Soy Sauce Alternatives
I love the taste of soy sauce but prefer it’s healthier cousins like Tamari, Coconut Aminos, and Bragg’s Liquid Aminos. So, what are these alternatives and how do they differ from traditional soy sauce? Keep reading….
Hiking the Dolomites with REI
The Dolomites, situated in Northwest corner of Italy on the Austrian border, are considered one of the most a beautiful mountain landscapes in the world. Once known as the “Pale Mountains”, this natural paradise was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2009. In early July, my husband and I treated ourselves to a week hiking the Dolomites with REI (outdoor adventure company) and are still giddy from the experience. Sipping cocktails poolside sounds relaxing but active trips can be life-changing. When my heart was racing after 2 hours of vertical climbing, I felt completely present and at peace. The alpenglow colors illuminating the rocks at sunset, the emerald pastures, greenish-blue lakes, flowering meadows, vertical walls, and cragged peaks make this one of the most remarkable mountain ranges to explore. If you aren’t convinced yet, keep scrolling…..
Kale n’ Quinoa Salad and Adding Greens to Your Diet
Are you getting enough greens? Most people will answer “no” to this question which is why I’m posting this vibrant and nutritious Kale n’ Quinoa salad.“Recent research estimates that the optimal intake for reducing our risk of heart disease and early death to be around ten servings of fruit and vegetables a day” (source). We know we need to eat more greens but isn’t it easier to grab a hamburger, fries, or slice of pizza?
My Favorite Tips on How to Travel as a Vegan
Traveling as a Vegan Has Gotten Easier
I used to worry a lot about how to travel as a vegan. And, at times, those worries were justified. But, mostly traveling as a vegan ends up being fun and easy. In fact, some of my FAVORITE vegan meals have come unexpectedly from restaurants around the world. Not only are more countries adopting vegan friendly attitudes but environmental sustainability is moving plant based eating into politics all over. In fact, Portugal recently passed a law requiring all civic restaurants to offer a vegan option. This law is intended to promote healthier eating, decrease harm to animals, and reduce long term environmental impact (source). Personally, it’s been my dream here in the U.S., but I’m thrilled it’s starting somewhere. This EXCITING news is music to my ears and makes me more eager than ever to plan a trip to Portugal next year.
Summery Gem Lettuce Salad – And How to Make a Dinner Party Sparkle!
My neighbor Ann is amazing! Despite being in her 80’s (and still working part-time as a lawyer) she’s my entertainment guru. Whether she’s throwing a holiday gala, decadent dinner party, or casual drop-by of wine and nibbles she entertains with grace, charm and elegance. She always sets a beautiful table and serves wonderful food making her fêtes very memorable. At her last dinner party, she served this stunning gem lettuce salad to the oohs and ahhs of all her guests. Not only was this salad well received but not a leaf of lettuce was left. Now, I’m sharing this beautiful salad here.
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Oh She Glows Granola Bars: No Oil, No Added Sugar, Gluten-Free and Vegan
I love homemade granola and I love nuts and seeds so it would seem like a good bet that I’d love granola bars too, but that’s not the case. In fact, I rarely eat granola bars because I think of them as candy bars in disguise.
A Quick Trip to Cabo: with Insider Tips
When my husband and I first began dating, he treated me to a trip to Cabo San Lucas. I’d never been to Mexico and was instantly charmed by it’s perfect (dry) weather, gorgeous beaches, warm people, and vibrant colors. Mexicans have a way of making you feel “at home”, as well as making the best margaritas! We stayed at the original Sol y Mar, a simple hotel on the Pacific tucked against the terracotta rocks. I drank my first strawberry margarita at the swim-up bar which overlooked the beautiful beach. This is where I fell in love with Cabo!
Muhammara and the Joy of Sharing Meze
Have you ever tasted Muhammara? Even heard of it? If not…you’re not alone! I learned about Muhammara on a trip I took to Turkey several years ago. Istanbul is a fun and dynamic city with tons of history, culture, beauty, and personality. The people are warm and engaging and the food is some of the best I’ve ever tasted.
Guac with Carrots: a High Fiber Snack
I LOVE guacamole (who doesn’t?) and the best news is that avocados are one of highest fiber fruits you can eat. Compare 10 grams of fiber in an avocado with a mere 4 grams of fiber in an apple. Remember what they say about an apple a day??? Well why not an avocado a day? Eating more avocados is a great way to increase your fiber intake and this guac with carrots snack is easy to make, healthy to eat, and deliciously fun to snack on……
My Favorite Vegan Hack Snacks
I’m a creature of habit and when it comes to food, there are certain things I eat ALL the time. This list of vegan hack snacks is the bread and butter of my existence!! In fact, these vegan hack snacks are so unassuming, I had to think twice about adding them to the blog – you know – revealing my most intimate eating habits??? Anyway, here they are, the quick “fast” snacks I eat so often, I barely notice.