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Feb 11

DIY Love Lotto Scratch-Off Ticket

Within the past couple of days we have heard over and over again: “Oh Valentine’s Day is almost here! I still need to buy a card!”

At 8th Continent Soymilk we do fully believe that it is the thought that counts, so why not put a little more effort and creativity into it than grabbing a witty/touching card at the store?

A handmade craft for Valentine’s Day is not only one of the easiest ways to say you care, but since you are making it; you can make it say whatever you want! With this simple DIY Love Lotto Ticket tutorial you will be ready to impress your Valentine and say exactly what you mean.

Supplies:

  • Colored Card Stock
  • Paper with your Lotto reveal message on it.
  • Contact paper
  • Scissors
  • Silver Colored Acrylic paint
  • Glue stick
  • Dish washing soap

Directions:

  • First and foremost, think of what you want your message to say! You can print this out on regular paper and cut down to size.
  • Using the glue stick, adhere the paper with your Lotto Reveal Message onto your choice of decorative card stock paper and cut that down to size as well.
  • Cut a square of contact paper and stick it over your Lotto Reveal message.
  • Mix 2 parts paint to one part Dish Washing soap and paint over the contact paper and your Lotto Reveal Message.
  • Let the paint dry.

Give your Love Lotto Ticket to your Valentine, hand them a penny and watch their faces light up as your unique message is revealed by them scratching away the paint.

Do you smell that? Oh yeah. Love is in the air! For more crafts, recipes, coupons and tips to living a happy healthy life, make sure to add us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

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Feb 12

Cupid’s 8th Continent 12 Days of Valentines- Day 2

You want to make your Valentine’s Day romantic, I know. And a lot of people are thinking the same thing and wondering- how do I do that in a crowded restaurant? Or at a pub? Or any of the other typical romantic venues that will be stuffed full of the things that remind you that this may just be a Hallmark Holiday? My suggestion? Don’t go out! Stay in! Make some chocolate raspberry parfaits and cuddle up on a couch and pop in a movie!

Trying to think of the best romantic movie? Well, let me help you out with that!

Here is a list of some newbies and some classics, and all of them are going to give you that feeling of wanting to hold your loved one closer and snuggle.

When Harry Met Sally

Love Actually

Fever Pitch

Shakespeare in Love

50 First Dates

There’s Something About Mary

Princess Bride

Hitch

10 Things I Hate About You

Down With Love

Serendipity

Amelie

And what kind of a Valentine’s Day advocate would I be if I neglected to mention the following movies?

  • Titanic
  • The Notebook
  • City of Angels
  • An Affair to Remember
  • Chocolat
  • Romeo and Juliet
  • My Fair Lady
  • Gigi

You should be able to find the perfect movie for Valentine’s Day above! Do you think I missed some? Make sure to leave it in the comments section! Or you can let me know on Facebook or Twitter!

If you don’t think popping in a movie would be the best thing for you and your sweetheart, no sweat! I have tons of other Valentine’s ideas to choose from!

Day 12- Make a pop-up Valentine’s Day card!

Day 11- Make a heart-shaped Vegan Chocolate Cake!

Day 10- A DIY project to make “U Complete Me” Pillow set!

Day 9- My music picks- both a pro-love and anti-love playlist!

Day 8- The Perfect Valentine’s Day presents from Etsy!

Day 7- Perfect Vegan recipe for Penna alla Vodka!

Day 6- Forget the material things! Do something sweet with your Valentine!

Day 5- Easy and Tasty recipe for Vegan Chocolate “Ice Cream”!

Day 4- Some dorky AND romantic things that are perfect to write inside your Valentine’s Day card!

Day 3- Easy Recipe for a vegan Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Bread!

Sara Lopez

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Feb 11

Cupid’s 8th Continent 12 Days of Valentines- Day 3

Only three days away until the big day! That’s right- Valentine’s Day.

Still haven’t figured out the perfect sweet dish to make your sweetheart? Thanks to Amy over at VegWeb we are able to provide you with this awesome vegan recipe for a Peanut Butter, Banana, Chocolate Chip Bread. Now you can’t even try to tell me that doesn’t sound decadent!

Ingredients

  • 2 ripe mashed bananas
  • 2 1/2 cups flour
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup 8th Continent soy milk
  • 1/3 cup applesauce
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 3/4 cup peanut butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 3 tablespoon cooking oil
  • 1 cup chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 Fahrenheit

2. Stir together flour, sugars, baking powder and cinnamon.

3. In another bowl combine bananas, soy milk, peanut butter, oil, vanilla, and applesauce.  Add to flour, stir until combined.

4. Stir in chocolate chips.

5. Pour into two greased 8x4x2 loaf pans.  Bake 50 to 55 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

Frost with Peanut Butter Frosting:

-Melt 3 tbs peanut butter with 2 tbs margarine in a saucepan.

-stir in one cup powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla.

-add 1 tbs soy milk or more until it is of spreading consistency

Serves: 12-15

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Let me know what you think of the recipe!

If you still need gift ideas  make sure to check out the posts I have been writing every day to count down to Valentine’s Day!

Day 12- Make a pop-up Valentine’s Day card!

Day 11- Make a heart-shaped Vegan Chocolate Cake!

Day 10- A DIY project to make “U Complete Me” Pillow set!

Day 9- My music picks- both a pro-love and anti-love playlist!

Day 8- The Perfect Valentine’s Day presents from Etsy!

Day 7- Perfect Vegan recipe for Penna alla Vodka!

Day 6- Forget the material things! Do something sweet with your Valentine!

Day 5- Easy and Tasty recipe for Vegan Chocolate “Ice Cream”!

Day 4- Some dorky AND romantic things that are perfect to write inside your Valentine’s Day card!

Need any other suggestions? Or do you have the perfect idea? Make sure to let me know on Twitter or on Facebook!

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Feb 10

Cupid’s 8th Continent 12 Days of Valentines- Day 4

Valentine’s Day is ALMOST HERE!!! EEK! Only 4 days left and Cupid and I have been giving you ideas, recipes, romantic outings and all!

So you probably have your gift bought, or made. Good job friend!

Did you make or buy a card? Yes? Yes! You are on top of it!

Now, you think you are finished? Oh don’t be so naive! This is one of the most important, if not THE most important part of giving a gift on Valentine’s Day. What are you going to write in that card?

If you are like me, and well, most everyone that exists, emotions may be the hardest thing to really express. Don’t you worry dear friend! We are not going to leave you hanging this close to the finish line. We are here for you all the way through this holiday of love! Check out the following. First we will start off with some charmingly nerdy love quotes and sayings, and then we will get into the serious tear-up, heart-beating, happy-sobbing, lovey-dovey sayings to fill your card, and hearts with that special feeling.

LOVE FOR GEEKS

  • You changed my world, without even needing the source code.
  • I know you would never <br /> my heart.
  • You are the dot com to my perfect domain name.
  • I RT you just so I can see your Twitter handle twice.
  • Do you understand when I say that I less than three you?
  • Baby, you and I go back to Beta.
  • Today I changed my Twitter password to your name.
  • www.youandi.com/forever
  • I don’t poke just anyone on Facebook.
  • On Twitter I @ you instead of DM you because I want everyone to know our love.

EYE-ROLLING LOVE

  • “To The World You May Be One Person But To One Person You May Be The World”
  • “Without you, I have nothing. But with you, I have everything.”
  • “I cannot show you I love you. Time will show you I love you.”
  • “Meeting you was fate, becoming your friend was a choice, falling in love with you was beyond my control.”
  • “Love doesn’t make the world go ’round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.”  Franklin P. Jones
  • “I love you, not for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you.” Roy Croft
  • “To be your friend was all I ever wanted; to be your lover was all I ever dreamed.”
  • “Never lie, steal, cheat, or drink. But if you must lie, lie in the arms of the one you love. If you must steal, steal away from bad company. If you must cheat, cheat death. And if you must drink, drink in the moments that take your breath away.”  Irish wedding toast
  • “I put your name in a circle instead of a heart because hearts can be broken but circles go on forever.”
  • “Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.”
  • “You know you’re in love when you don’t want to fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.” Dr. Seuss
  • “There is no land so distant, no hole so deep, no fear so great that love cannot find us there.”
  • “Trying to explain how much I love you is explaining how water tastes- completely impossible.”
  • “Do you love me because I am beautiful, or am I beautiful because you love me?” Oscar Hammerstein II, Cinderella
  • “Other men have seen angels, But I have seen thee, And thou art enough.” G. Moore
  • “If I am pressed to say why I loved him, I feel it can only be explained by replying: ‘Because it was he; because it was me.’” Montaigne
  • “I have said nothing because there is nothing I can say that would describe how I feel as perfectly as you deserve it.” Kyle Schmidt
  • “Passion makes the world go round. Love just makes it a safer place.” Ice T

Are you going to use one of these? Which one?

Have any more you want me to add to the list?

Make sure to leave your suggestions in the comment section or you can hit me up on Facebook or Twitter!

And if you have found the perfect thing to say, but still don’t know what to make/buy/do… then you obviously haven’t read the posts that I have been writing to count down the days to Valentine’s Day!

Check them out:

Day 12- Make a pop-up Valentine’s Day card!

Day 11- Make a heart-shaped Vegan Chocolate Cake!

Day 10- A DIY project to make “U Complete Me” Pillow set!

Day 9- My music picks- both a pro-love and anti-love playlist!

Day 8- The Perfect Valentine’s Day presents from Etsy!

Day 7- Perfect Vegan recipe for Penna alla Vodka!

Day 6- Forget the material things! Do something sweet with your Valentine!

Day 5- Easy and Tasty recipe for Vegan Chocolate “Ice Cream”!

Sara Lopez

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Feb 8

Cupid’s 8th Continent 12 Days of Valentines- Day 6

I have been teaming up with Cupid to count down the days until Valentine’s Day and provide you with great gift ideas, recipes, playlists and all! But so far I haven’t discussed my favorite thing to do on Valentine’s Day. I know you are all thinking the same thing- isn’t it obvious what two people do when they are alone, in love, and want to share something with each other? Forget the material things, the things you can eat and purchase. The most romantic thing to do on Valentine’s Day is share an experience. Here are a few ideas that will ensure this will be the most romantic Valentine’s Day that neither you or your significant other will forget!

  • Make a playlist that includes songs that remind you of a time you spent together and explain each one. Cuddle up and let the bands or singer/songwriters do the talking for you! A great site to use for this is Grooveshark. You can find just about any song on there and save your playlist- and it’s free!
  • Go get a couple’s massage together. This is a perfect way to relax. And afterward I can assure you will be in that light-headed romantic refreshed mood!
  • Read your Horoscopes for that day and do something based on each person’s fortune.
  • Do a photo shoot! There is no need to have a professional photographer when you have each other. Capture some artsy shots of your hands intertwined, or of that smile that has left you intoxicated for the other person. Or take a picture of that cute freckle she has on her shoulder blade. Or a picture of that scar he got on his knee from when you two went hiking together. Sometimes we forget to appreciate the small special things that truly matter. This is a great way to let the other person know you do not take them for granted and you appreciate them and your experiences you have shared together.
  • If you are where there is tons of snow- play King/Queen of the mountain! The snow plows have officially cleared the streets and there are bound to be piles near you. Let yourselves be kids again and have a cute competition on who can get to the top first, or who makes the best snow angels. After that you can make a wonderful cup of hot chocolate and giggle away reflecting on how silly you both just were.
  • Spend a couple hours together writing romantic ideas on separate slips of paper. After you get a total of 100 romantic ideas on 100 pieces of paper, then fill a jar with them. Every Sunday, from this day on, alternate who picks one and has to implement it by the following Sunday — at which point the other partner will pick a new romantic idea and have a week to follow through with it. (courtesy of The Fun Times Guide)
  • Cuddle. It is simple, cost efficient, and couples don’t do it enough.

Have any more ideas that I have missed? Make sure to include them in the comments section!

And if none of the above suit you, no worries! You can take a look at some of the posts I have already put up, or you can come back here in the following days because I will be continuing the romantic countdown to Valentine’s Day!

Day 12- Make a pop-up Valentine’s Day card!

Day 11- Make a heart-shaped Vegan Chocolate Cake!

Day 10- A DIY project to make “U Complete Me” Pillow set!

Day 9- My music picks- both a pro-love and anti-love playlist!

Day 8- The Perfect Valentine’s Day presents from Etsy!

Day 7- Perfect Vegan recipe for Penna alla Vodka!

Have any ideas for future posts and gifts for Valentine’s Day? Help a chica out! Hit me up on Facebook or Twitter and let me know. In other words, spread the love. :-)

Sara Lopez

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Feb 7

Cupid’s 8th Continent 12 Days of Valentines- Day 7

My friend Becky Striepe saw I was counting down the days till Valentine’s with tips, recipes, playlists and etc. and she decided she would help me out and let me borrow her amazing recipe for an awesome vegan dish: Penna alla Vodka. Enjoy!

Penna alla Vodka

Valentine’s day is just around the corner, and I’m sure you’re scheming a romantic evening with your sweetie!  Never fear: we’ve got you covered with this vegan version of the Italian classic: Penne alla Vodka.  Set a lovely table, pop open a bottle of your favorite wine, and you’re all set!


What You Will Need:

1 28-oz can of organic diced tomatoes (If you prefer a smoother sauce, you’ll want to whizz the tomatoes in your blender or food processor before adding them. I like it a little chunkier, so I left them as-is.)

1 pound whole wheat penne

1/4c olive oil

6 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced

your favorite hot sauce, to taste

salt, to taste

1/4c vodka

3/4c soy milk

2 to 3T  fresh Italian parsley, chopped (it’s pretty important to not substitute dried here)

1/2c nutritional yeast

Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain, and set aside.

In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.  Sautee the garlic for a few minutes, until it’s slightly browned, and then carefully add the tomatoes.  Season with the salt and hot sauce, and then bring the tomatoes to a boil letting them simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Add your vodka, lower the heat, and simmer the sauce for just a few more minutes before adding the soymilk.

Now, add the pasta to the sauce and bring it back to a boil, making sure you toss it well to get all of the penne nice and coated.  Add the parsley, drizzle a little extra olive oil into the pot, and simmer for a few more minutes to let the sauce reduce.

Take the pot off of the heat, stir in your nutritional yeast, and you’re ready to serve!

So spill it: do you guys have any fancy Valentine’s day plans?

A little bit about Becky Striepe

Becky Striepe is a vegan, independent crafter, and freelance blogger living in Atlanta, Georgia. Her passion is working with vintage fabric and salvaged materials. There’s just something about giving found objects a brand new life that really appeals to her. They lend their own stories to everything she makes!
Her indie business, Glue and Glitter, is all about using existing materials in products that help folks waste less without feeling deprived. She believes in the power of little changes: using cloth napkins instead of paper or a reusable bag instead of a plastic one. Things like this add up to make a big impact! Even the act of cooking is so much greener than takeout when you consider all of the packaging and whatnot involved in ordering that Chinese delivery. If a Lunch Kit would get you packing your lunch for work or school, or a cute apron encourages you to get in the kitchen and put a meal together, Becky hopes that she can make one to inspire you!

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Feb 6

Cupid’s 8th Continent 12 Days of Valentines- Day 8

Oh my goodness! Only eight days left!?!

What are you to do? Well, I have offered you crafts, recipes, playalists, and you still don’t know what to do?!? Shame on you.

What is the best way to solve this problem? Buy something from someone else who does make things with their hands. This sounds like a job from my friends at Etsy!

I have gathered the cutest most nauseatingly adorable pieces of art, jewelry and clothing from some of my favorite Etsy artists. Since these are all handmade unique things, you may want to act fast, quite often there is only one of each item made.

Just click on the picture and shop away!

Love Suits You

Hearts and Stars Necklace

Unicycles

I love the Way You Love Me

Better Loving Through Chemistry

Do What You Like (Love)

Love Like the Bunnies

Love is Spoken Here

Love and Be Loved

You are My Deer

Graffiti Love

My Heart

Warm Your Heart

Wear Your Heart on Your Coffee Sleeve

Fishing For Love

Mending Your Heart

Love You Deer

Still haven’t found what you are looking for even after seeing all of these awesome items? No worries! 8th Continent Soymilk and I want you to be all set for the big day of love, so we will continue to give you ideas until Feb 14th!

Have you shown your love yet on Facebook or Twitter? You should, it is that time of year.

Also Check out the other ideas I have posted so far!

Day 12- Make an awesome pop-up Valentine’s Day card all out of recycled materials!

Day 11- Make a delicious heart-shaped vegan chocolate cake!

Day 10- A great DIY project-  “U Complete Me” Pillowcases.

Day 9- The perfect Playlists! One for pro-love and one for anti-love!

Sara Lopez

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Feb 5

Cupid’s 8th Continent 12 Days of Valentines- Day 9

As we all know- nothing sets the mood on Valentine’s Day like an ice cold cup of 8th Continent Soymilk and a sweet supple playlist or mixtape to convey precisely the idea you are trying to express. And let’s face it, singer songwriters always seem to have those jaw-dropping, drool a little bit, wish I was on a date with that person type of traits.

Below, my buddy Cupid and I put together the perfect playlist to compliment you candlesticks and chocolate fondue!

YES! Are you in the mood?!? No?!? Oh, I see, you are one of those proud single people like me who want to enjoy their rebellious fine-by-myself attitude on a Hallmark Holiday. Don’t think we forgot about you! Nod your head and pump your fist to the below playlist, chug your 8th Continent Soymilk without wiping off the soymilk mustache because honestly- what do we care!?
We are not here to impress a significant other. We enjoy our independence! Well, at least until we have a partner. :-/ And until then- listen to the music!!!

Did I miss any songs? What songs do you listen to to celebrate your love? Or celebrate the fact that you don’t have to put up with love?
Leave your suggestions in the Comments section and you may just end up on my Valentine’s Day playlist.
You can also post a song to my Facebook or Tweet me a song!
Come back tomorrow for another day of our Valentine’s Day countdown!

Sara Lopez

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Feb 4

Cupid’s 8th Continent 12 Days of Valentines!- Day 10

Hello there 8th Continent Soymilk Lovers! So, here you are again… back to my blog on day 10- this can only mean one thing. You still don’t know what to get the brighter half of your heart for Valentine’s day.

Don’t you fear! Lopez and Cupid are here! Well, at least me, Lopez, pretending to be Cupid. I should totally buy myself a pair of wings.

Anywho!

Today is an awesome craft that I got from my friends over at Creature Comforts.

You will need:

  • Two pillowcases (light colors will work best)
  • Iron-on Transfer Paper for light colored fabrics. (tee-shirt transfer paper).  Be sure that it is the correct type for your color printer.  You will need two sheets.
  • Color printer
  • Scissors
  • Iron (no steam)

How to:

Download Free valentine iron-on transfer

  1. Print the PDF onto transfer paper.  Cut out carefully around the text, leaving the letters attached with a small amount of the transfer paper (see image one for how I did it).  Be careful not to scratch the surface of your transfer paper while working.  Note: the text will print backwards.  It will read correctly when applied to your pillowcases.
  2. Lay your pillowcases out on a flat surface and line the words and letters up on your pillowcases with the paper-backing facing up (be sure that both sides of your text will line up to read correctly once the pillows are in use).  To give yourself an easy guide for lining up the two sections of text simply fold pillowcases in half lengthwise and insert a pin to mark where the center is.
  3. A trick for ensuring that your text is straight before ironing, is to fold the lower half of your pillowcase up to the center (where you inserted the pin).  The bottom edge is now a nice straight guideline for you to arrange your words along.  I arranged my letters approximately 2 inches away from the outside edge so that when the pillowcase was stuffed the text would still be visible.  Once everything is straight iron your text following directions for use found inside your iron-on transfer paper packaging.
  4. Allow design to cool for 2 minutes before carefully removing the paper backing.  For optimum usability and softness, wash before use.

And how do you give this awesome gift to the one that makes your heart got thumpety thump?

How about this:

I’m picturing vanilla scented candles, rose petals, vegan chocolate fondue, the first mix-tape you ever made each other playing softly in the background… and as that special loved one looks at the bed they see the pillow cases. “U Complete Me” The tears start welling up in the eyes, the fingers tremble, and there is a carton of 8th Continent chocolate soymilk in a silver bucket being chilled. You meet each other’s gazes and then you softly whisper in a Dr. Evil voice. “You complete me.”

And that is how you ruin a moment on Valentine’s Day Lopez style.

Or you could do everything besides the Dr. Evil impersonation and have a fabulously romantic Valentine’s Day!

Keep tuning back in for some more awesome ideas on what to do/make for Valentine’s Day!

And why don’t we go ahead and connect on Facebook and Twitter too? Ok? Deal!

Crafts Sara Lopez

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