I sit here typing this, happily in my second trimester, but oh boy that first was a doozy. Of course, now, (re: coronavirus) -- trimester two could be just as crazy. Eesh.
Looking back on a more normal pregnancy time, here is my first trimester recap...
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I haven't made Oatmeal Raisin Cookies in years. Mostly because my husband hates raisins and so anything with chocolate usually wins in our house. But yesterday, with pouring rain, coronavirus stress in full force and just feeling really anxious,, I wanted to spend some time in the kitchen. And nibble some warm-from-the-oven cookies. Baking to the rescue!
These vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies turned out better than I could have hoped. I'm nibbling one right now as I type and in a blissful cloud of cinnamon, oats, butter and vanilla. These are tender and slightly fluffy, with loads of chewy raisins and chopped mixed nuts studding the softly textured insides.
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If you are in need of a cozy, warm hug via a soup bowl, this Potato Cauliflower Soup is it.
This simple-ingredient soup can be whipped up in under thirty minutes and offers a satisfying way to add some veggies to your day. It is also a very pantry-friendly meal which is perfect for the times we are living in right now.
If you have some potatoes and cauliflower, you can swing this soup!...
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I've finally announced my happy news. And even shared about my infertility journey to get here. Well, today I'm sharing a bit of my experience with being pregnant during coronavirus chaos...
It's been a long rainy week here in Los Angeles. Thank goodness. I think the gloom is actually keeping people indoors.
I'm currently hunkered down, ready to not leave my house - for a few weeks, some say months. I was lucky to squeeze into an important scan a few days ago, but an appointment I have next week has already been cancelled. Playing on my OB's office voicemail, an announcement that all offices are closed due to Covid-19.
The fresh news that all of California is basically on lockdown, certainly wasn't helpful. But I'm trying to stay positive and grateful. I'm grateful for local grocery delivery workers, being with my amazing husband and my cats who are sweetly oblivious - their fuzzy faces and soft purrs keeping us sane and happy.
At my scan this week. So glad I got in before places shut down. And yes, I wore a mask...
Masks and Lysol, CDC briefings and cancelled baby showers. The pregnant women I chat with in private groups, texts and DMs are all feeling pretty low right now.
Some women are being told that they will have to delivery ALONE because hospitals cannot allow guests. So many important appointments and scans are being cancelled. (The Atlantic - birth plans being upended.) And while it makes so much sense, I feel awful for any women having to cancel IVF cycles -- or wait months to even start them.
This already naturally anxious time has been pressed to limits, beyond what we could have ever imagined. Pregnancies are scary. The possible complications are vast, but a brand new global epidemic virus? Nope, didn't guess that one.
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Get cozy. This is a long one! I am so excited to share my happy news. And today, I am digging a bit deeper into the 'how' of my pregnancy by sharing my Infertility and IVF Journey with you guys.
- 1 in 8 couples will struggle with infertility
- Resolve.org
Thirty-five is the average age of females when their natural fertility begins to show a marked decline. By age 40, a womanโs natural chance of pregnancy is less than 5% per cycle.
- fertility answers
As of 2014, almost one million U.S. babies have been conceived via in vitro fertilization (IVF) since the procedure was developed in the 1980s.
- fertility answers
Itโs been three years since I wrote this blogpost, chatting about my desire to be a mom - and touching a bit on my struggles. And since then, I have kept pretty quiet about this topic. Well, I am finally ready to share..
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I never expected to announce this way.
Stuck in my house and aching for normalcy. But here goes. I hope my very happy news brings you some sunshine today - we all need it right now.
I'm beyond happy to say after a long struggle --- I am pregnant.
I had plans. Big plans. For my big announcement. I hoped coronavirus would pass. But it didn't. So how to announce? Nothing I had planned seemed right for the mood. So many are suffering.
Being pregnant right now is scary, but also, nothing can smother the elation, joy, peace I feel. I'm so excited to share.
So last night around midnight, unable to sleep, I grabbed a notebook and pen. I curled up on the couch, and wrote this little entry. A sort of poem, about my sweet baby girl and the story she'll tell. Hope you like it -- and thank you for sharing this happy moment with me.
updated: THANK YOU for all the kind + heart-warming comments on Instagram. Seriously crying from all the love.
(a little poem, by kathy)
We only had one. It was her.
The sole survivor of the bunch.
She's been retrieved.
Frozen.
Transported.
Thawed.
She "stuck" --- on her mom's, very first try.
She snuggled in deep, held on tight.
She grew.
She stayed.
Little legs.
Ten toes.
Swift heart.
Already a fighter in so many ways..
Then one more thing came along.
Chaos and panic.
The whole world ached --
While she wiggled and slept.
Nothing is promised, every step is magic.
But this little girl, the first of her kind,
Has made it this far, and that is
a
gift.
Nothing is promised, but if dreams do come true,
We'll get to see what she does once she opens her eyes.
Takes her first breath.
And reminds mom and dad everyday,
What a badass she is.
You can catch up on my infertility + pregnancy journey right here...
(TTC - trying to conceive) To anyone going through infertility, IVF, secondary infertility, miscarriage, loss or heavy heart of any kind in this arena. I know pregnancy announcements can be extremely triggering. Never forget that you are so worthy of all the joy you are seeking. I am sending you love, hope and healing. I see you. Our TTC stories are all so different, but they unite us just the same.
Last weekend before all of LA basically shut down, we made a very quick trip to a farmer's market. With a fluffy-fresh bunch of kale sitting in my fridge and pasta in my pantry, I whipped up this vegan Kale Pesto Pasta recipe. This recipe would also make an excellent easy pasta dinner right now.
This Kale Pesto Pasta provides a satisfying pasta base while also including loads of healthy leafy greens via the kale pesto sauce. As for the nuts in this recipe, I used walnuts, but you could sub with pine nuts, cashews or even pumpkin seeds if need be.
This is a very simple and super delicious plant-based meal that I hope you can try!...
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For today's interview: Vegan Yack Attack, also known as my friend Jackie.
These Healthy Happy Leader interviews are an extension of my Veggie Girl Power Series from years ago. I love chatting with inspiring women and learning from their successes, challenges and goals in life.
I first "met" Jackie Sobon of Vegan Yack Attack years ago when the vegan blogging scene here in LA felt so fresh and new to me! I was so excited to meet so many talented and kind people with the same creative ambitions and passions as me. I think the best way to sum up Jackie is that everyone loves her. She is a sparkly, fun soul just packed with creative energy.
Since that first meeting, Jackie has written a bunch of amazing cookbooks (like this one I reviewed) and works on loads of very cool food photography projects. And of course her usual blogging duties! And most of all, she is just a really cool and lovely, kind and fun lady to know. Let's chat with Jackie!...
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Since we are all hunkering down and staying in lately, I wanted to help out a bit on the culinary side of things. I scanned my blog in search of some of what I think are very quarantine-friendly recipes. I'm constantly updating this post so, here are my 37 .. 40 plant-based vegan pantry-friendly meals to save the day in these coronavirus times...
To get you started, here are a few of the main pantry and fridge or freezer storage ingredients that are common in these recipes...
....those are just a few things off the top of my head! But really focus on beans and grains and breads. There are so many recipes to be made using those basics.
This has been my go-to for a while now, but it's simple. Warm up a can of beans or vegan chili and whip up some rice. Instant meal. Add some veggies on the side and maybe some sauces like salsa, hot sauce or something simple like oil and lemon juice and a few dried spices. I'm starting off simple, but a fancier version of this is my coconut curry rice bowl.
Fight me on this, but hummus sandwiches can absolutely be served any time of day. Dinner approved! Just serve some hearty veggie side dish, stack your sandwich high and you can a full meal. The hummus sandwich I have been obsessing over lately: Green Crunch 'n 'Cado Sandwich. Bonus points if you break out a can of chickpeas and DIY the hummus.
Rev up your go-to pasta and sauce with some beans! This dish with beans and potatoes is total comfort food. Or try this marinara sauce with beans: rustic White Bean Tomato Sauce.
This comfort food recipe can be made with any pasta you might have in your pantry - mac not required! Make a double batch and bake your mac and cheese for a more casserole like meal that will last a few days.
One of my absolute fave comfort food, pantry-friendly meals that is actually packed with protein... broccoli soup! I change it up with adding beans and how many potatoes and how much vegan cheese I add. This is a good starting point recipe: Broccoli Soup. Now the tricky part will be snagging some fresh broccoli. Once you find some, stock up and make a big batch of this soup to last a few days.
This is an easy vegan pantry meal. Have tortillas, rice, beans and jarred salsa on hand. Instant meal. Add veggies or avocado if you have them.
If you have some seitan in the fridge, and some rolls or sandwich bread in the freezer, this is a great pantry meal. Bell peppers and vegan cheese make it even better. Snag this recipe with mushrooms. Or this classic recipe with just seitan.
Easy peasy. Jarred sauce and dry pasta create an easy meal. Add frozen veggie balls, vegan Parm or tossed in veggies for a more well-rounded meal. A salad on the side would also help.
If you have rice and some excess ingredients like veggies and maybe some plant-based meats (sausage, tofu, etc..) your skillet is waiting for you. Simple seasonings like EVOO, vinegar, spices and more can help. This recipe used seitan and peanut sauce and was super easy to put together. tossing everything together in a warmed oiled skillet will intensify flavors.
All you need for this meal: chickpeas, rice or quinoa and some simple peanut sauce. Love this super easy but satisfying peanut butter-flavored chickpea recipe. --- Peanut Butter Tofu is another fave.
Soba noodles offer up so many opportunities for easy, delicious meals. I love these soba noodles tossed in a peanut sauce. Want bonus points? Add a veggie and some tofu or beans.
Beans? Sweet potatoes? You are almost ready to make these sweet potato veggie burgers! And you can actually serve these on a bun or just as is. This is one of my most popular recipes for a reason!
Another fan favorite is this speedy sweet potato soup. Minimal ingredients are involved for the basic soup, so have sweet potatoes on hand for a pantry-friendly meal. Add lime, chips and fancy spices to make it next level amazing.
Maybe it's just me, but the mushroom section is always well-stocked during a crisis. Obviously people haven't tried this mushroom toast! A delicious light meal or hearty snack.
Dried peas and veggie broth are easy to keep in your pantry. And with a few flavor accents, you can make a delicious meal-approved, protein-rich soup. Love this easy pea soup!
Another easy dried grain to keep on hand is farro. It has a very hearty and nutty flavor that pairs well with basically any vegetable. You could even add some beans and your own blend of spices to the mix. Farro with Squash.
Cashews and vegan butter will start up this amazing vegan alfredo sauce. Add it to any pasta you have on hand. I'm obsessed with how yummy and creamy this sauce is!
This is an awesome casserole to whip up for a good few days of meals. The sauce is cashew-based and the add-in ingredients can range from frozen veggies to tofu and even beans. A simple pot pie biscuit topping seals things in. I love this version with tofu and frozen veggies.
Keep tortillas, some jarred enchilada sauce (or DIY it), beans, canned black olives or green chiles and frozen or fresh spinach on hand to whip up some vegan enchiladas. Vegan cheese of course makes every dish of enchiladas even more delicious. Easy Spinach Enchiladas.
Keep dried lentils on hand for lentil soup. Spices and a variety of optional veggies help glam things up. Try this carrot potato lentil soup.
Speedy, spicy soba noodles can save meal time! And soba noodles are easy to keep in your pantry and whip up in a few minutes with just a few flavor accents. Try ginger peanut spicy soba. Bonus, ginger is great for lung health.
Lentils come to the rescue again to add some serious protein, fiber and iron pizazz to your plant-based meal. This bolognese sauce is so good and more satisfying than basic marinara.
Sweet potatoes are a great pantry item to keep around for as long as you can. Sometimes I put my sweet potatoes in the fridge to extend their life. Baking and stuffing sweet potatoes is an easy meal. You can add just about anything you love like hummus, veggies, greens, avocado and more.
Keep those beans around! especially refried beans, which can easily be added to tortillas for quesadillas. And seriously, the cheese is actually optional. These are a great easy meal: Spinach Bean Quesadillas. Frozen veggies would work too!
Want to give your boring can of pantry beans some life? Buffalo-flavor them! Add these beans to rice, quinoa, salads, pitas or eat them as is.
Homemade biscuits will make any bean-based meal something to crave. Biscuits are actually super simple to make! You just need some flour and vegan butter and a few other simple ingredients. Canned beans, baked beans or your own bean creation would go well with these flaky homemade biscuits.
Another bean-winner: chili! Veggie Chili is super simple to whip up using pantry ingredients like kidney beans and tomato paste.
Tempeh is another great ingredient to keep in your fridge because it lasts a long time and can be used in a variety of dishes. It is a great protein-building ingredient for sandwiches like a TTLA.
Curry paste is a great flavor-boosting ingredient to keep in your pantry or fridge. Add it to beans, rice or tofu. This red curry tofu is an easy meal.
These beans on toast offer up a simple and comforting, healthy meal. Bread can be kept in the freezer and any canned beans can be used for this recipe. Vegan butter adds loads of richness to this recipe.
This is a really delicious way to flavor beans! These west african chickpeas have a peanutty flavor. Add over top rice or quinoa for a complete meal. Add veggies if you have them on hand. Frozen works!
One of my fave cozy bean soups, senate bean soup uses the texture and flavor of buttery mashed potatoes to achieve it's cravable flavor and texture. rich in fiber and bean-based goodness.
Pasta and beans - can't get more pantry-friendly than that! This chilled pasta salad can easily be a main course. Add sauces and spices that you have on hand.
When comfort food is calling you, reach for the grilled cheese croutons and tomato soup. This meal is made using simple ingredients, pantry-friendly. If in a bind, nix the grilled cheese and use crackers or chips as croutons.
Slow-cooked and full of cozy flavor, risotto is one of those elegant pantry-friendly meals. Keep arborio rice on hand to whip up some risotto. you can use any veggies or flavor accents that you have on hand to build a meal around this luxurious grain. Try pumpkin sage. Or my fave mushroom risotto. Frozen peas make an excellent addition to risotto to add fiber, flavor and protein.
Something super simple to try: any pasta, vegan Parm, and some smashed roasted garlic. Easy! Add lemon juice for a kick, black pepper for some spice and toss in veggies for a more balanced meal. It's similar to this garlic butter pasta.
This is a richer version of a basic marinara. Basically if you love creamy tomato sauces, this recipe is for you. Simple and easy to add veggies to create a well-balanced meal.
With just four ingredients, this ginger carrot soup is a great pantry-approved recipe because carrots actually keep for a good amount of time in the fridge - along with the fresh ginger!
Loads of pasta in your pantry? Get your hands on some kale and whip up this fresh and fancy pesto sauce for Kale Pesto Pasta. Vegan Parm on top.
This creamy, thick potato cauliflower soup is a new fave. Simple ingredients, if you have some potatoes, you can give this a try! (Yes, you can a sub all potato if you are out of cauliflower.)
I hope those vegan, plant-based pantry-friendly meals are a bit of help for you and your family! What fave meals are you guys making right now??
If you are looking into starting with a plant-based, vegan diet I have some tips for you! Here are my 15 Tips for Going Vegan ...
Why Go Vegan? Here are my five reasons why I am vegan.
I created these on-sheet cheat sheets for you guys to print out or browse online. Super easy to understand and use as a vegan reference. Get them here!
I know we all have a complex relationship with programs like Chat Gpt, but I have a secret to share: it is great for those of you looking to explore a more plant-forward or fully vegan way of life! I even created a list of prompts that you can ask chatgpt to get so much info and inspiration when it comes to vegan recipes and lifestyle. Get the prompts here: 45 Vegan Inspiration Chat GPT Prompts - here's an example of one of the pages in the guide...
Alright, let us get to the good stuff. My tips for going vegan ahead!...
With so many vegan products on the market these days and so many reasons to go vegan, now is the time to dive in. Here are some tips for going vegan..
This is my absolute favorite way for you to inspire and educate yourself. There are so many vegan resources out there! Here are just a few to browse:
Start with one thing. Give up dairy. Eggs. Or meat. Then slowly add in more an more vegan foods. Or start with meatless Mondays. Vegan weekends.
This doesn't have to be an overnight process. It took me about five years to transition from veg to vegan. (Of course if you want to dive right in, go for it!)
Even vegans make exceptions sometimes. I wear my old leather boots once in a while. My wool sweaters in the back of my closet. I eat honey. I have taken small bites of celebration cakes that are no vegan. This isn't about perfection. This is about the planet and animals and being proud to call yourself vegan.
Fave habit! Picking up fresh produce from local suppliers. Local produce just tastes better! And you get some fresh air and connect with others.
If you don't want to dive in, practice adding more plants to your plate. Add a side salad. Add some nuts or seeds to your cereal. Fresh fruit as snacks. Add more plants and start falling in love with how they make you feel.
Love Mac 'n Cheese? Look up a vegan version! Seriously there is a vegan version for everything. Need help? Ask me and I'mm find a recipe for you! Or just browse my recipes.
Search for a vegan-friendly restaurant in your city and go! Ask the server what the most popular vegan recipes are.
Seek out local vegan events like VegFest style events and more and join vegan groups on Facebook.
Do it with a friend! Going vegan is so much more enjoyable when you have a vegan buddy to chat with. Choose someone who wants to go vegan with you - or find a friend who is already vegan.
Instagram is filled with vegan recipe photos! Just hop on Insta and browse the hashtags: vegan, veganrecipe, meatlessmonday, vegansofig and more! I used these hashtags and more on my food posts. Follow me on Insta.
Get shopping! There are so many awesome vegan fashion brands these days. Check my shop for a few faves.
I love this idea! There is no better way to dive into the vegan community than documenting your journey online. Start a vegan social account - or start a blog! It will be so much easier to connect with other vegans and bloggers this way. Plus, you will be creating content to inspire others.
If you love podcasts, listen to a few popular vegan ones!
If you love entertaining, now is your time to shine! Practice some vegan recipes and invite your besties over to experiment with a vegan feast.
Honestly, these are the five reasons I am vegan but I am really vegan for the animals. And any time I'm feeling frustrated I think of the huge difference I am making for animal lives. You can visit a local rescue farm, or even visit a rescue animal shelter and give the cats and dogs some love. Animals will always lead me back to the WHY in my journey.
Some bonus help for you...
Check out my vegan pantry-recipes for easy meal ideas...
The past few weeks have thrown a lot of stress and anxiety at our society. During my trip to Whole Foods last night I was pretty shocked by the long lines, completely empty frozen foods section and of course - the total lack of toilet paper and hand sanitizer for weeks now.
I mean, forget all the usual worries we have as humans - or have personally going on right now - but toss in a global epidemic like Coronavirus and your ability to stay calm, cool and cheerful becomes seriously challenged.
And because of the covid-19 circumstances, along with event and sports cancellations, it seems there are many people working virtually for the next few weeks or longer. So today, I'm sharing my 10 Working From Home Tips. Because hi, I've totally been doing this for quite a while now...
I consider myself an expert in this arena since I have been working from home for the past thirteen years.
Most people think that working from home is nothing but PJs all day, reality TV on demand, snacks a few feet away and a chill state of mind. And yeah, that is absolutely true at first! But working from home has it's own challenges. So I have ten tips to help you stay healthy, happy and productive if you are working from home.
Working from home can be a wonderful thing. But it takes some time and practice to really figure out your routine and what your personal roadblocks might be. Some people get really depressed working alone. Some people can't stay out of the kitchen. Some people simply can't work when there are so many chores, distractions and household things at their fingertips. But hopefully, my tips will help you in your roadblock areas!
I think the most important tip for working from home is to stick to your usual morning routine. Trust me, sleeping in too late and sliding into your work chair still in your PJs can absolutely happen - but long term it just kinda makes you feel yucky. Not really like yourself.
there is something really energizing and comforting to get up and do your usual AM routine. For me, it involves feeding the cats, taking a shower, giving my body and face some TLC with my clean skincare products. Then I get dressed. I admit I usually wear loungewear all day .. but sometimes throw on a pair of jeans. Wear whatever feels normal to you. I'll cover this more in #2. And then I make breakfast, actually sit down for breakfast, check my phone, chill for a minute and think about my workday ahead. And then my tiny commute from kitchen to office. Hey, it's not the usual 9-5 gig routine, but it works for me to transition me from bed to office.
As I touched on in #1, wearing PJs all day long gets old really fast. It messes with your brain. It makes everything feel less active and productive. And it's confusing to be wearing PJs at 4pm when you should be getting ready to stop working soon and transition to the evening soon. Nothing is better than changing into your PJs at the end of the day! Wearing them all day prevents that happy transition.
Another reason to wear real clothes: it encourages you to be able to go outside into the real world! And more on that...
Working from home doesn't mean you have to stay cooped up inside all day. My favorite get-out activities are the following:
So important when working from home! Trust me, you can easily be churning out a project - in the zone - and with zero co-workers to remind you to take a break - end up working right through lunch. Don't do it. Keep your blood sugar stable and energize your brain with some healthy eats. Even a light lunch helps! Plus it breaks up the day and shifts your energy for a bit. I find I need a midday break - mentally - to come back to work and get my second wind for that second half of the day. Some easy lunch ideas:
Take advantage of the fact that you have an entire kitchen available to you when you work from home!
If you are virtually working with your usual officemates, this will naturally happen. But for self-employed folks like me, you sometimes have to be proactive. I love hopping on my phone and texting friends who do the same type of work as me. And sometimes we have long chats about projects, life and everything in between.
Prevent isolation and stalled brain power by staying connected.
And if you don't have any co-workers or colleagues for whatever reason, hop on social media! Find hashtags related to your job and make virtual connections. Facebook Groups are also great ways to privately interact with people in your line of work.
Ha. This one is kinda hard. My cats can absolutely take over my workday pretty easily by meowing their heads off for attention, jumping on or in front of my computer or just doing that thing where they look so cute I need to stop everything and cuddle them. Well, definitely take pet breaks - it's good for your health!!! - but also don't let them distract you too much. They will learn. And eventually they will understand that you are not just at home to give them extra attention, but to actually get work done. "Work, what's that?" - my cats.
But really, having pets in your workspace is a beautiful thing! It really feels like I have little co-workers on most days. Well, very lazy and unproductive coworkers! But very cute coworkers....
Where is your working from home sanctuary? Your in-home office? You need one! Even if it's a cozy corner or quiet room.
Working in the middle of a loud, busy room isn't the best scenario. Try to find a place that is quiet, calm and gives you space to think and be creative. Sometimes I really just need to be alone when I write. Having someone in the same room as me can distract the ideas swirling in my head. And that's ok! Separate yourself as best you can from family and clearly explain that you need your space to be productive.
The more productive you are - the sooner you can stop working and enjoy being so close to your loved ones! (Or pets!)
One of my fave tips for working from home...
When possible, consider working hard core only four days a week. Sometimes I make Friday my 'light work' day. I can then do all the housework I want and even give myself some space to watch a movie in the middle of the day!
If you have kids while working from home, it can be awesome to separate one day as a free day for them - during the week.
Working from home allows you to be a bit more flexible with how you use your time. Use it or lose it! Take advantage of the lack of commute. Lack of time wasted in meetings at work. And more. Be full steam productive a few days and then be easy on yourself for one or even more days.
Sometimes a work from home office can get too quiet. Maybe not true if your entire family is at home - but for me it definitely happens under more normal circumstances. Well, there are a few things you can do:
Take advantage of the fact that you don't have to stay stuck at your desk all day. Get up, walk around the house, throw some laundry in the washing machine or take out the trash. I love how much I am able to get in steps without ever leaving my office.
And when possible, fit in a fitness plan to your new work reality. The cool thing about more flexible hours is that sometimes you can workout in the middle of the day.
Oh man this is a big one. If you use social media for work - like a lot of people these days - definitely take breaks and do what you need to do. But for long productive work stretches, place your phone further than arms reach away. even in another room if possible.
I hope those tips for working from home help a little. I know it can feel strange working from home if you are not used to it. It isn't all rainbows and butterflies, but when looked at from an optimistic view - can absolutely be a very positive thing! For more, check out my article: 12 Tips for Workday Wellness.
Stay well everyone.
There are a lot of people working from home these past few weeks and when one works from home, you need a few yummy, healthy sandwich recipes up your sleeve. Today's Green Crunch 'n 'Cado Sandwich is what I have been making lately.
It combines buttery avocado and lots of crunchy romaine lettuce with a thick layer of hummus, a few fresh pickles, black pepper and some optional other add-ins all on my half-toasted sprouted grain bread. If you want a cravable sandwich with some serious crunch power, give this a go!...
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I am so excited to chat with Maลกa of The Minimalist Vegan today!
It has been my goal this year to jumpstart my interview series again. I loved chatting with fave ladies in my Veggie Girl Power Series, and now I'm adding to my Healthy, Happy Leaders Series. And today I get to interview someone who I have followed online for a while now. Maลกa of The Minimalist Vegan!
I first "met" Maลกa and her husband Michaelย when I did an interview back in 2015. Geez, that was five years ago! Crazy how time flies in this career of mine. If you know TMV's site you already know that the recipes and conversations are all lovely and bring so much value to your day. Not only is there a website, but also a podcast covering "Honest conversations about minimalism, veganism and more." So let's chat more with this amazing lady!....
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*This is not a sponsored review.*
I recently purchased a few products from True Botanicals skincare line. I love trying new skincare products and so I'm hoping to add more skincare reviews to HHL. Especially the rave reviews! Let's just say that these goodies I bought from True Botanicals were a total treat for my skin - and my senses...
You know the story. I saw a True Botanicals ad pop up on my Facebook timeline and I clicked on it. I think it was a video of Olivia Wilde massaging an oil onto her face. Hm, ok, she has nice skin...
But really, this is probably another 'social media' skin care ad - a product that is probably more average than the claims and that I don't really need - and I will probably want to return it, but be too lazy to do that and thus stuck with a product I hate until I use it all or pawn it off on my husband.
Buying skin care products online -- without trying them first -- is risky business! Especially when you are spending a lot of money. The face oil? $110. (But don't let that scare you! Keep reading for deets..)
So, after the reading every Facebook ad comment, I did a little research and dove in with a purchase.
I am a total spa-loving, skincare addict. Scratch that, a vegan, clean skincare addict. I have a very crowded bathroom cabinet and don't like to skimp on skincare quality. I definitely think this habit got worse once I hit my 30's. And as I approach 40 I have seen how taking care of your skin - on a daily basis - really makes a difference in how your skin looks and more importantly - feels!
Taking care of my skin also seems to have a positive whole body effect for me. I just feel better after I give my face some TLC. I mean, our skin is the largest organ in our body, so it makes sense!
Fun Fact: "Skin is our largest organโadults carry some 8 pounds (3.6 kilograms) and 22 square feet (2 square meters) of it." - National Geographic
Of course, you can always load up on skin-loving goodness via the foods you eat! Hydration + fiber + antioxidant-rich smoothies are always a treat for skin.
I like natural, clean and perfume/fragrance free. The only aromas I can handle on my skin are from essential oils and plants. Fragrance is one thing that I am really sensitive to.
It's getting easier and easier to find "clean" and green skincare products these days. But really, what does that mean? Sephora offers a "clean" skincare category that means this: "free of parabens, sulfites SLS and SLES, mineral oils, phthalates, formaldehyde and more."
But for my skin care products, I always like to make sure the brand does not test on animals. And also isn't sold in mainland China. The government in China requires animal testing on all products sold, so even if a brand is "cruelty-free" by choice, selling in China may nix that.
I try to choose 100% vegan products as well, but I admit I'm not perfect. A few of my natural makeup products contain beeswax. But I'm getting there! Progress not perfection. Luckily, True Botanicals offers up all the things I am looking for!..
"All of our products carry the MADE SAFEยฎ seal, the most comprehensive safety standard available, which certifies they are made without 5,000+ toxic chemicals known to harm human and environmental health. As a cruelty-free company, we are also Leaping Bunny certified, and our products are free of genetically modified organisms."
- True Botanicals
My skin used to be very reactive and acne-prone. But lately I only get breakouts due to hormone fluctuations. My skin is combination with some dryness made worse from living in a dry climate like California.
I actually used to despise face oils for my skin. But now, I adore them. I think my favorite thing is that they allow me to really massage the product into my skin for a few minutes, which just feels so good.
Finding a good face oil that truly fits your skin isn't an easy task. But starting off with high quality ingredients will really help your search.
True Botanicals face oils contain a diverse array of plant-based oils. Oils from kiwi, chia, papaya, rosehip, green tea and more.
I am so excited to try a few more True Botanicals products, but first, the four True Botanicals products I tried for my first order, were the following...
This is a really interesting product! I have been wanting to add more vitamin C to my skin care regimen, but without adding another expensive serum or cream. So this powder that blends into whatever cream, serum or oil you are using works really well for me. Plus, there is a slight tingling that makes me think it is actually doing something.
Also of note, sometimes vitamin C products can sometimes upset my skin. So I proceeded with caution with this. But I actually love it! No breakouts from it.
It is a fine white powder I have been blending into my serum. You do want to make sure you blend it with enough liquid (serum or whatever) so that it goes on smoothly and doesn't clump. It's so fine that it blends in seconds for me.
I have been using it for a few weeks now and I feel like it's definitely brightening my skin a bit! Plus, I just love having a daily vitamin C product for me skin.
The Pure Radiance Oil is thick and silky, deep orange in color. The key ingredients are:
Aroma: This oil smells absolutely heavenly and is naturally scented with jasmine, neroli, and rose.
This pure radiance oil comes in three varieties: calm, renew and clear. I chose the renew since it "reduces visible signs of aging" and I don't really have acne-prone or super sensitive skin right now. I considered the clear since sometimes face oils can spark break outs for me, but so far so good! Nothing but calm, happy, super-glowy skin.
"While creams and lotions stay on the surface, face oils deliver nutrients to the deeper layers of the skinโwhere skin issues start. Chia seed and kiwi extract, two Omega-3 powerhouses, help skin retain moisture and shield it from environmental toxins. Passion fruit and papaya seed oil help gently dissolve excess oil and impurities." - True Botanicals description of the Radiance Oil
This face oil is absolutely an investment clean skincare purchase since it is $110, but honestly, I really do feel and see such a big difference in this oil compared to others I have tried. And a little goes a long way. TB suggests 2-10 drops per use. I usually end up with four drops which is more than enough for my face and neck. Hoping this bottle lasts me a while!
This is a really lovely aromatherapy roller ball with immune boosting essential oils. I love rubbing it on the insides of my wrists and around my lymph nodes under my chin. Perfect for travel days or a midday boost.
And especially right now during virus and flu season! I don't think essential oils are immunity miracles by any means, but something about them does seen to boost my mood and comfort me.
TB says... "A comfort to help get you out from under the weather. Ravintsara is an age-old immune support while bay laurel is said to assist with lymphatic drainage."
Key ingredients in the immune roller ball...
There are other "flavors" in the aromatherapy sticks: muscle release and stress relief.
This is a light, hydrating mist that smells incredible. It is perfect as a quick refresher or to use as a toner. I just love the natural scent so much I spray it whenever I need a aromatherapy boost.
Key Ingredients in the Nutrient Mist:
"...our Renew Nutrient Mist is packed with restorative ingredients that are specifically formulated to renew and replenish. Antioxidants help revive the appearance of aging skin and restore a youthful glow. Algae extract helps prevent water loss and protect skin from environmental pollutants. And it turns out kombucha isn't just good for your insidesโit helps restore pH on the outside, too." - True Botanicals website description for the Nutrient Mist
I like this cleanser! It is very gently and doesn't foam really at all, it is more silky. I probably won't buy this product again just because I like something a bit more intense. But if you want something super gentle and silky, give it a try.
LOVE this natural serum! It reminds me of the skin oil, only richer and more intense. It isn't cheap at $140, but it lasts a long time. I feel like my skin definitely glows a bit more with this serum. I will definitely order it again.
Sadly, I don't love this one at all. I'm not sure if I just got a bad bottle or what, but it is very clumpy and doesn't dissolve well like the vitamin C booster does. It feels a bit chunky when I try to rub it into the serum. Not a fan. If you think I just got a bad bottle, let me know.. I LOVE the vitamin C booster though, which is also a powder.
I Love this! I wanted to try their hair products and strated with the conditioner. It is pretty light, yet does a good job moisturizing. Great smell. I like it!
I love this oil! It smells amazing and comes in a nice pump for less mess when dispensing. It definitely moisturizes well and has a nice thick texture, yet doesn't feel greasy. I love it. The only problem is that somehow I went through it really fast!! I think the pump leads me to use more than I normally would. I will probably order this again though it was so nice.
This one is interesting. I'm not a fan of the texture at all because it is very soupy and runny. However, it does a really great job at giving my skin a boost. I just wish it was a bit thicker in texture. Probably won't buy this one again - though it is a good product.
I hope you enjoyed this True Botanicals Review! I am pretty happy with this new vegan + clean skincare line I found via the unpredictable internet. If you have any fave TB products, let me know! And if you have any questions about the products mentioned, I'm happy to answer when possible!
disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post. All products were purchased by me. This post does contain an affiliate link for True Botanicals.
Today's creative minds chat: Food Photography Backgrounds! Let's explore this ever-evolving world. I'll share traditional and modern options, as well as the pros and cons...
In the beginning, there was white foam board. Simple, effective and cheap. And then maybe you experimented with a few colored foam boards. Or maybe, for the truly adventurous, you ventured to Home Depot and DIY'd your own wooden backgrounds.
But these days, the world of Food Photography Backgrounds has evolved to a full on business category! As bloggers, cookbook authors, food stylists and social media mavens use their recipe-creating, photo-snagging skills as primary or robust-hobby income, the demand for professional looking backgrounds has increased.
And as with all supply and demand situations, the market has eventually answered us! So put down that foam board and let's take a look at some sophisticated and professional options for your food photography background needs...
Here are a few of the ideas I'll discuss in more details below..
Now let's take a look at a few of these options in action...
You cannot go wrong with real wood! Seriously. The go-to for any food photo scene. Cinnamon buns.
I still love a good foam board for clean white or a pop of very bright color. Like this yellow for my banana pudding. You can buy foam boards for under $5 at most drug stores or Target..
Boards that replicate surfaces like wood, stone, cement and more. Easy to clean and super lightweight compared to wood! they come in a variety of colors and designs and sizes. Veggie chili..
...cheap and effective! Modern, rustic vibe.
...I made this one in a few minutes using foam board and colored pencils..
And now I want to go into a bit more detail with your options...
Roll up your faux wood background! These are super convenient to store! And the technology is pretty good for authenticity. I buy my rolled backgrounds from Ink and Elm. My flapjacks and PB Cookies show off a few more colorful options...
Layering is always a good idea for food photos! combine textures and you'll look like a pro. This vegan chick'n salad post used two layers.
Another great idea to add texture and layering: fabrics. Napkins do the trick. Red Curry Tofu post.
Check out this comparison of some of the pros and cons of the various backgrounds...
The classic option for stunning food photography: wood! Kitchen tables and benches make this also pretty obvious. But specialty wood boards now exist.
Wood is gorgeous, sturdy and easy to find. The more texture and varying colors, the better. Opt for pale pine, rich grays and even rustic oak colors.
In my personal opinion, orange-toned wood will too often blend in with the food - not good. You want the colors in your food to POP! And anything too shiny or smooth won't produce the texture that food photography loves. Go for matte, rustic wood - the knobbier and scratchier the better. I like grey tones. Reclaimed wood can often have really lovely cool hues
Your options with wood involve three main things:
Found on Etsy... AS PaulJoy boards aren't cheap - but so sturdy and beautiful work! Etsy Shop: AS PAULJOY.
Example blogpost: Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls and some of my Lentil Bolognese shots.
I recently bought a few printed photo boards. I love that they are easy to clean, light, sturdy and versatile. but they are still expensive and don't offer the authentic texture of real wood - so it will limit your shooting capabilities just a bit. But overall, I am really happy with these. Bessie Bakes.
Example blogpost: Pretzel-Stuffed Peanut Butter Cups on a faux white crinkle board by Bessie Bakes.
My latest venture into photography backgrounds - printed sheets! You roll them up to store them. They are super light, like a heavy weight photo print or sheet of paper or vinyl and they are the least expensive option. that means you can buy more of them and increase the diversity in your photos! Love that. they come in all colors, textures and styles. They do have some shine to them, so overhead shots come out the best. Ink and Elm is who I have used.
Example blogpost: Grilled Cheese Italiano on an Ink and Elm rolled sheet.
One of my favorite "free" boards - old, ages, worn baking sheets. The flat, unrimmed sheets work best. As they age, they get tons of texture and neutral gray-blue color. Perfect for food photos. If your sheets turn too blue, you can always remove the blue hues when photo editing to get a gorgeous gray color. Tip: If you wash your baking sheets in the dishwasher, they will develop a dark color that you may or may not love. These work great - flat baking sheets.
Example blogpost: Tofu Tacos - on a weathered baking sheet.
Not my fave option, but fabric works really well in either layering with shoots or as the primary background. When I first started out buying up various colors or placemats and napkins was my go-to way to infused color and texture into my shoots. I advise using fabric as a layering accent, rather than the primary background.
Example blogpost: Layering with napkins on wood - Banana Pancakes.
This is the classic cheap "perfectly white background." You can buy them at most drug stores - in the arts and craft / office supply section and they are super cheap. They get dirty easily and are not terribly sturdy. But they reflect clean light very well and can provide a clean white background when needed.
Example blogposts: Colored foam board: Banana Pudding - white foam board: Cherry Pudding Parfaits.
Marble - usually gray and white swirled - makes for a stylistic look. It works really well with color since it is neutral and usually isn't too glossy to add shine. Shine is a 'no no' for food photography backgrounds. You want matte! Marble is heavy and not terribly practical unless you have a marble kitchen counter in a well-lit location. Tip! Your marble doesn't have to be real to work. There are plenty of faux marble products out there that could work well. I have even seen faux marble placemats.
Example blogpost: Strawberry Citrus Smoothie
Various placemats can offer color and texture. They can even add faux wood looks and more. Placemats can be tricky, but if you find the right ones, they can offer a cheap and lightweight backdrop. Browse colors on Amazon.
Example blogpost: Mushroom Philly Cheese (gingham placemat shots)
One of my favorite super easy and cheap texture to make a backdrop - white parchment paper. I always crinkle it up into a ball and then unfold it to get some nice texture. White Parchment Paper.
Example blogposts: TTLA + Mushroom Quesodillas
I would never encourage buying styrofoam, but sometimes it ends up in packaging and while you have it in your home, it definitely works well as a lightweight, matte background or reflecting device.
I don't have any examples of backdrops, but I have used as a reflector..
Take those white foam boards - or your own canvas or large sheets of heavy-weight paper and color your own backgrounds! This of course creates a super unique look and is a pretty cheap option.
Example blogpost: Strawberry Ice Cream
When it comes to seasonal props and food styling, novelty goodies can go a long way. And even holiday-themed napkins - yes the paper kind - can provide a bit of festive flair for your food styling layout.
Example blogpost: Pumpkin ghost Donut holes with paper Halloween napkins
So that's it! I hope this look at Food Photography Backgrounds gave you a few new ideas to play with in your creative space. What did I miss?? I'd love to hear what background you love for your work!
disclosure: this post contains affiliate links
These Peanut Butter Banana Flapjacks with optional chocolate chips could also be called soft and chewy granola bars. But since I think of granola bars having a bit of crunch to them, I decided to go with flapjacks. Plus, since flapjacks are a british phenomenon, the name gives these rustic, simple, hearty bars a bit of worldly flair.
And yup, these flavors are so beloved and basic. Peanut butter. Fresh banana. Chocolate. All of this goodness is folded together with rolled oats, a bit of flax and some other flavorful, healthy ingredients.
You can serve these Peanut Butter Banana Flapjacks with tea as a snack or take them on the go. When stored in the fridge, they firm up quite nicely if that is your texture preference. I found they get extra chewy served chilled from the fridge.
And the best part is that you can whip a bath of these flapjacks up in about twenty minutes!...
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I love posting green-fueled pasta for spring, and this snap pea and kale loaded Lemon-Parmesan Garlicky Snap Pea Pasta really hits the spot!
The flavors are light enough for lunch, yet hearty enough for dinner. I topped the dish with some skillet-toasted vegan sausage slices. Bright and super cheezy, this dish is waiting for you to try!...
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I am excited to share my (unbiased, unsponsored) Ruggable review with you guys today!...
About six months ago I purchased a pretty blush pink rug from a major design store. It was thick and plush and had a velvet sheen look to it. The color: a very pale blush pink which complimented our off white wood floors. The cost: I bought it for around $350. This was a rare purchase for us because I usually stay away from rugs due to my allergies .. but I wanted to give it a try.
A few weeks in and the kitty cats were already using it as a scratching pad. (Something I should've anticipated.) And the somewhat delicate rug was both shedding like crazy from normal freshness and the kitty claws.
I tried to focus on the plushness of it and the pretty blush color - and of course how much I had already paid - rather than tossing it.
And then came the spills. First there was a few drops of pomegranate juice that I sort've cleaned up. Then I full on splattered my rooibos tea all over one side of the rug. I quickly flipped the rug around when the stain barely budged - a sort of muddy tea-color blob soaked into one side.
But the kicker for me was just the mustiness that the rug started to have within just six months - even with daily vacuuming and our heavy duty steam cleaner. I knew I would have to have it professionally cleaned, but what's the point when your rug is falling apart? And professionally cleaned can include chemicals sometimes - no thank you.
All that time I was stalking Ruggable. Ruggable makes a two-piece rug system. A rug pad that attaches via velcro to the rug cover. The rug cover can be peeled off and washed in any standard washing machine. Genius.
I loved the idea of a washable rug! I would endlessly browse their designs and watch Youtube video reviews - and scroll their Instagram page for tags and real reviews....
It seemed like most people loved their rugs. The main complaints seemed to be the thinness of the rug. Would it feel soft to walk over etc. And some people may just be used to a more extravagant rug. Plush and thick with deep texture. Ruggable is more about design and function. But I'll get to that in a bit. Back tot those "real reviews..."
Look no shame in affiliate programs and sponsored posts. I am super proud of my sponsored opportunities! - and to get the opportunity to feature products and brands I adore and get paid. And I never share anything I don't love. But the reality is that #sponsored anything can can lead to a lot of online sharing and "buzz." Funny thing is Ruggable has all that buzz but without the referral rewards. Ruggable doesn't have much of an affiliate program.
They offer 15% off for friends, and then you get 15% off a future purchase for a referral. (There is an affiliate program via commision junction but it looks like it's only like 3% commission, which isn't great.) And I'm sure there are sponsored posts out there, but you should be able to easily spot them with a disclaimer.
Why is this important? Well, you know that people talking about Ruggable and sharing rave reviews are pretty authentic. This post is unsponsored.
I decided to share my Ruggable review here on the blog because I'm a genuine fan and think pet lovers and allergy sufferers like me need this rug. Plus, I've posted my Ruggable rug on Instagram a few times and I *always* get someone asking me about it. Thus this post!
So! Now for the details of my Ruggable Review... That sad, heavy, designer pink rug eventually found it's way to recycling. And my floor was bare and the kitties missed a soft place to sit in their morning sunbeam. So I dove in and bought a Ruggable! It arrived pretty swiftly in a tall thin, lightweight box. The rug and rug pad (you need both) come rolled up very tightly. I chose the Kella Off White design...
I hope you enjoyed this Ruggable Review! Do you own a rug you love? Or an allergy-friendly home item? I may post about all my fave air purifiers in the future if there is interest in allergy-friendly home reviews.
So if you are looking for a new rug, and love the whole washable idea too, give Ruggable to look. If you totally hate it, you can just return it pretty easily. But choose the right design and you could be on your way to being as obsessed as me ๐
You know that feeling when you wake up absolutely craving something? Well this vegan Banana French Toast with a side of sliced kiwi has been one of those meals for me lately.
The cinnamon, banana-bread-tasting toast is sizzled in a vegan butter slathered skillet until lightly brown on the edges. The insides stay nice and moist. Maple syrup on top for an extra boost of dreamy flavor.
The tart and sweet kiwi on the side adds the perfect kick of acid - as well as loads of folate, vitamin C and fiber!
I like to use sprouted grain bread for a nice boost of whole grains, fiber and even plat-based protein. My favorite brand and flavor right now for this recipe is the Alvarado Street California Style bread. It has a nice 6g of protein per slice. 2g of fiber - 90 calories per slice. It absorbs the banana liquid very well without getting soggy.
Whip this up today and crave it every morning like I do!....
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Today I'm sharing my Hestan Skillet Review..
And FYI, not a sponsored post.
A few weeks ago, after plenty of research, I dove in and bought a Hestan Nanobond Titaium Skillet. I chose the eleven inch model, price tag? A whopping $280. Here is my Hestan Skillet Review.
Was it worth the price??...
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This Vegan Pecan Pie bakes up with sticky sweet caramelized pecans on top, gooey amazing filling inside. I absolutely loved this classic dessert gone vegan. I can't believe it's taken me so long to experiment with a vegan version Pecan Pie, but I am so glad I did. This is definitely going into my pie rotation here at home.
And one of the best things about Pecan Pie is that the ingredients are minimal and it is so easy to bring together.
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Today I'm sharing 10 Vegan Shoes for Spring 2020. From happiness-inducing colors and patterns to scrappy sandals and comfy casuals - here are a few looks to check out..
Vegan shoes are my favorite way to embrace vegan fashion. I remember those early days of still buying leather shoes because there were simply very few vegan options. Especially when it came to heels and boots and scrappy sandals.
But these days, we are so blessed with so many talented shoe designers. People, artisans and brands who are passionate about extending the plant-based message to ... well, our feet!
Overall, here are a few of my favorite vegan shoe brands. So the next time you need some foot-forward retail therapy, check out these brands..
I love the new Rothy's colors for spring 2020. Right now in my Rothy's collection, I have a few different pink shades, a basic black and my go-to grey point Rothy's. But I am really eyeing the new Mint color, since light green is a favorite color of mine.
If you don't own a pair of Rothy's yet, definitely check them out. I wear mine on most casual days working or running around. They are comfy, cute and machine washable. Read my full Rothy's review.
Browse Rothy's: Snag $20 off your Rothy's order with my link.
I feel like these Emilia sandals are really easy for spring 2020. They are a versatile dusty tone of gray, with some fun logo texture - and the best part is they appear to be 50% off right now, which is a great price. I love these as spring and summer slip-ons for lazy days outside. Check them out on Matt & Nat.
Hello spring florals. I love that colors this season are in muted pastel shades. Dusty rose, peachy oranges and milky turquoise. And these cute Vans have a very cheerful look to them. If you are a Vans fan, these cute floral slip-on sneakers are a cute way to celebrate spring. Check these Floral shoes out on Vans.
Vegan Shoes Spring 2020 needs a super elegant scrappy candle. And this is it! Bhava makes the best shoes. Super high quality and comfortable too!
Bhava has a wide selection of luxury sandals and heels that would work for spring - strappy heels, clogs, flats and more. Perfect for spring events that require a bit more glam. For example, the Amber style is perfect for a dressy spring event, shower, party, date night or drinks with friends. Check out the Amber on Bhava.
These sturdy, comfy and cute looking sandals look like perfect everyday footwear for warmer weather. These Amber sandals would look cute with jeans as well as a long skirt or floral dress.
I adore my pair of Will's shoes. The vegan leather is super soft, sturdy and comfy. Check out this pair of Footbed Sandals.
I love pink for spring. And these bright pink open back sandals are a fun statement shoe. You can wear these with more neutral colors on top. Jeans, simple neutral palate dress or skirt, and these shoes add all the color and fun. Plus the chunky block heel looks quite comfy. I own some Nat sneakers that I found in Barcelona and I adore them. Nae is a great brand to browse. Check out these Anita Pink Sandals here.
I also love these Nae white lace-free sneakers here! Currently on sale.
Another one from Matt & Nat that I love. These simple tan, faux leather slides would be cute with spring jeans and your fave white tee. Or pair with a casual sun dress. Check out these Chili Nature Slides.
I think every spring season needs a pair of comfy and stylish, go anywhere sneakers. Sneakers that you could easily wear on an easy hike, a long walk, everyday errands and strolls around your favorite neighborhoods. These APL sneakers are perfect for travel, workouts, shopping, farmer's marketing and so much more.
I bought my first pair of APLs in October for my trip to Italy and they were the best! They kept my feet happy - and looking cute the entire trip. Here are some really great NEW APL colors for spring 2020. Sunbeam Yellow + Heather Gray. -- Damask + Midnight + White -- Black + White + Black
This is a fun brand that I just discovered. I love their looks, including these classic slides in vegan leather. fun for a beach day, sunny lunch with friends or just hanging around the neighborhood. Check these Circle Slides out here.
One more Rote's shoe to share, because I love the pink options for spring. Coral pink, in a rounded toe. Check out Coral on Rothy's: Snag $20 off your Rothy's order with my link.
I love these cute little sneakers. They are vegan and have lightweight construction with sturdy support built in. If you are looking for a slip-on sneaker, these could be an option for you. This style comes in four colors too. Check out the Birch Canvas Travel Lite.
Well that's it! A few of my picks for some fresh new spring footwear. What did I miss? I'd love to hear your spring shoe favorites or fave brands in the comments!
Looking for more fashion + vegan product faves? Browse my store.
disclosure: all shoe photos are credit to the company website. Rothy's links contain affiliate credit + coupon via link. These are my unbiased / non sponsored reviews.
This decadent, yet secretly sort've healthy, Oreo Pudding Parfait is a perfect treat when you crave some rich chocolate, comfort-food flavors. Layers of silky chocolate pudding mingle with Oreo cookie crumbles and a silky vanilla pudding layer. Creating a easy, cozy, chocolate meets vanilla, Oreo-inspired dessert.
This vegan dessert is power-packed with plant-based protein and naturally sweetened. And the best part is that you can whip this dessert up in minutes with minimal ingredients. Simply chill in the fridge and pull and serve when ready! This is a lovely, eye-catching make-ahead dessert to feed your favorite people.
And this Oreo Pudding Parfait dessert is perfect for Valentine's Day too!...
[Read more...]Looking for fast, easy and delicious? This Vegan Chick'n Salad is the perfect way to whip up a flavorful, protein-packed lunch in just a few minutes. Prep this salad in the morning or the night before, then all you have to do to serve it is toast up your favorite bread, or tortilla or pita and fill it up with this delicious spread! This chick'n salad couldn't be simpler to make, check it out....
A long time ago, in a kitchen far far away, I used to love tuna salad. It was easy, flavorful and I could make it myself (as a kid!) with just a few ingredients. Extra celery, always always.
Well, flash forward to plant-based living and there are a bunch of ways to make a 'salad sandwich' without using animal products. A few of my faves include:
Chickpea Salad Sandwich - Similar to this chick'n salad sandwich recipe, only using chickpeas and no heating involved. Love this one.
Tofu "Egg" Salad Sandwich - This was one of the first blog recipes I posted, and it still holds up today. I like it served on soft, un-toasted sandwich bread.
And then there are these Curried "Eggy" Scramble Toasts using both tofu and chickpeas.
The inspiration for this Vegan Chick'n Salad recipe comes from a food itemI used to buy at Whole Foods, back east. I don't think I've ever seen it out here in California, and I'm not totally sure that they still make it anywhere. But it was simply called vegan chicken salad. It came in the prepared foods section and you could usually find it right next to the non-vegan chicken salad, so you had to be careful which you grabbed!
It had tender cubes of vegan chick'n, seitan-based I believe. And then it was coated in a creamy sauce, a few minor crunchy veggies in there. I have made this recipe on my own for years, but I have never actually posted it! So today, I'm sharing it.
Many of the vegan 'chick'n' on the market is seitan-based, or a mix of seitan and soy. Beyond Meat used to have gluten-free chicken strips, but they pulled them off the market as they develop an even tastier version of plant-powder 'chicken.' You may have heard that their very limited, vegan KFC debut sold out in just a few hours.
But for this recipe, you can easily pull from what grocery store shelves already have available to you...
My absolute favorite part of any creamy chilled salad sandwich filling is all the crunch! Extra celery please. And I've even added a few optional spring onions to this recipe. But there are so many ways to jazz up this simple chick'n salad base. I love adding sweet ingredients like green apple, grapes or dried cranberries. Or try nuts for a bit of richness and texture. For creative add-ins, you could try..
And with that, enjoy this recipe!...
These vegan Chocolate Chip Walnut Snack Muffins are simple and fluffy with flavors of vanilla and melty chocolate - a hint of cinnamon too. These muffins are perfectly caught between a snack and a dessert. You can easily eat these anytime of day. Pack one in a lunchbox or warm one up at tea time. If you love the a chocolate chip cookie flavor in the form of a fluffy muffin, this recipe is for you!...
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Birthday girl. Birthday post. #January30. Reflecting a bit this week, as one does...
It's nice to be able to celebrate milestones here on the blog. I love looking back over the years and reading my old life posts - like birthday posts - reflections and thoughts on my current state of living. Well, nothing too fancy today, just a simple copy + paste of my bday caption on Instagram. But I wanted to make sure it was shared here on HHL. So...
Though ok, these pics are a week old. Close enough. TODAY,ย #jan30, was in fact PJs all day, messy hair in a bun, warm tea mug in hand, kitty in lap. Iโm not feeling ๐ฏthis week, so low key it was. Luckily, my fave vanilla-cinnamonย #veganย bday cake fromย @sinnersandsaintsdesserts, courtesy of the husband, aka superhero and rockstar, did make an appearance. ๐ so I ate cake in my PJs. Birthday accomplished.
But honestly, low key feels right after the past week/month ๐๐จ๐ Even if you donโt live in LA or follow sports, the Kobe tragedy probably caught your attention, made you look up, hug the person standing right beside you, and just appreciate life. Every messy, beautiful, overwhelming piece of it. Each day I get to wake up and do me. Figure shit out. Dream, create, love and share. Mess up and try again. So thatโs pretty great.
I guess the message thatโs been lingering in my head all week...
Sending you lots of bday love and light and happy thoughts. ๐โจ ~ Kย
Birthday post 2020, out. xo
One of my absolute favorite desserts, since I was a kid making cake with boxed mixes and plastic-container frostings, is yellow cake with chocolate frosting. And since it's my birthday week, I am in the mood to share these Yellow Cake Cupcakes with you guys!
These yellow cake cupcakes baked up so incredibly fluffy and perfect. They have a classic vanilla-y flavor, but a gorgeous golden yellow color to them. All that golden color without any eggs! Get the recipe ahead...
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Chili and cornbread is one of my favorite meals. Chili provides a delicious way for me to consume a few extra beans in my diet, and with this Easy Veggie Chili - some vegetables too!
This recipe packs 17g of plant-based protein per serving and 15g fiber. Six servings in one big pot. Or if you like big bowls of chili, like me, you get even more good stuff.
This vegan chili recipe contains beans, celery, garlic, tomato and of course so many warming cozy spices. You can easily whip up a pot of this chili in about a half hour. Dinner made easy. Get the recipe!..
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I have been making a lot of biscuits lately and finally nailed down my personal favorite recipe. This recipe for Vegan Buttermilk Biscuits creates a fluffy, buttery biscuit with a flaky interior and lightly browned edges and top. Served warm from the oven with a pat of buttery spread and homemade jam, these biscuits are comfort food heaven. Whip them up in about twenty minutes!
I have always been a biscuit lover. Let's go way back to the late 80's when dining at KFC was indeed a thing in our household. I would always dart right to the biscuits. I later remember my friends and I ball-girling one summer at a local tennis tournament and the sponsored meal of the day was KFC. We skipped the chicken and side dishes and snapped up more than our fair share of those biscuits. Extra honey packets.
I didn't grow up in the south, where biscuits are more a way of life rather than a yummy carb-filled side dish, but I do remember tasting a few exceptionally amazing biscuits in my childhood.
Another random biscuit memory. My sister and I were on our first solo trip to Disneyland. I must have been 17 and she was 19. by the end of a long day at the park, we sat down to watch Fantasmic. We were starving, but didn't want to spend like $40 or so on a real dinner. So I popped over to a nearby restaurant and saw biscuits on the menu. They were only like two bucks or something. Bargain! I snapped up a few servings, found some butter and honey packets and dinner was done. Ha.
See? I have a thing for biscuits. Vegan buttermilk biscuits, today...
In more recent years, here on the blog, I have played around with sweet potato biscuits (I can't wait to update that recipe soon!) and biscuit topping on my favorite creamy cashew veggie pot pie. And some popeye biscuits too. But until this post, I never really dove into researching all the in's and out's of creating the perfect biscuits. The perfect vegan buttermilk biscuit!
Biscuit flour has a bit of a cult following. A bit of googling and you will find a brand called "White Lily." White Lily has a reputation for being the 'only' way to make true southern biscuits. So obviously, I hopped on Amazon and ordered some White Lily self-rising flour. I chose the unbleached variety. Self-rising flour really just means that the baking powder, baking soda and salt is already in the flour, so you don't need to add those extra steps.
I go more into the differences in flour varieties for biscuits in this post. So for now, I will just say this. to make amazing vegan buttermilk biscuits, you do not need to use White Lily. But it definitely helps to use a fine variety of flour - such as Bob's Red Mill unbleached white fine pastry flour - the brand I use and have tested this recipe with. You absolutely still get that fluffiness, but spoiler alert, in my preference, I actually prefer Bob's to White Lily. My husband preferred White Lily - so taste preferences may shift.
There are a few key tips for these biscuits. I learned most of these tips from a lot of internet research, and a few from my own common sense and baking preferences...
I served these with some homemade strawberry jam. Then later, I used them to make vegan sausage and cheese breakfast biscuits. And of course these biscuits would go so well with mushroom gravy, or served with just about any soup recipe. I adore having this new easy baked good in my baking arsenal. Nothing is more impressive than being able to whip up homemade buttermilk biscuits in under twenty minutes.
I hope you enjoy these fluffy little things!
disclosure: this post contains Amazon affiliate links
In my new Vegan buttermilk Biscuits recipe, spoiler alert, I used Bob's Red Mill unbleached pastry flour. But I absolutely tested that recipe a few different ways and with specifically, two different flours. Including the famous White Lily brand. The results: they both created delicious biscuits with a few subtle differences. I'm excited to share my views with you today...
Do a little research online about how to make the best, authentically-southern biscuits and a 'flour brand war' will start raging.
"You can't use just any flour," is what most experts agree. And I generally agree on this as well.
But some biscuit experts agree that specific brands yield the best biscuits. One very popular/infamous biscuit flour brand is White Lily...
SouthernKitchen.com says, "Ask any Southern chef or sagacious biscuit grandma and youโll hear a pattern emerge: they all swear byย White Lily flour."
However, one contrasting viewpoint comes in this article on NPR.org, that says maybe the flour isn't as important as everyone has always said. A common all-purpose flour could maybe, maybe work just as well. Chef Carla Hall said they did a little test in their kitchen, "..(made biscuits) with each type of flour and, surprisingly, the hard wheat flour won for both."
So maybe this whole "special flour for biscuits" thing is just a myth? Nah. I think any baker knows that flour does matter when baking. Using the 'right' flour for cakes, muffins, breads and biscuits definitely has impact on the finished product. But the real mystery comes in answering, what does it mean to be the "best biscuit."
I have to agree with the southern grandmas on this one. I do think that special, lower-gluten flour makes the best biscuits. And by "best" I mean super fluffy and light and melt-in-your-mouth buttery.
I used to make biscuits using only all-purpose flour and they definitely had a chewier texture and less fluffiness. Still delicious, but I do prefer a finer, lighter flour for biscuits.
But again, everyone has different tastes, and today I'm just sharing mine.
Once I found a recipe I liked, I tested my biscuits using both brands. One note, the White Lily version I used was the unbleached self-rising flour. Which meant that it did have the salt and baking soda/powder built in. My Bob's was not self-rising, so I added those ingredients myself.
I quite liked adding my own ingredients because I was able to choose the quality and brands. I used my fave pink salt and an aluminum-free baking powder.
Bob's says about their flour, "Our Fine Pastry Flour is milled from soft white wheat with a low protein content, making it ideal for tender baked goods."
White Lily says, "Made From 100% Soft Winter Wheat and is a Southern tradition since 1883."
The results were pretty clear. The White Lily flour absolutely baked up a spongy, fluffy, flaky, very tender biscuit. While the Bob's flour baked up an equally fluffy biscuit, with just a bit more nuttiness and oomph in the dough. Less cake-like in my opinion.
Split Results! I preferred the Bob's Red Mill, non-rising flour route, while my husband preferred the ultra-soft and light White Lily biscuits.
I personally think that biscuits are at their best when you use a fine pastry-type flour like White Lily or Bob's Pastry flour. BUT, all-purpose flour is absolutely an option.
I actually think that your technique when making biscuits is just as - if not, more - important than the flour you use. And I talk techniques and tips in this post: Vegan Buttermilk Biscuits.
White Lily and Bob's product pages on their websites.
You can also purchase them on Amazon: White Lily and Bob's.
disclosure: this post contains Amazon affiliate links
Happy 2020 everyone! Sorry I have been mia the past few weeks, but I'm eager to start sharing my 2020 adventures with you all. I have been off social media for a bit - posting, not viewing, ha - and I was so thrilled when I popped on to see that VegNews launched their 2020 Veggie Awards.
I love the Veggie Awards because it offers everyone an easy way to browse all that the world of vegan offers! From food to restaurants to fashion and blogs. When you vote, you will enter to win prizes, but you will also learn something new about the very wide (and getting wider everyday) world of plant-based.
And yes, even I learn new things + products! So here are my 14 Cool Vegan Things in the 2020 VegNews Veggie Awards .....
[Read more...]
These tender and chewy Maple Peanut Butter Cookies are easy to whip up when you are craving cookies. These are the perfect cookies to leave Santa Claus, or whoever your fave cookie-eating person might be.
I love these cookies because they are sweetened with a golden amber maple syrup. Maple syrup is a natural sweetener that is rich in minerals such as zinc, magnesium and even calcium. Choose a dark amber maple syrup for the most health benefits. Maple syrup that is dark used to be called 'grade B,' but is sometimes just labeled 'dark amber' these days.
Peanut butter is one of those foods that, unless you are allergic, you probably love. Not only is peanut butter super versatile to have in your kitchen, but it is something delicious that is also good for you. Peanut butter is rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals, healthy fats and protein. Two tablespoons contain about 8g or plant-based protein - the most in any nut. Well, I should say 'nut.' Peanuts are actually not a nut, they are a legume.
One of my favorite memories of Christmas morning as a kid was waking up, running to my stocking, hung over our 1970's-style yellow-tiled fireplace, and plucking my stocking - overflowing with little goodies. Then out of the corner of my eye, on the edge of the fireplace, the plate of cookies and milk we left out for "Santa" would magically be eaten. Nothing but one swig of milk and a few crumbs of cookies left.
And even as I grew older - like the wise old age of seven - and knew that Santa Claus was in fact, well you know.. I still felt a bit of Christmas magic seeing those nibbled cookies. I actually loved picturing a fictional conversation between my mom or dad - figuring out who was going to eat the cookies. Was it always my dad? Or did my mom's sweet tooth snag the cookies. Did they really drink the milk that had been left out for a few hours or did they pout a bit down the drain? Mysteries I never found out and quite frankly, don't really ever want to know the answers to.
Whatever your holiday plans, I hope you find some magic in this time of year - no matter what you celebrate, who you are with or where you are. I'm sending you lots of love and plenty of freshly-baked Maple Peanut Butter Cookies this holiday season.
Oh, and don't forget to check out my "Best of 2019" recipe round-up!
As 2019 draws to a close, it's time to look back on all the recipes I've posted this past year! In case you missed anything, now is a great time to catch up. Here are my Top 31 Recipes of 2019 - and a bit of reflection...
This past year I made some big blog changes, switching to WordPress from Blogger. There was my 20th high school reunion. I completed a year-long program for a certificate in screenwriting at UCLA and met some amazing people, and produced some really satisfying scripts along the way. And I continued posting recipes and personal stories here on the blog. Then I travelled to Italy. And of course, I played with my kitty cats. I nurtured my mind, body and spirit. Learned to love myself a little more.
And much like any year in life, I learned a bit more about myself. My values, strengths, weaknesses and goals.
As we splash into 2020, a brand new decade, I hope to bring with me lots of love, light, hope, friendship, creative goals, happiness goals and just a lot of self love and confidence too.
If anything, this past year, probably more than ever, I have learned to be on my own side. In saw a quote on Instagram that really spoke to me with this...
"I am on my side: each day I am more and more on my side."
- unknown
How I spend my energy will be a big theme for 2020. From creative projects to relationships.
I want to spend my energy on positive things, happy things, soul-nurturing relationships and satisfying work projects. As I look back on my life, I don't regret anything, but I have learned that I need to speak up for myself more. I think my late 30's have taught me that most of all! To not only think my needs, but speak them.
So speak your needs in 202. And find your people + work environments + projects - things that make you feel whole, on fire with hope and satisfaction. Work and people that bring out your light, your energy, your talent and brilliance. Make you feel like -- you. There is no reason to waste any energy feeling less than fabulous in life. (Easier said than done, but wanting that for yourself is half the battle.)
And now, the good stuff. My most popular posts of the year! (Note: this ranking method obviously always gives favoring to posts that were done earlier in the year.)
So the trends I noticed from my posts last year: beans, bowls, cake baking, comfort food!..
Who knows what 2020 will bring. Maybe sweet potatoes will make another comeback - Today show thinks so. I guess I'll just have to wait and see! Any special requests? Let me know in the comments!
3. West African Peanut Chickpeas
4. Pesto + Parm Pasta e Fagioli
7. Ridiculously Creamy Vegan Fettuccine Alfredo
9. Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
14. Speedy Peanut Seitan Rice Bowl
15. Potato Tempeh Bacon Mushroom Salad
16. Fresh Strawberry Ice Cream
17. Softy Chocolate Chip Cookies
18. Wild Blueberry Pumpkin Seed Smoothie
19. Smoothie Oatmeal
22. Pine Nut Pesto
23. Toasty Pumpkin Chickpea Fritters (recipe revamp)
24. The Best Green Bean Casserole
25. Banana Pancakes
And that's it! Those are my Top Recipes of 2019. Thank you so much for being here and continuing to check in with my blog and hopefully gain some amazing new recipes from it. I am so excited for the next decade of HHL! xoxo ~ Kathy
ps. I would love to hear what your fave recipe of 2019 was! Here or otherwise!
The dinner I have made the most this season is this Winter Veggie Stew. It is my go-to soup recipe for these chilly winter months. Warming, a bit rustic and fast and easy to whip together. I serve a big bowl of this soup with a side of freshly baked crusty bread and dinner is done.
This Winter Veggie Stew is super nourishing and perfect for when you feel like your immune system is dragging a bit. With garlic, onion, spices and a cozy broth, this soup packs a feel good punch!
This Winter Veggie Stew is filled with a variety of veggies like carrots, spinach, parsley, celery, potato and onion. Plus it contains a protein-boosting ingredient.
[Read more...]
*disclosure: This post is sponsored by DOLE
One of my most anticipated movie releases this winter: Disney's Frozen 2.
Also exciting, how Disney and Dole have collaborated up for a healthy eating campaign to help kids and families eat more fruits and veggies.
Today, I am sharing a few wintery, healthy-delicious recipes with you guys! All plant-based, all infused with a little Disney magic. Plus, enter to win a jam-packed Dole + Disney's Frozen 2 Prize Pack. Giveaway and recipes ahead..
[Read more...]
Today I'm sharing 10+ Cozy Christmas Gifts (You May Want to gift yourself).
With all the sales flying around it's impossible for a few deals and marketing ploys to not catch your internet-browsing eye. Well, if you're anything like me, you absolutely end up gifting yourself a few new things before Christmas even arrives! Well here are a few items that indeed, YES, I already bought myself. And wanted to pass on my finds to you...
Staying in this holiday season? Enjoying your twinkling tree, a mug of cocoa, holiday baking, holiday movies and your family and pets? Well me too! Yup. And you don't even have to be an introvert to enjoy a good cozy night in. Some basics are in order: PJs, a good movie, maybe a hot bath, snacks and a few other goodies. Looking for cozy? Or have some cozy-loving friends on your gift list? Here are my picks!...
Every cozy night in needs cozy PJs. One of my favorite home and living brands, Parachute, recently started selling goodies like sleep shirts and PJs. This Gauze Sleep Shirt in Fog, Surplus or Slate, retails for $99 and looks classically divine. "With a button down crew neck, long sleeves and above-the-knee cut โ our soft and airy nightshirt is a timeless staple piece."
I also love basically all the Pjs at Jcrew and Anthro.
I love this vegan brand for both bath, face and body products. Some of my faves are the algae masks (white and red and my faves) and I love all their body oils. this Gigartina Bath Soak would be perfect on a cozy winter night in. Shop OSEA goodies.
I put these on my Gift Lists like every year for good reason, I love them so much! I have them all around my house, like in every room and I just adore the soft pink-orange sunset flow that they give off. Levoit Salt Lamp with the bamboo base is my fave for gifting and for a large-sized salt lamp.
Every cozy event needs a warm mug. And my absolute fave mugs are by East Fork. We have them in pollen (yellow) and prune (deep purple). If you think spending $40+ on one mug is nuts, then ok. But seriously, these are forever mugs. Handmade and loaded with charm and coziness. I bought two and just bought two more because we use them nonstop for tea. They make perfect cocoa mugs too.
As for the cocoa or tea. Try this pretty tin of Relaxed Tea (a fave of mine). Or snag this recipe for my Cloud Coca.
I discovered Buffy about a year ago when I tried their comforter. I fell in love. We currently use their duvet cover and loooooove it. The fibers they use are 100% vegan, made using eucalyptus trees. The material is super soft and environment-friendly.
How is eucalyptus fiber more earth-friendly than cotton?
"Eucalyptus is a renewable resource because it is cut when harvested instead of uprooted. This means the trees can regenerate naturally. Our eucalyptus comes from responsible forests in Austria. It consumes 10x less water than cotton to grow and is transformed into fiber through a closed-loop system that reuses 99% of solventsโmeaning itโs made with virtually zero waste." - Buffy.com
One of my fave leggings: the space-dyed high-waisted leggings from Beyond Yoga. Tip: Order them like two sizes up! Seriously, they still fit, and they have an ultra cozy feel. Not too tight and perfect for lounging.
I also adore my Dreamy pants from J. Crew. They make a variety of them. But anything with 'dreamy' in the name will be cozy.
Must have Cozy Christmas Gift: a cozy blanket to cuddle under. There are so many on the market. We have a few by Parachute - the waffle blankies - and we adore them. If you want a throw size, just buy the "baby blankie!"
And I love this Make Me Organics Chunky Knit Cotton Throw. It is one of the few ones that seems to be organic, non-toxic and chemical free...
Cozy Christmas Gifts can also be for heading out in the world. If you absolutely need to leave the house, here are two of my favorite clothing items. Save the Duck puffer and my APL sneakers. Both vegan and super comfy, so you can stay cozy even out and about!
I also love a good scarf this time of year! Anthro has a bunch of cute ones, especially this Delaney scarf that's on sale.
And if you want some cozy, vegan lighter shoes, try vegan Rothy's flats. And for super premium coats and goodies, check out Vaute NYC. Like a Vaute Cardigan, oozing coziness.
Ok, so for the past ten years we have been watching TV on what I would describe as very average TVs. Our last flatscreen always looked a bit blurry! So finally, since there is just so much great television out there today, we upgraded to this LG OLED 55 C9. We were really cautious about spending so much on a TV. But oh my gosh, this thing is ah-mazing. Every movie we watch is like being in a movie theater. And even TV shows that I am re-watching seem brand new because of the amazing picture and sound. It's also super thin which is great if you hang it on a wall.
We kept saying "If we hate it, we'll just return it!" But of course, we love it. It stays.
And for all those TV watching snacks, snag a giant round (or hexagon) cutting board. And we just got Disney+ and I am loving it! We have already watched a few holiday movies, re-watched plenty of animated classics and National Geographic specials like the Titanic special. I also loved the Imagineering documentary.
Call me old fashioned, but I always break out a board game during the holidays. Cozy Christmas Gifts include all sorts of board games, but this Rustic Monopoly looks particularly fun. Oh and for the Disney folks, Frozen 2 Monopoly (for just $14.99 right now).
What do you love to give and receive this time of year for a cozy sort of mood?
disclosure: contains some affiliate links. Product photos are copyright the website featuring the product.
It's November, so that means holiday recipes are coming. It may be seventy-seven degrees today, but still, holiday recipes are coming. And right now we are obsessed with these Vegan Gingerbread Men Cookies.
They are pretty easy to make and are so perfect for nibbling as a snack, with tea or cocoa or after-dinner treat. You can frost or ice them, decorate them, or leave them a la natural. I love a thin layer of frosty icing and a face of some sort. And for faces? Sure! I like to make a few grumpy men too, because their little frowns are kinda cute.
These cookies are also perfect for gifting because they are sturdy and still delicious even after a few days. Plus, they are super cute! I will admit I don't go all 'Martha' when decorating my Gingerbread Men, but even still, they are pretty cute.
Molasses is what gives gingerbread that unique, sweet, earthy flavor and crunchy-chewy texture. I love this stuff because it is an excellent source of vegan iron. For optimal absorption of iron, consume with vitamin C. Think OJ or fresh fruit.
I love my gingerbread cookies super spicy, so I add in a variety of ground spices. You could *just* use the pumpkin pie spice and be good to go! If you want to add more spices: ground cloves, ground ginger and even cardamom and cayenne are nice spices to play with. I adored my Pfefferneuse cookies because of all those spices.
I also added in a tiny bit of maca powder the first time I made these. A hint of a superfood. Again, totally optional. The small amount (1-2 tsp) doesn't change the consistency at all.
You just whisk everything together - very briskly - and pour over top the cookies. If you like a thicker glaze, add a few more spoonfuls of sugar to thicken things up.
Tip: I stick my Gingerbread Men Cookies in the freezer ten minutes before icing them. This way, the icing firms up on the cookies very swiftly.
I store frosted cookies in the fridge.
Ok, so this was me yesterday. I baked them for twenty minutes, lost track of time after hearing the oven buzzer go off, and then they sat in the HOT oven for another five minutes of so. When I pulled them out they were super crisp and dark brown on the edges. "Ruined!" I thought. Nope! Actually, the slightly over-baked cookies were really good! I loved the extra crisp texture. They seemed extra light and crisp. So, even though they may look ruined at first glance, those dark brown cookies are still totally edible. And yummy. (These pics were from my 'over-baked' batch. I made more for the video, they are a bit less toasty. ๐
The general baking time for gingerbread men is 20 minutes. For softer, chewier, less crisp cookies, go for 15-18 minutes. For crisp cookies, 18-22 minutes. And for extra-crisp cookies: 22-25 minutes. Also hugely dependent on baking time is how thin you roll out your dough. I would say ยผ" is standard for a hearty cookie. Even thinner will help you get a crisper cookie. They will plump up very slightly in the oven, so take that into account.
Well, I barely got a chance to photograph my first half-batch of iced+cooled cookies because we kept nibbling them ... and even nibbling the toppings off one of these guys, apparently. But I wanted to at least show how nicely the frosting cools to a snow-colored white frost....
Also check out my Glazed Gingerbread Cake.
I remember when I used to wander through the New York City greenmarket in fall and winter I'd always see stacks of plump Apple Cider Donuts. Wrapped in tidy little bags, all glittered with cinnamon and sugar. They looked so good! But since they weren't vegan, I never got to indulge in those fluffy little rounds. Well finally, I decided to whip up some Apple Cider Donuts of my own!...
These fluffy, boldly flavored donuts taste like sweet apple cider, cinnamon spice and of course sparkly sugar on top. They are easy to whip up and pair deliciously with a warm mug of cocoa, tea, coffee or whatever your fave winter beverage happens to be.
In my vegan donuts I usually use flax seed or a fruit-based egg replacer. In these donuts I used, what else, a fresh chopped apple. It worked very well!
I always wondered how apple cider donuts actually tasted like apple cider. I mean, you couldn't just add say ยฝ cup of straight up cider and get anything more than a very muted apple flavor. so I figured that there must be some process of boiling down the cider - reducing it to intensify the flavor. With a quick bit of research, I indeed found that all the best apple cider recipes reduce the cider.
You can read Sally's Baking Blog to see how she indeed does reduce the apple cider for her Cider Donuts. Sally is such an amazing baker, so any tips she might have for cider donuts, I would certainly listen to!
So I took Sally's advice and took one and a half cups of apple cider and simmered it on the stove for about ten minutes - until it reduced to a half cup. They I used that in my recipe.
I used a vegan cane sugar, which has a medium-sized, sparkly crystal to it. You could also use coconut sugar, but you won't get that signature sparkly look to your cider donuts. Choose a sugar that is fine enough to stick to the donuts, but also has a nice crystal to it.
I used this cane sugar. I always choose organic sugars because they are almost always vegan.
This donut recipe was based off of my Glazed Vegan Donuts...
This vegan Red Curry Tofu has a warmly spiced, bright and fragrant flavor of red curry, accented with coconut milk and hint of peanut. Pair these fluffy bites of tofu with some white or brown rice and you have a nourishing anytime meal.
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I love a good cheese ball around the holidays! And this Garlic Herb Cheese Ball, made using vegan ingredients, garlic, lemon and fragrant dried herbs is one worthy of a holiday party or simple anytime snacking.
Super easy to make, this recipe for my vegan Garlic Herb Cheese Ball comes together in about a half hour and requires no baking, just a quick blend to whip things to fluffy, cheesy perfection - and a bit of chill time.
Stack some crackers or veggie sticks on your serving plate and enjoy the cheese ball fun. This cheese ball goes perfectly with fancy "cheese platter" type ingredients like:
It's actually a pretty easy process! First, make sure your cheese ball mixture is well chilled. I actually pop mine in the freezer for ten minutes or so to really firm things up. If you are finding that your mixture is just too wet, you can always try folding in more cheese shreds or even another pinch of the dried herbs. but really, it should be good to go after chilling. Then you oil-coat your hands and roll into a ball. The final step is to roll the ball in your chopped nuts. Chill again to set and serve!
Well, let's just say that I had one bite and then an hour later I was coming back for more and basically devoured half this ball and some of my fave rye crisps and veggie sticks for lunch. Cheese ball for lunch? Sure!
The creamy cheese flavor has a mild accent of salty Parmesan. Then the delicate Italian herbs come through in every bite, and a richness from the EVOO. And then all that dense creaminess is brightened up by the addition of lemon juice and pepper.
So yeah..... to answer that question: SO GOOD!
Party approved. TV binge-watching night approved. Anytime approved.
I just happen to have Tofutti on hand, so that is the brand I used. I also chose this brand because I know how thick and firm the texture is - which is helpful when making a cheeseball. For eating plain, such as on bagels, I love Kite Hill's cream cheese. But Kite Hill tends to be a bit softer, so that brand still needs to be tested for this recipe.
I also like Tofutti because it always seems to be the cheapest brand on the shelf. Helpful if you are making multiple cheese balls this holiday season!!
I like using dried herbs because they soak up any excess liquid in the cheese, making it an easier mold into a ball. If you want to fold in a few pinches of fresh basil or parsley, finely chopped, go for it! But the dried herbs, I found, do the trick just fine.
My dried herbs were a mix of: oregano, basil, thyme and savory. Summer savory, or santoreggia, is my favorite lesser known italian herb. I found it at Eataly and absolutely love it!
Pin it for later!
Want more cheese spread ideas? This similar recipe uses cashews in the mix.
Cinnamon-y rolls have always been a fave of mine in December. And these Walnut Sticky Buns are a fun twist on that classic sweet swirl. These sticky buns come out of the oven warm, fluffy and sticky-sweet in all the right places.
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For your holiday week enjoyment, here are all the "Friends" Thanksgiving episodes. Ok, truth be told, I'm writing this post to remind myself which episodes to watch.
You see, last year, on Thanksgiving night, stuck inside from bad air quality from the California wildfires, we flipped on a random thanksgiving episode of Friends. Then of course, we had to watch another, and another.
And suddenly, we had binge-watched the entire line-up of Thanksgiving themed Friends episodes. And I didn't regret a single second of it. Laughing, giggling, feeling like all you need to do is plop on the couch and laugh with family and snuggle with kittens is one of my happy places.
Oh, and of course I included the one with Ross's sandwich in this list as well. I mean, it's a crucial part of the Thanksgiving spirit.
"The One Where Ross Got High" -- Season 6, episode 9 -- 9.2 stars on imdb
I will never forget Rachel's Trifle and the fact that Joey enjoyed it.
"The One with the Rumor" -- Season 8, episode 9 -- 9.3 stars on imdb (aka the Brad Pitt episode
Brad Pitt hates Rachel, need I say more? So good. I love funny Brad.
"The One With Rachel's Other Sister" -- Season 9, episode 8 -- 8.8 stars on imdb
Cute episode! Monica's china...
"The One with the Late Thanksgiving" -- Season 10, episode 8 -- 8.9 stars on imdb
I love this episode, perfect way to end the series with a thanksgiving bang of laughter. Joey's eyes when he looks at the food...
bonus: season 5, episode 9: "The One with ross's Sandwich" 9.1 stars on imdb
I mean, this one is a must watch. ross having a breakdown, yes please.
Ps. If you need a #Thanksgiving activity, last night we binge-watched all the Thanksgiving Friends on @netflix. Highly recommended for some giggles. ๐น Here they are: season 1, episode 9 ... s2,e8 | s3,e9 | s4,e8 | s5,e8 | s6,e9 | s7,e8 | s8,e9 | s10,e8 .. + s5e9๐ฅช pic.twitter.com/q5yonH0PLy
โ Kathy Patalsky (@KathyPatalsky) November 22, 2018
I would absolutely tell you my favorite, but truly, I don't have one. They are all so good and funny and if you can't spend the holidays with your own big family, or your own big set of Friends, or just wish you had a big set of Friends like this crew, these episodes really bring some love and laughter and vintage 90's style into your holiday.
But I will say that one of my fave Friends episodes: the one with Ross and the leather pants. Watch it. It's actually called "The One with all the Resolutions" season 5, episode 11.
Oh, and if you want even more lazy-holiday activities: check out this which character are you from Friends quiz.. Although I will warn you, it may not be (gasp) terribly accurate. I got "Emma" aka Rachel's baby. So not sure what that means. I always thought I was a Monica with a side of Rachel and the veggie-eating ways of Phoebe.
I hope you have a cozy, stress-free, delicious Thanksgiving holiday!
Don't forget the coffee! Or a cinnamon soy latte, all foamy and sweet..
And while you're here, definitely check out some of my Christmas Holiday Dessert recipes!
