Chocoholics - Now There's a Healthy Way to Indulge!

I fully admit --I am a chocoholic! So, when I heard about “Wei of Chocolate” offering yummy morsels that are just 30 calories a piece, and 2 grams of carbs, I just had to share!

Based in Phoenix, “Wei of Chocolate,” creates organic, vegan, fair trade-certified dark chocolates that are “chock full” of organic herbs, spices and flower essences that balance the body and mind. “Wei” refers to the Chinese character “wei” (pronounced “way”) meaning transformative action.

After traveling the world and learning several methods of meditation,”Wei of Chocolate” CEO and chocolatier Lisa Reinhardt says she’s discovered that chocolate is the perfect vehicle to introduce meditation! Hey, count me in for that!

Lisa says when people taste the “Wei,” they “drop all extraneous thought and find themselves nowhere else but fully in the present moment.”

Finally, there’s a guilt-free “way” of indulging in delicacies and getting health benefits as well. Cacao is known for its amazing anti-inflammatory properties and is also credited for being a heart-healthy snack by reducing blood pressure and cholesterol.

“Wei of Chocolate” comes in five delicious flavors:

Daily Gratitude Organic dark chocolate, 65% dark chocolate flavored with chai spices like cardamom, cloves and cinnamon.

Daily Love Organic dark chocolate, 74% cacao dark chocolate with a chili finish that’s perfect as a natural afternoon pick-me-up.

Café Wei dark chocolate, 68% cacao dark chocolate with Italian espresso.

Pure Joy dark chocolate, 70% dark chocolate with organic essential oils that awaken clarity and wisdom.

Wei Dark. 70% cacao dark chocolate with a special blend of 21 Lotus essences to bring more joy, peace and balance.

Check them out at wei@weiofchocolate.com

Clothes Swapping – Saves $$$ and the Planet!

Being an only child, I never had the chance to swap clothes with an older sister, but now, thanks to Bigwardrobe.com, I’ll get that chance! The British website Bigwardrobe.com, the world’s largest closet and No. 1 clothes swapping website, has recently launched in North America with a U.S. office.

Just log on and take your pick of a huge mix of labels, like Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, DKNY, Chanel, Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney, Miss Sixty, and so much more. Now, you can look like a million bucks without even spending a dime!

Just add your items to Bigwardrobe.com, and you’ll start getting offers from other members to swap unwanted clothes, bags, shoes and accessories for others. Or you can sell the items or use a combination of the two.

The average US consumer is said to have about $300 worth of unused clothing sitting in his or her wardrobe.

Created just two years ago, Bigwardrobe.com now has some 35,000 members more than 80,000 listed items, and 300 swap offers a day!

Here’s how it works: You can join for free with limits, or you can pay just $18 for an annual subscription and take advantage of all the extra features. And it’s not just for women – men and kids can also find a new home for their unwanted clothing.
And of course, by recycling your clothes, shoes, accessories, you can do your part in helping safeguard the environment.

Happy shopping!

The Lo-Fat, Lo-Carb Sandwich Solution

I don’t know about you, but I just get so tired of doing the salad thing for lunch every day. After a while, I start craving a nice, big juicy sandwich, but then I worry about all those carbs.

While, now I’m in luck because Tumaro’s has come up with a yummy line of tortilla wraps that have zero trans fats, no cholesterol, low carbs, low sodium and are 94 % fat free! These babies are made from whole wheat flower and offer a huge selection of flavors like multi-grain, green onion, garden vegetable, salsa and more – 18 in all!

Plus, did you know that Tumaro’s created the industry’s first flavored tortillas? Practically all of its products are made from 89% organic ingredients and some every carry the American Heart Association’s heart-check mark. And the price is right too – just $3.19 for a package of six in a re-sealable zip-lock bag. Not only will you save carbs and fat, but you’ll save some money as well!

Check their website at www.tumaros.com for some delicious recipes! Happy lunching!

Cooking in a Crappy Little Kitchen!

Now there are apparently no more excuses for not cooking -- even if your kitchen is miniscule and not so nice, i.e. "crappy."

Once of the newest cookbooks, "Gourmet Meals in Crappy Little Kitchens" takes on the myths about gourmet cooking and demonstrates how to make fun and delicious meals despite the lack of counter space and high-tech, expensive appliances, and gadgets. "Gourmet Meals in Crappy Little Kitchens" gives some practical hints and tips that help make the most of any "crappy little kitchen."

Hmmmm,, I'll have to come up with a much better excuse now!

Pampering for Paws (and you!)

Pampering for Paws (and you!)

It's a Bike.. It's a Stroller.. What the Heck IS it?

Look... over there on the ground... it's a bike.. it's a stroller, it's...both??

Yep.. it's true. Taga takes carpooling to the next level. You and up to two kids can ride to town, and in under 20 seconds toggle from bike mode to stroller mode without leaving any parts behind. Going far? Taga easily folds so that you can take it on the bus or train. Talk about eco-friendly!

Check it out at www.tagabikes.com

What Makes Soy Candles Better?

Why go with soy than the traditional paraffin wax? For starters, take a look at the black smoke coming from a candle's flame, or the build up on a glass votive. Paraffin wax emits toxins that can be as toxic as outdoor pollution and second-hand smoke! Ugh! In fact, according to the Health House Project in conjunction with the American Lung Association, candles ranked among the most unrecognized causes of indoor air pollution.

Now there’s a healthier way of enjoying the ambience and aroma from candles. M. Carlesimo candles, based in Los Angeles, offers hand-poured candles that combine 100% all natural soy wax with yummy fragrances, like “Milk & Honey,” “White Sangria” and “Heaven.”

M. Carlesimo candles also use 100% organic cotton wicks that are both lead and zinc free. The package features frosted white recycled glass and a box that includes recycled paper and soy-based ink, all, made in the USA.

So, all you have to do is just light them up, sit back and relax without the worry! More info at www.mcarlesimo.com.