Month: April 2017

Spring Wishlist: A Vegan Lifestyle

Hello everyone,

This month I turn 30. It’s one of those milestones I suppose, but for the first time I can remember, I’m just not that excited about it. Perhaps I’ll try 29 again. 29 redux. Okay?

This year, I am truly thankful for my friends/ family, my health, and my new house. Shortly, after my birthday I’m traveling for work and then heading off for a 10-day excursion through Arizona, Utah, and Las Vegas. I’m not one to post about vegan lifestyle or put together a wish list, but I thought I’d give it a try by sharing some of my favorite items and new purchases for my birthday. What do you have your eye on?

* Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. As always, all opinions are my own!

Continue reading “Spring Wishlist: A Vegan Lifestyle” →

How to Use Garlic Scapes

Hello friends,

First HomeI bought my first home last summer. It just so happens that the folks who owned the home before me were avid gardeners so I inherited three raised garden beds. One day I got the bright idea to dive right into gardening. No, “let’s take it easy this year.” No, “let’s just start with tomato plants.” No. I went from zero to sixty.

I hopped online and purchased heirloom organic vegetable seeds, seed starter kits, heat mats, shelving, lights, and created a full on grow area in my basement. It looks like I am a doomsday prepper. Surprisingly, most of my seedlings are doing fairly well, and I’m not entirely overwhelmed yet. But I can feel it coming.

One of the easier things I’ve started to grow indoors is garlic. I simply purchased organic garlic and split the large bulb into pieces. Then I planted the individual garlic cloves point up in 6″ of soil, watered it, and covered the containers in plastic wrap. Who knew it could be so easy to grow? Continue reading “How to Use Garlic Scapes” →

Mixed Cabbage Salad w/ Citrus Peanut Vinaigrette

Hello everyone,

My partner loves asian-inspired flavors. He uses sesame oil when it isn’t necessary. He uses soy sauce at odd times. You get the idea. Well, I’ve been looking for new, quick & easy recipes with asian flavors outside the usual stir fry. I recently created a recipe for chilled sesame noodle salad, and now I’ve hit the mark again with a mixed cabbage salad with a citrus peanut dressing.

This has easily become a quick favorite because it’s so practical. You can make a large batch on Sunday and use it for lunches throughout the week. Simply keep the vinaigrette on the side and add the dressing as you go. The base flavors are mild—meaning this recipe is also easily adaptable. You can even make a few different dressings to keep it interesting.

If you stick true to the recipe you’ll end up with a crunchy, sweet and sour salad that tastes great. Plus, it’s so appetizing with all the vibrant colors! Give it a try!

Cheers,

Jocelyn

* Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. As always, all opinions are my own! Continue reading “Mixed Cabbage Salad w/ Citrus Peanut Vinaigrette” →

April Savings: Banza Chick Pea Pasta, Earth Balance, Arrowhead Mills & More!

Hello everyone,

Who’s ready for weekend shopping savings? I scoured the internet and compiled the newest high value savings and rare rebates on vegan-friendly items below.

Additionally, I decided to periodically begin checking for gimmick free samples to share with you. Today you’re in luck, as there are a handful of  high value samples available. Allergies got you down? Breathe easier by requesting a free Breathe Right strips sample. In the mood for tea time? How about sending well wishes to a friend so they receive two free Yogi tea packets! My favorite is the Kava Stress Relief tea! Oddly enough, I just really like the flavor. Need a new sweetener? Try the new Splenda Naturals Stevia Sweetener. Not a fan of Splenda? Try Truvia’s new natural sweetener.

Also, I know I’m late to party on savings-related browser extensions, but I recently began using Honey. It is hands down my new favorite plug in. I was amazed that it even let me know when items in my Amazon shopping cart were available for less from other sellers (with shipping). How cool is that? I am noticing that Honey and Ebates compete. If you select a rebate from one, you cannot double dip by using the other. However, you can check the rebate offer through each vendor and simply use the one with the highest return. It takes minimal efforts and the increased percentage points will add up!

Last but certainly not least, Cost Plus World Market is running a deal over the weekend for 15% off + free shipping on $100+ with code SUNNYDAYS. I know I’ll be heading to my local store for some “world” cuisine and to pick up some sumac spice.

Happy shopping & eating!

Jocelyn

PS – As always, in case you missed them, check out my top ways to save and other recent savings posts.

* Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. As always, all opinions are my own!

 

Continue reading “April Savings: Banza Chick Pea Pasta, Earth Balance, Arrowhead Mills & More!” →

How to Make Fattoush Salad

Hello everyone,

I love Middle Eastern cuisine. Baba ghanoush, falafel, tabouli, you name it— it’s some of my favorite food. I was craving a feel good meal this weekend, so I decided to try my hand at a classic, fattoush salad.

Fattoush (فتوش) is a levantine bread salad which originated in Lebanon, but is also common in Syria and other Middle Eastern counties. Fattoush includes toasted or fried pieces of pita bread mixed with greens and fresh vegetables. It generally also includes cucumber, tomato, and other ingredients depending on season, location, taste, etc.

The dressing is slightly sour and acidic, using a healthy serving of lemon juice and sumac. Since I didn’t have sumac, I used zatar seasoning to give the salad a full flavor. I also used store bought pita chips to save time, but I’m sure this recipe would be even better if you used homemade pita bread for the crunch. This is a deceptively easy salad to make considering the robust flavor combinations. Why not give it a try?

What’s your favorite Middle Eastern recipe?

Cheers,

Jocelyn

* Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. As always, all opinions are my own! Continue reading “How to Make Fattoush Salad” →