Hoff's So Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

Hoff's So Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole
Yields: 4-6 serving
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free, gluten-free

Ingredients:

• 2 cartons Hungry Jack Hashbrowns (or 5 cups Hashbrowns)
• 1 Onion (chopped)

"Cheese" Sauce

• 1 15 oz. can diced Potatoes (rinsed & drained)
• 3/4 cup plain unsweetened Plant-based Milk
• 1 Roasted Red Pepper (jarred)
• 1/4 cup Nutritional Yeast
• 1 tbsp. Arrowroot
• Juice from half a Lemon
• 1 tsp. Sea Salt
• 1 tsp. Cumin
• 1 tsp. Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp. Onion Powder
• 1/2 tsp. Paprika
• 1/4 tsp. Black Pepper

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
2. Re-hydrate Hashbrowns per package instructions
3. Meanwhile put "Cheese" ingredients into a Vitamix/high power blender & blend until smooth
4. Drain Hashbrowns; mix with Onions & "Cheese Sauce" in a large bowl
5. Spread Casserole into a 9 x 13 baking dish (I prefer glass)
6. Bake for 45 minutes or until top is browned

Hoff Thoughts: For special occasions, add a little chopped Field Roast Sausage and top with some Daiya Shreds. 

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics - Vegan? Who knows.

As I continue my quest to rid my beauty stash of non-vegan compliant items, I now find myself writing to various companies to learn about their ingredients.

One such company on my hit list is Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, whom I have been a faithful consumer of their long-wear cream shadow for many, many years - because once you put it on, it stays on.

After an Internet search could not conclusively determine whether this coveted personal staple was in fact vegan, I did what any consumer would do - I contacted the company.

Unfortunately, this is what transpired...

The Hoff:

Can you tell me if your long-wear cream shadows contain any animal derived ingredients?


Bobbi Brown:

Dear Ms. Hoff,

Thank you for your interest in Bobbi Brown.

In reference to your inquiry, we have enclosed the ingredient listing as displayed on the packaging for your review. Please do not hesitate to contact us directly at 1-888-303-7615 should you require additional information.

Please be aware that ingredient lists may change or vary from time to time. Please refer to the ingredient list on the product package you receive for the most up to date list of ingredients.I appreciate the opportunity to respond to your question, and sincerely hope I was able to be of assistance. You are valued as our consumer and we hope you will continue to use and enjoy our products with confidence and satisfaction.
Sincerely,

Neha M
Consumer Response RepresentativeCase ID: 9095966

Long-Wear Cream Shadow
INGREDIENTS: ISODODECANE [] DIMETHICONE [] POLYETHYLENE [] QUATERNIUM-90 BENTONITE [] DIMETHICONE SILYLATE [] OCTYLDODECANOL [] TRIHYDROXYSTEARIN [] COPERNICIA CERIFERA (CARNAUBA) WAX\CERA CARNAUBA\CIRE DE CARNAUBA [] TOCOPHERYL ACETATE [] LECITHIN [] PROPYLENE CARBONATE [] BHT [] [+/- MICA [] BISMUTH OXYCHLORIDE (CI 77163) [] IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499) [] TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891) [] MANGANESE VIOLET (CI 77742) [] BLUE 1 LAKE (CI 42090) [] FERRIC FERROCYANIDE (CI 77510) [] ULTRAMARINES (CI 77007) [] YELLOW 5 LAKE (CI 19140) [] CHROMIUM OXIDE GREENS (CI 77288) [] CHROMIUM HYDROXIDE GREEN (CI 77289) [] CARMINE (CI 75470)] <ILN31109>


Anybody know what the hell those ingredients are?  What I do know is that Carmine, isn't vegan - it's made by boiling insect bodies in ammonia or a sodium carbonate solution (1). Real compassionate.

After reading this chemical breakdown, there's no way in hell I would put that stuff on my skin - so for this lame ass response, I am thankful.  But, that's beside the point - the point of this post is that I asked a very simple, straightforward question and received a very unhelpful, non-answer.

I don't have a clue what those ingredient names mean and I suspect neither does Neha.  Let this be a wake-up call and opportunity to companies. There is a growing need for vegan cosmetics and we as consumers want to know what we're putting on our skin, just as much as what we are putting in our bodies.  So skirting around the issue, won't land you any new customers or keep the ones you had - we want straight information!

Bottom line, I guess Bobbi Brown Cosmetics is not vegan - I make this assumption based on my inability to get a straight answer from the company itself.  Probably why my Internet search proved futile.  And not a slam against Bobbi Brown, because at least they answered my inquiry.  Many companies didn't even bother replying - more $$$ lost guys...

So, I'm done trying.  I'm voting with my dollar and supporting true vegan companies from here on out!

Here's a few I have been able to find so far...

Athara
Aveda
Beauty Without Cruelty
Dr. Alkaitis Organics
Flower
Foreue (natural, vegan, no preservatives)
Intelligent Nutrients
Jeffrey Star
Juice Beauty
Lime Crime
Living Earth Beauty
Living Librations
Luminance Skin Care 
Lush (some products contain honey, yogurt/eggs)
Nourrise
Olivu (all natural, fresh to order)
Pacifica
Thesis Beauty
Urban Decay
100% Pure Cosmetics
Yes To Carrots


Keep it healthy!

Source: 1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carmine

Happy Val Day!

Ask The Hoff: What Is Your Face Routine?

Hi Healthy Hoff,

With your vegan diet, I'm curious as to what products you use to clean your face.

Thanks!
Face Off






Hi Face Off!

I have to admit, that my beauty routine in general is ever changing.  But, I have been doing the following routine for a few months to keep my face squeaky clean.

My morning routine is minimal:

When I wake up, I just wash my face with water, that's it.  Then I use an alcohol-free witch hazel toner to make sure my face is clean - it always is.  That's because I always, always remove my make-up the night before.

My night routine is a little more involved:

A few years ago, I got into the trend of using an oil cleanser - which seemed mind blowing at the time because I have combination skin, but it actually worked out quite well.  Just recently, I began using straight, unrefined coconut oil as my cleanser - it works great, takes off make-up with no effort, smells awesome and doubles as moisturizer.

Every other day, I go over the oil using a Clarisonic brush, on the odd days, I just use a washcloth to gently exfoliate the skin.

No matter which tool I use, I always, always rinse my face 30 times to make sure no product is left behind.  I learned this industry trick from an ex-model and I really can feel the difference in my skin's texture when I'm done.

I again tone my face using witch hazel.

If I'm feeling a little dry, I'll put on a bit of coconut oil, but otherwise I just let my skin breath for the night.

I kick it up a notch on the weekends:

Once a week, usually on Sundays (when I have more time), I apply a facial mask for at least 30 minutes.  Right now, I am going back and forth between the 100% Pure facial masks and Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay.  And, I always follow-up any mask with a moisturizing slathering of coconut oil.


That's it!  What do you guys use/do as part of your beauty routine?  Please share in the comments below.

Keep is healthy!

Awareness Meditation Music Relax Mind Body: Chakra Cleansing and Balancing 20 Minutes