Hi Friends!
Just in case you still have some gifts to pick up for the people you love I thought I would put together a quick list of some of my favourite discoveries of the year.
Many of the items on this list can be purchased online in an instant!
1. Etsy – Nutritional Yeast Jar with a scoop
Etsy is a great place to pick out fantastic gifts. This is one of my favourite finds, seriously…it is just too awesome.
2. Graydon Products – The Green Cream
A local company, Graydon, makes the most wonderful natural products I’ve ever tried. I love the “salad for your skin” tagline and the intent behind the words – nourish your skin as you do the rest of your body and you’ll love the results.
3. Living Libations - Best Skin Ever
Also made locally, Living Libations has quite a fan-base in Toronto. At every healthy-living event there is always a crowd, at least four people deep, around their table. I started using their “best skin ever” oil this year and have never had so many compliments about my youthful glow.
This box arrived at my doorstep a few weeks ago. Opening it up to discover so many delicious snacks was such a treat. I plan to send boxes to friends who need a special surprise throughout the year. I will post a full review soon.
5. Sick on Sin clothing and pins.
Also Toronto-based, Sick on Sin is one of my favourite companies for their message wear. My fridge is covered in their magnets and I have buttons with their “veganisms” on all of my jackets. This year they created this “I ? kale” design which, of course, captured my heart. I have it on my keychain and on a black t-shirt!
6. 30 Day Vegan Challenge site
If you need a for a gift to share with a friend who is looking to make 2013 their best year yet, a subscription to Colleen’s new site could be the perfect choice. She has created an amazing online resource and community to support anyone looking to live a more compassionate life.
I love magazines. I love the pictures. I love the recipes. I love the ideas they inspire. VegNews is one of my favourites. If you still love to have each issue arrive in your mailbox you can subscribe for the traditional paper-based magazine but if you’re happy to consume your periodicals online -sign up for a Tree-Free subscription and flip through each beautiful issue with a click of a button.
It is pretty amazing what ingredients people are willing to slather on their lips. I prefer to keep the things that go on or in my mouth as natural as possible. The ingredient list on the Hurraw balm is impressive – but what really sold me on this product was how soft and supple it makes my lips feel. Hurraw is the best thing I’ve found to combat the cold Canadian winter wind.
9. Books
More than everything else, my favourite gift to receive is a great new book full of interesting ideas or reliable recipes. Here are some of my favourite releases from this year.
Tiny Treats!
I couldn’t help but include it. Nicole and I have been delighted by the rave reviews and we’re so close to raising enough money to feed 13 hungry elephants this year.
Mainstreet Vegan (review will be up soon)
I just adore Victoria Moran’s writing. Mainstreet Vegan is a wonderful introduction to veganism – the issues, the ethics and the intent behind the passion for compassion. It is a compelling read without anything too graphic. I would feel comfortable sharing this book with any of my friends or family members.
Let Them Eat Vegan (my review)
Well, if you read the review you’ll understand why this makes my list of favourites. Dreena Burton is a culinary genius. If you don’t already consult her before every major meal…start now and make 2013 your most delicious year yet.
Vegan Eats World (review and giveaway coming up soon)
I’m still exploring this tome – but my review will be up in the next week or so. Everything I’ve tried so far has been absolutely fantastic. Given Terry’s track record I have total confidence in this recommendation.
Crazy Sexy Kitchen (review will be up soon)
Chad Sarno and Kris Carr have created a beautiful book that really celebrates nourishing food. I have been playing with their recipes for a few weeks now and I’m feeling pretty fabulous!
If you know Allyson’s blog Manifest Vegan, then you don’t need me to tell you she’s phenomenal at creating the most delicious, vegan and gluten-free recipes. Her creations are inventive, playful and produce reliable results. I just made a batch of her “Turtles” to add to some holiday party trays and was absolutely blown away by how perfectly she recreated that festive favourite.
Chloe’s Kitchen is a great book to share with your non-vegan friends. Her recipes are very accessibly. They feature familiar ingredients but the results are unbelievable. She doesn’t shy away from bold flavour – making each meal you make from her book truly memorable.
Doug is a Toronto-based vegan chef who has created many vegetable lovers with his innovative recipes. Doug’s book offers a delicious introduction to raw food cuisine with 400 incredible recipes to tempt your taste buds.
Matthew Kenney’s Raw Chocolate is one of the books I used most this year. With weddings, parties and treat of the month packages to cater, I used his recipes as a constant source of inspiration.
10. Meals.
Finally, I just have to say, I think finding time to sit down with the people you love around a table to share a healthful, nourishing meal is a pretty great gift. I know Homer Simpson says “You can’t win friends with salad”, but this Lisa knows he’s wrong. Thanks to so many wonderful bloggers my 2012 was full of fantastic meals inspired by friends.
This Millet and Pumpkin Winter Salad from Green Kitchen Stories was one of my favourite finds this year. I plan to share it with as many people as possible this season. Put some pomegranate in your salad and I promise your friends will ask for seconds.
I hope that for all of you the last two weeks of 2012 are full of joy, love and friendship: the greatest gifts of all.
xo
