Free Summer Wallpapers

It's officially summer!

What is on your summer bucket list? 

My summer plans include: 

Picnics in the park

Cooking lots of fresh, healthy food

Enjoying the fresh morning air 

Walks with my dogs

Splashes in the pool

Getting a new couch (I'm super excited about this one!)

Watching the sunrise

Hanging with friends

Drinks downtown

Grilling up some great vegan meals

Reading some great books

Blogging 

Learning something new

Touring local museums

Exploring my state

Ice cold tea on the patio

Using these awesome summer-y wallpapers

Enjoy the summer with these super cute home or lock screen wallpapers!

Meal Planning 101

Waste less food and save time and money by creating and following a meal plan schedule; its easier than you think!

Meal prep and meal planning are not the same things. Meal prep can be defined in two distinct ways. The most common form of meal prep is making a large quantity of one meal and dividing it into servings. You can also meal prep one or two specific ingredients that will be used multiple times throughout the week. You can incorporate meal prep into your meal plan by making a large quantity of one specific item you use in several recipes.

Meal planning is simply creating a set schedule of your meals for the week. Sit down on Sunday and compile a number of meals you'd like to eat for the week. Make a list of all the ingredients you'll need. Next, take a peek in your pantry and fridge to determine what items you already have and what you'll need to purchase. Your grocery list should contain everything you'll need for your meals plus items for breakfast, lunch, snacks, and desserts. Depending on the serving size of your meals, you may be able to use leftovers for lunch. The more familiar you become with meal planning the better you will be at guessing the additional items you need and the quantity of each. For example, we buy fruit for breakfast and enough for one piece per person for lunch. I buy a few in season, on sale fruits and veggies that serve as quick sides. Stick to your grocery list and you'll be surprised how much money you save AND how much less food goes to waste.

A few factors to keep in mind when creating a plan:
-Pay attention to the number of servings in each meal.
-Take stock of what item you already have, including staples like rice and pasta.
-Plan your meals around items that are in season.
-Note your schedule for the week and plan quick meals or have leftovers on the days you're short on time.
-Make a large quantity of staple items that can be used for different meals.
-Have a mix of recipes. Incorporate meals you have previously tried and a few new recipes, you've had your eye on.

Sample Week #1
Staple Item: Rice

Buddha Bowl
Use rice to create a base for the bowl and add sauteed carrots, zucchini, and bell pepper. Top with cooked chickpeas or other protein.

Sweet and Sour Cauliflower
Create a paste with equal parts flour and water. Dip cauliflower florets into the paste and bake in the oven until crispy, about 30 minutes at 450 degrees. Coat with your favorite homemade sweet and sour sauce. Serve over rice. This is great with any kind of sauce; my boyfriend LOVES buffalo!

Burritos
Add chopped cilantro, a squeeze of fresh lime and a little bit of zest to leftover rice. Fold rice, beans, and various veggies into a tortilla. Try sauteing bell and jalapeno pepper, corn, and onions for the filling. Serve with salsa (check out my recipe here).

Dessert
Make some good ol' rice pudding. Or add a bit of liquid sweetener to milk and pour over warm rice. Top with dried berries and cinnamon.

Sample Week #2
Staple Item: Sweet Potato and Black Beans

Mock Ravioli*
Cook a sweet potato until tender using your preferred cooking method. Top with pasta sauce and serve with roasted broccoli and garlic bread.
*The sweet potato is so creamy, you can barely tell it's not really cheese ravioli.

Hamburger and Fries
Make a hamburger patty using black beans. There are a ton of great recipes depending on your preferences. Use the sweet potatoes to make sweet potato fries in the oven.

Black Bean Tacos
Finely chop sweet potatoes and sautee with onions. Add black beans and chopped spinach to the pan. Add your favorite taco seasoning to mix. Serve on warm corn tortillas and garnish with cilantro.

Dessert
Black bean brownies! Make sure to use regular black beans (no added spices) and you won't taste the difference between these and regular brownies.

Other great staple items include chickpeas, noodles, broccoli and cauliflower. Oats are great too! Use oats to make banana bread, overnight oats and even savory oatmeal with avocado and spinach.

Create a binder of your favorite recipes or add a folder to your phone screen with recipes you'd love to try!

What are your favorite recipes?

Lots of Love,
Anne

The Many Wonders of the Mason Jar

Yes, I’m basic. I. LOVE. MASON. JARS. And honey, if you don’t love them too, you’re missing out. Here’s why…

I can't pinpoint exactly when my obsession with Mason Jars began but I don't regret a day of it! To be fair, the term “mason jar” is used loosely in this post as I love glass jars of all kinds.

I bought a few large glass canisters to house my baking ingredients. Slowly I began to incorporate more. Whenever I bought a product that came in a glass jar, I saved the jar to reuse. As I began to find new ways to use them, I started to buy jars. At this point, I've accumulated so many jars that literally EVERYTHING in my house is stored in some kind of glass canister.

When I began exploring the safety--or lack of safety--in plastic dishware, I found that I needed something to use instead of plastic. However, the majority of glass food storage doesn't have a spill-proof seal. To add to that, I wanted a budget friendly option that won’t break the bank in case I accidentally break it. (Which happens quite a bit.)

Here are some of my favorite ways to use mason jars.

Small, Glass Bottles

I use these for my spices. You can buy the spices that come in glass jars or you can buy a uniform set.

Flat, Half Pint Mason Jars

Store items that come in small quantities and aren't pourable. I use these for baking powder, baking soda, cornstarch, cocoa powder, and ground flaxseeds. You could also use them for single servings of oatmeal or fruit.

Pint Mason Jars

These are good for items that are pourable like nuts, beans, seeds, and even drinks. Store things like extra marinara sauce or jam in them. I like to make overnight oats in them.

Regular Mason Jars

I mainly use these to freeze vegetable broth (see my recipe here) and for glassware. I'll use them for water or to take iced coffee to-go.

Top tip: Brew a single serving of tea right in the jar! Place one tea bag in a jar and fill 2/3 with HOT tap water. Allow to sit for a few minutes. Fill to the brim with ice and shake. Voila, iced tea!

(When you heat plastic up, like when you're making tea, the plastic chemicals leach into your drink. If you use a glass jar instead of a plastic pitcher, you forfeit those nasty chemicals!)

Wide Mouth Mason Jars

I think these babies are my favorite. The large ones are just the right size to plant household herbs--make sure to place rocks at the bottom for proper drainage. I like to make artificial flower arrangements inside them. They're great for storing household things like laundry detergent or vinegar. You could also use the smaller ones for cotton balls, q-tips, bobby pins, hair ties, nail polish, sewing supplies, pens, spare change, EVERYTHING!

Large Glass Canisters

I put regularly used, large quantity items in these. Think oats, flour, sugar, pasta, rice, beans, cookies, crackers. The airtight seal keeps items fresher for longer and because it's glass you don't have to worry about BPA or other harmful chemicals contaminating your food.

Perhaps the best thing about glass jars is using them for gifts! Use them for homemade jam or create a Pamper Night in a Jar with nail polish, face masks, and travel sized lotion. Make DIY bath salts or spice rubs in interesting jars. Use one to share your grandma's homemade chocolate sauce with your girlfriends or send some homestyle ranch dip in your child's lunch. The possibilities are endless.

How do you use glass jars around your house? Leave a comment and let me know!

Lots of Love,

Anne

Blueberry Vanilla Muffins

Whenever blueberries are on special, I always pick up a few clamshells. I know I'll find a way to use them. Sometimes I make jam (see my recipe here) or sprinkle berries on my overnight oats (recipe to come) but this time I knew I wanted to bake with the berries.

Before we start, hit the follow button to get notified everytime I post! -------------------->

I started with a basic muffin recipe and added the vanilla and blueberries until I had the perfect muffins. Just a little sweet, literally popping with blueberries, and perfect for breakfast, these bad boys are a definite make again!

Ingredients
1 egg replacement
1 single serve vanilla almond milk yogurt (5.3 oz)
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup unsweetened, unflavored almond milk
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 packages, 6 oz each ripe blueberries

Directions
Preheat oven to 425. In a large bowl combine the "egg", yogurt, maple syrup, and almond milk. In a smaller bowl mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add dry ingredients to wet and mix. Slowly fold the blueberries into the batter. Using a cupcake scoop, dollop batter into a lined muffin tray filling each cavity about 3/4 full. Bake for about 12 minutes rotating the tray halfway during baking time.

These are best served warm from the oven.

Note: For the egg, I used Bob's Red Mill Egg Substitute. You could probably use a chia or flax egg to the same end.

Leave a comment and let me know what kind of muffin you like best! Thanks for reading!

Lots of Love,
Anne

Succulent Strawberry Lemonade

I realize it's only spring, but summer is just around the corner! We had a bunch of lemons and so I made lemonade. (pun intended)

Whip some up to get you in the mood for those long, sunny days lounging on the patio. 

Ingredients:
3/4 cup lemon juice
1 cup sugar
1 cup water plus 4 cups of cold water
1 lb strawberries (I used fresh)

Start by hulling and rough chopping the strawberries. Place them in a medium saucepan with the sugar and one cup of water. Stirring occasionally, let the strawberries simmer on low to medium heat for about 30 minutes (more if using frozen). As you stir, smoosh the strawberries with the back of a spoon or a mallet. Remove from heat once you have a syrup-like consistency. Allow to cool off a bit.  Pour the liquid through a fine mesh strainer making sure to push all of the liquid out. Pour the strawberry syrup and lemon juice into a pitcher and mix well. Add the four cups of cold water. Enjoy!

Makes a little over one and a half quarts.


Lots of Love,
Anne

Easy Apple Chips

Whether you have a surplus of apples or just genuinely enjoy those tasty bagged apple chips, I've got an easy recipe for you!

Generally speaking, the heartier apple varieties like Granny Smith, hold up a little better but you can use any variety you'd like. My favorite is Red Delicious! If you like sweeter apple chips, add a bit of sugar to the cinnamon. Any sugar will do the trick, but I LOVE the flavor of coconut sugar with them. This recipe is so flexible it can easily be multiplied based on your quantity of apples. The sky's the limit! (Or rather, the max dimensions of your sheet pan lol)

Ingredients
3 medium apples
1 tbsp cinnamon

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees

2. Thoroughly wash apples.*
*Check out last week's post here to make your own fruit cleanser.

3. Carefully, core and thinly slice apples (about 1/8 inch thick).

4. Shake apple slices and cinnamon together in a large plastic bag until apples are evenly coated.

5. Grease a sheet pan with neutral tasting oil to prevent the chips from sticking. DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP!

6. Lay apple slices in a single layer on cookie sheet and bake for 6 hours or until crisp.

I hope you enjoy this recipe! It takes a while to bake, but those crunchy apples are so worth it!

Lots of Love,
Anne

Vinegar: The Next Beyoncé?

There are three things I love most in this life: my boyfriend, chocolate, and vinegar. Yes, that vinegar. Despite its pickling origins, vinegar is definitely a household staple for everyone--regardless of your condiment preferences.

White vinegar has countless uses for cleaning, deodorizing, and disinfecting. It is cheap, eco-friendly, and readily available. Vinegar is so great y'all. Like the next big thing. 

On my journey to convert my friends to a vinegar based lifestyle, I have encountered the same feedback time and time again. "I don't want my house to smell like vinegar." I understand your sentiments but I have great news! Once vinegar dries, the smell disappears. Say it again for the people in the back... VINEGAR DOES NOT SMELL ONCE DRY. Try it if you don't believe me. 

Here are my favorite ways to use it!

Laundry

Add half a cup of vinegar to your washing machine along with your detergent.

• Soften crunchy towels and jeans.
• Remove urine smell.
• Helps remove pet hair.
• Eliminates trapped bacteria in items like sweaty gym clothes.
• Helps soften hard water.
• Boost your laundry detergent.

Vinegar will eliminate the stinky odor that hangs around in your fleece blankets and jackets!

DIY Cleaner

Make your own homemade cleaner by combining one part vinegar to one part water. The uses of this concoction are truly endless.

• Streak free window or mirror cleaner
• Disinfect surfaces like countertops and tables
• Use as a spot cleaner for spills or sticky spots

If you use Swiffer products but find the wet pads dry up before you've finished mopping, spray the floor with this as you go to extend the pad's life. 

Around the House

She can sing, she can dance, she is useful all around the house.

• Add half a cup to your bucket of mop water to help cut through grime.
• Wash produce by mixing one part vinegar to three parts water.
• Run your dishwasher with a couple cups of vinegar (no dishes) to clean the machine.
• Soak your stinky shoes in a bucket of vinegar to get rid of the smell. Rinse and let dry.
• Use as a rinse agent in your dishwasher for sparkly dishes.
• Periodically, spray on your mattress and let air dry to remove smells and disinfect.
• Clear and deodorize your drains by pouring baking soda in them and following with vinegar.
• Clean your coffee maker by running equal parts vinegar and water through the machine. (This is especially good for k-cup dispensers as the puncturing needle is prone to clog.)

Spot clean carpets by spraying with vinegar and scrubbing with a cloth. Then sprinkle baking soda on top and vacuum once dry. (This also works well for pet accidents. Be sure to soak up the accident before you spray vinegar or you'll just spread the accident around.)

Cleaning vinegar has a higher acidic content, however, I use the regular food grade kind and find it works just fine.

Keep in mind that vinegar is acidic so do not use it on wood floors or granite! In general, vinegar is a great all around cleaner that works on practically every surface.

In truth, I have almost eliminated my entire arsenal of cleaning products. It is so much more budget-friendly than a cabinet full of chemical laden products that can only be used in specific areas of the house. Often, these products are extremely detrimental to our health (many advise washing your hands after use) and the environment. 

Come over to the...umm... acidic side. You won't regret it! 

Do you have a favorite use for vinegar? Let me know in the comments!

Lots of Love,

Anne

How I Dye My Hair

Going to a salon to get your hair dyed can cost upwards of a hundred dollars! If you frequently change your hair color and don't want to shell out a ton of money, try dyeing your hair at home. You can use box dye from the drug store, but I find beauty supply stores, like Sally's, offer more color variety. Their staff is willing to answer any questions you may have and they're probably having a sale!

Disclaimer: This is the method I have used for years. However, I am not a hair stylist and do not have any certifications or formal training.

Before you start:

> When picking your dye color, keep in mind that dark hair will not take light dye. In order for the dye to take, you must choose a color that is darker than your current color. 

> Developer comes in several volumes. Essentially, the higher the number, the better the color. However, higher volume developer causes more damage, so be careful. Read more here.

> My hair falls to my mid back and is very thick. I purchase three boxes of dye and have leftovers. I'd say chin length=1, shoulder length=2 and so on.

> If you need more than one box, I recommend buying two similar colors instead of two of the same color. I know that sounds crazy but it creates a more dynamic color. For example, if you buy Strawberry Red 2.0 then try Strawberry Red 2.1 as well. Keep your colors in the same family, but slightly different.

> Make sure to allow for adequate ventilation. Turn on your bathroom fan and open the windows. Leave the door to your bathroom open and take periodic breaks outside to get fresh air. Remember these are heavy chemicals and can cause irreparable damage, so use caution.

> Dye your hair back to front. Start with the back of your head and work your way to the front (fringe) area. 

> If you use something from your kitchen, make sure to designate it as "dye only" and DO NOT use it in the kitchen ever again.

> Dyeing your hair is very damaging. As such, make sure your hair is DIRTY before you start. The natural oils in your hair will help better protect your scalp. Also, I recommend doing a hair mask or oil treatment at least once a week to keep your hair silky.

Assemble your supplies: 

Dye

-Better to buy more and have too much than not enough. I like ion dye best. 

Developer

-I use 2o volume developer. You will need twice as much developer as dye. In general, each tube of dye is 2 oz. So if you buy three boxes of dye (6oz) you will need 12oz of developer. 

Measuring Cup

-Use one with ounce measurements so you can measure the appropriate developer amount.

Bowl

-You can buy a special dye bowl with a handle but my hair requires so much dye that they are usually too small. I just use a plastic food storage bowl from IKEA. 

Applicator Brush

-Any kind

Plastic Gloves

-DO NOT NEGLECT THESE OR YOU WILL DYE YOUR HANDS

Hair Brush or Comb

-Self Explanatory 

Clips or Barrettes 

-Not required but very useful

Disposable Shower Cap 

-Not required but very useful

Chapstick or Vaseline

-Not required but very useful for preventing the dye from bleeding onto your skin. 

Spare towels, washcloths, and crappy clothes

-You will make a mess; don't dye your floor!

Directions:

1. Read instructions thoroughly. Determine how much time your dye needs to sit. 

2. Lay spare towels over every surface. Cover the counter, floor, and save one for after your shower. Lay a few extras near your workspace to clean up any spills or drips. Then lay out your supplies.

3. Brush or comb your hair thoroughly. Separate into sections and pin up all but one section in the back using clips. 

4. If using, rub Chapstick or Vaseline along your entire hairline.  

5. Pull on gloves. Mix your dye and developer. Read the instructions on the box for accurate ratios. If in doubt, look it up on the manufacturer's website. Stir well! 

6. Start timing. Using the brush or your hands, evenly spread the dye over the back section you've left out. You may need to use your fingers to smoosh the dye over every bit of hair. 

7. Pin that section back up and choose another to work on. Continue until your whole head is dyed, pinning each section back up. 

8. Cover with a shower cap and allow hair to absorb dye for allotted time (usually 30-45 minutes).

9. Once your time is up, take a shower. Rinse the dye out of your hair until the water runs clear. (This can take a while.) You do not need to shampoo! Finish with conditioner or a hair mask. Use the designated spare towel instead of your regular one as your hair will still have dye in it and it will stain. 

10. Style as usual. 

Clean up:

> For a fresh dye stain, you can wipe it up with a wet cloth. Spills that have been allowed to sit--even for a few minutes--will leave a stain. Soft Scrub with bleach can usually get rid of the stain. Only use on white surfaces though!

> You can likely wash all of the towels and clothes that have dye on them in your clothes washer. Remember, these will be stained forever so use them the next time you home dye! 

Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions! 

Have fun! 

Lots of Love, 

Anne

Chili Cornbread Bake

Helllloooo! It is winter. And while the weather is calming and beautiful, it is also REAL cold. On those days where the snow is coming down and the heater is going up, there is nothing to do but make some good ol' comfort food in the oven. This recipe is adapted from something I ate while I worked in a daycare--before I went vegan. Once I quit eating meat, I wanted to copy the recipe but could not find ONE, SINGLE recipe without meat! So, I created one! I love that this dish makes a ton of food and doesn't cost much money. It's great for meal prep.

Pin me on pinterest! 

Ingredients:
-1 yellow onion
-1 red bell pepper
-1 jalapeno
-1 12oz bag frozen corn kernels
-2 cups cooked black beans (kidney or white beans would also be great)
-1 15oz can tomato sauce
-3 cloves garlic, crushed
-1 1/2 cups AND 2/3 cup vegetable broth (see my recipe here)
-2 teaspoons each salt and pepper
-1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon chili powder
-1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon cumin
-1 teaspoon mustard powder
-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
-2 boxes, 8.5 oz each Jiffy Vegetarian cornbread mix
-2 egg replacers (I used Bob's Red Mill Vegetarian Egg Replacer)*
-1 cup shredded cheese (preferably cheddar) **

*You can also use 2 flax eggs. (1 tablespoon ground flax seeds soaked in 3 tablespoons of water) If you aren't vegan, use eggs.
**Alex eats cheese and so I mix this into his portion. If you're vegan, you can try Daiya cheese or leave it out. It's just as tasty without the cheese!

Directions:
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Finely chop both peppers and onion. Saute in a large skillet on medium-high heat until soft, about 5 minutes. Add frozen corn, black beans, tomato sauce, crushed garlic and 1 1/2 cups of vegetable broth to skillet. Add seasonings, stir, and let cook on low-medium for about 15 minutes or until the mixture turns a deep red and everything is soft.

After about 10 minutes, mix both cornbread packages, remaining 2/3 cup of broth, and egg replacers in a large bowl. Stir in shredded cheese, if using. Allow to sit for about 4 minutes.

Remove chili from heat and pour into a large 9x13 casserole dish. Spoon cornbread on top and carefully spread around to create an even layer.

Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes or until the cornbread topping is cooked through and the chili has thickened. Allow to cool. Garnish with parsley or cilantro and serve!

Sweetie Pies

Happy Valentine's Day!

Make a pie for your sweetie with this scrumptious and easy recipe!

You will need:
One box refrigerated pie crusts
One cup of fruit filling or jam (check out my strawberry jam recipe)
Egg wash (mix an egg with a little water) or vegan substitute*
Heart cookie cutters

Optional Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk of choice

*Brushing an egg wash on top of the pastries adds a beautiful golden color. However, if you don't eat eggs, there are a few alternatives you can try or you can omit it altogether.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Roll out the dough. Using the shapes cut a front and back for each pie. These two need to be the same size as you will be laying them on top of each other. From there you can create embellishments like adding miniature hearts or using a fluting tool to create ruffled edges. Grease a cookie sheet thoroughly and lay the bottom layers out. Now spoon a small amount of jam in the middle of each heart. Now, brush the edges with the egg wash or use water. Place the respective top piece and crimp edges with a fork or pressing firmly with your fingers to thoroughly seal the edges. Use a knife to vent the pie by making a small slit or two in the top layer. Assemble remaining pies. Now brush all pies with egg wash, if using. Bake pies for about 25 minutes or until the crust is firm.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl mix powdered sugar and vanilla. Slowly add milk, one tablespoon at a time. You may need more or less than the recommended amount. Once you have a thick glaze--the consistency of glue--you've achieved the right texture. Allow pies to cool and drizzle glaze over your creation!

These are best eaten warm from the oven.

Have a great Valentine's Day!


Lots of Love,

Anne

Spoil your Sweetheart

Say what you want about Valentine's Day and it's commercially driven motives, but any excuse to celebrate is a good excuse to me!

Valentine's Day doesn't have to be about your romantic relationship(s) or lack there of. As a child growing up, my mom would leave little goodies for us to wake up to each year. It's one of my sweetest memories as a child. (pun intended) As an adult, I make a point to drop off something festive for my family to enjoy. Take the time to appreciate everyone who loves you this Valentine's Day!

For my boyfriend this year, I wanted to focus less on the material aspect of things and make something with love. We don't spend a lot of money on each other in general, because we're both relatively practical people (and we don't have the money to spend lol). So I'd rather create a lasting memory that we can nostalgically reminisce while sipping sweet tea on our summer porch at the ripe old age of 97. (However, if you're into expensive presents...ain't nothing wrong with that! Once someone shamed me for liking Christmas presents and I couldn't get over what a Grinch they were.)

Anyway, I've created the following Valentine's Day Game plan.

Food 

What do they like to eat? Maybe they have a favorite cuisine from home or a particular food they've really been into. You could also make a festive treat like chocolate covered strawberries or a red velvet cake. Don't worry if you aren't a great cook, they will be touched by your effort.

For the most part I don't cook meat because I don't eat it. So I thought I'd spoil Alex and make a huge crock pot full of BBQ ribs. Also alcohol.

Fun (I know what you're thinking, don't be dirty)

Spend some time with them. Find something you both enjoy like walking the dogs, watching a favorite movie, or doing a puzzle together.

We both really like to play Mario Kart but due to our busy schedules, we rarely get to play, let alone play together!

Favor

It's nice to have a little something to give your S.O. My sister makes a scrapbook for her fiancé every Valentine's Day chronicling their previous year. You could write a love note detailing all the reasons you love them. Or you could buy something small and silly, like I did.

My poor guy usually gets boring presents like kitchen utensils so I thought I buy him something purely frivolous. I only spent $20 on a Rick and Morty t-shirt that he's been wanting for ages. Periodically he'll use facebook to tag me in items he likes. Of course he doesn't realize that I secretly save the links to purchase later!


What are you doing for Valentine's Day this year?

Lots of Love,
Anne

Scared of the Gym?

Pin me on pinterest! 

Going to the gym for the first time (ever or in a while) can be daunting. But working out does not have to be torture. Think about why you want to go in the first place. Do you want to get stronger? Are you looking for a stress reliever? Here are a few things that I found helpful!

 SIDE NOTE: Do not feel pressured to start a workout regime because society tells you to be thinner. Losing weight does not need to rule your life. You are perfect at a size 2 or 32.

1. Decide which gym is right for you.
Do you enjoy group or class exercises? Perhaps a gym that offers a wide range of classes is your forte. Maybe you need something close to your house if you don't have a lot of time to commute. If you aren't interested in specialized equipment, perhaps a more affordable club is right. They have less specific equipment but unless you're a bodybuilder, you won't even notice. Ponder these ideas as you search for the gym you like. Keep in mind, most gyms offer tours and free trials. Give it a go for a week and cancel if that specific club isn't right for you.

2. Grab some gear.
Purchase an outfit or pair of shoes that gets you excited to go! Use these only for the gym so you look forward to putting them on every time. Working out requires special gear--no flip flops or jeans y'all. If you're going to be working out, you'll need the appropriate wardrobe, so be on the lookout for items you like. You don't have to spend a ton of money either. Try the clearance section or thrift stores.

3. People are going to stare at you--its inevitable.
There are two types of people at the gym. The people who are there to work out and the people who are there to look at the people working out. The majority of people--80%-- are focused on themselves and the task at hand. However, you will always encounter the creepy males that stare at your butt as you squat or the petty girls that judge you for running on the treadmill. Blast your music and ignore them. You do you! Also sometimes people will look at you simply because you're impressive and they think you're a bomb chick for lifting those weights.

4. Remember that whatever your goals, you have just as much right to be there as anyone else.
Go to the gym because you want to, not because you feel like to have to. Going to the gym does not have to be about losing weight. In fact, you're perfect the way you are and you should not be focused on the scale. Working out is a great stress reliever and endorphin release. You'll sleep better and find that little things don't bother you as much. Sweating helps detox your body from the day. I love lifting heavy weights and feeling my muscles burn the next day. I like pushing myself to my limit and learning how to extend those limits each time I go back.

A few other thoughts:
-bring a friend, boyfriend, or family member
-try listening to a podcast, audiobook, or kick ass playlist
-you can workout whenever you'd like (morning, lunch break, afternoon, evening)
-if you like schedules, create a workout schedule that fits your life
-watch youtube videos for workout moves
-most of the machines have diagrams on them to show you how to effectively use it (they are very useful to newcomers)
-use apps like myfitnesspal or fitbit to log your workouts (some gyms have their own apps too)

Check out Louise Green on social media or her website. Her book, Big Fit Girl, is a refreshing take on working out. A MUST READ!

Working out is fun! Take the fear out of the gym and treat yourself by lifting those heavy weights. You are a bad ass.

Homemade Veggie Broth

This past weekend, I made some vegan pho (recipe to come) and didn't have enough homemade veggie broth so I bought a carton from the store. It was then I realized how disgusting store bought veggie broth is. While it was sufficient for my recipe, it made me appreciate my homemade version so much more! The best part about it is that you don't have to buy anything to make it! Simply use the kitchen scraps you already produce.

Anytime you prepare vegetables, save all of the tops, peels, and bottoms in a plastic bag and pop in the freezer. Once you have about a gallon full of various scraps, empty into a stock pot and cover with water. Bring this to a boil and then reduce to low heat simmering for a few hours. Once the broth smells fragrant and is a nice yellow, remove from heat. Allow to cool and use a fine mesh strainer to remove all veggie scraps. Pour into jars to freeze or store in the fridge and use within a week.

A few things to keep in mind-
1. Try to use a variety of vegetables. If you only use potato skins, your broth will only taste like potatoes.
2. Stay away from bitter items like cabbage, cruciferous and root veggies.
3. Keep the onion and garlic scraps to a minimum as they are very potent.
4. Be sure to wash the veggies! You don't want dirty broth!


This is one of those recipes that I use over and over again. I don't know how I ever lived without it, in fact. It's great for soup bases, adding to pasta sauce or even to cook beans in!

Lots of Love,
Anne

Exquisite "Sheepskin" Rug

*cute dog not included

If you're like me, you love those plush, cozy rugs popping up everywhere. However, when you're at the store ready to purchase said rug and see a price tag of $199.99 you realize your desire of soft heaven is simply not worth it. Well, I have the best of both worlds. A DIY! With this tutorial, you can create one for around $20!

1. You will need:

tape measure

length of artificial sheepskin fabric

marker

scissors

You need to measure the approximate space you'd like the rug to cover. Keep in mind, these are designed to be accent rugs. You can make a bigger rug, however most stores sell fabric in yards. As such your rug will only be 3ft wide unless you sew/glue several together. 

Take a trip to the fabric store to buy the "sheepskin" fabric. I bought 4ft by 4ft and it made two accent rugs. Before you pay, make sure you find a coupon! Never pay full price for fabric, I got 40% off. 

2. Once you have your fabric, using the marker draw a VERY LIGHT circular shape. Its ok if your circle is more blob shaped; it makes the rug look real.

3. Cut your rug! The rug will shed, this is normal. I ran the hose end of my vacuum along the outer edge to get rid of the loose hairs. 

Accessorize your rug as you see fit! Depending on the fabric you use, your rug MAY BE machine washable on a gentle cycle. However, the rug will shed so don't wash it too often.

 Enjoy the lux life y'all. 

Lots of Love,

Anne

Secretly Healthy Chocolate Cake? Seriously!

For the most part, eating healthy is pretty manageable. But at certain times of the month (cough, cough) I CRAVE chocolate. I NEED chocolate if I'm going to survive. Of course, a few squares of good quality dark chocolate will using satiate this desire but once in a while--cake is on the menu! As delicious as cake is, it's not likely to win a health award any time soon. However, I'm all for easy swaps that add a bit of nutrition to my treats. Plus this recipe is vegan! 

Now I'll warn you: its a pretty complicated recipe. (LOL)

Pin me on pinterest! 

Ingredients:

one box chocolate cake mix

one can pureed pumpkin 

Mix until fully incorporated. I recommend spraying the cupcake liners with non-stick cooking spray as these are gooey! Transfer into liners, filling about 3/4 full. These don't rise very much so keep that in mind. Bake at 350 degrees for about 16 minutes. You'll want to pull them out once the tops are stiff but they're not completely cooked as they will finish cooking as they cool. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes and then transfer to cooling rack. THAT IS IT! 

I blitzed some store bought frosting with the mixer and piped it on top. You could omit the frosting and add some dark chocolate chips on top after baking for a muffin-like confection. 

The best part about these treats--YOU CAN'T TASTE THE PUMPKIN. These taste just a good as regular cupcakes. I cannot claim this brilliant invention as my own because a friend shared this recipe with me and I'll be forever grateful!

Lots of Love,

Anne 

Guilt-Free Chocolate Mousse

This pudding requires three ingredients and literally takes three minutes to assemble! It’s delicious and not nearly as chemical ridden as the store bought instant puddings. Plus it tastes better. You could eat it straight or add fruit to it (strawberries anyone?) You could layer it in a parfait or even spread it on a cake as frosting. Yum! You will need: coconut cream, cocoa powder & liquid sweetener (I like maple syrup). Coconut cream is the layer of cream-like substance on the top of a CHILLED can of coconut milk. You can also buy a can of coconut cream at well stocked grocery stores. And if you’ve never tried this stuff—it’s the bomb!

 

Coconut Cream Chocolate Pudding

1 cup coconut cream

2 tbsp cocoa or cacao* powder

2 tbsp liquid sweetener

Combine all with fork. Bask in delicious glory.

In general my ratio is 8 parts coconut cream to 1 part sweetener AND 1 part cocoa powder. The beauty of this recipe is that you can experiment as you’d like! If you like a stronger chocolate flavor; simply add more cocoa or cacao powder!

 *Cacao is a less processed version of cocoa powder. It tastes the exact same and can be used 1 for 1 in place of cocoa powder. Read this for more info! 

Try it out and let me know what you think!

Lots of Love,

Anne