Vegan Chocolate Cake

Let me start off by saying that just because this cake is vegan does NOT make it healthy. I made it for Cosette's first birthday even though we were both unable to partake, well she did put her fingers in the icing and sure enjoyed that! I also found an icing that was fabulous and made with maple syrup! Enjoy!

Vegan Chocolate Cake
3 cups flour
1.5 cups sugar
6 tbsp cocoa powder
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt

2 cups water
3/4 cup coconut oil
2 tbsp vinegar
2 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 350º. Thoroughly mix the dry ingredients, then add the wet and mix until well blended. I baked my cake in a 9x13 for about 25-30 mins. Grease and flour pan first.

Chocolate Frosting (found on vegweb)
1/4-1/3 cup maple syrup
3 tbsp water
1/3 cup cocoa
2 tbsp coconut oil

Put all the ingredients in a blender and blend well. You need to put icing on a cool cake and put in the fridge to let it sit before serving. The coconut oil solidifies and gives the icing a nice consistency.

Natural Deodorant

So I am about to get honest with you...I am a sweater and can be pretty stinky as well. Just ask my hubby. I stopped using antiperspirant a while ago because of the chemicals in it such as aluminum which has been linked to Alzheimer's and kidney disease. There is also question if it is linked to breast cancer. I have tried many different "natural" deodorants over the years but wasn't impressed by any of them. Then about a year ago I found the DeOdor Works which is a stainless steel bar that you use for 30 seconds under each arm to eliminate odor causing bacteria. I also like the crystal rock deodorant which is a natural mineral salt that puts a barrier on the skin that is unfriendly to bacteria. I use both of them everyday and they work amazingly! The best thing about them is that you never have to replace the steel bar and the crystal rock will last you at least a year. Try them out and let me know what you think!