*recipe testing* The Urban Vegan: 250 Street-Smart, Animal-Free Recipes (32-35)

TUSCAN BRAISED BEANS












COCONUT-LIME BARS















LUNCH MUFFINS

Some of my new favorite things...

A place I love to get lost is Creative Kismet. I always see the cutest handmade things and am flooded with clever ideas to inspire me.

I love how Regina recycled vintage neckties to make this lovely flower brooch Olivia is modeling. Thank you for the gift! :)






Woot! I won a contest at VegDining, and the prize was a bracelet of my choice from Snooty Jewelry! Thank you! :)

I loved my new bling bracelet even more when I found out this company's mantra is to promote compassion for animals, people, and the environment. This is a company worth promoting, so go and get yourself some bling!



I was thrilled to receive a copy of Amey's annual cartoony vegan cookbooklet again this year! Such a clever way to share vegan recipes & captivating cartoons. Thank you, Amey! :)

You'll want to check out more of Amey's artistic talent here.






Another favorite Christmas gift was from my friend, Wendy. His and her matching LifeLine Green water bottles. After bummin' water off Wendy at playdates for so long, we now can rehydrate ourselves in style. The lovely background is my new fashionable shopping bag the bottles came in.

Thanks, Wendy! You know exactly what I like. :)


With so many reasons to be thankful, I wanted a new way to show it. Handmade cards adapted from Family Fun Magazine.

PHOTO HOUSE CARD

Supplies: heavyweight white paper, markers and/or crayons, photographs, craft glue, scissors




If you'll be mailing this card, make sure it will fit into an oversized envelope without folding.

Draw and color a house, including a window for each family member. Cut out the window, and place photos behind, taping in place. Glue another piece of paper to the back to cover the photos and on which to write your message.




I made 6 different houses which we sent out, but not before going to Kinko's for extra color copies to have on hand as personal stationary.

The whole family had fun picking photos and coloring. They didn't take much time to make, and now I'm thinking of the possibilities -- Christmas cards, invitations, birthdays, etc.

*recipe testing* The Urban Vegan: 250 Street-Smart, Animal-Free Recipes (26-31)

CHOCOLATE-CHIPOTLE CHILI













CREAMY CILANTRO-LIME SAUCE















SWEET FRENCH TERRINE













MOROCCAN MILLET TIMBALES
















LEMON-SCENTED CARROTS WITH CAPERS AND CORIANDER










VIETNAMESE-INSPIRED TAPIOCA PUDDING