Easy Vegan Meals - Nachos

Lately we eat nachos on Monday nights here. They are easy to make and do not scare of teenage omnivores (Matt's little sister who eats here on Monday). You have room to explore with toppings such as tofu based sour cream, hot sauce, salsa vegan queso...Endless!



What you need:
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15 oz can of beans (we usually like black but you can try pinto and kidney)
1 package of Light Life Smart Ground - Mexican
3 tablespoons of salsa
a bit of canola oil to coat your skillet
tortilla chips
toppings - what ever you like!

Coat your skillet/frying pan with canola oil, place over medium heat and add Smart Ground and let cook for about 5-6 minutes till it is warmed through. Add beans (including liquid), stir and cook for about 4 minutes. Add salsa and combine and cook for a few more minutes. Serve this mix over chips and add your favorite toppings!

Winner, Products and Big Kitties

Congratulations to poopiebitch for being the winner of my contest! Your cookie cookbook is on the way to you!



Last week I got to try a sample of the new Luminizing Black Mask by boscia. It is interesting - it is actually like a thick black tar you slather on your skin. It is fun to peel off and your skin is really healthy looking afterward. Do not try talking to your kitty while wearing it - if your cat is like my boy - well, he will be scared!



Speaking of kitties my cat Mar is in a contest over on Modern Cat to win a comfort lounge. Please vote for Mar (#111) this week so he can be in the top 5! Thank you!

My Favorite Skin Care Products

I remember reading Sassy magazine in the late 80s and early 90s and clipping out beauty articles. Even at a early age I was into skin care and cosmetics, my sister and I would try out the homemade products I would make in the kitchen. Years later I still search through magazines for ideas and make some of my own cosmetics. I try to get my boyfriend Matt to try them but he is not to happy with me slathering things on his face!

I get a lot of compliments on my skin and when I am asked what I use or what I do I am a bit perplexed as how to answer. My skin has always been relatively clear and I have good genes to thank for this. I also think my vegan life style is a cause for clear skin - many people argue about the effects of what we eat and how that effects the skin, I believe food plays a role. I don't go crazy with diet but I drink a lot of water and skip soda and getting glowing with cardio. I do not smoke and never will and I keep drinking to a minimum. At night I wash my makeup off to let my pores breathe...

I have really sensitive skin that tends to be oily. Currently these products are in heavy rotation in my cabinet.


Angels on Bare Skin by Lush: When I was in a Lush store and this product was recommended to me I was hesitant because it contains lavender oil and lavender tends make me itchy in large doses. After one use I was hooked, my skin felt clean and soft with no itchy mess at all. I use it almost daily.


Ubtan Face Scrub by Skin Apothke: Yup - another face scrub. This smells like incense, rich with sandalwood and spices and it contains lentils - which is a favorite food of mine! It is gentle and leaves skin glowing. I use it mixed with water but need to try and use it mixed with soy milk!



Tea Tree Oil Facial Cleansing Pads by Desert Essence: These are awesome for after washing your face at night and getting rid of any lingering makeup and oil. These keep my face spot free and do not dry my skin out at all.


Daily Face Cream by First Aid Beauty: This leaves my skin moisturized at night without it leaving it oily or filmy. It is really gentle and soothing to use after using a tea tree oil pad or toner.

Stay tuned for some of my tried and true skin care recipes coming soon, till then remember show your skin some love!