Book, Coconut-Almond Milk, and a Giveaway!

The Delivery: Non-veg cookbook Bean by Bean by Crescent Dragonwagon and Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Almond-Coconut Milk Blends

Staff Pick: Almond Coconut Milk

The DL: Coconut milk is definitely a favorite here at the VNHQ, and this new product combines it with almond milk for a new twist. If this product doesn’t excite you, let us know what does, and you could win a copy of The Tipsy Vegan. The book contains incredible recipes like Coconut HELL-O! Shots, Bad-Ass Beer Cake with Bourbon Raisins and Amaretto Frosting, and The Chugging Pumpkin Soup, all made with alcohol! We’ll be picking a random winner on Tuesday at noon, so you could be noshing on boozy foods soon after Thanksgiving. Happy Friday!

Protein Drinks and a Thanksgiving Coloring Book

The Delivery: CalNaturale Svelte protein drinks and Happy Thanks Living!—a coloring zine by Nathalie VanBalen

Staff Pick: Spiced Chai protein drink

The DL: On rainy days like this, nothing would warm us up quite like a nice cup of Indian-spiced chai. Fortunately, we have just about every type of tea imaginable in VNHQ’s humble kitchen. Also, it’s Friday and the weekend fun is about to begin, giving you plenty of time to think of the perfect submission for our new caption contest. This photo had us cracking up for nearly a half hour during a cover design meeting. Comment your entry by Monday for a chance to win a year-long subscription to VegNews!

 

Coconut Oil and Water Kefir

The Delivery: Kelapo Coconut Oil and Caveman Foods Probiotic Water Kefir

Staff Pick: Saffron-flavored kefir

The DL: This is an exciting week here at the VNHQ—as we’re finishing up the design of the January+February issue, we’re also preparing Thanksgiving-themed articles for VegNews.com. Get ready for more editions of Turkey Tuesdays, recipes to help perfect your Thanksgiving menu, and awesome giveaway prizes. While things are hectic right now, some of our staff is fortunate enough to be heading down to Mexico to bliss out on the beach, relax with some yoga, and forget about the holiday craze at home. There are still tickets available, so snag your spot while you can!

 

Cruelty-Free Cosmetics and The Inspired Vegan

 

The Delivery: Cruelty-Free Cosmetics eyeshadow and a galley of The Inspired Vegan by Bryant Terry

Staff Pick: The Inspired Vegan

The DL: It’s Halloween and our staff was pretty inspired this year—currently at the VNHQ are a flapper, a Scottish warrior, a green dinosaur, a cat, and Jem Hologram. Take one last look at our Halloween-themed website (with Chef Chloe Coscarelli’s tricks to throw a killer Halloween party), because tomorrow we’re unveiling our new cover page. Get ready for gold sparkles and a touch of class, just in time for the holidays. Hope you like it!

 

Korean Sauce

The Delivery: Hot Pepper Paste, Seasoned Soybean Paste, Hot & Spicy Barbecue Sauce, Pineapple Barbecue Sauce from Bibigo Korean Food

Staff Pick: Pineapple BBQ sauce

The DL: These Korean sauces look like they’ll be the perfect way to spice up any meal. Speaking of spicing things up, the VegNews Book Bash is coming up in a matter of hours! We’re busy finishing up this week’s assignments while getting the office into tip-top partying shape. Soon enough, more than 100 guests will be drinking Champagne, eating amazing catered food, and living it up with the oh-so-adorable Spork Foods sisters at the VNHQ. We look forward to seeing everyone tonight!

Masala Dosa

The Delivery: Tandoori Chef Masala Dosa

Staff Pick: Tandoori Chef Masala Dosa

The DL: Sometimes, you just don’t have time to cook, which is why frozen meals like this can be a lifesaver. One of those times, for the VegNews staff, will likely be the night of the VegNews Book Bash with Spork Foods. Starting at 6pm on October 21, we’ll be celebrating the release of Spork-Fed, by Heather Goldberg and Jenny Engel, at our first-ever party at the new VNHQ. And guess what? You can join us. Tickets will include Champagne, a cinnamon bun bar from Cinnaholic, a copy of the book, and a trivia game. Hope to see you there!

Hot Tamale

The Date: Thursday, December 23
The Delivery: New vegan frozen meals from Tandoor Chef, a non-vegan book, and seitan and tamales from Upton's Naturals
Staff Pick: The Chorizo-style Seitan Tamale con Molé

The DL: Tamales are totally in right now—at least at the VNHQ—and these chorizo-style tamales are making our mouths water. We can't wait to try them! This is the final post until the New Year due to the fact that we're closing up shop until January 3, including the VegNews Store (although, you can still place orders, which will be shipped out in the new year). Happy Holidays!

Sweet Cinnamon Rolls

The Date: Wednesday, December 22
The Delivery: Pinto and black bean chips, a dozen mini cinnamon rolls, and another copy of Appetite for Reduction by Isa Chandra Moskowitz
Staff Pick: The mini cinnamon rolls from Cinnaholic

The DL: VegNews contributor Polly Walter stopped by the VNHQ today, and to our delight, brought this gorgeous box of cinnamon rolls. Nothing could have made us happier! Thank you, Polly, and now excuse us while we devour these miniature treats.

Better Brownies

The Date: Tuesday, November 30

The Delivery: A vegan detox kit from Kaeng Raeng, and several boxes of Better Batter Gluten-Free Fudge Brownie Mix

Staff Pick: The brownie mix takes the gold!

The DL: When it comes to choosing between a detox kit and brownie mix at the VNHQ, the brownies will win every time. Plus, it's the holiday season, in which you get a free pass to eat as many sweets as you want. We'll save the detoxing for January, thank you very much!

Straws!

The Date: Monday, October 4

The Delivery: Glass Dharma Glass Straws

Staff Pick: All of the straws, ready for sipping.

The DL: As we inch closer and closer to a more eco-friendly way of life, everyday objects are transforming to new and improved sustainable versions of themselves. Today, VN received a shipment of glass straws, far more earth-friendly than their plastic counterparts. We can't wait to test them out with our respective Diet Cokes, Red Bulls, Kombuchas, or water this week, all of which are a staple to our delicious lunches. Slurps up!

Cookies, Cakes, & More

The Date: Wednesday, June 16

The Delivery: O'Cookies Wholesome Bites' two vegan cookies and a ton of baking mixes from Wholesome Chow

Staff Pick: Wholesome Chow's Lemon Poppy Seed Cake Baking Mix

The DL: We've been downing a lot of cake at the VNHQ,and now we have even more to snack on! These baking mixes appear super easy to use, and sound incredibly delicious. Yes, we'll be starting with the lemon poppy seed cake.

Fresh Scents

The Date: Tuesday, June 15

The Delivery: Blue Diamond Almonds, On Their Own Terms by Lee Hall, odor eliminator products, and an Omega 3 supplement by Ascenta Health

Staff Pick: The Fresh Wave Odor Neutralizing Crystals

The DL: Two company representatives came to the VNHQ in person to share these products with us, which absorb odor, and are all-natural. Now that's a breath of fresh air!

Pesto is the Besto

The Date: Wednesday, June 9

The Delivery: Two jars of The Gracious Gourmet condiments and New Dawn Kitchen by Dawn Grey

Staff Pick: The Garden Tomato Pesto

The DL: We sure do love our pesto at the VNHQ, and this particular product looks super savory! Pesto pasta could possibly be in our future.

Rawsome Ice Cream

The Date: Wednesday, May 5
The Delivery: A truckload of raw ice cream
Staff Pick: The Chocolate Macadamia ice cream from the Raw Ice Cream Company

The DL: You may have noticed that we're receiving a good amount of raw ice cream at the VNHQ. It might just be for a future Taste Test, in a certain anniversary issue. And we just might be a little excited about it!

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!

Sudsy Soaps

Date: Monday, October 26
The Delivery: Goji-agave granola from GrandyOats, and a variety of soaps
Staff Pick: The Vermont Soap's Lemongrass Zen Foaming Hand Soap

The DL: This hand soap came right in time, because the VNHQ is running dreadfully low on our supply. We look forward to finding zen while sudsing up with this soap.

The Truffle Shuffle

Date: Monday, October 19
The Delivery: Vega Sport drink mix, an assortment of truffles, and some beauty products from BcomBIO
Staff Pick: The Nicobella vegan dark chocolate truffles

The DL: There's no ignoring chocolate at the VNHQ, and it's an added bonus when it comes in the form of truffles. We're excited to give these ones a taste!

Veggie Award Exclusive

Date: Friday, October 16
The Delivery: The 2009 Veggie Award issue of VegNews
Staff Pick: The new issue, of course!

The DL: This was the biggest Veggie Awards yet, and we are literally bursting at the seams with excitement at the VNHQ. The issue hits newsstands November 1, but if you can't wait any longer head over to Ecorazzi today for an exclusive sneak peek at the winners.

Also, we're selling advance copies of the issue, which are shipped immediately. You know you want one!

Warm Them Bones

Date: Tuesday, October 13
The Delivery: Dark hot chocolate from Boulevards
Staff Pick: The Dairy-Free Sweet-Dark Hot Chocolate (with Dandies on top)

The DL: It is cold, windy, and rainy at the VNHQ today, which are conditions that aren't too familiar with us. Luckily, these vegan hot chocolates have come to the rescue, and we can't wait to warm up with a cup.

It's your second chance to win a copy of The Conscious Cook by Tal Ronnen. Good Luck!

Parma to the Rescue

Date: Monday, August 24
The Delivery: The best condiment on earth
Staff Pick: Parma!

The DL: We have been in a desperate situation at the VNHQ—our Parma had run out! Yes, some of the staff have been reduced to tears and there was even talk of closing down shop until more arrived. Thankfully, our cries have been answered, and we can now go on with our restocked supply of our beloved Parma.

Since the office is open, we are giving away five of Sarah Kramer's Go Vegan! 2010 Calendars this week over at Café VegNews!