3 Savory Family Friendly Fall Inspired Recipes

With the crispness of the Autumn air seems to bring a resurgence of inspiration for us to get back into our kitchens. Not only does the lower temperatures offer more inspiration to turn the oven on, and even the stove for that matter, but also the more routined schedule of fall lends a hand. Cooking for me takes the approach of ease, nutrient dense, and flavor packed dishes to get my creativity going, also a hungry son and husband help convince me to cook too.

Shifting into Autumn comes an abundance of new seasonal veggies that helps to inspire me into wanting to try new recipes, and needing to perfect the recipes so I can add them to dishes I can bring to holiday festivities. Here are a few recipes that are not overly complicated, and can be made ahead of time and are freezer friendly if you are trying to meal prep, or make bigger batches while being nutrient dense without cutting down on flavor. 

RECIPE
Butternut Squash & Cheese Crostini

Ready in 50 minutes

Serves 8 people

 Ingredients

• 1 Loaf of Sourdough Bread

• 1 Butternut Squash

• 2 Tablespoons Of Thyme, Rosemary, Oregano, Salt 

• 1 Container of Plain Vegan Cream Cheese ( I Used Kite Hill Brand)

• 1 Whole Head of Garlic

• 1 Yellow  Onion

Preparation

1. Preheat Oven to 375 F  Peel, Discard seeds, then Cut Squash into bite sized pieces. Toss pieces in Olive Oil, Salt also Add 1 Tablespoons of Rosemary,Thyme and Oregano, Stir then add seasoned squash to baking tray. 

2. Cut Yellow Onion into bite sized pieces, then Add to baking sheet with Butternut Squash. Then Remove extra skin on Garlic and remove the top off the Garlic. Place Whole Garlic Bulb also on baking tray. 

3. Place Tray in oven Bake around 30 mins until Squash is tender when poked

4. While Baking Squash, Onions and Garlic. Add Cream Cheese to bowl, including Thyme, Rosemary, Oregano and Salt. Place back in the Fridge. Cut up loaf of bread.

5. Remove Cooked Veggies From Oven, let cool for a few mins until cooled enough to handle. Start removing each clove of garlic from its skin, should just squeeze out of skin. Set aside about 5 cloves, Mash rest of cloves making a garlic like paste. Add the mashed cloves to Cream Cheese Mixture. Place mixture back into the fridge. 

6. Place sliced bread onto a baking sheet put into oven, let slices get a light brown color on edges, once to desired color remove from oven and let slices cool.

7. Loosely mash Butternut Squash with onion (chunks are ok) you want the mixture to be able to be scooped onto crostini, taste and add salt to your taste.

8. Layer Cream Cheese on to each Crostini Slice. Next Butternut Squash Mixture on top and ENJOY!

Tips

Sprinkle on top of each Crostini extra Herbs that you might have left over, Chives, or Sea Salt which adds flavor and a bit of polish look. 

RECIPE
Roasted Tomato and Bell Pepper Soup

Ready in 60 minutes

Serves 4 people

Ingredients

• 4 Large Tomatoes

• 2 Red Bell Peppers

• 1 Whole Garlic Bulb

• 1 Yellow Onion

• 1 Cup of Vegetable Broth

• 1 Teaspoons of Smoked Paprika

• 1 Tablespoon of Crushed Red Pepper

• Salt to Taste

• 4-5 Basil Leafs

Preparation

1. Preheat Oven on 375 F  Chop Tomatoes into quarters or large chunks. Next cut Bell Peppers into 1in wide strips, discarding seeds. Next discard extra skin on Garlic bulb, cut top skin off of bulb. 

2. Once chopped place Tomatoes, Bell Peppers, and Garlic on a baking sheet. Drizzle with Olive Oil and Sprinkle with Salt. Place baking sheet in the oven. Bake until tender and roasted on edges.

3. Dice Yellow Onion. Add Onion to Sauté Pan Simmer until Translucent and tender. Place Tomatoes and Bell Pepper into pan, slowly add 1 Cup of Veggie Broth with mixture. Remove skin from Garlic cloves then add to pan. Add All Seasoning to Pan. CAREFULLY!!! Blend ingredients with immersion blender, or CAREFULLY Add ingredients to a normal blender. Blend to desired consistency add season and more Broth if desired.

4. When Serving Soup, Lightly Drizzle on top Olive Oil and Basil Leaves

Tips

This recipe is freezer friendly, great to make ahead or in big batches especially with Tomatoes and Bell Peppers being peak season, making produce cheaper at Farmers Markets and stores.

RECIPE
Super Charged Green Pasta Bake

Ready in 50 minutes

Serves 4 people

Ingredients

• 1 Package of Penne Pasta

• ¼ Cup of Hemp Seed, Sunflower Seeds, Flax, Pumpkin Seeds, Pine Nuts (Sub in your favs)

• ½ Cup of Panko Crumbs

• 2 Tablespoon of Italian Seasoning (sub for whatever you have on hand)

• Zest of 1 Lemon

• 4 Tablespoons of Vegan Butter or Olive Oil

• 4 Tablespoons of Flour

• 1-1 ½ Cups Of Plain Soy Milk

• 4 Cloves of Garlic

• 1 Bunch of Kale, Swiss Chard, Spinach (use what your family prefers, also can mix your greens)

Preparation

1. Preheat Oven to 375 F. Prepare Penne Pasta as recommended on the package, leaving pasta Al Dente. 

2. Next remove Greens from Stem and chop. Crush Garlic set aside.

3. Sauce: Place Butter in pan and melt, slowly sprinkle Flour in, whisking the butter and flour together, as the butter absorbs the flour add a small amount more in until you have used up all you flour, if the ratios seem off you can add a few drop of Olive Oil. Next add Garlic and allow the flour/butter to brown lightly. When mixture has a light brown color add milk SLOWLY. As your pouring small amounts of milk(can sub ½ cup of a dry white wine) in whisk continually and let the mixture absorb the liquid, continue until you have desired sauce consistency. Add seasoning and salt.

4. Add Greens to saucepan, folding in. Heat is off.

5. Next add Cooked pasta to saucepan folding together until well mixed. If the mixture is dry, add a bit of the pasta water until creamy enough. Stir in Lemon Zest

6. In a Food Processor or Blender add Seeds Pulse until mixture is consistent in size. Add Panko pulse until blended together 

7. Add Pasta with Sauce into a baking dish, Add Seed/Panko on top of pasta. Bake for around 20 mins or until Panko is golden brown! Serve and enjoy!

Tips

Options: top with Pine Nuts, Nutritional Yeast.

 This recipe is great to make ahead of time,  just bake when ready to serve. Once baked is a freezer friendly recipe.

Book Lists Perfect For Going Into Fall; Including Audio and E-Books For Those On The Go

Ever since I was a little girl I’ve been a book lover. At any time you come over my house you most likely will find at least a few books on my night stand, and on my phone and other devises, where you will find many Audio and Ebooks that I am currently in the middle of or finished. And on most day trips or vacation you can find at least one book packed with me. One other thing my family knows about me is that I won’t hesitate to add anything that we don’t need or use anymore to the donation bag, one area of exception is books, I love books its the one item that I collect or maybe even neatly hoard.

This summer I have read or in the middle of reading a few really good impactful books that I wanted to recommend, and (blaming being a mom on this part) while I only really have time to read a few pages at a time. These books were so good that I found myself continually grabbing them or bringing them with me wherever I go, no wonder I carry such a big purse haha. Most of these recommendations come in several options, book, audio book and ebook. One of the reasons that I am doing a book list is I personally love and find it helpful when other people give their own recommendations, also these books are great all year around not just a seasonal read. Enjoy!

Books

Give A Shit. Do Good Live Better. Save The Planet. By Ashlee Piper

This book covers a critical topic of how modern human life is effecting our planet and its inhabitants. While Piper the author shares facts and current stats, she does it in a way that isn’t overwhelming and arms the reader with actionable solutions, which are concrete and sensible. A very timely must read for us all.

The White Album. By Joan Didon

A Classic. The snap shots the Didon gives in this book are so relatable even though the book was written in the early 70’s. I highly recommend this book for those who live in California it talks about some of the same political issues and scenes that we are still dealing with today ie. water, traffic, real estate and the states political scene. This classic book also capture some of the national issues we are still faced with, and some of the emotional and mental toll that can result. Highly recommend this easy read that has such soul in the style Didon share her essays.

The Beauty Detox Power: Nourish Your Mind and Body For Weightloss and Discover True Joy. By Kimberly Snyder

While I have read the authors other books this one is my favorite, and such a different take on the subject of diet and nutrition. While I initially picked up this book because I had enjoyed the recipes from Snyder’s other books, this is such a soulful book that easily guides the reader to look at the mind body connection. This guidance offers the reader a chance for a much more personal checkin with themselves which is a powerful aid for those who are looking to improve their health. And it also has yummy recipes too.

Explorations Of A Cosmic Soul. By Allie Michelle

The poems in this book offer snippets of beautiful wisdom and contemplation that the author shares in her first published book. This book is perfect for those who can’t commit to a long read, as this book offers short poems the even taking a moment to read just one daily will add great depth to your day.

Silence : In the Age Of Noise By Erling Kagge

I can’t do enough justice to this book in describing it. It starts off on a simple premise of what is silence. Yet the depth and contemplation this book offers is greatly needed at this period in time, where we are all faced with so much noise, from opinions, news, stimulation physical and mental, noise pollution, to never silent minds. The author gives beautiful scenarios and illustrations through out the book that easily hold the readers attention while making powerful points that allow the reader moments to self analyze.

Audio Books

Becoming Supernatural. How Common People Are Doing The Uncommon. By Dr. Joe Dispenza

The research and tools that Dr. Dispenza offers are so impactful for all especially those who might be contemplating a spiritual path, or a path of mental and physical health.. His research offers insights in the fields of epigenetics, physics, spirituality, ancient philosophy showing the bridges of each area in relation to our health and beyond.

The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself. By Micheal A. Singer

A classic book that I have read and listened to many times. I love the way this eases quickly and effectively tuning into the role our emotions and our consciousness plays in our reaction to daily scenarios and our outlook in general.

Big Magic Creative Living Beyond Fear. By Elizabeth Gilbert

As a fan of Gilbert’s other books this was a new area that she covers. In Big Magic she discusses the creative process, and what it takes to allow ourselves to be curious, and the self evolution process that unfolds when we submit to allowing ourselves to create.

The Alchemist. By Paulo Coelho

A classic that I avoided for a long time but am so happy that I finally listened to this book such a great tale and highly likable.

No-Cook Watermelon Recipes That Everyone Will Savor This Summer

Watermelon Cooler

Watermelon the yummy classic cooling and delicious watery fruit of the summer. At our house we have been going through and eating a few watermelons a week. And yes the one doing most of the consuming of the watermelon is me, just give me some watermelon and a bottle of Tajin seasoning, such the perfect combo for my taste bud who prefers food that is on the savory side. When days are longer and hotter during the summer I have been noticing a difference in my appetite, sometimes not getting hungry until later in the day. Also with the warmer days I don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen so I love a good salad and since we always have watermelon on hand I have been finding creative ways to use it, including my smoothies, salads and cocktails. So let me share my hydrating recipes.

Smoothies

Watermelon Cleanser

Watermelon Refresher

• 1 Frozen Banana

• 1/2 of Smaller Watermelon, (Flesh Only, Seedless)

• Handful Cilantro

• 2 Sprigs of Mint

• 1 Cup of Coconut Water

Directions: Blend if you want it a bit Thicker or Colder Add Ice

Tip: Blend up Watermelon, then Pour Liquid in Ice Tray. Add the Ice Cubes to smoothie then blend or Add Ice Cubes to Keep Drink Colder Longer

Watermelon Cleanser

• 1/2 Watermelon (seedless)

• 1 Romaine Lettuce

• 1 Apple

• 1 Lemon (juice)

• Add Water or Ice to get desired consistency (hint: Add a little at a time)

Directions: Blend

Salad

Watercress and Arugula add a nice spice to the salad that offsets the Watermelon’s sweetness

Savory Watermelon Salad

• 1/2 of a Seedless Watermelon, Cubed into Bite Sized Pieces

• Arugula and/or Watercress

• 1/2 Red Onion or more if you Love Onion like me

• 2-3 Sprigs of Mint and/or Basil

• 1 Can Garbanzo Beans

• 1 Avocado

• 1 Cucumber

• 2 Ripe Tomatoes

• 1 Package of Feta ( used Miyokos Vegan Feta)

• Optional: Add Slivered Almonds, Or Pinenuts

Dressing: Mix together Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar, Chilli Pepper Flakes, Garlic Powder, Salt and Pepper. Add All According to your Taste Buds. Add Dressing to salad ingredients and enjoy!

Tip: If making ahead of time or going to have over the next few days add Arugula or Watercress as you serve salad, the lettuce won’t wilt and salad will last longer.

Cocktail

Watermelon Jalapeño Margarita

• 1-3 Cups of Blended Watermelon, Chilled

• 1 Lime, Juiced

• 2 Ounce of Silver Tequila

• 2-3 Slices of Jalapeño, Muddled

• Add 2 leaves of Basil, Muddled

• Ice

Directions: Put all ingredients in a shaker, Salt glass rim, Pour ingredients over ice.

Tip: Make ahead Watermelon Ice Cubes, Use as ice in Drink

Give Your Hair The Boost it Craves This Summer -With These Natural Styling Products

Fun in the sun is what summer is all about, but with all this fun comes dry and frizzy hair for me. After a day of the sun, water, and fun I’ve noticed my hair can feel a bit grimy, oily at the roots and dry at the tips, frizzy, and not able to hold the styling I do to my hair. 

Dry hair is not isolated to just the summer season for me, yet the fun in the sun does intensify hair conditions even more since I have thick, course, curly hair (not the unified curl/texture type, I wish), frizzy if not blow dried. About five months ago now I cut my waist length hair to a longer “Lob” length to above my shoulders, which meant I had to style my hair everyday. Previously when my hair was longer the length helped with weighing the frizz/curl down, or I was able to throw my hair up more easily, meaning a bit less styling was needed. 

Side note here, I have a fascination with other people’s routines and products they use, so I thought why not share mine? So during the summer my routine is washing my hair once or twice a week which I will blow dry. Then on the daily I make sure to really brush my hair well, I believe it helps distribute my hair’s oils throughout my hair so my hair doesn’t get as dry on the ends, then I will put dry shampoo at the roots rubbing it in well. So depending on my schedule or time I will straighten my hair or do some quick curls, both ways of styling I use my straightener, and yes you read that right I use my straightener to curl my hair too. On days I don’t need to really style my hair, when the styling from the previous day has lasted, I will just brush a bit and smooth areas with a smoothing balm (flatten those baby hairs). Or if I know it will be a more active family day or just lazy, I will throw my hair up, or put a hat on which doubles as sun protection for both my hair and face. 

With the products I use in my hair I do try to use clean non-toxic products, and I must tattle on myself a bit in the area of hair styling products. Shampoo and Conditioner I found a couple of options in the “clean” space that work great and that I really love. However hair styling products I hadn’t really found any clean ingredients options that really worked, so I have been using products that I would classify in a grey area of “ok”, not the best as far as ingredients, but also not as bad as many other brands out there…. 

Now entering the picture to save my hair is Rahua hair care brand that is outstanding. I started using their shampoo and conditioner over 10 years ago now. I must admit I wasn’t even looking for a cleaner formula when I found this brand, I hadn’t really gotten into researching that area of clean, non-toxic, organic hair and skin care yet. Rahua Classic shampoo and conditioner got my attention I believe while on vacation, and I was shopping at a random store I again will say I was drawn to the brand by my infamous smell test of every product I use, and their products smell AMAZING! The other important factor that sold me was that both the shampoo and conditioner formulas didn’t seem like they would dry my hair out and the conditioner specifically seemed hydrating. Now fast forward, they have a Hydration formula of their shampoo and conditioner which I have used since it came out a few years ago, and again love this formula and scent, keeping my hair hydrated even during summer activities. I recently brought the shampoo and conditioner with me on a family vacation, knowing Rahua has clean ingredients also gives me peace of mind when my little boy wants to use my shampoo and conditioner. And my son loves the scent too, just like his mom.

Like I mentioned I have had a harder time discovering clean hydrating hair styling products, and I admit to feeling a bit silly that I didn’t check Rahua’s website to see what products that they offered in the range of styling products. Just for reference after I towel dry my hair, brush it out (at this point if my hair is seriously knotted and tangled I can tell if the conditioner didn’t really work, not a problem I have ever had with Rahua) and then add a oil, even if I don’t plan on blowdrying my hair, I always add an oil to the tips to help seal them, and add extra moisture into my hair for protection against daily environmental elements, especially with my recent activities of enjoying pools, beaches, lakes, hikes and bike rides. When adding oil to my hair I also find it helps keep my hair from getting less tangled from all the activity. Rahua’s hair oil (Rahua Legendary Amazon Oil) works like a miracle in a bottle. First off other hair oils that I have used I usually have to do a few pumps, with the Rahua hair oil you seriously need just a few drops. It just smooths all the ends immediately helping me not to turn into a big hair poof ball whether I am blow drying my hair or not, also my hair is just more manageable after summer activities not feeling gross, odd texture and lifeless at the end of the day, instead it’s easy to brush and revive. 

I don’t know about you but getting a professional blow out is amazing not only do I find it so relaxing, yes even with all the loud noise I easily could fall asleep, and the results pure Goalzzzz. Now flash to me in my bathroom sweating and cursing as my hair clips that are sectioning off my hair get tangled and my brush keeps getting caught in some invisible knot, the frizz continues to grow like some new character from Stranger Things (Season 3 Out on Netflix), the blow dryer cord keeps getting caught on the vanity drawer knobs, and my face looks like a tomato from the heat and frustration. All while pretending I can understand what my son is saying to me because I just want to get done with blow drying. So a bit of a process blow drying my hair and that isn’t even styling it lol, and yes I know first world problems, don’t worry I roll my eyes at myself too.

Thankfully the task of blow drying my hair has been made more streamlined with again another product by Rahua called Control Creme so this you can use if you want to define your curls, or to help control with anti-frizz. So I usually have slightly air dried hair by the time I blow dry it, I add the Control Creme to semi pretty damp hair. This creme reminds me a lot of makeup primers that are silicon based with the texture of this formula, and the bonus of its amazing gorgeously light yet beautiful scent. My hair is more easy to manage during the blow drying process and there is very little frizz so I don’t have to repeat going over a section of hair as often, cutting down on drying time. The Creme (again its not really a creamy texture more silky, dense without weighing down) helps also when I style because I don’t have to go over certain known frenemie pieces of frizz strands repeatedly, so the styling goes quickly as well. Then for all my baby hairs or random hairs I use the Rahua Control Balm this helps hold pesky hairs in place especially when I am going to be outdoors enjoying the weather, this smoothing balm smooths my over all look giving a finished polished look. I use the Smoothing Balm to even touch up my hair later in the day or the day after I have styled my hair, and the scent of lite Gardenia making me feel even more refreshed. I loved using the Balm on my vacation so from the pool, to the lake, and other activities where I was in the sun for longer periods of time I would use this balm to help refine my look, while helping moisturize any hairs that were starting to do the frizz thing. 

Summer month’s fly by I can’t believe we are about to head in to August shortly, the time seems to speed up when you are enjoying moments with friends and family. My desire in sharing my current favorite hair products with you is that it saves you time and money, so you don’t have to waste your effort with products that don’t work, and you can have the peace of mind that the Rahua brand is focused on creating products that are safe for our bodies and our environment. I don’t want to waste my time on needless beauty steps when I can be out making memories with those I love, and I am wishing you all your very own amazing summer memories and great hair while your making those precious moments.

Rahua Hydration Shampoo

Rahua Hydration Conditioner

Rahua Classic Shampoo

Rahua Classic Conditioner

Rahua Control Cream

Rahua Smoothing Balm

National Junk Food Day: Healthy Vegan Options That Actually Taste Good, For a Random National Holiday

So who knew there was a national holiday that gives you an excuse to snack? Yes it’s called National Junk Food Day. While I used to pretty much live off of Spicy Cheetos with Limoné, and Mountain Dew (yes great taste lol), when I was in high school. Wow have times changed, yet I still do love snacking. So I wanted to share my favorite healthier snacks that actually taste good!

As you can tell I love savory flavors over sweet, but I want to know what your favorite snacks are, below leave your favorites in the comments I love to find new options!

Siete's Cashew Queso Spicy Blanco

So this is so so so AMAZINGLY GOOD, I can’t rave about how good this is. Even if your not vegan or plant based I recommend getting this asap its just so tasty while being healthier which you won’t know from the taste. Unfortunately it is sold out online so if you see it in a location near you GRAB IT!!!

Siete Grain Free Fuego Chips

These yummy chips are flavorful without being greasy or making me feel over salted or gross after eating a few.

Hippeas

So our whole family loves Hippeas! A healthier option but still taste delicious, I prefer the spicer flavors but buy more milder flavors for my son.

GimMe Seaweed Teriyaki Flavor

So I know you might be rolling your at this suggestion, however this seaweed (I like all flavors) is so addictively good. When I grab these for my son and I I know to grab several of these because we scarf these packs down and always want more. I recommend this flavor especially for those starting to eat seaweed, and when your done you know your body benefitted from all the vitamins and nutrients packed in seaweed

Earth Balance Vegan Cheddar Squares

Again if your plant based or not, these crackers are so Yummy and a great swap compared to other cheese crackers. when we have these around especially when friends are around they go fast!!

Late July Chips Jalapenó Lime

These are a great Gluten Free option I personally so far like all flavors Late July makes, they are a great yummy treat.

Easy To Care For Indoor Plants -That Purify Your Indoor Space And Are Aesthetically Pleasing

Let us say staying indoors so much, can test anyone's sanity. Since many of us have spent more time in our home than usual, you are likely to have noticed that your interior features could use a little love or upgrading. One easy and more affordable way to change up any interior of a home is with indoor plants. With ease, indoor plants effortlessly add more character, dimension, and color to a room.

 Another bonus many indoor plants help cleanse the air, which is especially beneficial when we spend extra time inside. Even if you keep a tidy home, it's easy to forget that there is off-gassing being released from furniture, paints, carpet, rugs, etc. Off-gassing can contribute to the toxicity of our indoor air. We lovingly use indoor plants to add our design aesthetic with the added benefits of helping the quality of our indoor air. 

Indoor plants range in their difficulty of care, and we have all had that heartbreaking moment when we have killed a beloved plant. To help your plant skip a tragic end, we recommend some beautiful yet easy-to-care-for plants. While also linking you to articles and studies NASA did here and here about indoor plants and the benefits they have on our indoor spaces.

Rubber Plant

Beautiful leaves that provide any space with a powerful color palate. Their beautiful leaves also help remove formaldehyde and carbon dioxide from the air, a beauty with intelligence. Care is easy for this none finicky plant that needs little sun and if you forget to water here and there will cause it to grow slower, but plant can recover with consistent care. Removes from indoor air: Formaldehyde, Mold, Carbon Dioxide.

Peace Lily

Peace Lilys are a flowering plant which sets it apart from most indoor plants. This doesn’t translate to it being high maintenance. Does fine in low light, also beneficial Peace Lilys will help humidify the air. Removes from indoor air: Trichloroethylene, Formaldehyde, Benzene, Xylene, Ammonia. Now that will help you to breathe easily when buying this plant for your home.

Snake Plant

Now this plant I can’t recommend highly enough, specifically to you who are serial plant killers! Snake plants are not only stunning but are so easy to care for. They call for indirect sun, soil that drains well. And for those of you who are gone, travel or busy, you only need to water when soil is completely dried out and the Snake plant prefers the soil to be more on the dry side than moist. So overall perfect plant for those who kill everything! Removes from indoor air: Trichloroethylene, Formaldehyde, Benzene, Xylene.

Broad Leaf Lady Palm

Broadleaf Lady Palms (try to say that 3 times fast) offers great drama to a space especially since they can grow fast and tall, hopefully you are looking for a little drama from your plant. These plants are another versatile option due to them being flexible with lighting being able to thrive in indirect sun to shady areas. They do need well drained soil as they do like moist soil but are susceptible to their roots getting rot if the soil can’t drain. Removes from indoor air: Formaldehyde, Xylene, and Ammonia.

English Ivy

So if you are looking for a plant who loves bright light to indirect light. While this plant is still easy to care for, however the light situation does need to be saturated. Caution in the summer months make sure the light is indirect, because the light can burn the leaves if the sun light is direct. In the winter the English Ivy can be susceptible to pest and mildew when not receiving enough light. And if the vines are getting to long for your liking you can trim them and can easily be propagated in water. Removes from indoor air: Trichloroethylene, Formaldehyde, Benzene, Xylene.

Gift Ideas For Valentine's Day

Love is kind…. No matter if you are celebrating Valentine’s Day solo or with a loved one, V-Day is a great reminder to show kindness to yourself and others. Here are a few great gift ideas for her, him, or you. Have fun spreading the love. Hugs and Kisses!

MeUndies

A great way to treat yourself or your loved one with this cute underwear subscription for her and him. Also listed as one of the eight ethical lingerie companies.

Pretty In Pink Lip Kit

Keep those kisses going with this ultra moisturizing lip kip.

Woo More Play

Who wouldn’t want to have some bedroom fun with a lube which main ingredients are Coconut Oil, Vanilla, Stevia and Bees Wax. Fun and Tasty!

A Date or Gift Certificate For Water Activities

Especially if you are celebrating Valentine’s in areas that are experiencing winter weather why not give a gift card to a water activity to inspire day dreams of warmer weather and future dates.

Aroma Source Essential Oil Diffuser

Essential Oil Diffusers are not only to relax but also to set the mood and atmosphere in a room with the scent from oil of choice.

Clean Reserve Perfume

A great fragrance without the chemicals in traditional perfumes.

Clean Essentials Kit

A great way for you or your loved one to try new skincare that will keep your skin lush during this winter.

Purple Carrot Meal Delivery

Whether its Valentine’s Day or any other special night why not make dinner easy with meal delivery that is actually healthy.

Kai Perfume

A great perfume option that smells like a vacation in a bottle yet is better choice then traditional perfumes.

Gift Cert to a Workout Class or Favorite Way To Relax

Another alternative Valentine’s Day gift is to help your loved one stick with any New Years resolutions to their favorite gift cert. to their favorite workout or way to relax.

Clean Reserve

Another Perfume option that is a great option over traditional perfumes.

Three Health Boosting Smoothies To Try Out In 2019

It is the beginning of 2019 naturally we are feeling inspired to start the new year off with a fresh start. Even though you might not have made resolutions for the new year it is common when overlooking the new year we want to focus our attention on our habits  that we would like to shift. Most of us think of our health during this naturally reflective period and look for areas in which our health can be improved or tweaked. I find that my mind usually drifts to my health after being stunned that another year has passed so quickly. For 2019 I have found a couple of areas that I want to improve in relations to my health like getting more fresh raw fruits and veggies into my diet every meal, be more consistent with my yoga practice, and focus on my gut health.

Depending on your health goals I think a tip that benefits many and that will help my own goals is smoothies. When friends and family ask me for tips about how to eat more veggies for themselves or their kids smoothies are my first recommendation due to how quick they are to make and if your on the go they can be taken with you. Smoothies can also be prepped ahead of time and if that doesn’t suit your schedule you can just make bigger batches and store the extras in the fridge(what I usually do). The other factor I like is how you can really make them to your liking and needs. Stuff as many greens, superfoods in and not be able to taste them count me in. While juicing is great and another way I enjoy giving my diet an extra punch smoothies are more filling with their fiber content and I usually add protein powder to mine making them great for when I workout. 

So if your a smoothie newbie or a pro I wanted to share three of my favorite smoothie recipes. These recipes are vegan, gluten free and kid approved. And according to your taste buds you really can tailor these drinks to your liking. I must also admit I usually eyeball the amount of ingredients I put in depending on my tastebuds and ingredients I have around that day. These recipes are filled with antioxidants, protein, fiber, minerals and adaptogens. All of these factors benefit anyone who is looking to be healthier. Beyond that adding adaptogens support our bodies with balancing our hormones and cognitive functions by helping our bodies adapt with daily emotional and environmental stressors. At the end of the recipes listed below I put some great ingredients that can be added to any smoothie for even an additional boost.

Pineapple Banana Cacao Smoothie

You will need:

2 Cups Pineapple Fresh/Frozen

2 Ripe Bananas Fresh/Frozen

1 1/2 Tablespoons Cacao Powder

2 Scoops of SunWarrior Vanilla Protein Powder (or your favorite vegan protein powder)

2 Cups Almond Milk (or your favorite milk)

1 Tablespoon Almond Butter

OPTIONAL:
1 Teaspoon Ashwagandha Root Powder

1 Teaspoon Maca Powder

Super Green Pineapple Smoothie

You will need:

2 Cups Pineapple (Frozen/Fresh)

2 Ripe Bananas (Frozen/Fresh)

2/3 Cups Fresh Kale (use your favorite greens)

2 Scoops Navitas Organic Vanilla and Greens Superfood Powder (use your favorite vegan protein powder)

3 Cups of Almond Milk

OPTIONAL:
1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Ultimate Blueberry Smoothie

You will need:

3 Cups Blueberries (Fresh/Frozen)

2 Ripe Bananas (Fresh/Frozen)

2 Scoops of Sun Warrior Vanilla Protein Powder

2 Handfuls of Organic Gluten Free OldFashioned Oats

2 1/2 Cups of Almond Milk (or your favorite

milk)

Optional Smoothie Add Ins:

-Hemp Seed

-Chia Seeds

- Favorite Nut Butters

- Spirulina

- Barley Grass

-Your Favorite Adaptogen: Ive been loving Four Sigmatic’s variety of easy to add Mushroom Mixes. Also Amazing Grass superfood and beauty blends that you can add to smoothies or water when your on the go.

And Cheers to you and your health in the New Year and all your smoothie making endeavors! Let us know your favorite recipes and superfood add ins I am always for looking for new tips and tricks.