A Vegan Care Package

The Delivery: A care package from Texas VegFest including gourmet popcorn from Cornucopia in Toffee and Garlic & Herb; Thunderbird Energetica energy bars in Cherry Walnut Crunch, Cashew Fig Carrot, and Cacao Hemp Walnut; and Chimayo Chile Pecans from Hail Merry
Staff Pick: The Garlic & Herb popcorn

The DL: Miss the days of the huge holiday tins filled with caramel, cheddar, and classic popcorn? We did—until we laid eyes on this gem. Garlic, herby goodness in perfectly popped popcorn? Beats a tin of fake buttery stuff any day. We could not be more thankful to the wonderful folks at Texas VegFest for this holiday care package (complete with adorable polar bear greeting card), and are excited to dig into to all of these Texas-made goodies. We might be a few thousand miles from the Lone Star State, but we're still feeling the love!

Raw Snacks and Hemp Seeds

The Date: Thursday, August 18
The Delivery: Tins filled with raw macaroons, granola, and candied pecans from Hail Merry and Hemp Hearts sprouted hemp seeds and a t-shirt from Manitoba Harvest
Staff Pick: The pecans! Lots of 'em!

The DL: We first fell in love with Hail Merry at last year's Expo West, and rekindled our love at 2011's show as well (What can we say? The raw tarts are killer). Well, looks like it happened again. Hail Merry's tin of lemon thyme, orange rosemary, chimayo chili, and chocolate chili pecans look so good, our next taste test might be more of an inhale test. Let us know what you love in The VegNews Veggie Awards!

Lifestyle Tips & Treats

The Date: Tuesday, April 20
The Delivery: A book and some yummy-looking treats from Hail Merry
Staff Pick: By Any Greens Necessary by Tracye Lynn McQuirter, MPH

The DL: McQuirter brings the first vegan guide for African-American women, which we think is very cool. Not only does it provide a transitional guide to veganism, but also includes plenty of recipes and full-colored photos. Seems like a great read to us!