Cozy up with this delicious vegan drink after a cold winter day. Using rich dark chocolate and creamy almond milk, you can enjoy every bit of the classic taste you know from childhood. I add just a touch of peppermint extract to give it that minty holiday flavor, but you could easily substitute vanilla extract for a more subtle taste if you’re not a fan of mint. Either way, be sure to top it all off with a few vegan marshmallows or some coconut whipped cream for the full effect!

Vegan Hot Cocoa Recipe

*Serves one

In this modern age, the masses–all too often–look to prescription and pharmaceutical drugs to help alleviate daily ailments and discomforts. While these substances may be readily available and effective in suppressing the initial pain, they are taxing on the liver – especially when used on a regular basis.

Winter calls for rich, warming foods; here in the Pacific Northwest we’ve already seen our small share of snow, and forecasts threaten even more. Since we don’t see snow or ice very often, travel is severely hindered and there is little to do but hole up inside and cook something delicious.

For the past month, I’ve been getting in touch with my propensity to hope without any evidence. To hope things will change based on nothing more than a whim. September painfully brought me back down to earth, not because anything happened, but rather because I realized how damaging it is to have unbridled optimism.

It’s officially the holiday season, and that means cookies! Try this simple sugar cookie recipe for a full day of frosting and decorating with friends and family. The options are endless: fun shapes, colorful sprinkles and flavorful frostings are just a few of the many ideas to explore! 

Vegan Sugar Cookies

*Makes about 20 cookies

Supplies

1 Large Cookie Sheet

Ingredients

1 cup Vegan Butter (softened)

¾ cup White Sugar

1 Tablespoon White Vinegar

Parivrtta Prasarita Padottanasana / Revolved wide legs

Benefits:

Great twist for the spine that is easy and in which you can teach the principles of twists safely.

Stretches the hamstrings.

Good opening for the shoulder girdle.

Foundation & General Alignment:

Feet are a wide distance apart and parallel to one another.

Feet are active, arches are lifting. Leg muscles are engaged, straight if available if not keep bent.

Sacrum is parallel to the earth.

Art has a way of touching our lives in ways that other forms of communication can’t. In fact, many works are created to send a positive message or to raise awareness. Here are some artists who make work that encourages us to live and eat well while taking care of our planet.

Vitamin D is one of the most vital vitamins for our health. From building bones, to keeping your immune system in check, to fighting depression, the sunshine vitamin, as it’s known, is best absorbed through the sun. But what happens for those who live in northern climates, especially during the winter months? With some supplementation and a lot of smarts, it’s possible to maintain optimal levels of vitamin D. Here’s how:

1. Get Tested

As winter approaches, healthy, whole-food-based eating seems to go on hiatus during the festivities. Fruits and vegetables often take a backseat, but they can be just as hearty and comforting. These produce staples will keep you grounded.

My heart pounded as I neared the camp. When I saw the sign Sacred Stone Camp, my heart skipped a beat.