Happy Tuesday!!!

Hope everyone is having a lovely day and is embracing these last few days of 2015. This year went by so quickly.
Today I am working on new ideas to share and in the meantime, here is a favorite of mine.

Wishing everyone peace, love, and happiness. 

Yummy Salad

This is one of my go-to meals, especially after overindulging during the holidays.  Easy to make, lots of color, protein, and taste.  I like to put it together and eat it when I am hungry, so I always have something good to eat.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas!!!!

Peace, love, joy, and happiness!

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas!!!!

Peace, love, joy, and happiness!

Cruelty-Free Makeup

So recently I downloaded the app from Leaping Bunny as I have been going through my favorite makeup and have realized that the products I have chosen over the years test on animals.  I immediately distanced myself from those companies, some of which I have been purchasing from the last 30 years and starting shopping with app in hand.  

As a lover of makeup as I do not want to scare the villagers by going out without it.

So here is what I have found so far - I have tried them and love them.
The items that I have listed that they are are from the Leaping Bunny App.

Too Faced - they are cruelty-free with makeup you will love to wear.  My fav is the Born This Way Foundation. 
Products:
sunscreen, self --tanning lotion, sun care, vegan makeup brushes, lip care, & cosmetics.
Check them out and shipping is free with a $50.00 purchase.

Urban Decay - what I love best about this company is that not only are they cruelty-free, they also have makeup for vegans (yay). Yes Virginia, you can buy vegan makeup.  What I tried and loved are their Naked Eyeshadow Palettes. Wow are they fun.  
Products:
nail care, vegan makeup and brushes, cosmetics, & body care.
Also shipping is free with a $50.00 purchase.  I just noticed that they have in promotions:  
Take an additional 30% off all sale items. Discount applied at checkout.

30% off sale items: Valid until 12/31/15 11:59PM PST on all sale items. Available while supplies last. Offer will not be applied to orders made prior to the promotional period. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Only available in the U.S. on www.UrbanDecay.com. Other restrictions may apply.

Pacifica Beauty - this company is 100% vegan and of course cruelty free.  I have tried several of their products and especially love their skincare products.
Products:
home fragrance, candles, air freshner, sunscreen, skin care, nail care. fragrance for women, & cosmetics.


More to follow later on.....

Cruelty-Free Makeup

So recently I downloaded the app from Leaping Bunny as I have been going through my favorite makeup and have realized that the products I have chosen over the years test on animals.  I immediately distanced myself from those companies, some of which I have been purchasing from the last 30 years and starting shopping with app in hand.  

As a lover of makeup as I do not want to scare the villagers by going out without it.

So here is what I have found so far - I have tried them and love them.
The items that I have listed that they are are from the Leaping Bunny App.

Too Faced - they are cruelty-free with makeup you will love to wear.  My fav is the Born This Way Foundation. 
Products:
sunscreen, self --tanning lotion, sun care, vegan makeup brushes, lip care, & cosmetics.
Check them out and shipping is free with a $50.00 purchase.

Urban Decay - what I love best about this company is that not only are they cruelty-free, they also have makeup for vegans (yay). Yes Virginia, you can buy vegan makeup.  What I tried and loved are their Naked Eyeshadow Palettes. Wow are they fun.  
Products:
nail care, vegan makeup and brushes, cosmetics, & body care.
Also shipping is free with a $50.00 purchase.  I just noticed that they have in promotions:  
Take an additional 30% off all sale items. Discount applied at checkout.

30% off sale items: Valid until 12/31/15 11:59PM PST on all sale items. Available while supplies last. Offer will not be applied to orders made prior to the promotional period. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Only available in the U.S. on www.UrbanDecay.com. Other restrictions may apply.

Pacifica Beauty - this company is 100% vegan and of course cruelty free.  I have tried several of their products and especially love their skincare products.
Products:
home fragrance, candles, air freshner, sunscreen, skin care, nail care. fragrance for women, & cosmetics.


More to follow later on.....

Getting Ready for the Holidays? Another yummy recipe...

this yummy recipe comes from gardein.  This is on my to do list.

Ingredients

cooking the squash

• 1-1½ lbsbutternut squash, chopped, seeded and peeled
• 2 clovesgarlic, minced
• 2 tbspolive oil

• ¼ tspsea salt, fine
• ¼ tspblack pepper

cooking the quinoa

• 1 cuprainbow quinoa

• 1½ cupswater

making the dressing

• 2 tsporange zest (approx. ½ an orange)
• ½ cuporange juice, fresh
• 1 tbspmaple syrup or agave

• 2 tbspolive oil
• 1 tspsea salt, fine
• ½ tspblack pepper, coarse

making the salad

• 3 leavescurly kale, shredded
• ½ cupdried cranberries

• 1pomegranate, seeded
• ½ cuppumpkin seeds (pepitas) dressing

---

preparation

COOKING THE SQUASH

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Toss the butternut squash and garlic with the 2 tbsp olive oil, salt and pepper on a large baking sheet. Spread in a single layer and roast for 30 minutes, being sure to turn the squash halfway through. Squash should be firm, but tender. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.

COOKING THE QUINOA

Rinse quinoa until water is clear. Place in a saucepan with the 1½ cups water over medium heat. Bring to a boil and reduce to a low simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until all the water is absorbed.

MAKING THE DRESSING

Stir together the orange zest, juice, and maple syrup. Add the olive oil salt and pepper and whisk until incorporated. Taste, and adjust seasonings if needed.

MAKING THE SALAD

In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, squash, shredded kale, and cranberries. Pour in the dressing and toss until evenly coated. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and pepitas and serve. 

Getting Ready for the Holidays? Another yummy recipe...

this yummy recipe comes from gardein.  This is on my to do list.

Ingredients

cooking the squash

• 1-1½ lbsbutternut squash, chopped, seeded and peeled
• 2 clovesgarlic, minced
• 2 tbspolive oil

• ¼ tspsea salt, fine
• ¼ tspblack pepper

cooking the quinoa

• 1 cuprainbow quinoa

• 1½ cupswater

making the dressing

• 2 tsporange zest (approx. ½ an orange)
• ½ cuporange juice, fresh
• 1 tbspmaple syrup or agave

• 2 tbspolive oil
• 1 tspsea salt, fine
• ½ tspblack pepper, coarse

making the salad

• 3 leavescurly kale, shredded
• ½ cupdried cranberries

• 1pomegranate, seeded
• ½ cuppumpkin seeds (pepitas) dressing

---

preparation

COOKING THE SQUASH

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Toss the butternut squash and garlic with the 2 tbsp olive oil, salt and pepper on a large baking sheet. Spread in a single layer and roast for 30 minutes, being sure to turn the squash halfway through. Squash should be firm, but tender. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.

COOKING THE QUINOA

Rinse quinoa until water is clear. Place in a saucepan with the 1½ cups water over medium heat. Bring to a boil and reduce to a low simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until all the water is absorbed.

MAKING THE DRESSING

Stir together the orange zest, juice, and maple syrup. Add the olive oil salt and pepper and whisk until incorporated. Taste, and adjust seasonings if needed.

MAKING THE SALAD

In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, squash, shredded kale, and cranberries. Pour in the dressing and toss until evenly coated. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and pepitas and serve. 

Crispy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

This recipe is a version of the Crispy Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies from The Oh She Glows Cookbook pg. 265

My Peanut Butter Crispy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1/4 peanut butter
• 3/4 raw sugar (or coconut sugar)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 cups gluten-free rolled oats ground into flour
• 1/4 cup Enjoy Life Semi Sweet Chocolate Mini Chips

Directions:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).


• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.


• In a small bowl, mix the flaxseed with tablespoons of water and set aside for approximately five minutes.


• Mix together the coconut oil and peanut butter until blended.  I used a wisk for this step.  Add sugar and beat for one minute more.  Add the flaxseed mixture and the vanilla extract and beat until combined.


• One by one, beat in the baking soda, baking powder, salt, and oat flour. The dough should be slightly sticky.  Add a bit of almond milk if too dry.


• Fold in the chocolate chips.


• Shape the dough into one inch balls.  I used a cookie scoop.  Place the cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet leaving two to three inches between them as they spread out.


• Enjoy

Makes 16 - 20 cookies

Bake time:  12 to 14 minutes

Gluten-free, soy free, refined sugar free

Crispy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

This recipe is a version of the Crispy Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies from The Oh She Glows Cookbook pg. 265

My Peanut Butter Crispy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1/4 peanut butter
• 3/4 raw sugar (or coconut sugar)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 cups gluten-free rolled oats ground into flour
• 1/4 cup Enjoy Life Semi Sweet Chocolate Mini Chips

Directions:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).


• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.


• In a small bowl, mix the flaxseed with tablespoons of water and set aside for approximately five minutes.


• Mix together the coconut oil and peanut butter until blended.  I used a wisk for this step.  Add sugar and beat for one minute more.  Add the flaxseed mixture and the vanilla extract and beat until combined.


• One by one, beat in the baking soda, baking powder, salt, and oat flour. The dough should be slightly sticky.  Add a bit of almond milk if too dry.


• Fold in the chocolate chips.


• Shape the dough into one inch balls.  I used a cookie scoop.  Place the cookie dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet leaving two to three inches between them as they spread out.


• Enjoy

Makes 16 - 20 cookies

Bake time:  12 to 14 minutes

Gluten-free, soy free, refined sugar free

Have to try this!!!!!

http://createnplate.com/2014/04/14/raw-vegan-chocolate-peanut-butter-cheesecake/

Have to try this!!!!!

http://createnplate.com/2014/04/14/raw-vegan-chocolate-peanut-butter-cheesecake/

It Has Been A Long Time Since My Last Post, so here we go...

This is about what happens when a Vegan decides that she will make a turkey for other family members and friends because there was a great deal on the turkey.

Mistakes Never to Repeat:

1. Tell people you are going to make a turkey dinner
2. Actually buy the turkey and now all the things you will need to make a turkey including pan, baster, brush, and thermometer (because you do not want a trip to the hospital)
3. Do not ask for help, because how difficult can it be?
4. Not have enough wine (for yourself) - this step could be repeated many times
5. Plan the menu to make sure you have enough time to cook everything else
6. Make sure there are additional batteries for the smoke detectors (ahh, I peaked your interest on that one.....)

Ok so Thanksgiving morning I did the taking out the turkey from refrigerator and took all the plastic and everything else out.  Basted and prepared like the many recipes stated.  Had already done some baking so oven was set, and the fun began.  Did my usual "darn, forgot something at the store, better go now.)

So the day progressed, dinner was to be at around 4PM because a couple had to work. Timing seemed to be going well, wine in hand was fine, table set, cats off the table, and it looked like it was going to be fine...I could do this, and then it happened.  It was time to pull the turkey out of the oven.  Oven mitt and pot holder ready and some of the oils and fat spilled into the oven and yes, a fire was started.  And it gets better, some apparently dripped on the floor and my significant other came running in when I said the oven was on fire, and he slipped on the floor.   Mind you he had ACL knee surgery several months ago, so not the best thing to do.  Smoke alarms were going off (that is why you keep extra batteries), place a bit smokey, and cats freaked out.

How did it end you wonder?  Well fire department did not have to be called, cats stopped freaking out, smoke alarms were finally quiet, dinner did not require hospitalization, and I remembered an important thing.

This is why Vegans do not try to cook turkey, and Christmas dinner, strictly vegan...

Have a great day and stop back....

It Has Been A Long Time Since My Last Post, so here we go...

This is about what happens when a Vegan decides that she will make a turkey for other family members and friends because there was a great deal on the turkey.

Mistakes Never to Repeat:

1. Tell people you are going to make a turkey dinner
2. Actually buy the turkey and now all the things you will need to make a turkey including pan, baster, brush, and thermometer (because you do not want a trip to the hospital)
3. Do not ask for help, because how difficult can it be?
4. Not have enough wine (for yourself) - this step could be repeated many times
5. Plan the menu to make sure you have enough time to cook everything else
6. Make sure there are additional batteries for the smoke detectors (ahh, I peaked your interest on that one.....)

Ok so Thanksgiving morning I did the taking out the turkey from refrigerator and took all the plastic and everything else out.  Basted and prepared like the many recipes stated.  Had already done some baking so oven was set, and the fun began.  Did my usual "darn, forgot something at the store, better go now.)

So the day progressed, dinner was to be at around 4PM because a couple had to work. Timing seemed to be going well, wine in hand was fine, table set, cats off the table, and it looked like it was going to be fine...I could do this, and then it happened.  It was time to pull the turkey out of the oven.  Oven mitt and pot holder ready and some of the oils and fat spilled into the oven and yes, a fire was started.  And it gets better, some apparently dripped on the floor and my significant other came running in when I said the oven was on fire, and he slipped on the floor.   Mind you he had ACL knee surgery several months ago, so not the best thing to do.  Smoke alarms were going off (that is why you keep extra batteries), place a bit smokey, and cats freaked out.

How did it end you wonder?  Well fire department did not have to be called, cats stopped freaking out, smoke alarms were finally quiet, dinner did not require hospitalization, and I remembered an important thing.

This is why Vegans do not try to cook turkey, and Christmas dinner, strictly vegan...

Have a great day and stop back....

http://minimalistbaker.com/vegan-peppermint-black-bean-brownies/

http://minimalistbaker.com/vegan-peppermint-black-bean-brownies/