Music to the Ears

Date: Wednesday, December 23
The Delivery: A CD
Staff Pick: The Joke, The Threat, & The Obvious by The Giving Tree Band

The DL: This is the fourth album of this vegan-founded band, and will be released on Earth Day 2010. We look forward to giving this folk/rock album a listen, and maybe we'll even dance a little. VegNews is closed until January 4, so we wish everyone a happy new year!

Work It Out

Date: Tuesday, December 22
The Delivery: Botanical Butter Scrub from The Body Deli, Mr. Q Cumber soda, an iPhone Mojito from Malcolm Fontier, some superfood goodies from MacroLife Naturals, and a new health and exercise book
Staff Pick: Thrive Fitness by Brendan Brazier

The DL: Brazier proved back in 2007 that vegan diets and athletics go hand in hand, and his new book looks like the perfect motivation for healthy 2010 resolutions. Speaking of the new year, be sure to check out VN's list of the top veg stories of the '00s.

Maple Madness

Date: Monday, December 21
The Delivery: Awakening Joy by James Baraz and Shoshana Alexander and some maple-flavored goodies courtesy of YVR.
Staff Pick: The Pure Maple Cream Cookies from Gourmet Canadiana.

The DL: Maybe it's just the withdrawal talking, but these cookies that Elizabeth generously brought back from her weekend trip to Canada remind us too much of the Trader Joe's seasonal version to be ignored.

Cute Confections

Date: Thursday, December 17
The Delivery: Cooking sauces and condiments (some not vegan), holiday-inspired marshmallow treats, and a pesticide-free sign from Mountain Rose Herbs
Staff Pick: The snowman-shaped marshmallow from Sweet & Sara

The DL: This sweet treat looks adorable enough to eat! The VNHQ is a grinch-free zone; we love anything and everything that relates to the holidays, and judging from today's lunch, we just can't say no to marshmallows.

Sauce 'n' Spice

Date: Wednesday, December 16
The Delivery: Some Ultima Replenisher, several jars of gourmet Indian cooking sauces, and a bag of S&D Coffee
Staff Pick: The Tomato & Chilies sauce from Stonehouse 27

The DL: If preparing Indian cuisine in your kitchen is a little intimidating, this sauce looks like it might be right up your alley. We may just mix it with tofu and veggies in a future Café VegNews.

Pocket Me This

Date: Monday, December 14
The Delivery: Two books, a wallet, and some nifty kitchen appliances
Staff Pick: The Spencer Pocket from The Vegan Collection

The DL: This cute, little pocket wallet is both stylish and light, and one of many products that are popping up at this cruelty-free, mail-order web store. Whether you want shoes, belts, or wallets, they have you covered.

On an even sweeter note, don't miss the Vegan Holiday Baking Chat with Allison Rivers Samson tonight @ 6pm!

Puppies, Take Two

Date: Friday, December 11
The Delivery: A resourceful book, coffee from Caffe Ibis and Equator Coffees, and some Oogavé soda
Staff Pick: The Vegan Etsy exclusive, It's a Vegan Dog's Life

The DL: As we mentioned earlier this week, we sure do love puppies at the VNHQ, especially vegan puppies. This book promises recipes, product reviews, health and lifestyle tips, as well as vegan dog profiles. What more could a vegan dog lover want?

Check out our Holiday How-To for great recipes and helpful tips for the holiday season. You know you want to!

On-the-Go Creamer

Date: Thursday, December 10
The Delivery: Facial towelettes from Yes To Cucumbers, a Madison Park CD, Yogi Granola Crisps, a ton of Strongtree Coffee, soy creamer packets, a couple of books, and some beauty products from Marie Veronique Organics
Staff Pick: SoyGo Soy Creamer from Saving Opus One

The DL: This soy creamer looks very convenient, especially in the hustle and bustle of this holiday season. We look forward to giving them a try!

Puppy Love

Date: Wednesday, December 9
The Delivery: Sweet & Sara mini marshmallows, Coco Lotion from LUSH, new candy-cane flavored Crazy Rumors lip balm (which you can now purchase at the VN store), a bottle of Kenzoil, and Therapeutic Chef by Kristin Doyle, RN, CNC
Staff Pick: Puppies!

The DL: Don't get us wrong, all of the new products today seem great, but these puppies, named Khane and Cal, have all of our attention. Could you resist this adorableness? Didn't think so. Thinking of getting your own pup this holiday? Be sure to adopt.

Peas and Carrots

Date: Tuesday, December 8
The Delivery: Disinfecting wipes, some veggie French fries, a cool PlanetBox, and a book called If You Follow Me by Malena Watrous
Staff Pick: The broccoli Veggie Wedgies from Peas of Mind

The DL: These French fries are supposedly for kids, but we're pretty excited to give them a try. As you can see from our many lunches, fries are always welcome at the VNHQ. Bring out the baking pan!

Hummus, but Sweet

Date: Friday, December 4
The Delivery: Some very unique hummus and a bag of Birds & Beans coffee
Staff Pick: Crazy Camel's Chocolate Mousse Dessert Hummus

The DL: This interesting new take on hummus was featured at the Boston Vegetarian Food Festival, and the VN representatives definitely took a liking to it. We are quite intrigued and look forward to dipping into this chocolaty spread.

The Scoop

Date: Thursday, December 3
The Delivery: Some vegan ice cream, a book of beasts, and some Dean's Beans coffee
Staff Pick: The mint chocolate chip Alkemie Ice Cream

The DL: Ok, so we busted into these gluten-free ice creams at lunch, and they made a mighty good dessert. If you're a big fan of ice cream (and who isn't?), you may just want to check out this brand new line.

Shopping for the holidays? Check out the great new merchandise at the VN store, including yummy vegan candy bars and holiday cards!

TJI Special: Glorious Gifts

Date: Wednesday, December 2
The Delivery: Eight delightful mugs for the VN staffers
Staff Pick: Daisy Dog Studio's repertoire of gifts, including these great coffee mugs

The DL: We were very excited to see these uniquely designed mugs arrive at our doorstop, and even more so when we found out that there was one for each of the VN staffers. Thanks so much, Daisy Dog Studio!

Feeling Souperb

Date: Wednesday, December 2
The Delivery: Some fabulous mugs from Daisy Dog Studio, a few cans of soup, and fair-trade coffee from Pop's Organic Coffee and Café Mam
Staff Pick: The new Organic Hearty Spanish & Red Bean Soup from Amy's Kitchen

The DL: It's getting colder, so soup will definitely be on the menu at the VNHQ. We're thinking this "hearty" blend may make a good addition to the mix.

Sweet and Sustainable Treats

Date: Monday, November 30
The Delivery: A cookbook, the Sustainable World Sourcebook, and a non-vegan holistic pet guide
Staff Pick: The Allergen-Free Baker's Handbook by Cybele Pascal

The DL: The recipes in this book look delish even if you don't suffer from allergies. From Banana Cream Pie to Classic Crumb Cake, this sweet cookbook looks like it covers all of the bases.

Time Over Time

Date: Monday, November 23
The Delivery: A cool calendar, some sweet treats from Clover & Clutch, three books, and a case of Oogavé soda
Staff Pick: Chris Hardman's Ecological Calendar

The DL: This 2010 calendar has several neat features, including four big panels for each season of the year, fun factoids, and beautiful art. Seems like a fun way to get in touch with your earthy side for the new year.

Match That!

Date: Friday, November 20
The Delivery: A ton of faux sausage and chicken
Staff Pick: Match Meats

The DL: Being completely sold out of their Match Stuffed Holiday Roast, Match Meat's decided to send us the basic ingredients instead. Maybe you'll see it on Café VegNews in the future.

Speaking of holiday meals, don't miss the Thanksgiving Hotline Chat this Sunday with VN columnist Jesse Miner!

Clean Cooking

Date: Thursday, November 19
The Delivery: Some earth-friendly cleaning supplies from Fruits & Passions, two cookbooks from Bloodroot Restaurant (one not vegan), pain relief spray, and an advance copy of a book about thrifty eats
Staff Pick: On A Dollar A Day by Christopher Greenslate and Kerri Leonard

The DL: We can't wait to read this book about a real-life vegan couple who challenged themselves to eat on a super-strict budget. Check out their blog for more info.

The Vegan Bible (Belt)

Date: Wednesday, November 18
The Delivery: Some cruelty-free accessories from The Vegan Collection and several more copies of 1,000 Vegan Recipes by Robin Robertson
Staff Pick: The "Sampras" belt from The Vegan Collection

The DL: You can never have too many belts, especially when they're this versatile. Plus, The Vegan Collection donates 25 percent of its profits to animal charities.

Stay tuned for our Robin Robertson cookbook giveaway on Café VegNews!

Message Me This

Date: Tuesday, November 17
The Delivery: A shirt, a bumper sticker, and a couple books
Staff Pick: Two Dove Clothing's t-shirt with a message

The DL: This t-shirt gets right to the point with its short and sweet vegetarian message. That's how we like it!

We also like Thanksgiving feasts. Enter to win one at VegNews.com.

It's Alive!

Date: Monday, November 16
The Delivery: A few antioxidant-rich beverages from Sambazon, chocolate truffles, a book, and some Perfected Foods soy jerky
Staff Pick: The pistachio truffles from ChocAlive!

The DL: Chocolate is just about the best pick-me-up, and being covered in pistachios is an added bonus. These truffles are both raw and gluten-free and look incredibly delicious. Happy Monday!

Only two days left to win a Thanksgiving feast! Haven't entered? Head over to VegNews.com as fast as possible.

Walking Boots

Date: Thursday, November 12
The Delivery: A pair of vegan cowboy boots and some Nutridel cookies
Staff Pick: The snazzy boots from Vegan Chic

The DL: If cowboy boots are your thing, then you'll love these cute and cruelty-free pair! Now you can strut around town in high country style.

Bounties from Bora Bora

Date: Wednesday, November 11
The Delivery: Several packages of Teather and energy bars galore
Staff Pick: The Island Brazil Nut Almond bar from Bora Bora Foods

The DL: These all-natural bars have three different product lines—energy, superfood, and antioxidant. No matter which you choose, they all look tasty in our opinion.

Don't forget to try and win a Thanksgiving Feast over at VegNews.com!

From the UK, With Love

Date: Tuesday, November 10
The Delivery: A vegan cookbook
Staff Pick: Another Dinner is Possible by Mike and Isy of Britain's Anarchist Teapot Mobile Kitchen

The DL: This cool-looking cookbook hails from the United Kingdom, with such recipes as Fake Mincemeat Spread and Treacle Tart. It even comes complete with a US-British glossary and conversions table, so don't worry if you don't know what treacle is—it's similar to molasses.

Only four more days left at VegNews.com for a chance to win a Thanksgiving Feast!

Health Nut

Date: Monday, November 9
The Delivery: A couple of books and some fruit bars
Staff Pick: The Salba Life Tropical Fruit bar

The DL: Healthy? Check. Vegan? Check. It looks like these are the bars to go to if you're looking for a quick, healthy snack.

Don't forget to head over to VegNews.com for a chance to win a Thanksgiving Feast!

Savvy Sampler

Date: Friday, November 6
The Delivery: A bag full of eco-friendly goodies from Vegan Etsy
Staff Pick: This bracelet/anklet from Starlight Jewelry

The DL: This bag is very cool with tons of samples—like this awesome piece of hand-made jewelry! Head over to It's All In The Bag to purchase, where 100 percent of the profits go to the Peaceful Prairie Animal Sanctuary.

Also, head over to VegNews.com for a chance to win a Thanksgiving Feast! Yeah, you don't want to miss it.

Bread Basket

Date: Thursday, November 5
The Delivery: Gluten-free bread and cookies
Staff Pick: Hector's Special Banana Barley Bread from Grindstone Bakery
 
The DL: If you're looking for completely natural, made-by-hand baked goods, then Grindstone Bakery may just fulfill your needs. This is one dense loaf of bread, and we can't wait to cut into it!