Substance of Living

If you find yourself single for whatever reason on this Valentine's Day, send out thoughts of love and let the self-pampering begin.   Treat yourself special.  After all, aren't you the best person to be around? Whether February the 14th falls on a work day or not, enjoy some quality time throughout this month.  Here are some ways to luxuriate in your independence: Have fun! Make a Cuddle Basket the day before to enjoy during tonight's movie marathon or some good ol' binge watching of your favorite series.  Include items like a new throw blanket, hot chocolate ( here or here ), gourmet popcorn , and some semi-homemade cookies . Swaddle in your blanket and journal or read. Linger in your lounging wear. Dress up and go to a museum. Treat yourself to something at a spa. Try going tech-free; set your phone for emergency or to receive calls only from your favorites list. Go sightseeing in your own city or visit somewhere that's within a day's drive. Cook yourself a ...

There are times that we just don't feel like messing with the stove to make homemade hot cocoa but still want something hot and tasty.  Today's hot chocolate solves that problem and more. Pour milk (dairy or any non-dairy) into a microwavable cup, heat for about 1 1/2 minutes on high, open your favorite hot chocolate package, pour in cup, stir, and now add a 1/2 to 1 full shot of your favorite peppermint liqueur. You're done and the sensational sipping begins within two minutes! When you're hosting a gathering on a cold evening, try setting up a hot chocolate bar with instant as well as homemade.  Have hot milk, hot water, sprinkles, marshmallows, whipped cream, and of course alcoholic and non-alcoholic flavorings to add. Notes: We used non-dairy milk and of our favorites are almond milk or coconut milk.  Soy and rice would also be nice. We like dark chocolate and have found Swiss Miss Dark Chocolate to have a rich flavor. There are other varieti...

If you've been tasked with hosting a party, consider an afternoon tea for your next birthday party, bridal shower, baby shower, Mother’s Day, or a girls get-together.  An afternoon tea consists of tea and a light meal between the hours of 3 and 5pm and is perfect for a group of 6 to 10 ladies. Did you know there is a difference between an afternoon tea and a high tea?  An afternoon tea offers tea and light food to stave off hunger between lunch and dinner.  A high tea is usually served around dinner time and is considered a working person's meal with meat or a heavier main dish. In the United States we often think of an afternoon tea as a pretty big deal.  In fact, if we were to go to a tea house or out for an afternoon tea, we would usually be looking at around $30 or more.  You don't need to spend that kind of money if you host your own.  Bring out your china or use a mix and match setting of china to add to the charm.  If you don't have a ...

I'm so happy to say that I am a BzzAgent and was able to sample Clairol's Age Defy Expert Collection in Light Brown. AARGH the gray hair! After coloring my hair I received responses and questions that prompted conversations such as: "Did you get your hair cut?"  "You look younger," and "What are you doing differently?"  When I explained that I colored my hair at home they were shocked that it wasn't professionally done.  In fact, my hair dresser complimented my hair color - that's saying A LOT! I feel younger with the gray hair hidden and I really like the softness and manageability. Gray in the new hair growth If you've never colored your hair or did so many years ago, this is a super easy product to use.  The smell is pleasant and the directions are easy to understand.  There are four individual packets inside each box marked 1, 2a, 2b, and 3.  Packet 1 is a pre-treatment to prepare your hair to fully accept the col...

Skinny & Co. Coconut Oil in Sold and Melted Forms After my first conversation with Michael at Skinny & Co., I was super excited to try their coconut oil.  I didn't have to wait but a couple days and my coconut oil arrived in the mail. My initial thought was, "Which recipe do I try or should I create something new?"  That thought was blown out of the water when I began reading about the benefits of using coconut oil raw. Did you know that you can use coconut oil as a makeup remover, as a lotion for skin rash or reducing wrinkles?  I didn't.  In fact, I wouldn't have thought to use coconut oil in any other capacity except cooking.  I do use raw coconut oil to make my vegan butter.  I thought it would be too expensive to "waste" using it any other way than ingesting. I have since changed my mind. I now use a teaspoon in my morning coffee, use it to make vegan butter, lotion for my dry hands and feet, moisturizer on my face, and have be...

Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil When I was asked to sample and review Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil, I knew a special recipe had to be created.  Something everyone would enjoy, something for the holiday season, something new and something easy. These cookies hold their shape, slightly crunchy on the outside with a moist and crumbly interior that melts in your mouth.  Mini muffins were tried and they held up to the test of the cookies as well as the baking time.   Ingredients: 2 cups All-Purpose Gluten-Free Flour 2 teaspoons Baking Powder 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda 1/4 teaspoon Sea Salt 1 cup Brown Sugar 1/3 cup Sugar 3/4 cup Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil (room temperature or slightly melted) 2 teaspoons Vanilla 1 cup Pumpkin Puree (not pie mix) 1 cup Chocolate Chips  Directions: Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl and set aside.  Mix the wet ingredients in a separate bowl.  Combine wet...

Buffet Table Setting as seen on Divine Dinner Party This has to be one of my more politically correct, non-offending party ideas.  You may already know this, but in case you forgot or are new, I'm 99% vegan, my oh-so-fabulous husband is pretty much 95% vegetarian, and our family and friends are probably 100% meat eaters (with a vegetable or two thrown into the mix).  Oh!  I'm also gluten-free.  I'm overstating this but I think you get my point. In the eyes of our family and friends, we are the non-normal ones out of the whole bunch of bananas. It used to scare our family and mostly our friends to come over and eat at our house in fear that they may have to eat seaweed and tofu.  lol What DH and I like to do is come up with a theme for the party / event / dinner and work from there.  So, say we are going to have a Father's Day buffet, a Mystery Murder Buffet, or a Theater Buffet.  Once we figured that out we would decide on a bunch of food...

Fall weather or cold winter days require soup.  Soup that is filling to the soul and stomach: That's what this African Spinach Coconut Soup does. I haven't physically traveled much outside the United States but through technology and cuisine I can visit any country my heart desires without having to get shots, update my passport, or visit an airport. In fact, DH and I have friends who live outside the United States and we get to talk with them on a regular basis due to the internet and mobile phones.  I mean, really, how fantastic is that?  I can be in Canada, Australia, across the United States, and in Turkey all in one day.  DH spoils me to no ends.  :-) Now, I get to visit Africa... African Spinach Coconut Soup Ingredients: 2 tablespoons Grapeseed Oil 1 cup Onion, chopped 1 tablespoon Garlic, minced 16 oz Spinach, thawed 1/4 teaspoon Pepper 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper 1 can Chopped Tomatoes 1 teaspoon Curry Powder 1 tablespoon Miso ...