help get you on the right track and give you great ideas. The book starts out much like the first SB book and then adds in things that are important for pregnant gals to know.  

I received a copy of this book for review however I already own it myself so I am giving you a chance to win a copy of Skinny Bitch Bun in the Oven.  If you would like to win a copy of this book you can:

1. Leave me a comment letting me know why you’d like to win this book.

2. Tweet “I want to win SB Bun in the Oven @cookveganlover http://wp.me/ppaTI-vx”

Please enter to win by February 23, 2009 @ 8am

Blogger Disclaimer: Running Press provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review in return for the free product.

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Crazy Rumors

Posted on February 18, 2010 by | 3 comments

Vegan lip gloss is one of those beauty items that I think most vegans have a hard time finding.  I don’t know how many times i’ve read the ingredients list on the label of a tube of gloss and see that the only non-vegan ingredient is bees wax.  Well vegans do not fret there are some great vegan lip balms out there and Crazy Rumors is one of them.  

Crazy Rumors kindly sent me a variety of the all natural vegan lip balms in a variety of flavors and even colors.  You can choose from 6 different types of flavors: HibisKiss- Hibiscus Inspired Lip Colors, Fresh Squeezed- Citrus Inspired Lip Balms, A La Mode- Ice Cream Inspired Lip Balms, Gumball- Bubble Gum Inspired Lip Balms, Perk- Coffee Inspired Lip Balms, Brew- Tea Inspired Lip Balms, and Candy Cane- Peppermint Infused Lip Balms.   Crazy Rumors sent me four of their different flavors:

HibisKiss - Breeze: I really loved this lip balm as it gave my lips a nice tint and moisture but wasn't as heavy as a lip stick.

 

Brewed- Peppermint Lemongrass: this one was my favorite! The flavor is incredible and kept my lips moist for long periods.

 

A La Mode- Orange Creamsicle: This wasn't my favorite flavor but my husband sure took to it fast- yes this lip balm is great for me as well as women!

 

Fresh Squeezed- Limeade: this was my second favorite and it was a really nice refreshing flavor.

Blogger Disclaimer: Crazy Rumors provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review in return for the free product.

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One Lucky Duck at Chelsea Market

Posted on February 16, 2010 by | 2 comments

We had originally intended on having dinner at Pure Food and Wine for our Valentine’s Day dinner but after some time to think it over we decided that it’s a little too pricey for our budget right now.  We were however on a mission to make our way to One Lucky Duck at the Chelsea Market . When I saw the Mallomar waiting in the cooler I made a bee-line to it. My husband also picked up one of their Valentine Truffles for me, it was good but not really worth the $3 for the tiny treat.  However the $6 Mallomar was amazing and wish we had both got our own because it was that good.

The most delicious thing during our whole day in NYC the One Lucky Ducky Mallomar!

 

Hubby bought me a Valentine Truffle

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Product Review: Five Star Foodies

Posted on February 15, 2010 by | 3 comments

Five Star Foodies generously sent me a few samples of their products to try out. Five Star Foodies sent me their Artichoke Burgers, Gourmet Meat-less Grillers, Vegetarian Sloppy Joe and Tofu Egg Salad. They also have a few other products that I have yet to try which include Vegetarian Harvest Roast, Vegetarian Gourmet Gravy, Save a Chicken Salad and Ginger Cider & Hibiscus Cider.

I ate the egg salad with some crackers and veggies and it was amazing. Honestly one of the best tofu egg salad I have ever had. I honestly was a bit skeptical at first since it came frozen but it thawed out fine and had amazing flavor.

 

 

These were my absolute favorite of all the items. There is no need to have a bun around this burger rather top with with some sautéed onions and mushrooms and a little mustard. These are amazing!

 

This was delicious, topped some toasted whole wheat bread with this and it was delicious.

 

I also loved these and with only 100 calories they are great. I are these with a bun, mushrooms, onions and mustard, so good. These had a grilled taste without have to get the grill out.

 

Blogger Disclaimer: Five Star Foodies provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review in return for the free product.

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Product Review: Attune Chocolate

Posted on February 14, 2010 by | Leave a comment

Click to Visit Attune Website

Attune sent me three of their Chocolate Probiotic Wellness Bars to try. They sent me dark chocolate, raspberry dark chocolate and coffee bean dark chocolate; all three of these bars were really good. “Attune is the powerhouse probiotic bar packed with 5 times the live active cultures of yogurt. It has all the digestive health and immune benefits of probiotics in one tasty little package you can take on the go. One Attune bar every day is the delicious way to feel amazing.” They are:

  • Packed with 5 times the live active cultures in yogurt
  • Excellent source of calcium
  • Only 80-90 calories
  • All natural
  • Take it on the go!

These bars tasted great and with less calories then most chocolate bars it was a great treat.  The raspberry was my favorite it was sweet from the raspberry and bitter from the chocolate which created a great combination.  I also really like the coffee bean because honestly what goes better with coffee then dark chocolate.  Of  course the plain dark chocolate bar was delicious as well. 

Blogger Disclaimer: Attune provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose.  Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review in return for the free product.

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Review: Nature’s Path Foods

Posted on February 5, 2010 by | 2 comments

 

Click to View Nature's Path Website

 

Nature Path has provided me with samples of a few of their products which included Shredded Oaty Bites, Optimum Bars and Pomegranate Plus Granola.  My husband and I both loved these products.  I used the Shredded Oaty Bites to make my own snack mix for a holiday party and they were a huge hit. I love that these Oaty Bites are sweet and were great in my snack mix combining the sweet and salty.  

Shortly after I received these samples we went to Disney World so we brought the Optiumum Blueberry Flax & Soy Bars which were delicious.  They were filling and great when we were on the run in the morning and didn’t have time to sit down and have breakfast or as a snack in the afternoon.  

Lastly we have the granola and it was my husbands favorite.  My husband eats cereal or granola every morning and he quickly ate this up.  Nature Path has tons of other great products and flavors of cereal and granola.  Since trying these products we have also tried the Pumpkin Flax Plus Granola which we loved as well. 

Blogger Disclaimer: Nature’s Path Foods provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose.  Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review in return for the free product.

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