Here’s a list of the top five questions to ask your furniture company to see if their oak furniture is indeed what it seems:

1. Is the sustainable wood furniture made of all natural solid wood? Are any components of the furniture made with veneers? quality wood furniture will last, often for years, whereas cheaper board furniture will likely be out on the pavement in five years or less.
2. Where did the wood in my furniture originate? Was it grown in a renewably managed forest, or was it harvested perhaps illegally in third world countries where the World’s rainforests are quickly disappearing? Local woods that tend to be sustainably harvested include cherry, maple, oak and walnut. If you’re looking at furniture made out of tropical and/or exotic woods, like mahogany, teak or rosewood however, chances are quite good that they were illegally harvested from endangered rainforest habitats and imported with faked documentation. Check with the furniture seller they know where the wood originate from and whether or not it is certified as being sustainably harvested.
3. Is the furniture free of damaging chemicals, dyes, stains, glues, formaldehydes, finishes and resins? This is not only an indoor air health issue, but an environmental problem as well. Look for natural solid wood furniture, with natural, non-toxic finishes and adhesives that do not off-gas. At a minimum smell your furniture before buying it!
4. Where is the furniture manufactured? Responsibly made furniture is built to higher standards than most imports which are produced cheaply in sweatshops in Vietnam. And since you are closer to local manufacturers, you have a much better chance of getting them to resolve any potential problems if they arise later on.
5. Is the furniture backed by a lifetime guarantee? You thought nothing was backed by a lifetime guarantee these days, didn’t you? Suprisingly, many small sustainable furniture makers make their wood furniture to last a lifetime and they happily back it with a lifetime guarantee. It’s a useful feature that could save you many thousands in replacement costs over the years.

Adding a few questions about the nature of the eco friendly furniture you’re buying will help you choose truly sustainable items that will not endanger your family’s health and will become heirlooms you’ll be proud to own and enjoy for many years. Isn’t it worth asking a few questions?

Find more tips for buying  Eco Friendly Furniture at the Wooden Furniture Store.

Here are some insights that may just tempt you to buy a hybrid.

1.    Made of lightweight materials hybrids are small in size. The engine is designed to be fuel efficient. When the car halts at a signal, the engine will automatically shut down and restart when the car shifts into gear.

2.    These cars have the advantage of being powered by a gasoline engine and an electric motor that takes care of acceleration.

3.    The batteries of the electric motor recharge automatically by harnessing the kinetic energy produced during braking.

4.    Hybrid car engines produce less emission, give better mileage, idle less, and are fuel efficient.

5.    The aerodynamic design reduces drag and the tires are made of a special rubber that reduces friction.

6.    The battery has high capacity and is made of nickel-metal-hydride. The battery can run the hybrid when called for.

7.    The power-train technology enables using two power sources and enhances fuel efficacy.

8.    There are many choices. You can have a hybrid from Honda, Ford, Toyota, GMC, and Chevrolet.

9.    If your transportation of choice is a hybrid then the US Government will applaud your choice by giving you significant tax breaks.

10.    Using a hybrid means you are active in ensuring the air is clean and that you are a concerned citizen who wishes to save fuel which is precious.

Maximize usage by “pulse and glide.” This means finding the ideal point where electric and gas energy are equally utilized. Generally this ideal lies between 30-40 miles per hour. Stabilization of energy is learnt by practice it really cannot be taught. Another important aspect is that you benefit if you don’t rush around and drive at the prescribed speed limit. If you glide, instead of accelerate then you can make a saving of as much as 10 cents a gallon. Lastly check and maintain tire pressures. This will help lengthen the life of the tires and help you save fuel. Reduced tire pressure studies indicate reduces gas mileage by as much as 10%.

Before you say “yes” to buying a hybrid car, you must do in depth research on hybrids, the pros and cons. Talk to manufacturers and owners. Test drive the different makes and check which one would suit your life-style. Some hybrids are ideal for city driving while others are more efficient on open roads.

Even if the buying price is steep the fuel that you save along with incentives like tax breaks make a hybrid a good and sensible choice.

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Additional Resources : HHO Gas Kits , Magniwork , Magnetic Electricity Generator

So, to start, you must  realize  that the species  of wood that you have picked  for your new kitchen ultimately  make a incredible  difference in  how much simpler  or how backbreaking the the installation of your kitchen  will be.

In more details, if you have decided on  a soft wood such as a pine, alder, cherry or poplar, cutting and drilling  the wood will be simple  and less time consuming. Although, if you have chosen  to go with  a hard wood such as oak, maple, hickory, or pecan, get used to the idea that you will need  several  drill bits and ruining  them before your finished. These hard woods are tough  on drill bits and saw blades, so be prepared.

The same holds true  for fastening  any of the trim, crown mouldings, and accessories that might  company your project. If you are going to be incorporating  an air compressor, shoot a nail  into the wood to check  if the pressure needs to be set down  or increased. If you are not planning on using  an air compressor and nail gun, be sure to drill  the wood before you nail it to the cabinets.

Another thing  before you actually learn how to install kitchen cabinets in the new kitchen. Remove the cabinets from the boxing  and place  them  in  your home  if possible, ideally for  three or four days. This will acclimate the wood to the humidity and temperature of its new environment, lowering  the chances  that the cabinets  will move around after  they have been put on the walls  and correct ed.

Nevertheless, you can expect  some wood species to move  more than others, especially  maple and cherry. Maple is highly  unstable, and will move  up to one half inch over the course of the year. However, this is not to say  that maple is a bad choice for your new remodel, becuase it’s not. Maple is very exceptional  and hard, and will last over the years better than most  of the softer woods. Just be understand that you will have to adjust the doors on ocassion, which is no big deal.

Fortunately, I just received an email from vegetarian recipe expert,
Kardena Pauza, and here’s what she has planned:

“For Thanksgiving, we are going to be at my good friend’s house so
we will bring some dishes over to contribute to the dinner.

The dishes I am going to make are in the new Vegan holiday recipe
book that I just prepared for you.

So on Thursday, I’ll be “cooking” up a storm, preparing…

1. Cauliflower mashed potatoes and vegan gravy
2. Healthy Vegan green bean casserole
3. Raw chocolate truffles – my specialty!
4. Fresh, homemade cranberry sauce

And my vegan friends will surprise me with their awesome holiday
dishes. I cant wait to have pumpkin pie and sweet potatoes! Two of
my favorites!

If you want to try those out, plus 16 more of the best holiday Vegan
recipes to help you eat healthy and veggie over the holidays, then
I have great news for you.

You’ll even discover a substitute for Thanksgiving Turkey, Beef
Wellington, and more yummy chocolate desserts.”

And to celebrate Thanks-Veganing (and November’s World Vegan Month),
Kardena is including her 20 Vegan Holiday Recipes book along with a
$30 discount on the Easy Veggie Meal Plans System.

But hurry…the $30 off Easy Veggie Meal Plans celebration discount
is only available until American Thanksgiving Thursday, November
26th at 11:59pm. As soon as “Black Friday” morning comes, the bonus
is removed and the price goes back up.

Click here for the veggie holiday recipes bonus & $30 off holiday sale:

=> www.easyveggiemealplans.com

I look forward to hearing about your success with the Easy Veggie
Meal Plans program today!

Happy Thanksgiving (and Happy Vegan Month to EVERYONE in the world),

LORILEI

PS – Be a FAST ACTION taker and start celebrating vegetarian eating
and Thanks-Veganing by improving your health, boosting your energy,
clearing your complexion, and dramatically transforming your body
with these special holiday recipes and the Easy Veggie Meal Plans today!

=> www.easyveggiemealplans.com

I guarantee you’ll love the Easy Veggie Meal Plans.

The slow cooker is a very useful appliance, easy and convenient to use. Most meals cooked in the slow cooker are healthy and easy to prepare. You can prepare the meal early in the morning. You could also prepare it the night before and leave the dish in the refrigerator. In the morning just take the dish out of the refrigerator and place it in the main unit. Choose your temperature setting between low and high, and forget about it. Your supper will be ready by supper time. You do not need to check it continuously Every time you open the cooker lid, you prolong the cooking time by 25 minutes.
I have found an easy and delicious vegetarian recipe here:

- 2 medium eggplants, peeled and chopped
- 2 green peppers, seeded and chopped
- 6 plum size tomatoes chopped
- 2 large zucchini sliced
- 2 small onion chopped
- 3 cloves pressed garlic
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flake
- 1 tsp basil
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 6-oz can tomato paste
- salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients, except tomato paste, in slow cooker. Pour the tomato paste on top and cover. Cooking time: 3-4 hours on high or 8-10 hours on low. You can serve it on brown rice or pasta rice.
Enjoy it!

Looking for Slow Cookers click here? ]]> http://www.healthyvegetarianrecipes.org/64/vegetarian-slow-cooker-recipe/feed/ 0 http://www.healthyvegetarianrecipes.org/59/vegetarian-travel-tip/ http://www.healthyvegetarianrecipes.org/59/vegetarian-travel-tip/#comments Thu, 12 Nov 2009 03:00:53 +0000 Healthy Vegetarian Recipes http://www.healthyvegetarianrecipes.org/?p=59 For many of us traveling, it means skipping workouts, eating processed foods, and generally feeling guilty and frustrated because our commitment to a healthy lifestyle has temporarily gone by the wayside.

But with a little effort and following some quick and easy tips I’ll share with you, you’ll never have to resort to the over-priced, high-calorie food options that are prevalent in airports.

But first, did you know that when you’re at the airport you can actually take your own food through the security check? Most people don’t know this, but as long as it isn’t liquid, gels over 3 oz. then you’re in the clear.

Okay, so you know that preparation is the key for anyone looking to lose weight and stay fit. Well, this is especially the case when a last minute road trip unexpectedly arises.

So, with that in mind, here are some healthy food options suitable as snacks, breakfast, or dinner, that you can easily put together.

1. Grab all the veggies you have in the refrigerator and combine them to make one big tasty salad.

2. Pack 2-4 healthy nut bars. My favourite is the RAW bar.

3. Cut up fresh celery, carrots, and cucumbers – it’s quick and it’s easy.

4. Add a few pieces of fruit to your “lunch pack”.

5. Nuts are another excellent snack option.

6. Seaweed snacks. These delicious treats are sure to draw some wandering eyes as people try to figure out just what the heck it is you’re eating.

7. And lastly, pack a bag of flax crackers.

If you can put just 10 minutes into preparing some snacks for your trip, you’ll feel so much better later on when everyone else is stuffing their face with high fattening foods and you’re sticking to you healthy diet.

Even if it’s just some healthy snacks to tie you over while waiting at the airport, this plan with help you eat healthier and avoid the junk you know is bad for you.

Follow me on Twitter for more tips

Cookbooks need not—indeed, should not—involve cooking, say the authors of this authoritative, beautifully illustrated book. And they should know. Sergei and Vayla Boutenko bring fifteen years’ experience to this collection of scrumptious, sophisticated recipes and comprehensive guide to the raw life.

Fresh covers the whole range of recipes, including savory dishes, desserts, fermented foods, drinks, and wild foods. Techniques common to the recipes are introduced and clearly explained, including an inventory of uncommon fruits and how to handle and prepare them, as well as an immersion into the five basic flavors and the herbs, fruits, vegetables, and grains that help chefs bring out each flavor best. The authors introduce the three stages of adaptation to this lifestyle and provide a concise review of minimal equipment requirements and ideal appliance additions for the well-stocked raw kitchen.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars ahead of its time
You better have some free time when you pick up this book, because it’s hard to put it down. Just like their mother, Victoria Boutenko, Sergei and Valya have a way with words. Both talk about their journey to raw foods, and tell the story of how they were able to reverse life threatening medical problem and go on to thrive. They discuss challenges like how to eat raw while traveling, how to get children interested, and maintain a healthy diet in a world where that’s not always so easy.

The Boutenkos are so far ahead of their time in nutritional wisdom, but draw from the oldest and most simple, instinctive knowledge. Once they point to it, it’s as plain as day and you wonder, how did we ever get so far away from this?

The first quarter of the book is full of insight and information. The rest is comprised of recipes that are accessible and loosely written as to encourage experimentation. At one point they talk about how odd it is that we even need recipes with measurements to consume raw foods. How is it we are the only species who don’t know instinctively how and what to eat?

This book is thought provoking and filled with great ideas for yummy food. There are some beautiful photos, but not that many. Normally I like my cookbooks to have a photo accompanying each recipe, but this book is so rich that it didn’t bother me. Maybe the Boutenkos will one day do a hardcover traditional photo laden (un)cookbook? I look forward to more from this knowledgeable, inspiring family!

5 Stars Good basic raw food
Thia book provides good basic raw food prep education (I was not a cook before), so I’ve learned things like how to combine flavors, what to use for sweetness, what to add if it seems like something is missing, etc.

FIVE BIG PHAT STARS!! This is a wonderful book to own whether you plan to embrace the raw food lifestyle or not. It’s full of great r

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars A True Classic
I have been cooking and entertaining for 35 years, and have over 100 cookbooks. This is one of the classics that I always grab over and over — and no guest has ever had a clue that the menu is healthy. It is the seasonings and flavor combinations that really separate this book from just a “good” cookbook. And the ingredients are not weird things you haven’t heard of either. Nothing exotic. Just FLAVOR FLAVOR FLAVOR. Sometimes it is only one or two ingredients that make a dish special — and this one has it. I bought their second book and their 1,001 low-fat recipes too….equally good with some overlap. Be confident. You will like this one.

5 Stars Chock full ‘o recipes
My husband I decided to become vegetarians about 7 months ago, for the purpose of improving and generally maintaining good health. I decided to search Amazon for a couple of vegetarian cookbooks to help us add some variety to our meals. The challenge, I have found, however is to find vegetarian dishes that are also low in fat. I received this book today, and while I have not actually tried any of the recipes, I did have a chance to review it. I am very pleased with this book. Many of the recipes were appealing to me and I am anxious to start adding them to our menu. I was also pleased to find that very few of the recpies exceed 30% fat, in accordance with the American Heart Association guidelines. The book is also made with a nice weight of paper and the print is easy to read. I am looking forward to many great dishes from this book.

5 Stars Best of the Best
I collect cookbooks. This is in my top 2, and no. 1 for flavorful recipes. So far, every single recipe is absolutely perfect, and super-tasty. Many are somewhat labor-intensive but if you don’t skimp on fresh ingredients, they will knock your socks off! PS – get the Kindle version if you have a Kindle, because there’s no pics in this book.

5 Stars Solid look at a vegetarian diet

First, I’m not a vegetarian. Second, though, I understand the need for a good diet. And that means an awareness of vegetarian dishes. I have used a number of veggie dishes over time, so I was interested in this book. It is pretty satisfying!

The volume begins by saying (Page v): “Eating vegetarian is possibly one of America’s fastest growing food trends.” The book is intended not just for vegetarians, but for those who (Page v) “. . .are a ’sometimes vegetarian’ who is interested in incorporating meatless meals into current family meal patterns.”

Some examples:

Appetizers: “Gorp, by Golly.” Granola, goldfish, sesame sticks, dried fruits, cinnamon, and nutmeg. I haven’t made it yet, but from my experience cooking over time, this sounds like a neat little treat. And this is yummy: “Wasabi potato slices.” Little red potatoes, sour cream, wasabi paste, green onions, and hard boiled eggs. Nice!

Soups: There is a nice recipe for your basic vegetable stock (which enhances other dishes well); another recipe describes how to make Cream of Broccoli Soup. The recipe really promises a tasty end result.

Stews and casseroles: Vegetarian lasagna. Lasagna is delicious! And this recipe provides a nice roadmap for a vegetarian version.

Pizzas, etc. There are also some nice recipes for veggie pizzas (including fusion ideas, such as Asian-style pizza).

So, if you are interested in adding a few additional vegetarian items to your diet, this is a nice resource.

5 Stars Delicious recipes.
You can be a vegetarian and still eat terribly unhealthy food. I bought this book with the hopes I could have a vegetarian meal without having to worry about the contents of the ingredients. So far it has delivered. All the recipes have been delicious and require a medium amount of preparation involved, all while trimming away unnecessary calories. The book uses a lot of different types of meat substitutes, so if you may have to do a bit of research once you purchase the book. I’m impressed and would encourage other blossoming vegetarians to try it out. Good luck!

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