♥ Sweet and Vegan ♥

I had the pleasure of working with Hayley Marie Norman last week! She's such a genuine sweetheart and guess what?!? She's Vegan and passionate about it!!! Check out her blog Hips Lips and Fingertips and follow her on Twitter! You'll recognize her adorable smile from Deal Or No Deal. She's this year's Lady Hennessy and she's in the new movie Our Family Wedding with Forest Whitaker, Carlos Mencia, and America Ferrera!

Discover Quinoa!

QUINOA, pronounced Keen-Wah, is a power-packed Super Food used by the ancient Incas.  It was considered the "Mother Grain" by the indigenous people.  Quinoa is actually a seed closely related to the sugarbeet and spinach.

Quinoa remains a staple in South American cuisine among the descendants of the Incas throughout Peru, Bolivia, and Chile because of it's high protein content. It contains more protein than most other grains, and the great news is: It's super easy to prepare!

Quinoa is appropriate for starter-Vegans because it contains all essential amino acids which our bodies use as building blocks for muscles and highly complex processes throughout our bodies.

Using Quinoa in dishes is so easy because you can just rinse, place in a rice cooker and let it cook. It cooks super fast, so if you ever have last minute guests arrive, you can whip up an awesome stir-fry dish using quinoa in 15-20 minutes!

Key Words I use when describing Quinoa: VERSATILE, PROTEIN-PACKED, NUTRITIOUS, FUN TO EAT! Below are some recipe ideas.

HOW TO COOK: Rinse First!
1. Rice Cooker: treat Quinoa like rice. 2 parts Water to 1 part Quinoa.
2. Stove Top: 1:2 Quinoa to Water, bring to boil. Reduce heat, simmer, and cover for 10 - 15 minutes. When cooked, you will see the germ ring pop on the grain.

ASIAN:
1. Quinoa goes great in stir-fry dishes! Just chop up some Veggies, sauté with Earth Balance Vegan Butter or Canola Oil; add Mushrooms like Shiitakes; bean sprouts; Tamari Soy Sauce. Serve over Quinoa.
2. Fried-Quinoa: Fry the cooked Quinoa with Earth Balance Vegan Butter, add Tamari, Salt and Pepper to taste and cook until golden and yummy. Add finely minced veggies and/or Tofu and serve as a side dish!

LATIN:
Use Quinoa instead of Rice in your favorite dishes!
1. Spanish Quinoa
2. Paella con Quinoa

3. Veggie Albondigas soup made using Quinoa

ITALIAN:
Use Quinoa instead of Pasta:
1. Veggie Meatballs with Marinara sauce over Quinoa Pilaf
2. Portabello Zucchini Quinoa Cakes
3. Stuffed Mushrooms with Vegan Sausages and Quinoa

BURGERS:
Add Quinoa to your Brown Rice from-scratch Veggie Burgers for some extra protein!

DESSERTS:
Cook Quinoa until almost fully cooked, then remove from the rice cooker and add to breads, cakes, cupcakes, cookies, pancakes, or muffins before baking!

Lastly, I recommend cooking Quinoa with no salt or seasonings if you are making a large batch for several dishes.  The reason for this is that you can use it in a savory dish as a substitute for rice, and you can also add it to sweetened baked goods.  Simply prepare it in advance and place in a reusable container in the refrigerator or freezer.

Enjoy! -K

Finding Peace

Life unfolds with unexpected twists, surprises, victories and failures. Throughout my adventures, I've found renewed inspiration and strength from ancient wisdom.
Not religious figures, not religious texts. But truly spiritual wisdom which flowed through clear, unaffected minds. Minds not preoccupied with the material world and gaining power, not trying to get attention or fame, not trying to rule others or obtain monetary gain. I have transcended the need for religion to guide my mind through materialistic greed.
In Buddha's wisdom I've found myself able to let go of conventional power struggles and control dramas which individuals use in order to control the flow of energy in interpersonal relationships. Buddha's wisdom has helped me feel closer to nirvana; to ultimate peace within. Here is a collection of Buddhist quotes & thoughts which have helped me overcome obstacles and self-doubt. I see all human beings as beautiful individuals each on their own plane and level of spiritual development. Clear your mind and allow these empowering quotes to inspire you! Peace always!

“We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.”

“All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think we become."

“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.”

“Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.”

“You will not be punished for your anger, you will be punished by your anger.”

“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”

“Three things cannot be long hidden: the sun, the moon, and the truth.”

“Those who are free of resentful thoughts surely find peace.”

"To understand everything is to forgive everything”

"The only real failure in life is not to be true to the best one knows.”

“You cannot travel the path until you have become the path itself”

“An idea that is developed and put into action is more important than an idea that exists only as an idea.”

“When you realize how perfect everything is you will tilt your head back and laugh at the sky”

“However many holy words you read,However many you speak,What good will they do you If you do not act on upon them?”

“A jug fills drop by drop.”

“The tongue like a sharp knife... Kills without drawing blood.”

“Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.”

“Even death is not to be feared by one who has lived wisely.”

“A dog is not considered a good dog because he is a good barker. A man is not considered a good man because he is a good talker.”

“There is nothing more dreadful than the habit of doubt. Doubt separates people. It is a poison that disintegrates friendships and breaks up pleasant relations. It is a thorn that irritates and hurts; it is a sword that kills.”

“The way is not in the sky. The way is in the heart.”

“Have compassion for all beings, rich and poor alike; each has their suffering. Some suffer too much, others too little.”

“Teach this triple truth to all: A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew humanity.”

“The whole secret of existence is to have no fear. Never fear what will become of you, depend on no one. Only the moment you reject all help are you freed.”

“No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path.”

“The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly.”

“Your work is to discover your work and then with all your heart to give yourself to it.”

“Work out your own salvation. Do not depend on others.”

“Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books. Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders. Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations. But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it.”

“Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace.”

“To keep the body in good health is a duty...otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.”

“Hatred does not cease through hatred at any time. Hatred ceases through love. This is an unalterable law.”

“Whatever words we utter should be chosen with care for people will hear them and be influenced by them for good or ill.”



Peace. Joy. Happiness. Wisdom.
♥K

Be my Eco-Savvy Valentine in 2010!

It started shortly after New Year's--the transformation of our shops, grocery stores, malls, and superstores from Wintery White to Valentine's Day Red! The day to shower affection on our loved ones and friends is fast approaching. Love is in the air! This Valentine's Day, there is a way for all of us to show a little kindness and show our children that we can be a part of something bigger. Kids love to feel important and allowing them to help others is one way to boost their self-confidence.

Each year, millions of parents sift through hundreds of lovely red and pink boxes of Valentine's Day cards at their local superstores for their children to pass out to their classmates and friends. This year, make a more socially responsible choice! Save the Children is offering a set of Valentine's Day cards designed by kids. Your donation will directly help impoverished children in the United States and support Save the Children's efforts to provide programs focused on early childhood education, literacy, physical activity, and nutrition!

http://www.savethechildren.org/get-involved/valentines-day-2010/

Los Angeles Go Green Expo

Karinna at the Los Angeles Convention Center for the Go Green Expo January 24th, 2010

**Go Green!** It's the statement of the millenium, born with Gen X, and leaping to the next level with Gen Y. Last weekend, I attended the Go Green Expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center--the first convention center in the U.S. to be awarded LEED Green Building Certification for existing buildings by the USGBC. The South Hall was filled with businesses dedicated to social, global, and environmental responsibility displaying their products and services. From eco-bags, to eco-bottles, to eco-friendly food and drink, to candles that melt down to lotion, to vegan cooking classes, and that was only in the first aisle! There were sections dedicated to Pets, Solar Panels, Clothing, Automobiles, and Wind power. I even had the pleasure of seeing Mariel Hemingway speak to us about the connection between Self and environment and all of her experiences finding her true mission in life. It was a memorable experience for a "green-savvy" girl like me.

I enjoyed some Vegan Kabobs from One World Veggie West Covina and discovered an amazing Eco-Water Bottle with built in filter; then tasted some treats from Blue Hen Vietnamese in Eagle Rock and met the founder/creator of Vapur Water, David Czerwinski.

**************************************************

Of all the products I saw at the Go Green Expo, I have found my new Green-Eco Bags the most useful. I was fortunate to meet the owner and founder of Green-Eco Products, Nan Zinn. In my green-mission, one of my goals is to reach the average person and help them see how even small changes in our everyday lives can make a positive global impact if we all dedicate ourselves to eco-responsibility! By using products like Green-Eco bags in our everyday life, we are making a statement and eventually making a huge positive impact on our climate change crisis. Be a responsible citizen of the earth--it's easy, rewarding, and Eco-Stylish!

These eco-bags are made of a high quality fiber called Jute. Jute is second only to cotton in global consumption, usage, production, and availability! I have used my new bags several times and they are very durable and hold the heaviest grocieries. I would have used at least 5 plastic bags on this amount of groceries! Imagine if we all took this issue more seriously. In addition to durability, these Green-Eco Bags are naturally 100% biodegradable and recyclable, making them environmentally friendly. For more information on the bags, please visit http://www.green-ecoproducts.com/.

If you missed the West Coast Go Green Expo, the next stop is New York City in March! http://www.gogreenexpo.com/

Vive Verde! Live Green!

Delphine Eatery & Bar Opens Tonight!

Innovative Dining Group's Newest Hollywood Hotspot debuts to the public tonight, January 28th, 2010! I was fortunate to have a sneak peak dinner last Monday with an exclusive tour of the restaurant and it's two lounges: Station Hollywood and The Living Room by Tom Cardenas, Vice President of IDG! Located within the luxurious W Hotel Hollywood, set to open tonight, Delphine is an elegant yet breezy and refreshing retreat sure to transport you to the French Riviera with it's Mediterranean cuisine and classy ambiance. Not your typical Brasserie--this is a world-class experience!

I recommend making reservations weeks in advance! Call (323) 798-1355

Please read my review below or at CitySearch, Yelp, or UrbanSpoon!

**I typically take my meat-lover friends out to dine with me so that we may get the full gourmet experience; and so my readers will see that although these talented Chefs take pride in "Veganizing" dishes for me, you can enjoy their meat or seafood traditional specialties as well!**

{Photo Courtesy: www.RestaurantDelphine.com}



Travel to the French Riviera...in the heart of Hollywood!

The brand new W Hollywood is home to the hottest new restaurant in Southern California: Delphine Eatery & Bar. It is reminiscent of a Brasserie in the South of France. Driving up on Hollywood Blvd, you can't miss the red W at the top of the Hotel. Valet and enter through the W Hotel, or you can enter the restaurant from Hollywood Blvd: you'll find a great bar on your left with frosted glass windows behind it and a host stand on your right staffed by gorgeous ladies smiling and happy to answer any questions you may have.

There are a few tables in the bar area which would be great for stopping in for breakfast or lunch or even a nice cocktail in the evening. Further ahead is the dining room at a slightly lower level. As you enter the dining room, you'll notice a wall size mirror on your left on which the specials of the day will be written!

Massive framed mirrors and huge canvas photographs of the French Riviera line the walls. The tables are spacious, booths are comfortable--every seat has a great view of the open floor plan.

There will be a Delphine patio outside as well! The flooring is quite unique, very chic, very French, light blue and bone white intricate design. The overall ambiance is very elegant and refined, yet relaxed and soothing!

Executive Chef Sascha Lyon (of NY's Michelin three-star Daniel, Balthazar and Pastis) has put together an amazing dinner menu and also serves Breakfast and Lunch. The restaurant opens at 6:30 a.m. and stays open late.

Proving once again that even Vegetarians and Vegans can fully enjoy gourmet restaurants, I ordered the Marinated Olives and Peppers, Rapini, Eggplant, and Tomato. The Rapini dish was absolutely delicious. Sweet peppers, spicy rapini, savory eggplant: taste buds were in heaven!
My date had the Caesar salad with Bacon for starters and said it was sensational!

We were able to order champagne and wines by the glass -- Delphine boasts a spectacular wine list!

My server, Nick (awesome), informed me that the chef would combine two menu items to suit my vegan palate: The Penne Puttanesca (w/ tomato olives and garlic) with the Mushroom Ravioli base (Butternut squash, hazelnuts and olive oil instead of the sage brown butter). The penne was cooked perfectly! Creaminess of the Butternut squash, crunchiness of the Hazelnuts and the meaty Mushrooms were a pleasing combination!
My friend ordered the Striped Bass Aigo Bouido (crispy layer, and tender meat, outstanding sauce). I will return again soon and try the Escalavida Pizza!! The grand opening will be on January 28th, I recommend calling ahead for reservations!!

The overall experience was exceptional! After dinner we walked over to the Living Room in the lobby of the W Hotel...stunning! Tall Ceilings, huge spiral staircase, gorgeous chandelier, couches and pillows make you feel like you are at home...a chic, fun lounge sure to be a big hit for star-studded Hollywood parties!

Congratulations Innovative Dining Group on another huge success!