By admin | February 15, 2017

If youve been sitting out on coffee break runs, consider this your chance to tag back in.

Pop Sugar (and about one hundred other blogs) announced that 600 Starbucks locations across New York have rolled out a new vegan menu item; overnight grains. The parfait-like breakfast item blends steel cut oats, quinoa, and chia seeds together with coconut milk, shaved coconut and almonds. Served in the cold case section of the store, itsbasically a jazzed up version of the internets beloved overnight oats, for those who dont have the forethought to prepare breakfast before bed.

Photo from StarbucksMelody

Ringing in at a hearty 360 calories with 6 grams of protein, theyre hoping to leverage the popularity of their other best-selling, protein-heavy options (none of which are vegan) with the current sensationalism of plant-based eating. At least its a much healthier option than the Justins dark chocolate peanut butter cups that stare down vegans at the cash.

With an abundance of great vegan options on every corner in New York, time will tell if this item is a success for the coffee chain, and if it rolls out to their other trillion locations.

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Starbucks adds a new vegan option : Ecorazzi - Ecorazzi

When an eagle-eyed Philly-area vegan spied yet-to-be announced new dairy-free Ben & Jerry's flavors, we couldn't wait to try them. When reached for comment, its Grand Poobah of P.R. (yes, his real title) just told us he could neither confirm nor deny that the new flavors would be announced by mid-February (but that they were delicious). And finally, the day has arrived and with a whole new flavor we didn't even know was coming.

The three new flavors, Caramel Almond Brittle, Cherry Garcia, and Coconut Seven Layer Bar, use the same almond milk base as the O.G. certified vegan dairy-free flavors. And they weren't playing around when it came time to introduce diary-free alternatives to their family of pints. It took 60 tries before they finally hit the jackpot: a vegan alternative that could stand proud next to their line of beloved pints. Creamy, but without the cream. Impossible? Not to the people who already taught us that we could imagine Whirled Peace and that humans could eat Phish Food. To see if the new flavors were equally delectable, we assembled some R29 taste-testers who were are regular ice cream devotees. Could we be swayed?

In a word, yes. Having never tried a vegan ice cream before, I had a lot of assumptions: compared to regular ice cream, it might be icy, or chalky. Or, even if it tasted pretty good, I might still rather be eating the real thing. All those misconceptions flew out my head as soon as I tried my first spoonful of the Caramel Almond Brittle.

Like the O.G. vegan ice creams, the new flavors use an almond milk base that mimics real ice cream to a creepily accurate degree. Velvety-smooth, the almond brittle flavor also packed a flavorful punch. The almond base matched perfectly with the almond brittle flavor, reminding one taste tester of a wedding cake. The salted caramel swirls added a nice contrast to the small bits of crunchy toffee. It would taste delicious with a healthy drizzle of chocolate on top.

Next, we scooped into the Coconut Seven Layer Bar. So packed with coconut flavor, we had to double-check to make sure the base wasn't coconut milk. Just as creamy, this was also the chunkiest of the pack. Fudge, walnuts, and swirls of graham crackle and caramel filled ever bite. If you're skeptical of almond milk base, this one is a good place to start: the delicious coconut flavor almost completely masks any almond flavor.

The final flavor we tried was Cherry Garcia. Like its original, dairy-based older sister, it's a cherry-flavored base with cherries and fudge flakes. It got high marks from tasters for how well the almond base flavor complimented the cherries.

When we tried to choose a team favorite, however, we fell into infighting. And when we couldn't declare a winner of the three, it became clear that it also meant there were no losers. Vegans, lactose-intolerant, and regular 'ole ice cream eaters alike all gave the new pints two spoons up.

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We Tried Ben & Jerry's 3 New Vegan Ice Cream Flavors - Refinery29

Whether youre picking them up from abandoned trains or ordering them online, it seems that its raining vegan condoms in Australia.

While the mainstream media is busy being perplexed over how so many condom brands contain animal products, we thought wed share the good news with our Australian friends. Hero, purportedly the only vegan sex company available in major retailers across Australia, has just launched a selection of new products. The two types of condoms currently on offer are the natural and ultra thin variety.

As well as condoms, Hero has launched a vegan, aloe vera based, pH balanced, petrochemical & paraben free lubricant. With every bottle sold, Hero donates 12 condoms to Africa in an effort to help combat HIV/AIDS. The same goes for the sale of condoms too; currently over half a million free condoms have been sent over during Heros initial months.

While the news is only relevant to those in Australia, the company is currently in discussions with major retailers in the UK and China too. Dustin Leonard, founder of Hero, aims to have tapped into those markets by the end of 2017.

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Hero Launches New Vegan Condom Range - Ecorazzi

Just in time for Valentines Day, Bethlehems Vegan Treats made a national list of Top 10 Vegan Sweet Treats.

The Bethlehem bakery was recognized for its decadent Peanut Butter Bomb Cake.

The list comes from the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, which is the nations largest animal rights organization. Vegan desserts are made with no animals products such as eggs and dairy products.

PETA said it tested vegan desserts nationwide. Top of the list was Chocolate Nirvana, a chocolate cake with Kahlua butter cream and dark chocolate ganache by Sublime Restaurant & Bars in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Vegan Treats Peanut Butter Bomb Cake, which was listed second on PETAs list, is a signature dessert for the bakery. Its a chocolate bundt cake filled and topped with peanut butter mousse.

The Bethlehem bakery has long been a favorite for vegans, with celebrities such as actress Gwyneth Paltrow and musicians Fall Out Boy among its clientele. Its also popular among non-vegan sweet tooths as its desserts are decidedly decadent and delicious.

Vegan Treats also offers other sweet deliciousness including peanut butter cup cheesecake, carrot cake, doughnuts and cinnamon buns. The bakery also has a full array of gluten-free options.

Other vegan desserts named to PETAs list include: Vegan Cass Avenue Carrot Cake at Detroits Avalon International Breads; Coconut Cream Pie, a chocolate cream pie topped with a coconut whipped cream at Eden Bakery in Portland, Ore.; and cannoli from My Vegan Sweet Tooth in Virginia Beach.

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The peanut butter bomb cake at Vegan Treats, a popular vegan bakery in Bethlehem, was named to PETA's Top 10 Vegan Sweet Treats list. Vegan Treats is at 1444 Linden St., Bethlehem.

Info: http://vegantreats.com/

To see more of PETA's list: http://www.peta.org/features/top-vegan-desserts-2017/

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Bethlehem's Vegan Treats named to PETA'S Top Sweet Treats list ... - Allentown Morning Call

When the cold weather is giving you the winter skin blues, nothing has the power to perk up your makeup look like blush. Despite its status as one of the first documented makeup products used in history, blush is often overlooked by the modern beauty in favor of bronzer. Blush is known by makeup artists as the secret to looking healthy, but many blushes are hiding an ugly secret that might make you feel sick.

This Might Bug You To give blush its rosy hue, a pigment made from crushed female cochineal insects is sometimes used. This bright red coloring is called Carmine, but might be disguised in the ingredient list with nicknames like Cochineal, Carminic Acid, Natural Red 4, or C.L 75470. In addition to this creepy crawly secret, some cosmetic companies use other animal-derived ingredients and test makeup products on animals, causing them to suffer in unimaginable ways. Thankfully, you can easily add blush to your makeup wardrobe without harming animals. There are dozens of cruelty-free and vegan blushes available, but weve hand-picked 5 favorites just for you!

Touted by beauty bloggers as a universally flattering blush thats gorgeous on any skin tone,Pacificas Blushious blush in Camellia provides a peachy-pink glow. Pacifica is a cruelty-free and vegan company that uses natural ingredients like coconut and rose in their affordable luxury cosmetics. At just $12, this blush is a steal and a total must-have.

Before blush was powdered and packaged, women used red fruits to color their cheeks. Cruelty-Free brand 100% Pure offers fruit pigmented vegan blushes that are suited for sensitive skin and available in a wide array of shades to suit any skin tone. The classic pink shade Cherry offers a satin finish and a flush of color in adorable packaging. At $35, this blush is less expensive than some better known luxury brands that favor cruelty over quality.

If your lifestyle is a little more active, you might prefer the ease of a blush that you can throw in your bag and apply without brushes.Tarte cheek stain comes in 6 vegan-friendly sheer shades that can be applied on the go and blended with fingers for that I just worked out look. Try the shade True Love, a sheer watermelon hue that looks like youre naturally blushing. Since not all shades are vegan, be sure to select one of the 6 shades that bear the Vegan Friendly stamp on the product photo.

While many blushes have a bit of shimmer, some prefer the natural look of a matte formula. Cruelty-free brand Modern Minerals offers a neutral shade called Love, a matte warm pink with mauve undertones that perfectly suits a minimal no makeup look. This vegan blush is ideal for those who arent comfortable with brighter hues, but want to give blush a try. At just $20, its a low risk option that adds just a little pink to your cheeks without taking much green from your wallet.

If you like pretty packaging and an equally lovely product, youll love Too Faced Long Lasting Blush. While the whole brand is Cruelty-free, only the shades How Deep is Your Love and Your Love is King are vegan so far. The first is described as a watermelon pink and the second is a plum toned rose; both of which would flatter both light and dark skin tones.

You dont need makeup to be pretty, but when you choose to use a cruelty-free and vegan blush, youre making life just a little more beautiful for the animals. To find out which cosmetic brands are cruelty-free, try our helpful database!

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Save Animals Beautifully With Vegan and Cruelty-Free Blushes - PETA (blog) (press release)

Business News Media By Chris Cooke | Published on Wednesday 15 February 2017

The governments Department Of Culture, Media And Sport has announced a consultation on plans to deregulate the commercial radio sector, which would remove a number of the constraints that cover local AM and FM stations in the UK.

The rules contained within the licences issued by media regulator OfCom to local radio operations have been greatly relaxed over the years, though the commercial broadcasters argue that they need relaxing further as stations compete with an increasing number of rival audio services on the digital networks and online.

The broadcast firms also argue that, with so much more choice for consumers today, the media regulator doesnt need to worry itself so much about exactly what kind of content is airing on the AM and FM networks.

The consultation comes off the back of research done by OfCom at the request of former culture minister Ed Vaizey. The DCMS explains: At present, commercial radio has to abide by a series of complex rules regarding content which are enforced by OfCom, many of which were devised in the late 1980s before the emergence of digital technologies. But the government has announced today that it is consulting on changes to the rules that govern much of the programming decisions, and is proposing to give greater flexibility to local radio stations in particular, so that they can have a say in their own content.

The revised rules would allow broadcasters to more easily alter the music and programming policies of their stations, and to network in more programmes from central hubs providing that there was still decent local news provision. The latter change would allow the big radio groups that have already networked a lot of programming across their local stations to also run single prime time shows across their networks too, giving their London breakfast show which usually has the biggest name DJ an audience elsewhere in the UK.

Or in the words of the DCMS: It will further mean that DJs will be free to play more of the music and content they and their listeners want, when they want, without their station needing OfComs permission. Stations will also be able to network more of their services across different stations, allowing them to showcase star presenters throughout the day including at breakfast time.

Although being spun by the government as a move to give radio DJs more musical freedom, critics of the proposed measures will no doubt point out that the changes will actually allow stations that currently have commitments to play a certain amount of music from new acts or niche genres to instead air more shows playing their mainstream core playlist. Meanwhile the promise of celebrity voices over breakfast is code for more local radio stations having no actual local content beyond the headlines on the hour and occasional travel news bulletins.

But, unsurprisingly, the boss of commercial radio trade group Radiocentre, Siobhan Kenny, welcomes the proposed changes, saying earlier this week: Radiocentre welcomes the governments announcement wholeheartedly as we have been asking for the existing rules on both music output and how and where content is made to be updated. Most of the rules are over 20 years old, so effectively designed for a pre-internet age. With 45% of radio listening now on digital platforms and new competition from streaming services, it is high time legislation caught up. The times have already changed so this is excellent news.

Meanwhile, the minister now in charge of radio, Matt Hancock, waffled on thus: In a time of extraordinary change, radio has thrived. But the way commercial radio is regulated is increasingly outdated and holding it back from investing in new content, services and platforms. All these things are essential for radio to stay relevant, especially in an age of unregulated internet audio services.

Noting that Monday was World Radio Day, he continued: So Im delighted to announce on World Radio Day that we will be asking industry and members of the public for their views on the deregulation of local radio. Under our new proposals we will be giving local radio stations more freedom and flexibility to meet the needs of listeners across the country.

The DCMSs consultation will take submissions until 8 May.

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Government opens consultation on relaxing rules for local radio in ... - Complete Music Update

February 14, 2017 9:54 PM By Marissa Bailey

(CBS) Millions of Americans, women in particular, have problems falling asleep or staying asleep. A new idea may help.

CBS 2s Marissa Bailey has more on what is being dubbed the Sleep Song.

Forty-six percent of woman are sleep-deprived.

Jessica Prewitt; Emilia Schobeiri; Rachel Gerson and Sarah Gulette-Johnson would try just about anything to get a few more hours of precious shuteye.

They would event try the song Weightless by Marconi Union.

Jessica, for one, was skeptical, but Rachel says she was intrigued.

British neuroscientists found the music was 11 percent more relaxing than any other song they tested, including more familiar tunes by Enya; Coldplay and Adele.

They found Weightless reduced overall anxiety by 65 percent and lowered resting heart and respiratory rates by 35 percent.

Rush University Medical Center sleep expert Dr. James Herdegen believes the magic is in the melody.

Weightless starts at 60 beats per minute. By the end eight minutes later it drops to 50 beats per minute. That is key, experts say.

It takes this very melodic, repetitive sound, sometimes with vocals, to help with sleep relaxation, Herdegen says.

But was it relaxing enough to help our ladies fall asleep?

For Rachel and Emilia, no. The song did not work.

But for Sarah and Jessica, Weightless worked wonders.

Says Jessica: This song is emitting some sort of like drug into the air through my phone to put me to sleep at night.

Sarah says the song helps calm down her young children, and Jessica has played it for her niece who has autism and says it relaxes her as well.

For the official version of Weightless on YouTube, click here.

Marissa Bailey is the weekend anchor of the CBS 2 Chicago morning newscasts and a general assignment reporter for the station. Marissa joined the station in March 2012 as a reporter and was promoted to anchor the stations Saturday and Sunday...

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For The Sleep-Deprived, Can A Song Be The Cure? - CBS Local

For residents of Oro Valley, Catalina State Park has long stood as one of the areas greatest focal points. With management for the park incorporated in 1974the same year as Oro Valleys foundingit has acted as a pillar for family entertainment in the north Tucson area going on over 40 years as a place for recreation of all sorts: biking, camping, horseback riding and beyond.

For its over four decades in operation, the park has done an upstanding job in embracing traditions common of national parks throughout the world, from preserving nature to hosting outdoor hiking trails and encouraging campouts under starry Arizona skies. What recent years have proven for the parks, though, is that even old dogs truly are capable of new tricks.

With a little help from their associates at the non-profit organization Friends of Catalina State Park, the park has decided on bringing an innovative twist to stand amongst its more traditional proceedings. It is now hosting Saturday concert series, with the events specifically being hosted not too far into the park, all amidst a gorgeous setting of the trees, cacti, flowers and medley of desert wildlife for which the establishment has become renowned.

Iterating his thoughts on the series and assisting the Catalina State Park rangers in organizing their Saturday Concerts-in-the-Park, FCSP president and secretary Richard Boyer said, Friends of Catalina State Park has been involved with notices to our 300 contacts about the Concerts-in-the-Park, and the concerts have been a great hit with visitors and locals alike. The outdoor setting at the trail head stage in the park is beautiful and the Catalina Mountains provide a stunning backdrop.

When asked about the attraction to the series for performers and attendees alike, Boyer said, It appears to meand I have attended almost every concert since they started a few years agothat the concerts enhance the park experience by providing a different experience for those attending, rather than the usual hiking, biking, or running. It is a relaxing event for those attending, providing a variety of musicians at each concert. Musicians love coming to the park and many artists are already scheduled through 2017.

Folks attend, often bringing friends and pets and food to enjoy the free entertainment, he says with a smile. Obviously, the park benefits through increased visitation, and through funds brought in at the entrance station. Mostly, though, I believe that the park benefits by having those attending experience a relaxing evening and a variety of music in a different kind of outdoor setting than they might be used to with other concerts around Tucson.

During a recent show held as part of the ongoing Saturday Concerts-in-the-Park series at Catalina State Park, bluegrass-pickin park mainstays, the Saguaro Sunset Trio, brought a crowd of 200-strong to their feet in rousing applause in-between each of their individual performances. With crisp weather on the horizon for Tucson, the park will likely see an attendance boom during their springtime shows, which are held two Saturdays a month as opposed to the usual one.

Concerts are for all ages, pet friendly, and are free upon park admissionwhich is $7, cash onlyfor a day pass. Concert attendees are encouraged to bring their own foldable chairs for seating, as well as their own bottled water. Furthermore, the Friends of Catalina State Park are present at every event to offer free popcorn to all attendees.

Though the FCSP has less to do with the actual planning for these concerts, including booking the eventsall of which goes to the Catalina State Park rangersthey do assist in providing a place to showcase upcoming events on their handy website, http://www.friendscsp.org. Readers are encouraged to visit the Future Events page on the FCSP website for any further information on upcoming shows. For more information on Catalina State Park itself, readers are encouraged to visit http://www.azstateparks.com/catalina

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Catalina State Park concert series brings music to nature - Tucson Local Media

United Natural Foods Inc. expects to request at least $1.9 million in state tax credits in return.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. United Natural Foods Inc., a wholesale distributor headquartered in Providence with $8.47 billion in net sales last fiscal year, expects to add 150 jobs in Providence by 2020 after selecting Rhode Island from about 30 prospective metro locations.

The company is seeking a long-term lease for a new, shared business services center in the Providence metro area, Gov. Gina Raimondo and the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation announced Wednesday.

United Natural Foods expects to request at least $1.9 million in Qualified Jobs tax credits from the Commerce Corporation at its Feb. 27 board meeting, Commerce Secretary Stefan Pryor told The Providence Journal.

About a year ago, Rhode Island leaders responded when the company issued a solicitation to different jurisdictions, seeking answers about office space availability and financial incentives that locations could offer, Pryor said.

The company narrowed its search to three top metro locations places that are leaders in "shared services operations," said Josephine Eke, the firm's vice president of branding and communications marketing. Centralizing in Rhode Island continues the company's effort "to stay nimble and evolve to the market changes," she said.

"Clearly, we have a great relationship with Rhode Island because our headquarters is here," Eke said in a phone interview Wednesday. "This is about building a business for the future, trying to do the best for our customers as well as our associates, and I think we're thrilled to be able to continue our relationship with Rhode Island."

Eke said she does not know how many of the jobs would be new and how many would move from other locations, or whether there might be layoffs elsewhere.

The wholesale distributor moved its headquarters from Connecticut to Rhode Island in 2009 and has grown exponentially since then.

As it seeks tax credits from Commerce, the firm could request more credits if it exceeds its current expectations for job creation, Pryor said. The board will likely consider a higher amount of credits, not yet negotiated, that the firm would redeem if it hires about 250 or more employees, Pryor said. Neither Pryor nor Eke could immediately say what median annual wages would be.

"It's exciting that Rhode Island-based operations such as United Natural Foods are deciding in Rhode Island's favor when they are considering where to expand," Pryor said. "Some of our recent victories include companies moving into Rhode Island from outside our borders. It's enormously encouraging that companies such as UNFI are joining A.T. Cross and Ocean State Job Lot, and other Rhode Island companies, in growing right here."

United Natural Foods (UNFI:Nasdaq) identifies itself as the largest publicly traded wholesale distributor of natural and organic foods and wellness products to the natural, organic and specialty industry in the United States and Canada.

The company's net sales have grown from $3.4 billion in the fiscal year that ended in 2008, the year it announced its move to Providence, to $8.47 billion in the fiscal year that ended July 30.

The company employs about 9,800 people at 33 distribution centers throughout the United States and Canada, with about 450 employees at its Providence headquarters, Commerce spokesman Matthew Sheaff said. United Natural Foods distributes more than 100,000 organic, natural and specialty products to more than 43,000 customer locations throughout North America.

In Rhode Island, the company now expects to open a "shared services center," Steven L. Spinner, the company's president, CEO and board chairman, said in a statement issued by the Commerce Corporation. That "new, centralized location" is expected to support business operations that includes services such as accounts payable and accounts receivable, Sheaff said.

A lease hasn't been signed, but the company is working toward a long-term lease in the Providence metro area to accommodate the new employees, the Commerce Corporation said. The company's headquarters is 313 Iron Horse Way, the American Locomotive Works building in Providence's Olneyville neighborhood, the same complex where the Commerce Corporation is located.

We look forward to expanding our presence in Rhode Island with the opening of our shared services center, which will enable us to drive greater efficiencies and improve the customer experience as we further simplify and standardize our supplier and customer interactions, Spinner said in the statement.

Weve long been proud that UNFI calls Rhode Island home, and today were pleased that its decided to grow here, Gov. Gina Raimondo said in a statement. The business climate weve worked to create over the past couple of years is one thats mutually beneficial for businesses and our residents, and were careful to ensure that the opportunities we create pay off in both the short- and long term.

The company is moving forward with hiring plans soon, with an open house scheduled for March 1, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at its corporate headquarters.Hiring managers expect to conduct interviews at that time.

Last fiscal year,Whole Foods Market was the company's only customer whose business represented more than 10 percent of total net sales, with about 35 percent, according to United Natural Foods' annual report. In late 2015, the company announced it had extended its wholesale distribution relationship with Whole Foods until Sept. 25, 2025, extending a prior agreement that would have expired in September 2020.

In 2014, United Natural Foods acquired California food distributor Tony's Fine Foods for approximately $202.7 million.Last fiscal year, Haddon House was its largest acquisition, at approximately $217.5 million, and with other acquisitions, the company took on an additional 1,000 employees, according to its annual report.

Excerpt from:

RI-based distributor of natural, organic food to add 150 jobs - The Providence Journal

Mashable

Whole Foods is struggling despite a booming organic craze Mashable The high-end grocery chain said it would close nine stores last week after a year and a half of falling same-store sales. Yet ironically, the organic food craze it ... What would it mean to modernize the Endangered Species Act?Grist Whole Foods was a half-step behind industry changes, and it hurtFlorida Weekly Global Organic Food & Beverages Market 2016 Amy's Kitchen Inc, Dean Foods, Evol Foods, Organic Valley ...Albanian Times WholeFoods Magazine all 9 news articles »

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Whole Foods is struggling despite a booming organic craze - Mashable