Coconut Secret introduces Coconut Aminos a raw seasoning sauce that is an excellent alternative to soy sauce.

Some of you are unable to use soy sauce for a variety of reasons. Perhaps you have an allergy or you take medication that forbids the use of soy. Could it be that you simply prefer not use anything that is soy-based? Are you like me wanting to try something new? About a month ago, I purchased Coconut Aminos, and it’s a great low glycemic substitute for soy sauce.

Coconut Aminos only contains coconut sap and sea salt.  Keep in mind that you will spend more money however, there are some advantages such as it’s: low sodium, gluten-free, 100% organic, dairy-free, vegan and it contains 17 amino acids.  Seems like this product has a lot of pluses right?  Yes, it does and the best thing of all is the taste.  I actually prefer the taste to soy sauce – it’s sweeter, lighter and milder without the sharp taste.  If you are a diabetic or you need to reduce your sodium intake and want a tasty sauce for marinades, sautés or seasoning, be sure to try this.

Kale is a real favorite of mine. If you like it as well then, you’re in for a treat. Vegetarian chef Cherie Soria has been teaching for over 35 years and states that one of her greatest accomplishments has been “saving the lives of countless innocent animals.”  Would you like to learn more about healthy raw foods?  Tomorrow, February 22nd @ 10pn Eastern, she will be teaching a free teleseminar titled, The Raw Food Revolution Diet on Global Teleclass.  Note that there are long distance charges; for time zone conversions, go to www.timeanddate.com.  Another option is to watch this video and learn about the 5 tastes and make this healthy recipe.

For the salad:

2 cups large kale leaves
1 1/4 cups whole head cabbage
1 large ripe tomato
1/2 cup currants
2 tablespoons whole red onion
1/2 red jalapeño chile, seed and minced or pinch of cayenne
Pinch of salt

For the dressing:

1 tablespoon light miso
2 teaspoons flaxseed oil
1 1/2 teaspoon agave nectar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon ground golden flaxseed
1 small clove garlic
Pinch powdered mustard

Even though Mardi Gras celebrations ended this past Tuesday, it is not too late to have some Mardi Gras fun. Chefs Mike C. and Olivier Said over at Kitchen on Fire put together this easy Vegan Rataouille. Laisser Le Bon Temp Rouler. The ingredients are:

1 or 2 cloves garlic
1 or 2 red bell peppers
1 or 2 zucchini
1 or 2 Japanese or Asian eggplant
2-3 tablespoons oregano
2-3 tablespoons thyme
2 bay leaves
1/4 cup black olives
1 pinch salt (or to taste)
1 pinch pepper (or to taste)

Getting ready to go out for a party or a night on the town…and you want to look great? Shue Uemura is a great makeup line. However, you want to use cosmetics suitable for vegetarians, right? Do you prefer natural cosmetics? Or are you gluten-free? Fortunately, you have this handy guide that makes things quick and simple. Click on photos or the links below. Here are the same looks as in the video but, vegetarian style.

For a look similar to the one worn by the first model, try these cosmetics. MyChelle Dermaceuticals is ” paraben-free, non-toxic, 100% natural, eco-friendly and cruelty-free.” It is also “free of phthalates, parabens, propylene glycol, ureas, EDTA, fragrances, encapsulated nano particles and artificial colors.” Vegans keep in mind that the matte, skin brightening cream foundation does contain beeswax. Ecobella eyeshadow in Earth or Deep Taupe is similar to the model’s look. Each eyeshadow is vegan and free of preservatives and gluten. Looking for a mascara that is free of heavy metals and parabens? Germany-based Lavera makes one that is vegan in black, blue and brown. Ecobella’s vegan face powder is free of gluten, parabens, talc and fragrance. It comes in four shades. Also from Ecobella, are mineral-based lipsticks in Sangria and Mauve Rose. If you decide to use another color, double check as some of the colors are not vegan. However, all FlowerColor lipsticks are free of parabens, petroleum, preservatives, fragrance, FD&C dyes and gluten.

Our next model has quite the glamorous look. Ecobella’s bronzing powder for sensitive skin is fragrance-free, vegan and available in two colors: Hibiscus and Sunflower. Susie Wang’s 100% Pure line makes an eyebrow gel powder that contains anti-oxidants and vitamins. It comes in two colors: Taupe and Brunette and is gluten-free, free of synthetic chemicals and vegan. Find this line on QVC. MyChelle makes eyeshadows (Blaze and Drama are similar to what the model is wearing) that are mineral-based and petroleum-free. Vegans again take note that beeswax is one of the ingredients. UK-based and affiliated with Lush Cosmetics, B Never Too Busy To Be Beautiful has eyelash extensions that come with vegan glue. Try EcoBella’s lip liner in Plum, Mauve and Terracotta. Mauve is the only lip liner color that isn’t vegan. Gluten-free, there are no FD&C dyes or preservatives contained in these lip liners. Suki skincare line makes a beautiful stain for lips and cheeks. Vermillion or Dahlia would be good choices here. Beeswax is also one of the ingredients. That is all for now. See how easy it is to put together these two looks with easy to find vegetarian cosmetics. Next week come back for two more looks.

February will focus on food and a few of the finer things in life. Why? With so many celebrations occurring this month, why not? Chocolate is definitely one of my guilty pleasures: Is it one for you too? If not, you may change your mind after this. Find out about the health benefits of dark chocolate with Mary Engler, a professor in the School of Nursing at the University of California San Francisco. Follow Timothy Childs of TCHO chocolates in San Francisco as he shares the process of making chocolate from the cacao fruit to the cocoa bean and finally to the finished product. Afterward, there are two delicious chocolate recipes for your enjoyment.

I used to love S’mores a child and remember making lots of them over the stove. S’mores are great with vegan marshmallows. Chocolate plus gingersnaps! Both treats are healthier with dark chocolate. Can’t wait to try them? Check out the recipes below.

The end of the month is here, and it’s time for some rest and relaxation. A facial and detox is a great way to unwind. You can go to your favorite spa or you stay at home. Take a few tips from Remede Spa in San Francisco. Next month I will return with more posts and ideas. Until then, relax and enjoy.

Still have a few last minute gifts to purchase for the season?  Will you be decorating a really nice box with a note inside that says, “Your gift is in the mail and on its way?”  Good.  You have come to the right post.  Find some eco-stylish gifts for vegetarian and green loved ones.  They will thank you for it!

The  Jadetribe collection of handbags and accessories is fair trade and made from recycled materials such as hemp, silk and cotton.  Vegans be on alert as many items contain leather in addition to silk.

Billy Kroft is an artist and carpenter who makes one-of-a-kind furniture and pieces from recycled wood.  Atomic garden sells many of his items.

Seattle-based Prairie Underground makes somewhat casual, distinct clothing for women and can be found at shops around the country and online at sites such as Beklina, Chicaktivist and Fashion Ethic.

Atomic Garden is based in Oakland, California and carries a wide variety of sustainable fashion and accessories. Vegans take note: some items contain animal materials like silk.

Nieves creates handmade natural body care.  Vegans should be fine.

Change your underwear with this fun organic, sustainable cotton line from Wearpact. The company donates 10% of all profits to worthy causes.

Noah stands for “No Animals Harmed.”  These stylish handbags are definitely a must for all vegetarians.  Some of the company profits are donated to the ASPCA.

Escama Studio makes sleek and truly stylish handbags (plus a necklace, brooch and a belt) from recycled aluminum tabs.  The bags are made by a group of artisans in Brazil.

The Joy of Soap is definitely vegan friendly.  Ingredients are derived from plant materials and vegetable oils; they are also organic and sustainable.

It’s Monday, and I could sure use a drink. What about you? Well you won’t be left out because there are not one, but two drinks – with a twist – on tap. One is alcoholic; one is not. You decide which you prefer. If you are like me, you will take both of them! The first drink contains Moscato, and it’s a little on the bubbly side. Moscato d’Asti G D Vajra, Moscato d’Asti Spumante, Moscati d’Asti Mario Torrelli and Makulu Moscato are all vegan. A vegan Muscadet such as Muscadet des Coteaux de la Loire and le Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine are some other choices. Drink number two is apple cider. Trader Joe’s makes an organic, vegan apple juice. Salud!

The National Anti-Vivisection Society campaigns to eliminate animal testing in product development, education and biomedical research.  The Oceanic Society is as well known for whale watching expeditions as it is for conservation.  Animal Legal Defense Fund educates future animal rights lawyers and defends animal rights in court.  Amazon Conservation Team focuses on the cultural aspects of conservation.  International Vegetarian Union is over 100 years old.  Founded in Dresden, Germany in 1908, it’s an international group dedicated to vegetarianism.  Charity Water brings drinking water to developing nations that is clean and safe.

American Forests protects our forests and plants trees – the site is worth visiting for the personal climate change calculator and the air quality calculator alone.  American Bird Conservancy protects wild birds and their habitats in the Americas. Project Blue is a cause with a plan to save and restore the world’s oceans.  African Wildlife Foundation has been around since 1961 and takes a unique approach to protecting and conserving the landscape and wildlife.  World Resources Institute is a think tank that uses practical means to balance human needs with environmental concerns.  Food Not Bombs serves vegan and vegetarian meals in over 1,000 cities worldwide.

Interested in making a more informed choice about which charity to choose?  Try Charity Navigator or  American Institute of Philanthropy.  Go to either of these sites to evaluate a number of causes.  Another fairly new site that supports the charity of your choice is social vibe.  It’s currently in beta and works as follows: choose from more than 20 charities; promote sponsors to your social media friends; earn points that result in money for your chosen cause.

There are vegetarians who go to food banks. Why not donate some vegan food items or money earmarked specifically for vegetarian meals?  Feeding America (formerly Second Harvest) could use your help.  Operation Blessings assists with a variety of programs including clean water, medical aid and hunger relief.

Short on money? Get together a group of friends, neighbors, etc. and each donate $2-$10 to the organization of your choice.

Really short on money? Volunteer some time (even if it’s two hours) at your favorite organization.

Really short on money and time? Make a techie contribution via sites that donate based on a daily visits to a page with a list of sponsors or puzzles and trivia games.  Some of my favorites are:  Greater Good, Help Thirst, Free Poverty and Free Kibble.

Rather than going to retailers, visit your favorite museum. You can also support them by taking out a membership or making a purchase at the gift shop. Many museums have one-of-a-kind, eco-friendly and fair trade items.

Some retailers have the option of making a donation to charities or even donating part of your purchase.

Purchase one special gift for you; buy one gift for someone special; make one donation to charity.

Most importantly, have a conscious and enjoyable holiday season!

What are your conscious shopping plans?

For this multifaceted, ambitious work, Maya Lin approaches her favorite subjects: science, nature and art with a high-tech, high-touch sensibility. Several plans are in the works for “What is Missing?” Lin has committed to the evolution of this work over time and place – sites will include: San Francisco, New York City, Beijing, Washington D.C. and cyberspace – until 2020. Media and installation projects incorporate: a recently completed sound cone sculpture in San Francisco, a billboard for Times Square, an expanded website, a traveling exhibit starting in Beijing, both a virtual and physical book, a sound sculpture, a projected light sculpture, limited edition glass castings of animals and a virtual online map – the greenprint. If only there could be more public art projects such as this.

The process and research for this memorial has taken place over several years. Working with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, National Geographic Society, ARKive among others, data, images and sounds of species, habitats and locations have been compiled to create this accessible yet complex public art project.

What are some of the themes explored? Certainly a sense of what is occurring and a true perspective on the resulting impact. As Dr. Gregory Farring, Director of the California Academy of Sciences states, these themes “… they encourage people to think about the world and their responsibility to it.” The Academy’s mission is to ask two basic questions: “Life – How did we get here?” and as part of the “challenge of sustainability – How are we going to find a way to stay?” Maya Lin explores biodiversity, habitat destruction, fragile and exploited ecosystems. Effective and current, ephemeral and timeless, ask yourself what is missing?