tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51462493211392512592024-03-06T02:50:36.259-05:00Shanghai MonkeyWelcome to my healthy living blog. I hope to inspire you with one of my raw vegan recipes, eco DIY projects or the occasional rant about organics. Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger191125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5146249321139251259.post-48775105805517035102019-07-21T10:56:00.000-04:002019-07-21T10:56:44.389-04:00Raw Vegan Honey Fig Truffles {with and without coconut}<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It's been quite a while since I posted a recipe, but these delicious Honey & Fig truffle balls more than make up for it. <br />
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I got a little hungry during the photo shoot ...<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5146249321139251259.post-21171062415503555922014-06-21T06:12:00.000-04:002014-06-21T16:20:55.276-04:00Raw Vegan Lemon Cranberry Ice "Cream" {3 ingredients}<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It's been such a miserable winter (& equally miserable Spring here in Canada), that I am so very excited to say these next two words:<br />
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">"IT'S SUMMER!"</span></b></span><br />
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And to celebrate the first day of summer, here's a special treat that's super quick and easy to whip up for the hot summer days ahead. <br />
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Here's what you'll need (only three ingredients):</div>
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<li>2 bananas, peeled & chopped </li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">1/2</span> lemon, freshly squeezed </li>
<li>2 handfuls of dried cranberries (extremely<i> precise</i> measurements are always used here on Shanghai Monkey)</li>
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The taste of the ice "cream" will very much depend on both the ripeness of the bananas and how much lemon juice you add. I had very ripe bananas, so I used half of a very large lemon to give the final dish a sweet, but also tart flavour. <br />
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Mix the bananas and the lemon juice in a freezer safe container. Mix well and make sure all the bananas are coated in the lemon juice and place in the freezer overnight.<br />
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The next day simply toss the mixture into the food processor along with the cranberries. Combine in the food processor until the mixture begins to resemble soft serve ice cream. Remember not to blend for too long or you'll end up with a smoothie. <br />
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Use an ice cream scoop to serve.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpXSJcWtIF4XDpAsO4WTU5hmYejqR__VaAHG4l6CfKJHgWY_hGnBZfvI2Lrbug75ePvQCKW4gyXugT_tdI0AAWwuvaf8hm930AT17XaPk4aNHFkac_cFKJnQF4qAuJZCRlR11m3Neyjc/s1600/DSC02940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpXSJcWtIF4XDpAsO4WTU5hmYejqR__VaAHG4l6CfKJHgWY_hGnBZfvI2Lrbug75ePvQCKW4gyXugT_tdI0AAWwuvaf8hm930AT17XaPk4aNHFkac_cFKJnQF4qAuJZCRlR11m3Neyjc/s1600/DSC02940.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I love the bright red cranberry flecks in the yellow mounds of ice "cream"</i></td></tr>
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The variations on banana soft serve style ice "cream"s are only bound by your imaginations. Here are some of the others featured on my blog:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9yVLiI6Ddratgu-nCRWwDA5Gy7SsZmvPSF7lepMnMU4Feg0z1itVJK-U8cQvmG1K23H5CRU9CLQoxRyqpmhDjoMAHRW4gJsDV4L9YFAJMM6-JffQIwbiS4aPQ8lIONtaGnJeWxAk-7eg/s1600/DSC02872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9yVLiI6Ddratgu-nCRWwDA5Gy7SsZmvPSF7lepMnMU4Feg0z1itVJK-U8cQvmG1K23H5CRU9CLQoxRyqpmhDjoMAHRW4gJsDV4L9YFAJMM6-JffQIwbiS4aPQ8lIONtaGnJeWxAk-7eg/s1600/DSC02872.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The original <a href="http://shanghaimonkey.blogspot.ca/2010/06/raw-vegan-sattvic-ice-cream.html" target="_blank">raw serve ice "cream"</a> </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYd3S1o-TtB06HchgF_bGbP6XJz8YbZBifUgoNJ1hbpeGKh8TEXU-hq3XdjA5kwBV7dxIkXZAa-zP176e_s_FDupJCDv8pE31KpNSUS1Zp3inOUKd7AaeGjXfgAfpAwkKa4EgwS0Rg7Pc/s1600/DSC02912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYd3S1o-TtB06HchgF_bGbP6XJz8YbZBifUgoNJ1hbpeGKh8TEXU-hq3XdjA5kwBV7dxIkXZAa-zP176e_s_FDupJCDv8pE31KpNSUS1Zp3inOUKd7AaeGjXfgAfpAwkKa4EgwS0Rg7Pc/s1600/DSC02912.JPG" height="296" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://shanghaimonkey.blogspot.ca/2012/07/triple-berry-raw-vegan-ice-cream.html" target="_blank">Triple Berry raw serve ice "cream"</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DBFieyef1b4/TgktDwL2raI/AAAAAAAABVw/Y1hVDPUg7Is/s1600/blueberry+raw+serve.JPG" height="300" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://shanghaimonkey.blogspot.ca/2011/08/raw-vegan-blueberry-pie-ice-cream.html" target="_blank">Blueberry Pie</a> raw serve ice "cream"</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0X_KRPTJKo8/TAxA4BLwbUI/AAAAAAAABA4/BR_8pVAi_rs/s1600/DSC01169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0X_KRPTJKo8/TAxA4BLwbUI/AAAAAAAABA4/BR_8pVAi_rs/s1600/DSC01169.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://shanghaimonkey.blogspot.ca/2010/06/raw-vegan-sattvic-ice-cream.html" target="_blank">Cinny (cinnamon) raw serve with walnuts</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aZqtNjePaVA/Uhk7A0KYOiI/AAAAAAAABuQ/tgig5ZR9ggY/s1600/strawberry+raw+serve.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aZqtNjePaVA/Uhk7A0KYOiI/AAAAAAAABuQ/tgig5ZR9ggY/s1600/strawberry+raw+serve.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://shanghaimonkey.blogspot.ca/2010/06/raw-vegan-sattvic-ice-cream.html" target="_blank">Double Strawberry</a> raw serve ice "cream"</td></tr>
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Wishing you many happy & sunny days of summertime fun and festivities. The sun is already shining it's mighty beams on my newest dessert creation ...</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5146249321139251259.post-38967826531106230502014-04-21T06:43:00.000-04:002014-04-21T06:43:00.288-04:00Quick & Easy Recipes | VEGAN Round-up<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Here are a few of the lovely looking vegan recipes that have been popping up in my news feed recently ...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://theveganpact.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://theveganpact.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/004.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raw Coconut Lemon Bites from <a href="http://theveganpact.com/2014/04/raw-coconut-lemon-bites/" target="_blank">The Vegan Pact</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.gracevanberkum.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/IMG_20140409_110109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.gracevanberkum.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/IMG_20140409_110109.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.gracevanberkum.com/gracious-living-banana-maca-chia-pudding/" target="_blank">Gracious Living</a> Banana Maca Chai Pudding</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://betterraw.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Karen-Knowler-kale-salad-recipe-_-Master-of-the-Month.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://betterraw.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Karen-Knowler-kale-salad-recipe-_-Master-of-the-Month.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet n' Succulent Kale & Avocado Salad by Karen Knowler via <a href="http://betterraw.com/2014/03/masterkarenknowler.html" target="_blank">Better Raw</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAO7BrBzFMD9vdIhcnJVFZIYKlRc0bBi_UW-mrzR4OQ_HMeZpvJziH5KQieT-J9cpTbrT6rgdu6bNhyY6IrdsRrqndHSF1hPXt__YGVH1-JMgpzOxNIEEBVvS7GlMiSTd_lHA17Xb6JbJO/s1600/IMG_0024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAO7BrBzFMD9vdIhcnJVFZIYKlRc0bBi_UW-mrzR4OQ_HMeZpvJziH5KQieT-J9cpTbrT6rgdu6bNhyY6IrdsRrqndHSF1hPXt__YGVH1-JMgpzOxNIEEBVvS7GlMiSTd_lHA17Xb6JbJO/s1600/IMG_0024.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raw Pear Berry Swirl Cheesecake by <a href="http://www.sweetlyraw.com/2014/03/raw-pear-berry-swirl-cheesecake-and.html" target="_blank">Sweetly Raw</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.healthfulpursuit.com/wp-content/uploads/Get-Glowing-Superfoods-Breakfast-Pudding-8274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.healthfulpursuit.com/wp-content/uploads/Get-Glowing-Superfoods-Breakfast-Pudding-8274.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Get Glowing Superfoods Breakfast Pudding by <a href="http://www.healthfulpursuit.com/2014/03/get-glowing-superfoods-breakfast-pudding-vegan-paleo/" target="_blank">Healthful Pursuit</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.rawmazing.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bok-Choy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.rawmazing.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Bok-Choy2.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raw Coconut Bok Choy Spicy Soup by <a href="http://www.rawmazing.com/raw-coconut-bok-choy-spicy-soup/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rawmazing+%28Rawmazing%29" target="_blank">Rawmazing</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3tdcHmwb0P0/U0cxJes1YQI/AAAAAAAA4iQ/Aiyb5wkyN60/s700/2014_04_09_dole-super-greens_9999_54kale-peanut-dole-supergreens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3tdcHmwb0P0/U0cxJes1YQI/AAAAAAAA4iQ/Aiyb5wkyN60/s700/2014_04_09_dole-super-greens_9999_54kale-peanut-dole-supergreens.jpg" height="355" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ginger-Peanut Power Up Greens Salad Rolls by <a href="http://kblog.lunchboxbunch.com/2014/04/ginger-peanut-power-up-greens-salad.html" target="_blank">Healthy.Happy.Life</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRI7RelU2uf9F7_xzLEqKjtlStxqSl1uSW-3Ecmk15tK4TfvTejCt3N7ToQTr4ux5EbuGhb7RJazAD1p0e6-8VokLtiGteo_TGKSc6SkJJ4wqcbeCKLC5QXPZGIh3h1KZPf9syJnVxsio/s1600/Sweet+Zen+Popcorn+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRI7RelU2uf9F7_xzLEqKjtlStxqSl1uSW-3Ecmk15tK4TfvTejCt3N7ToQTr4ux5EbuGhb7RJazAD1p0e6-8VokLtiGteo_TGKSc6SkJJ4wqcbeCKLC5QXPZGIh3h1KZPf9syJnVxsio/s1600/Sweet+Zen+Popcorn+(2).jpg" height="391" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet Zen Popcorn by <a href="http://thesimpleveganista.blogspot.ca/2014/04/sweet-zen-popcorn.html" target="_blank">The Simple Veganista</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
My mouth is watering looking at all these wonderful dishes. I hope I can photograph my creations this beautifully one day.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2aHfoq4kKCQYaD1OQs610WmkVJTQXp2rgXImHOw6gLwsGSOm9a_1zsODqTrfOEC1NNBZTpkndUjSEawdOtO9jCorJ1YOnqalASTM4VGIOp7bNoGIIAtUedb1t2hDLD68bZL77d5pvATQ/s1600/1LMPs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2aHfoq4kKCQYaD1OQs610WmkVJTQXp2rgXImHOw6gLwsGSOm9a_1zsODqTrfOEC1NNBZTpkndUjSEawdOtO9jCorJ1YOnqalASTM4VGIOp7bNoGIIAtUedb1t2hDLD68bZL77d5pvATQ/s1600/1LMPs.JPG" height="45" width="320" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5146249321139251259.post-42976020402992961882014-04-04T06:54:00.000-04:002014-04-04T06:54:00.448-04:00Raspberry Pomegranate Smoothie | Vegan | Raw | G-free<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh60uucP6Pa5s9mkT99A3D9UJcnm7uBRuQGjj3VrkoSS-BtHQmFt6EpW1hgOAJrK5t8niEKE9fSWHGa3TxUIZ8X9z8R5VUmRWlBChxsFxODfeZ2Aota3rc0XQaomBJVTTpOg2BfiwkN8BY/s1600/DSC03000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh60uucP6Pa5s9mkT99A3D9UJcnm7uBRuQGjj3VrkoSS-BtHQmFt6EpW1hgOAJrK5t8niEKE9fSWHGa3TxUIZ8X9z8R5VUmRWlBChxsFxODfeZ2Aota3rc0XQaomBJVTTpOg2BfiwkN8BY/s400/DSC03000.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
Here's a quick and easy recipe for a pick-me-up smoothie with tons of health benefits:<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>seeds and juice from 1 pomegranate</li>
<li>1 cup raspberries</li>
<li>juice of 1 fresh orange</li>
<li>raw honey (or other sweetener) to taste</li>
</ul>
Swirl everything together in the blender until smooth.<br />
<br />
Renown as a "super-food" pomegranates have a long list of health benefits, including:<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that aid in heart health and anti-cancer benefits</li>
<li>These polyphenols may also help prevent plaque buildup
in arteries </li>
<li>The seeds have more antioxidant power than cranberry juice or green tea </li>
<li>Lowered blood pressure and delay the oxidation
of LDL cholesterol in patients with coronary heart disease</li>
<li>Improved blood flow </li>
<li>May slow the progression of prostate cancer</li>
<li>An excellent source of fibre, B vitamins, vitamin C, vitamin K and
potassium </li>
<li>One pomegranate supplies one-quarter of a day’s worth of
folate (a B vitamin needed to synthesize and repair DNA) and one-third
of your daily vitamin C </li>
<li>One medium pomegranate contains: 3.5 grams fiber, 9 milligrams vitamin C, 14 micrograms vitamin K and 205 milligrams potassium, as well as being an excellent source of polyphenols.</li>
</ul>
So go ahead and add a little pom to your next smoothie.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-X595ZteERiyAOyuJo_rW3jK5Dz4jOTuJlOT1kspA8QsEtA4icEyB2qyYxCbO-XwAt_1ihn5HWheaqTPI08anMqjV_8i2jRnWWlX68Oq7ly-3ukx8GmlKs3tADK9ND_JJGXgH9NShwI/s1600/1LMPs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-X595ZteERiyAOyuJo_rW3jK5Dz4jOTuJlOT1kspA8QsEtA4icEyB2qyYxCbO-XwAt_1ihn5HWheaqTPI08anMqjV_8i2jRnWWlX68Oq7ly-3ukx8GmlKs3tADK9ND_JJGXgH9NShwI/s1600/1LMPs.JPG" height="45" width="320" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5146249321139251259.post-75831557174479382013-12-22T09:02:00.001-05:002013-12-22T09:02:49.935-05:00Orange Cranberry Pecan Holiday Cookies (Raw & Vegan)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GEElHeG9U8w/UnP-OkkQ6NI/AAAAAAAACBg/A694yjcoDdo/s1600/DSC02890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GEElHeG9U8w/UnP-OkkQ6NI/AAAAAAAACBg/A694yjcoDdo/s400/DSC02890.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Remember my self-proclaimed <a href="http://shanghaimonkey.blogspot.ca/2013/08/updated-recipe-page-embarrassing-photos.html" target="_blank">horrible photography skills</a>?<br />
<br />
Well the photos of these Holiday cookie balls prove I am getting better, right?<br />
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(<i><b>I do hope so</b></i> ...)<br />
<br />
Here's a quick and easy raw vegan cookie to serve this Holiday season. I think the cherry red cranberries give it a festive look. Here's what you'll need:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NIEg3WIJlSs/UnP-nHVU-xI/AAAAAAAACBo/gTIv_LAOLYU/s1600/ingredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NIEg3WIJlSs/UnP-nHVU-xI/AAAAAAAACBo/gTIv_LAOLYU/s400/ingredients.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>loving <a href="http://www.fontspace.com/jenna-sue-design-co/jenna-sue" target="_blank">this font</a> by Jenna Sue Design Co.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Into the food processor goes:<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>1 cup pecans</li>
<li>1/2 cup dates, pitted</li>
<li>1 cup dried cranberries</li>
<li>zest of 1 orange + a squeeze of the juice</li>
<li>raw honey, to taste (I used approx. 3 tablespoons)</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJi6Q9FIqW0xmGaHszZVIJEYcD_Seej4joonKg5mTaVHk9KQ1bn_Urn9g-huIitow5XxYzXaRvQpzms2Y7f-GuFiyfqHpNxa74d6lnlKH3zgp31JjMgKoedXGJRT4s1JWSSjjwkZB7PA/s1600/DSC02888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJi6Q9FIqW0xmGaHszZVIJEYcD_Seej4joonKg5mTaVHk9KQ1bn_Urn9g-huIitow5XxYzXaRvQpzms2Y7f-GuFiyfqHpNxa74d6lnlKH3zgp31JjMgKoedXGJRT4s1JWSSjjwkZB7PA/s400/DSC02888.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Since I was using whole pecans, I pulsed them in the food processor first and then added everything else. If the mixture seems too goopy, add more pecans. Roll into balls or flat round cookie shapes.<br />
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I hope these sweet treats bring a little joy to your holiday season.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5146249321139251259.post-11993791589946978122013-11-24T12:21:00.000-05:002013-11-24T12:21:21.039-05:00Smoothie Catalog Now Available<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4nsmwgjpj63kAH3Gj9zLP_7hSqAJ1khMCEzR2raGxnmw1GjQdv2dUmKK6Qt5anDNYwdc20pV46_NThMVaB7fqbW66VKxPzJCU-VY8580fPjJr-58xuWOqWhg3GRyFHRY6Dzjsutfz4eo/s1600/smoothie+cataloge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4nsmwgjpj63kAH3Gj9zLP_7hSqAJ1khMCEzR2raGxnmw1GjQdv2dUmKK6Qt5anDNYwdc20pV46_NThMVaB7fqbW66VKxPzJCU-VY8580fPjJr-58xuWOqWhg3GRyFHRY6Dzjsutfz4eo/s640/smoothie+cataloge.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
I <b><i>finally</i></b> have a visual catalog of all <a href="http://shanghaimonkey.blogspot.ca/p/green-smoothies.html" target="_blank">my favourite smoothies</a> featured on the blog. I separated them by green and non-green varieties. I never realized until I saw all the smoothies side-by-side, but it's pretty much just green and pink smoothies. I'll have to post an orange one soon ;)<br />
<br />
And if you're not a smoothie lover, there's also a section at the end for juices, teas and other drinks. I sure could use a <a href="http://shanghaimonkey.blogspot.ca/2009/05/make-your-own-vegan-chai-tea.html" target="_blank">homemade vegan chai tea</a> on this cold and wintery morning. <br />
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Check out <a href="http://shanghaimonkey.blogspot.ca/p/green-smoothies.html" target="_blank">my new SMOOTHIE page</a> now!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhncnqwXkccmx00wZYU_6_c4kq0o_ZqJYjYCnJHA4xJ7hpSvXMjrNl08vUc0oEtq39z4gWVf4iEbjWiLxtviwE211wt64gVLMGZazNBvRVLwwlKaNZgMnjYIK2N0PRG_xrZh6jGwmBByOM/s1600/1LMPs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="45" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhncnqwXkccmx00wZYU_6_c4kq0o_ZqJYjYCnJHA4xJ7hpSvXMjrNl08vUc0oEtq39z4gWVf4iEbjWiLxtviwE211wt64gVLMGZazNBvRVLwwlKaNZgMnjYIK2N0PRG_xrZh6jGwmBByOM/s320/1LMPs.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5146249321139251259.post-81902636644854854652013-11-01T07:00:00.000-04:002013-11-28T10:15:07.602-05:002013 Eco Holiday Gift Guide<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4uAxMX_H5biByvU9Mehhte17XgropCgfICGtdy9JBrceUjfkUFUXHDK89EkOfO4ku__GVITJPGeSsLUdjnPmTu-RdBjt4WWt_trgIDZ1fmTrPGYRzK3B4f1Fvwqd-vB-63osmtD7sEM/s1600/ecoholiday2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC4uAxMX_H5biByvU9Mehhte17XgropCgfICGtdy9JBrceUjfkUFUXHDK89EkOfO4ku__GVITJPGeSsLUdjnPmTu-RdBjt4WWt_trgIDZ1fmTrPGYRzK3B4f1Fvwqd-vB-63osmtD7sEM/s400/ecoholiday2.jpg" width="371" /></a></div>
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<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Enchantmints' wooden <a href="http://www.enchantmints.com/playplaces/fairyforestlodge.html" target="_blank">fairy forest lodge</a> toy </li>
<li>Organic & fair trade <a href="http://www.thespicygourmet.com/collections/certified-organic-fair-trade-spice-gourmet-gift-sets/products/holiday-spice-set#.Ulg2M1MiTh4" target="_blank">Holiday Spice Set</a> (cloves, nutmeg & cinnamon) from The Spicy Gourmet</li>
<li>Vegan <a href="http://www.sephora.com/lip-tar-nail-lacquer-set-P379219?skuId=1532365" target="_blank">lip tar and nail lacquer set</a><a href="http://occmakeup.com/collections/lips-1/products/lip-tar-metallic" target="_blank"></a> from Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics </li>
<li>TOMS+ <a href="http://www.toms.ca/womens/features/boots/toms-grey-serpentine-women-s-desert-wedges/s" target="_blank">Grey Serpentine Desert</a> wedges for women</li>
<li>Mosey <a href="http://www.moseylife.com/collection/working_girl.cfm" target="_blank">working girl bag</a> (made from 35 plastic bottles) </li>
</ol>
Have you started your holiday shopping yet?<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--eqAGS6eE5c/Ulg-QCAV7xI/AAAAAAAAB8U/-Ygyp_qypNg/s1600/1LMPs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="45" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--eqAGS6eE5c/Ulg-QCAV7xI/AAAAAAAAB8U/-Ygyp_qypNg/s320/1LMPs.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5146249321139251259.post-7097957468785873672013-10-06T08:35:00.000-04:002019-07-21T10:41:07.395-04:00After 5 LONG years I am finally posting this<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I can hardly believe I am going to say this, but ...</span></span></div>
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<a name='more'></a><br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Shanghai Monkey is 5 years old!</span></b></i><br />
<br />
It all started five years ago with a simple <a href="http://shanghaimonkey.blogspot.ca/2008/10/vegan-pumpkin-pie.html" target="_blank">vegan pumpkin pie</a>, and the rest is blogger history. Over the years I have posted countless <a href="http://shanghaimonkey.blogspot.ca/p/recipes.html" target="_blank">recipes</a>, endless lectures on the importance of the <a href="http://shanghaimonkey.blogspot.ca/p/organic-info.html" target="_blank">environment and organics</a>, the occasional <a href="http://shanghaimonkey.blogspot.ca/p/crafts.html" target="_blank">DIY craft</a> and a smattering of <a href="http://shanghaimonkey.blogspot.ca/2010/06/sattvic-food-yogic-way-of-eating.html" target="_blank">yoga</a>. Five years ago when I signed unto Blogger my dreams for this blog were quite different! Check out the newly minted "<a href="http://shanghaimonkey.blogspot.ca/p/yoga.html" target="_blank"><i>about me</i></a>" page to discover the original intention of the blog.<br />
<br />
I am glad to say that after 5 years Shanghai Monkey is still going strong. It might not be the most popular blog, I might not have the most inventive recipes, or the most <a href="http://shanghaimonkey.blogspot.ca/2013/08/updated-recipe-page-embarrassing-photos.html" target="_blank">spectacular photography</a> ... but I enjoy posting about the things that are important to me: vegan/vegetarian lifestyle, environmental consciousness, yoga and mindfulness, along with some DIYs for creativity.<br />
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Thank you to everyone who follows the blog! I hope I have entertained, inspired, and informed you over the years.<br />
<br />
Without further ado, and because I know you have all been waiting for 5 long years for this, here are some of my fondest ShangHai memories:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Gecc17klBQ/UlAYy5KIABI/AAAAAAAAB70/8zkjBvgm4vg/s1600/tower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Gecc17klBQ/UlAYy5KIABI/AAAAAAAAB70/8zkjBvgm4vg/s320/tower.jpg" width="215" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Pearl Tower, an iconic ShangHai scene</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vvG3Gu-boDo/UlAYwJk_VII/AAAAAAAAB64/2fWKxNe3oQw/s1600/howTo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vvG3Gu-boDo/UlAYwJk_VII/AAAAAAAAB64/2fWKxNe3oQw/s400/howTo.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Prayer instructions from LongHua Temple</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Ar40AdTz0o/UlAYwHK0sUI/AAAAAAAAB68/aSjyArgh12c/s1600/jadeBuddha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Ar40AdTz0o/UlAYwHK0sUI/AAAAAAAAB68/aSjyArgh12c/s400/jadeBuddha.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Buddhist ceremony inside Jade Buddha Temple</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6ud6KPE6_VA/UlAYwyRGSHI/AAAAAAAAB7I/uQNyqliZ9YE/s1600/jadeBuddhagate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6ud6KPE6_VA/UlAYwyRGSHI/AAAAAAAAB7I/uQNyqliZ9YE/s400/jadeBuddhagate.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The streets of ShangHai, outside Jade Buddha Temple</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z-43iEG_4BU/UlAYxLcLamI/AAAAAAAAB7U/Nwangz__LH8/s1600/muesum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z-43iEG_4BU/UlAYxLcLamI/AAAAAAAAB7U/Nwangz__LH8/s400/muesum.jpg" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>One of the Buddhist art exhibits inside the ShangHai Museum</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JynSqOXlKrVOHgO_IvhcDsdONXi0IwEF9Vae92A3I6_qGUpjjHSaHfyIosnQo08ZzwqI5i59t2EVLaLv3fbbQnzsjFQC_LOHLa1dpy_7OBJXC47XVFB4Xkg8tRYvxlIDyN7NiZF-TVw/s1600/olympic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JynSqOXlKrVOHgO_IvhcDsdONXi0IwEF9Vae92A3I6_qGUpjjHSaHfyIosnQo08ZzwqI5i59t2EVLaLv3fbbQnzsjFQC_LOHLa1dpy_7OBJXC47XVFB4Xkg8tRYvxlIDyN7NiZF-TVw/s400/olympic.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Olympic torch comes to ShangHai (on way to Beijing, who hosted in 2008)</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDiW-iARbfm0_-cfA52wPcvuQMIT5FkvOhp4vywE76mysCBw8NuTwwOHQrpK95QkOzDZmi_3ZmkC6zPAyKyKrysOByzpP13jGwsGYtJymqkDgTovD5grKdIPSn18keEhHHFOLFGTRsvQg/s1600/pudding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDiW-iARbfm0_-cfA52wPcvuQMIT5FkvOhp4vywE76mysCBw8NuTwwOHQrpK95QkOzDZmi_3ZmkC6zPAyKyKrysOByzpP13jGwsGYtJymqkDgTovD5grKdIPSn18keEhHHFOLFGTRsvQg/s400/pudding.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>ShangHai dessert, sweet red bean pudding with green tea jelly</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1m90P7jitD8/UlAYymU4jPI/AAAAAAAAB7w/vjdOQ-SNjHM/s1600/roll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="351" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1m90P7jitD8/UlAYymU4jPI/AAAAAAAAB7w/vjdOQ-SNjHM/s400/roll.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Another dessert, this time a green tea roll with peach filling and rolled in red beans</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
This was my first visit to Asia, but certainly not my last. I didn't know it then, but I would be traveling to Asia quite frequently over the next few years. I met so many wonderful people in ShangHai, and became involved in a humanitarian project that was just forming. I had planned to stay in China for a while, but alas, it just wasn't in the cards and I left at the end of 2008. I really do have a special place in my heart for ShangHai, the blog's namesake. Traveling there was not only the start of this blog, but many other wonderful things that came about during or shortly after that trip.<br />
<br />
I hope you've enjoyed my trip down memory lane, I know I have! <br />
<br />
Stay tuned for more photos from my most recent tour of South India. <br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5146249321139251259.post-68286014339817586752013-09-15T07:30:00.000-04:002013-09-15T07:30:00.323-04:00What does HEIRLOOM mean?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://www.minifarmbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/CFRHeirloomtomatoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://www.minifarmbox.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/CFRHeirloomtomatoes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The first thing that pops into my mind when I hear the term <i>heirloom</i> is tomato. But recently I started to wonder: What exactly is an heirloom tomato? It sounds like it's a really old tomato from your great great grandmother ...<br />
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<a href="http://wwwdelivery.superstock.com/Image/1598/Thumb/1598R-234719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://wwwdelivery.superstock.com/Image/1598/Thumb/1598R-234719.jpg" /></a></div>
... well actually it kind of is, but not in a pin cushion way.<br />
<br />
Heirloom plants (there are many, not just tomatoes) are grown from seeds that have been passed on for generations. Most importantly, these seeds have not been modified. Heirloom seeds are grown using traditional gardening techniques, and relying
on a process called <a href="http://blog.seedsavers.org/open-pollinated-heirloom-and-hybrid-seeds/" target="_blank">open pollination</a>.<br />
<br />
Over time farmers save the seeds of their best plants - the ones that are the most vigorous, disease resistant, and flavorful. They then save the seeds from
these plants and use them again the following year. This careful selection process ensures that only the best plants
available are grown.<br />
<br />
Why is HEIRLOOM important?<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>superior taste</li>
<li>promotes bio-diversity</li>
<li>utilizes eco-friendly and sustainable farming methods</li>
<li>not genetically modified (non GMO) </li>
<li>seeds are hand cultivated over the years to ensure resistance to local diseases, pests, and weather extremes, which yields heartier crops with less pesticides </li>
<li>supports family owned small farms</li>
</ul>
And now for the question on everyone's mind:<br />
<br />
Is HEIRLOOM the same thing as ORGANIC?<br />
<br />
No, the two terms are <i><b>not</b></i> the same. However they are very closely related and frequently appear together. Organic has nothing to do with using seeds from 50 generations ago, however organic produce, like heirloom cannot be genetically modified.<br />
<br />
Another important note is that farmers of heirloom plants can spray their crops with whatever they like. Although farmers who are interested in heirloom seeds are probably the type of people who purposely would not use artificial pesticides and fertilizers. While browsing the farmer's markets you might find most of the heirloom plants out there are grown according to organic standards, but are not <i><b>certified organic</b></i>, (which is a costly and sometimes lengthy process). <br />
<br />
Now is the time that the farmer's markets are stocked with heirloom tomatoes, <i><b>so go get 'em</b></i> and enjoy! <br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5146249321139251259.post-50214162501442678242013-08-28T07:00:00.000-04:002013-09-23T20:20:25.293-04:00Updated Recipe Page (& embarrassing photos)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_0M1t81gnQA/Uhpby0WcNZI/AAAAAAAAByg/pSQhPakL1BM/s1600/recipe+page.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_0M1t81gnQA/Uhpby0WcNZI/AAAAAAAAByg/pSQhPakL1BM/s400/recipe+page.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Updated!</span></b><br />
<br />
It took hours upon hours of HTML code and re-uploading photos from 2008-2010, but I finally have a modern and up-to-date <a href="http://shanghaimonkey.blogspot.ca/p/recipes.html" target="_blank">list of my recipes</a> (mostly raw and vegan) featured here on the blog.<br />
<br />
I have a separate <a href="http://shanghaimonkey.blogspot.ca/p/green-smoothies.html" target="_blank">page for smoothies</a> and other drinks, which I am currently working on updating as well. I'll be sure to announce when everything is done, so stay tuned.<br />
<br />
As all you fellow bloggers know probably just about the <i><b>worst thing</b></i> about having a blog is looking back at your photography from when you first started ...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6xqjxAMt91s/Uhpf_jBWLxI/AAAAAAAABy4/lC25RjLO6fY/s1600/apple+pie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6xqjxAMt91s/Uhpf_jBWLxI/AAAAAAAABy4/lC25RjLO6fY/s200/apple+pie.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<i><b>Oh my! </b></i><br />
This is a raw vegan apple pie from my <a href="http://shanghaimonkey.blogspot.ca/2009/10/raw-vegan-thanksgiving-recipes.html" target="_blank">Raw Thanksgiving Post</a>, which incidentally (and also incredibly embarrassing) is currently the most popular post on my blog! Looking at the photo makes me cringe ... I think I might have even photographed it IN the fridge!! I mean I couldn't even arrange the apple slices in a decorative way??!!<br />
<br />
Anyhow as a result, I now have an irrational urge to re-photograph EVERYTHING! I think the yogi in me can "let it go and let it be" ... except for the apple pie. It <b><i>has</i></b> to be re-done.<br />
<br />
Have you ever gone "back in time" on your blog?<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5146249321139251259.post-37230365995132375602013-08-16T01:43:00.000-04:002013-08-22T13:19:00.499-04:00Advice From A TREE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://griefandmourning.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Advice-from-a-Tree-Earth.WeAreOne1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://griefandmourning.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Advice-from-a-Tree-Earth.WeAreOne1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5146249321139251259.post-72588962023733120582013-08-13T06:30:00.000-04:002013-08-24T16:28:29.790-04:00Peta's Blueberry Pie Recipe List<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1u2QICH4htY/UgPYlawdDDI/AAAAAAAABtY/wJmXlrMsDh8/s1600/blueberry+raw+serve.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1u2QICH4htY/UgPYlawdDDI/AAAAAAAABtY/wJmXlrMsDh8/s400/blueberry+raw+serve.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://shanghaimonkey.blogspot.ca/2011/08/raw-vegan-blueberry-pie-ice-cream.html" target="_blank"><i>Raw Vegan Blueberry Pie Ice Cream</i></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>It's <span style="color: blue;">blueberry</span> season! </b></span></div>
<br />
It seems that no matter where I go these days, I see a big ol' pile of luscious blueberries. Why not whip up one of the vegetarian and/or vegan recipes from <a href="http://www.peta2.com/boards/topic/april-28-ohheckyes-its-national-blueberry-pie-day/" target="_blank">this list</a> on Peta's Food board? You might just see a familiar blog or two on the list.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5146249321139251259.post-27133511721984175622013-06-06T06:42:00.000-04:002013-06-06T06:42:01.152-04:00Strawberry Rose Champagne Tea (copy cat recipe)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://d2tq98mqfjyz2l.cloudfront.net/image_cache/1297129844523298.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://d2tq98mqfjyz2l.cloudfront.net/image_cache/1297129844523298.jpeg" width="400" /> </a></div>
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You know those free samples of tea at the mall? Well I never really pay much attention to them since 1. the tea is always heavily sweetened and 2. I hate all those little plastic disposable cups they use for the tea (you can usually see a very <i>large heap</i> of them in the nearest trash can).<br />
<br />
But today something was drawing me into the sample section of the Teavana store. A powerful force ... <a href="http://www.teavana.com/the-teas/oolong-teas/p/strawberry-rose-champagne-oolong-tea" target="_blank">Strawberry Rose Champagne oolong tea</a>! A small bag of tea retails at $12, but you can make this fruity tea at home for just pennies. Since I was a little girl I have been going strawberry picking around this time of the year, so we <b>always</b> have lots of those little red gems around here. <br />
<br />
Here's what to do:<br />
<br />
Boil some water and let it sit while you prepare the tea. Most tea <strike>snobs</strike> enthusiasts will not use boiling hot water for herbal tea because it will scold the herbs.<br />
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<a href="http://www.ikou.com.au/contents/media/ikou%20tea%20ball%20infuser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="http://www.ikou.com.au/contents/media/ikou%20tea%20ball%20infuser.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
I use a stainless steel ball shaped strainer for my tea, and I love it. I picked it up years ago at my favourite Asian market. <br />
<br />
It's easy to combine different ingredients and then pop it in a cup with some hot water.<br />
<br />
After a few minutes of steeping you can take it out, empty and clean. That easy.<br />
<br />
In your tea strainer combine:<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>2-4 fresh strawberries, cut into small pieces</li>
<li><span style="font-size: x-small;">1/4</span> teaspoon oolong (or green) tea leaves</li>
</ul>
Place the strainer in your cup with a drop or two of rosewater. Add the boiled water, which by now should still be hot, but not scalding.<br />
<br />
Let everything steep for 5 minutes and then consume! <i> </i><br />
<br />
No actual champagne in my version (however according to Teavana's <a href="http://www.teavana.com/the-teas/oolong-teas/p/strawberry-rose-champagne-oolong-tea" target="_blank">website</a> their tea includes a "hint of bubbly champagne" (<i>whatever that means</i>).<br />
<br />
You can sweeten the tea with some sugar or honey, but it is already naturally a bit sweet from the strawberries. Try to use the best quality strawberries possible, as this will ultimately determine the taste of the tea (I didn't just sound like Martha Stewart there, did I?) If you can't make it to the pick-your-own farm like me, then find some fresh, local strawberries from your farmers market for the sweetest <i>cuppa'</i>.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5146249321139251259.post-69351976986264684192013-05-29T07:29:00.000-04:002013-05-29T07:29:00.051-04:00Get Creative with ICAD 2013<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://daisyyellowart.com/storage/icad3c-225.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1363047232151" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://daisyyellowart.com/storage/icad3c-225.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1363047232151" width="400" /></a></div>
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I've been craving some inspiration and really wanting to get my creative juices flowing, so I was super excited when I stumbled on Daisy Yellow's <a href="http://daisyyellow.squarespace.com/icad/icad-faq.html" target="_blank">Index-Card-A-Day</a> challenge. The idea is simple, but can be taken in so many different directions. Here are the <i>rules</i>:<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Acquire some index cards (see more about my interpretation on this below ...)</li>
<li>Create (as Daisy Yellow says "♥ draw ♥ doodle ♥ write ♥ collage ♥ paint ♥ cut ♥ haiku ♥ stamp ♥ stitch ♥")</li>
<li>Repeat for 61 days (officially June 1 - July 31, 2013) </li>
</ol>
In other words, craft something creative with one index card each day in June & July.<br />
<br />
I'm feeling more creative just <b><i>hearing</i></b> about this!<br />
<br />
I immediately went through my drawer of paper, envelopes and cards to see if I already had any index cards. Being me, my first concern was that I do not want to buy more paper products to participate in this, and I will definitely be doing an eco version of the challenge (trying to reuse, recycle and scavenge for materials).<br />
<br />
Luckily for me I DO have a stack of index cards stashed away (I used to use them to study when I was in university ... I have a Masters in Business, did you know?)<br />
<br />
Anyhow in the event that I did not have any existing index cards I was planning on cutting to size any other paper I had on hand (construction paper, card stock, old Larabar boxes, etc ...) OR possibly purchasing some recycled index cards such as <a href="http://www.greenlinepaper.com/recycled-index-cards.html" target="_blank">these</a>. I love the unbleached brown hue!!<br />
<br />
What creative things are you doing this summer?<br />
<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5146249321139251259.post-86040192470582493502013-05-23T07:25:00.000-04:002013-05-23T07:25:00.645-04:00Gluten-Free Goodies<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tjwtK6V9QbY/UYqcCL-2DwI/AAAAAAAABrU/O6PDljqJtYU/s1600/GF+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tjwtK6V9QbY/UYqcCL-2DwI/AAAAAAAABrU/O6PDljqJtYU/s400/GF+collage.jpg" width="352" /></a></div>
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Here are a few treats (<i>sans gluten</i>) I am lovin' these days ...<br />
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<li>Udi's <a href="http://udisglutenfree.com/products/gluten-free-au-naturel-granola/" target="_blank">Au Naturel granola</a></li>
<li> LÄRABAR's <a href="http://www.larabar.com/products/peanut-butter-chocolate-chip" target="_blank">Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip</a></li>
<li>LesserEvil's <a href="http://lesserevil.com/#cc-pickle" target="_blank">Chia Crisps in crunchy dill pickle</a></li>
<li>Giddy Yoyo's raw organic chocolate bars (<a href="http://www.giddyyoyo.com/Organic-Raw-Chocolate-Bars/" target="_blank">any & all varieties</a>)<a href="http://withoutadornment.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><br /></a></li>
<li>Veggie-Go's <a href="http://nakededgesnacks.com/cinnamonspicedbeet.html" target="_blank">Cinnamon Spiced Beet</a> fruit snack</li>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5146249321139251259.post-49440765238336948292013-05-17T07:17:00.000-04:002013-05-17T07:17:00.155-04:00Organic Tip # 6: What's So Great About Organic Flowers?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v8ZBNhQIRvQ/UWcPHr6FGSI/AAAAAAAABpw/Lbk4h-5TQoA/s1600/organic+flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v8ZBNhQIRvQ/UWcPHr6FGSI/AAAAAAAABpw/Lbk4h-5TQoA/s400/organic+flowers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
What could be more organic than a pretty pink tulip, glistening with dew and growing out of the rich soil and into the sunlight, right?<br />
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<b>Wrong!</b> Unless that delicate tulip came from your own garden, how do you <i>really</i> know how it's been treated? Luckily there are now organic certifiers for plants. Look for their logo and rest assured about the origin and treatment of your flowers.<br />
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5 <b>GREAT</b> things about organic flowers:<br />
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<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Organic flowers are eco-friendly and has the least negative impact on the environment (when compared to conventionally grown flowers)</li>
<li>Toxic chemical usage is minimized or eliminated. That means no harsh and artificial pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers or other funky chemicals. </li>
<li>Organic flowers are good for the soil. When you add harsh chemicals to soil, some of the nutrients are lost and the natural pH is thrown off balance. Dry, lifeless sand does not grow nice looking flowers, so conventional farmers need to add more chemicals back into the soil to regain the nutrients that are lost. This creates a cycle of growing that does not and cannot work long term. </li>
<li>Growing organic plants are safer for farmers and farm workers. You know when you're looking at your garden (or lawn) and wondering how you can easily remove the weeds, without using chemicals that might be dangerous for your children and pets. Well think about the people who do this for a living. Do you want others to handle potentially harmful chemicals, exposing themselves to numerous health risks daily? </li>
<li>Research consistently shows that organic farming is far better for the environment and more sustainable than conventional farming (food or flowers). Organic growing methods honor the natural cycles of plants, harnesses the helpful assistance of insects, birds, water and the sun. </li>
</ol>
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And now for the age ol' question ... <b>how will I know which flowers are organic?</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.veriflora.com/images/vfa_logo_small.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.veriflora.com/images/vfa_logo_small.gif" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.veriflora.com/index.php" target="_blank">Veriflora</a> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> is a third party sustainability certification program for fresh cut flowers and potted plants. Their website outlines their main objective as: </span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Encouraging farming practices that build soil, conserve water and support healthy ecosystems. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Promoting a healthy, equitable workplace that supports farmers, workers, their families and the community. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">Supporting handling practices from seed to store that allow you to enjoy flowers and plants that look beautiful and last longer."</span> </blockquote>
On closer inspection I couldn't find the word <i>organic</i> anywhere, but instead a healthy plethora of <i>sustainability</i> instead (me thinks the lawyers are responsible for that one). However Veriflora seems to be the front runner on organic cut flower certification, and it seems that they are doing a good job so far. <br />
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<a href="http://www.candyindustry.com/ext/resources/images/Fairtrade-Logo1.jpg?1342619771" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://www.candyindustry.com/ext/resources/images/Fairtrade-Logo1.jpg?1342619771" width="200" /></a></div>
Did you know that the trusty <a href="http://fairtrade.ca/en/products/flowers" target="_blank">Fairtrade logo is popping up on flowers</a> too? And Fairtrade is not just about paying a fair wage, it's also about the health and safety of workers. According to the Fairtrade Canada website, "a detailed set of safety regulations specific to flower production limit
the use of agrochemicals and prohibit the use of banned pesticides." Again no mention of our favourite word <i>organic</i> ... but we'll get there one day. Baby steps.<br />
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Where do you get your cut flowers?<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5146249321139251259.post-44586533876512655402013-04-26T07:41:00.000-04:002013-04-26T07:41:00.694-04:00I Like His Style: Blake Mycoskie<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0jejSTh5k5uu9AG-iXVzZc9Toes0wMLtlQDez1L3fSWEdBg7NQFbu1AVQbIS5Bb1w08W1PUYPHN71FUo-bE3cjfRoxzXpEl9nMFOe5_vIzGXrGcMi7TMXGZV8g8c5SJV_YngUzlJ7y3Q/s1600/blake+with+kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" rca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0jejSTh5k5uu9AG-iXVzZc9Toes0wMLtlQDez1L3fSWEdBg7NQFbu1AVQbIS5Bb1w08W1PUYPHN71FUo-bE3cjfRoxzXpEl9nMFOe5_vIzGXrGcMi7TMXGZV8g8c5SJV_YngUzlJ7y3Q/s400/blake+with+kids.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's been a while, but I finally found another person worthy of a feature in one of my <i>style posts</i> ...<br />
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Last year I came across hottie humanitarian, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Start-Something-Matters-Blake-Mycoskie/dp/0812981448/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1366840597&sr=1-1&keywords=blake+mycoskie" target="_blank">Blake Mycoskie's book</a> and I gotta say ...<br />
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<i><b>I like his style!</b></i> <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gxd6HbkPMQw/T_Xt1OCbljI/AAAAAAAABkw/rAhofaYKA-M/s1600/blake+with+kids3.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" sca="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gxd6HbkPMQw/T_Xt1OCbljI/AAAAAAAABkw/rAhofaYKA-M/s400/blake+with+kids3.bmp" width="400" /></a></div>
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While traveling in Argentina, Blake was shocked to see many children without shoes. Not a stranger to business (he already had started several), he began to brainstorm ways to help. Helping children in under developed countries is not exactly a novel idea, so Blake knew it had to be different while still keeping a connection to the idea's Argentinian roots. When he realized there may be a market back home for the unique and simple shoes worn in Argentina, TOMS was born. For each and every shoe purchased another shoe is given to a child in need, a philosophy Blake calls <a href="http://www.toms.ca/one-for-one" target="_blank">One for One</a>. <br />
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That was back in 2006, and oh how far has TOMS come now. I remember seeing the black, red or dark blue shoes all over college/universities campuses. But now I am seeing all kinds of <a href="http://www.toms.ca/womens/classics/give-women-s-classics" target="_blank">fun patterns</a>, <a href="http://www.toms.ca/womens/glitters?view=all" target="_blank">sparkly glitters</a> and even <a href="http://www.toms.ca/womens/vegan?view=all" target="_blank"><b>VEGAN</b> styles</a> (no leather!!)<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lTPETM9kCTY/T_Xt2reH3BI/AAAAAAAABlA/Kp8TUeM2ysI/s1600/blake+with+maggie+grace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" sca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lTPETM9kCTY/T_Xt2reH3BI/AAAAAAAABlA/Kp8TUeM2ysI/s400/blake+with+maggie+grace.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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Of course Blake himself is frequently seen around town wearing his TOMS. Wearing them both stylishly and cleverly, I think. Wearing two different shoes to showcase two different styles. Smart.<br />
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Actually I think his entire business concept is smart, and so do a lot of others. Among TOMS' many other accomplishments, in 2011 Blake was named as one of the top entrepreneurs in Fortune Magazine's Top 40 Under 40 list. <br />
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How many products do we hear about or see where only <i>a portion</i> of the profits go to charity, or a measly $1 from a $40 bottle of shampoo goes to the endangered species of the month? Too often. What I like about TOMS (and so do others) is that when I buy a pair of shoes I know that the exact same shoe will be donated to someone who needs it (well ... actually I am not sure if he donates the sparkly glitter shoes, but you know what I mean). <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VMmHfRqX8Uc/T_Xt4XH4PzI/AAAAAAAABlI/UmhiIgCvww0/s1600/blake+with+maggie+grace2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" sca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VMmHfRqX8Uc/T_Xt4XH4PzI/AAAAAAAABlI/UmhiIgCvww0/s400/blake+with+maggie+grace2.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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What I love even more about Blake is that he was photographed with my <a href="http://shanghaimonkey.blogspot.ca/2011/09/i-like-her-style-lauren-bush.html" target="_blank">first style post</a> muse, Lauren Bush, and they are each posing with their iconic style pieces.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IJekmLDhB_k/T_Xt13FjBPI/AAAAAAAABk4/bJlZEI1yt0g/s1600/blake+with+lauren+bush.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" sca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IJekmLDhB_k/T_Xt13FjBPI/AAAAAAAABk4/bJlZEI1yt0g/s400/blake+with+lauren+bush.jpg" width="272" /></a></div>
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I can see Blake Mycoskie's future and boy is it bright. So bright he's going to need sunglasses. Good thing TOMS has also started an <a href="http://www.toms.ca/eyewear/" target="_blank">eyewear</a> line.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5146249321139251259.post-35994720411861834472013-04-22T05:45:00.000-04:002013-04-22T05:45:00.327-04:00Happy Earth Day!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://quotes-lover.com/wp-content/uploads/Unless-someone-like-you-cares-a-whole-awful-lot-nothing-is-going-to-get-better.-Its-not.-The-Lorax.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://quotes-lover.com/wp-content/uploads/Unless-someone-like-you-cares-a-whole-awful-lot-nothing-is-going-to-get-better.-Its-not.-The-Lorax.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The trees may have looked like neon polyester fluff, but Dr. Seuss was wise beyond his years.<br />
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This Earth Day, I hope you do not buy anything, do not drive anywhere, use water mindfully, creatively reuse/upcycle something you would have tossed in the trash and take some time to ponder the Lorax's words ...<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5146249321139251259.post-30312056593770685662013-03-26T07:14:00.000-04:002013-04-02T17:58:02.252-04:00Green Springin'<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Here are some of my favourite things for this spring (of course all with a little dash of <i>eco-ness</i>):<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3tjirS_swF4/UVtOABjSx9I/AAAAAAAABpE/Ex0G-iwYdnU/s1600/collage.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3tjirS_swF4/UVtOABjSx9I/AAAAAAAABpE/Ex0G-iwYdnU/s640/collage.png" width="440" /></a></div>
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<li>Kids wooden rainbow puzzle from <a href="http://www.liveco.ca/" target="_blank">LivEco</a> </li>
<li>Blooms reusable gift wrap (with soy-based ink) from <a href="http://www.chewingthecud.com/products/wrap-joyblooms" target="_blank">chewing the cud</a> </li>
<li>Daisy wristlet made from candy wrappers from <a href="http://www.ecoist.com/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=5496&idcategory=215" target="_blank">Ecoist</a> </li>
<li>The twister tank from eco-chic boutique <a href="http://www.carrotbananapeach.com/modal/ux034-twister-tank.html" target="_blank">Carrot Banana Peach</a> </li>
<li>Camino fair trade, certified organic <a href="http://www.lasiembra.com/camino/store/en/camino-chocolate-bars/organic-milk-chocolate-fair-trade-bunny.html" target="_blank">chocolate Easter bunnies</a></li>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5146249321139251259.post-26721887512221421232013-01-30T06:48:00.000-05:002013-04-03T11:54:56.597-04:00What's the Difference Between Natural and Organic?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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"All natural"<br />
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"Eco-friendly"<br />
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"made from sustainable resources"<br />
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"locally produced" <br />
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Have you ever wondered exactly what these catch phrases mean? Unfortunately sometimes these are just that, catch phrases and marketing tools to confuse health conscious consumers with pure intentions.<br />
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You can read my post about green washing techniques <a href="http://shanghaimonkey.blogspot.in/2009/05/organic-tip-3-buyer-beware-of-sneaks.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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The <a href="http://shanghaimonkey.blogspot.in/2009/07/logo-lingo.html" target="_blank">Canada Organic logo</a> was designed to help clear up some of this confusion. When you see the logo below you can be sure that the product is certified organic using Canadian standards. That means no artificial pesticides or fertilizers and no genetic modifications.<br />
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Here's a quick summary from a <a href="http://www.organicweek.ca/images/GlobeInsert2012.pdf" target="_blank">recent article</a> in the Globe and Mail: <br />
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<a href="http://www.organicweek.ca/images/GlobeInsert2012.pdf" target="_blank">Photo Source</a></div>
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If you are still in doubt use this handy organic check list made by the <a href="http://www.ota.com/otacanada.html" target="_blank">Canadian Organic Trade Association</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.organicweek.ca/images/multimedia/checklist.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.organicweek.ca/images/multimedia/checklist.png" width="308" /></a></div>
I know, I know, now you're probably thinking "hey what about my favourite booth at the local farmer's market? There's no logo on their apples, should I abandon them and go to Wal-Mart instead?" (Yes, there are certified organic products in Wal-Mart and many other chain stores).<br />
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Generally I would recommend, no logo, no buying (referring to the Canada Organic logo of course). However there are some exceptions. If you can talk directly to the producers and can be assured of how their products are grown and prepared, then certification may seem unnecessary. In fact there are lots of smaller farms that are growing organic food that could meet certification standards, but they cannot afford to officially certify. <br />
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The Canada Organic logo is a result of the increasing distance between consumers and the producers of their food. When I'm in the grocery store buying an apple I only have the tiny produce sticker to tell me where this apple has come from. I have no information regarding it's treatment, growth or conditions of transportation to the store. Basically I am uninformed. The Canada Organic logo, on the other hand, provides a wealth of information about the food it is found on, allowing consumers to make informed choices on the food they purchase and eat. <br />
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So keep on hunting for that little red, green and white logo ...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhThgXvwMA9P-n07kXzFM6DUdSFFsOsEOKhBf5Cukc8Uafti9jPpUKYeVdsPOnvfALGA4rR-SnEaXK5dhD0pNeLBuL2lhLBohcpSjZwjcwk4mTIzvI2RCaZDrLy5qiH8Wvd8B8yLpvzBEc/s1600/1LMPs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="45" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhThgXvwMA9P-n07kXzFM6DUdSFFsOsEOKhBf5Cukc8Uafti9jPpUKYeVdsPOnvfALGA4rR-SnEaXK5dhD0pNeLBuL2lhLBohcpSjZwjcwk4mTIzvI2RCaZDrLy5qiH8Wvd8B8yLpvzBEc/s320/1LMPs.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5146249321139251259.post-65741362534682113702013-01-23T06:34:00.000-05:002013-01-23T06:34:00.438-05:005 Ways To REALLY RECYCLE Your Yoga Mat<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Here in India it's custom to take off your shoes when inside, so I spend a lot of time without shoes. Yesterday while barefoot I almost got into a rickshaw because I am so used to not having any shoes. While I love not being attached to shoes or sandals, it does make my feet more dirty. No matter how many time I rinse my feet throughout the day, it seems like just a few minutes later they are dirty again.<br />
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So when I step onto my yoga mat ... guess what? My mat ends up dirty as well especially at the very front and back from repeated surya namaskars. The yoga place where I'm staying goes through this clean - dirty yoga mat cycle very quickly. I began to brainstorm some ways the mats could be reused or upcycled. <br />
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When I looked around on the internet I found lots of DIYs and crafts for recycling yoga mats, but a lot of them seemed inappropriate for a thoroughly <i>loved and down and dirty</i> mat. In fact some of these DIY projects appeared to be only for brand new mats. For instance one "recycling" idea was to cut the mat and use it to line kitchen cupboards to rest underneath glasses and plates. Hmmm ...<br />
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I definitely won't be doing that with any of the old mats that are seen around here. So what should we do with those? Toss them in the landfill? I hope not. Instead here are some ideas:<br />
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<a href="http://www.namastilo.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/yogahowto_confettiyogamat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://www.namastilo.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/yogahowto_confettiyogamat.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Make Confetti (use the edges and corners that are not damaged)</div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.namastilo.com/how-to-make-confetti-from-a-yoga-mat/" target="_blank">Namastilo</a> </div>
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<a href="http://www.namastilo.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/jaropener_cutout_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://www.namastilo.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/jaropener_cutout_.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Cut out shapes for kids' yoga (endless imagination here)</div>
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Photo Source: <a href="http://www.namastilo.com/yoga-how-to-make-a-jar-opener-from-a-yoga-mat/" target="_blank">Namastilo</a></div>
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<a href="http://files.myopera.com/igorywolf/blog/yoga-mat-and-dog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://files.myopera.com/igorywolf/blog/yoga-mat-and-dog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Use under a blanket fora dog/cat bed</div>
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<a href="http://my.opera.com/igorywolf/blog/" target="_blank">Photo source</a></div>
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<a href="http://static.brit.co.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/kneepads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://static.brit.co.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/kneepads.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Gardening knee pads (maybe 2-3 layers glued together)</div>
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Source: <a href="http://www.brit.co/20-creative-ways-to-repurpose-old-yoga-mats/" target="_blank">Brit + Co.</a></div>
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Here's a great idea for those really grudgy mats. Cover up the grudge!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QsVZ3zrIfY4/UPf8-Nuy3-I/AAAAAAAABnY/EP1jm2qX7JE/s1600/DSC00941-002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QsVZ3zrIfY4/UPf8-Nuy3-I/AAAAAAAABnY/EP1jm2qX7JE/s400/DSC00941-002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Source: <a href="http://craftytimes.blogspot.in/2012/03/tuesdays-crafty-adventure-diy.html" target="_blank">Let's Get Crafty</a></div>
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(The author here suggests still using it as a yoga mat, but I think it would be too slippery. Instead cut to size and use as a door mat. Try using different mediums to glue to the old mat.)</div>
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What do you do with your old yoga mats?? <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhThgXvwMA9P-n07kXzFM6DUdSFFsOsEOKhBf5Cukc8Uafti9jPpUKYeVdsPOnvfALGA4rR-SnEaXK5dhD0pNeLBuL2lhLBohcpSjZwjcwk4mTIzvI2RCaZDrLy5qiH8Wvd8B8yLpvzBEc/s1600/1LMPs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="45" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhThgXvwMA9P-n07kXzFM6DUdSFFsOsEOKhBf5Cukc8Uafti9jPpUKYeVdsPOnvfALGA4rR-SnEaXK5dhD0pNeLBuL2lhLBohcpSjZwjcwk4mTIzvI2RCaZDrLy5qiH8Wvd8B8yLpvzBEc/s320/1LMPs.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5146249321139251259.post-73653152877711489582013-01-14T08:48:00.000-05:002013-01-14T08:48:28.817-05:00Raw Vegan Lunch & Dinner Ideas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I know it's been a million years since my last post, but I just couldn't resist posting <a href="http://shanghaimonkey.blogspot.in/2012/02/5-raw-vegan-recipes-to-try-when-im-back.html" target="_blank">another list</a> of raw vegan dishes to make once I return "home". Yep, <a href="http://shanghaimonkey.blogspot.in/2011/08/lost-photos-from-india.html" target="_blank">I'm still in India</a> ... my home away from <i>home</i>.<br />
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<a href="http://kriscarr.com/wp-content/uploads/Raw-Sesame-Noodles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://kriscarr.com/wp-content/uploads/Raw-Sesame-Noodles.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://kriscarr.com/recipe/sesame-noodles/" target="_blank">Raw Sesame Noodles</a> from <a href="http://kriscarr.com/">KrisCarr.com</a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DW_8S3dnM7g/ULwRFMRwvaI/AAAAAAAAqLw/0ycgBLtgK4Q/s700/christmas-tree-salad%252019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DW_8S3dnM7g/ULwRFMRwvaI/AAAAAAAAqLw/0ycgBLtgK4Q/s400/christmas-tree-salad%252019.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://kblog.lunchboxbunch.com/2012/12/christmas-tree-salad-pomegranate-pecans.html" target="_blank">Christmas Tree Salad</a> by <a href="http://kblog.lunchboxbunch.com/" target="_blank">Healthy. Happy. Life.</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKovv0cF8Op5l78sNli3GwL88dN2mP43zh-mScQj2oUNuoC5FKXluq0OLJUTKoSM7rFz6xdfyHacI13ZsHpkccls2XN5wYvYvCILIDd5TAyo5hPHDPfiQewp4cG6NVR51PgBmPV5YbYTA/s1600/raw+food+lavender+cakes+Better+Raw.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKovv0cF8Op5l78sNli3GwL88dN2mP43zh-mScQj2oUNuoC5FKXluq0OLJUTKoSM7rFz6xdfyHacI13ZsHpkccls2XN5wYvYvCILIDd5TAyo5hPHDPfiQewp4cG6NVR51PgBmPV5YbYTA/s400/raw+food+lavender+cakes+Better+Raw.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.betterraw.com/2012/08/lavender-creme-de-cashew-cakes.html" target="_blank">Lavendar Creme de Cashew Cakes</a> by <a href="http://www.betterraw.com/" target="_blank">better raw</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbHtif777lE45DnBhg47pvJ-2aSZjyAAZtUqAJ0D__UbtJcYbIFiosiAhGg2VZNvKSLWc3RMMPsUoTru-nug1g9FVPbyW5sWstpw6rNeKrnpvUDiGbWWJfTI1RXZx7AaF2FqhllYNTZyI/s640/Lime+Chipotle+Avos+raw+food+recipe+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbHtif777lE45DnBhg47pvJ-2aSZjyAAZtUqAJ0D__UbtJcYbIFiosiAhGg2VZNvKSLWc3RMMPsUoTru-nug1g9FVPbyW5sWstpw6rNeKrnpvUDiGbWWJfTI1RXZx7AaF2FqhllYNTZyI/s400/Lime+Chipotle+Avos+raw+food+recipe+1.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://rawon10.blogspot.in/2012/11/lime-chipotle-avocados-raw-food-recipe.html" target="_blank">Lime Chipotle Avocados</a> by <a href="http://rawon10.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Raw on $10 a Day (or Less!)</a></div>
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<a href="http://static-vegetariantimes.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/Salad_wBerry_MED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="http://static-vegetariantimes.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/Salad_wBerry_MED.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/blackberry-jicama-and-apple-salad/" target="_blank">Blackberry, Jicama & Apple</a> salad from <a href="http://www.vegetariantimes.com/" target="_blank">Vegetarian Times</a> </div>
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<a href="http://www.organicempire.com.au/webfiles/recipe/Raw%20Zucchini,%20Carrot%20&%20Cashew%20Salad%20Rolls" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.organicempire.com.au/webfiles/recipe/Raw%20Zucchini,%20Carrot%20&%20Cashew%20Salad%20Rolls" width="296" /> </a></div>
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<a href="http://www.organicempire.com.au/recipes/117/" target="_blank">Salad Rolls with Cashew Sour "Cream"</a> by <a href="http://www.organicempire.com/" target="_blank">Organic Empire </a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVpuK4a-FmmiEqSdgGuhVAU4wfap2_wU-kzSsv6d6Fui3yTwgprs8KThPEJy_aWPFQiwgW0yugP533ZGG31SbFu2HrLyGdAxjrpD5Yv_Q7Y3pqB8b_5sKFWZo-dnkfI2VK6jnGBLeLeFF/s1600/juice2-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVpuK4a-FmmiEqSdgGuhVAU4wfap2_wU-kzSsv6d6Fui3yTwgprs8KThPEJy_aWPFQiwgW0yugP533ZGG31SbFu2HrLyGdAxjrpD5Yv_Q7Y3pqB8b_5sKFWZo-dnkfI2VK6jnGBLeLeFF/s400/juice2-7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.fortheloveoffoodblog.com/2011/07/fresh-cantaloupe-beet-juice.html" target="_blank">Fresh Cantaloupe & Beet Juice</a> from <a href="http://www.fortheloveoffoodblog.com/" target="_blank">For the Love of Food</a></div>
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I guess I will just have to drool over these photos until I get back to Canada in March. </div>
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If anyone is still out there, thanks for reading!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhThgXvwMA9P-n07kXzFM6DUdSFFsOsEOKhBf5Cukc8Uafti9jPpUKYeVdsPOnvfALGA4rR-SnEaXK5dhD0pNeLBuL2lhLBohcpSjZwjcwk4mTIzvI2RCaZDrLy5qiH8Wvd8B8yLpvzBEc/s1600/1LMPs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="45" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhThgXvwMA9P-n07kXzFM6DUdSFFsOsEOKhBf5Cukc8Uafti9jPpUKYeVdsPOnvfALGA4rR-SnEaXK5dhD0pNeLBuL2lhLBohcpSjZwjcwk4mTIzvI2RCaZDrLy5qiH8Wvd8B8yLpvzBEc/s320/1LMPs.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5146249321139251259.post-50501921392521947332012-07-11T08:18:00.000-04:002013-11-11T15:12:34.954-05:00Triple Berry Raw Vegan Ice Cream<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HcfLSKaJ3Fo/UoE4hgOIu2I/AAAAAAAACFI/AqwT0y0cpzc/s1600/DSC02921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HcfLSKaJ3Fo/UoE4hgOIu2I/AAAAAAAACFI/AqwT0y0cpzc/s400/DSC02921.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This simple raw vegan <a href="http://shanghaimonkey.blogspot.ca/2010/06/sattvic-food-yogic-way-of-eating.html" target="_blank">sattvic</a> ice "cream" is a triple berry, triple step process.<br />
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Step One:<br />
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Freeze 1 banana + a handful each of 3 different berries (I used strawberries, raspberries & blackberries) <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OpWGVgYHlkU/T98swx3AWaI/AAAAAAAABjs/wkkKDRzJpcI/s1600/tripleberries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" rca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OpWGVgYHlkU/T98swx3AWaI/AAAAAAAABjs/wkkKDRzJpcI/s400/tripleberries.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Step Two:<br />
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Once frozen, blend everything together in a food processor until it resembles soft serve ice cream. </div>
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Step Three:<br />
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<b><i>Consume!</i></b><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QPu1LvPovfY/UoE5E9NxSjI/AAAAAAAACFQ/SeFTtIJUGJs/s1600/DSC02912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QPu1LvPovfY/UoE5E9NxSjI/AAAAAAAACFQ/SeFTtIJUGJs/s400/DSC02912.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K87VsGXxq5Q/T98rpYNWSuI/AAAAAAAABjk/XHFvbT-DpV4/s1600/1LMPs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="44" rca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K87VsGXxq5Q/T98rpYNWSuI/AAAAAAAABjk/XHFvbT-DpV4/s320/1LMPs.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5146249321139251259.post-46520752369073061502012-06-27T08:30:00.000-04:002012-06-27T10:40:45.614-04:00Sitali For a HOT Summer's Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h7QhESTaAwM/T9dy_igCyhI/AAAAAAAABi8/CrCwc9fhXRg/s1600/sitali.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h7QhESTaAwM/T9dy_igCyhI/AAAAAAAABi8/CrCwc9fhXRg/s400/sitali.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here's an easy breathing exercise to cool you off during the next <b>summer heat wave</b>.<br />
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Sitali is one of many breathing exercises commonly practiced either before or after yoga asana (postures). These exercises are called <a href="http://shanghaimonkey.blogspot.ca/p/yoga.html" target="_blank">pranayama</a>. A Sanskrit word, pranayama literally means restraints of the breath. <i>Prana</i> is the vital life force that exists in everything. In this case it's referring to the most gross form, which is the breath. <i>Yama</i> means to restrain or control. Thus pranayama literally means to control the breath. When the breath is controlled and calm the body will follow and eventually the mind. If you practice pranayama regularly you will notice that everything else seems to melt away when you are focused on your breath. The mind becomes one-pointed.<br />
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To practice sitali, first sit in a comfortable position, preferably cross legged. If your knees are higher than your hips you may require a meditation cushion or a folded blanket under your bum to take the pressure off your knees.<br />
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Take a few deep abdominal breaths, both inhaling and exhaling through the nose. When you inhale your abdomen will expand with the air filling your lungs. Then as you gently exhale relax your abdomen.<br />
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Now open your mouth and stick out your tongue, curl your tongue as in the picture above. If you cannot curl it like the picture, just do your best and curl the edges as much as you can with the tongue sticking out of the mouth. Now inhale deeply sucking the air in through your curled tongue. When you have finished inhaling comfortably, bring your tongue back in and close your mouth and exhale through the nose. Again stick out the tongue and inhale. Then exhale through the nose (with the mouth closed). Continue inhaling and exhaling this way for several rounds. You can practice making the inhale and exhale smooth and rhythmic by counting to 4. Inhale for 4 counts, then exhale for 4 counts. <i><b>Now you're doing sitali!</b></i><br />
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Sitali not only cools you down, but also purifies the blood and quenches thirst. It's also safe to practice sitali at home without the guidance of a teacher. <br />
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Happy Summer Everyone!<br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5146249321139251259.post-63145535310884895592012-06-20T07:23:00.000-04:002012-06-20T07:23:00.804-04:00Rhubarb Blackberry Raw Margaritas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Celebrate summer with<strong> frozen margaritas</strong>! <br />
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Simple to make, raw and vegan. These ones are virgin, but you can add some booze if that's your style.<br />
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<em>Meltin' in the hot summer sun</em></div>
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Here's what I did:<br />
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<li>15-20 stalks of fresh rhubarb, juiced in a juice extractor then frozen in an ice cube tray</li>
<li>1 cup blackberries, frozen</li>
<li>raw vegan sweetener, to taste</li>
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Mix everything in a blender until well combined.<br />
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It's a little labour-intensive to haul out the juice extractor for the rhubarb, but I thought it was well worth it. Besides I didn't want to do the same old boring strawberry rhubarb tart. I really wanted to try something different. <br />
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I hope you enjoy!<br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0