Summer Party Ideas & Recipes

Hello everyone,

Are you busy preparing for the long holiday weekend? If you’re like me, that means three trips to the grocery store to pick up all the items you keep forgetting and hours in the kitchen obsessing over which side salad to make for your guests. Well I’ve got a helping of 4th of July Party Ideas & Recipes ready to go. And the one thing I know I don’t have to worry about is which faux meat to grill.

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My hands down, favorite veggie dog is the LightLife Jumbo Smart Dog. This slightly larger dog actually fits the length of traditional hot dog buns, and it has the perfect texture + taste combo. Try it topped with a little mustard, ketchup, red onion and vegan cheese.

It’s so good and without the guilt—it’sonly 100 calories with 3.5g of fat and 4g carbs, plus it has 13g of protein! Even better, they are vegan and non-GMO. Healthy and hot dogs don’t exactly go together like pb&j, but this veggie dog seems to do the trick!

These veggie dogs are especially good if you lightly char them on the grill. And I do mean lightly. If you let them go too long, they’ll blacken and get a little “rubbery.” However, if you cook them just long enough, it makes for the perfect summer snack! If it’s a rainy day youcan also use a griddle. As you head to the store this weekend, remember to pick some of these up. Right now you can save $2.00 off any two LightLife products through Mambo Sprouts.

Okay. So now you know which veggie dog to cook. What else? Well for me, I’ll probably whip up a creamy, vegan old-fashioned coleslaw or maybe opt for an asian-inspired slaw. Of course, I have to make my signature macaroni salad, and maybe a summer bean salad, too. Plus, you can’t forget dessert! Perhaps I’ll go with vegan Rice Krispie Treats or maybe some melty, satisfying s’mores if the weather is just right for a fire.

Tell me, what are you planning for your holiday weekend?

Cheers!

Jocelyn

* Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Additionally, I received Light Life coupons for free products in return for my honest review. As always, all opinions are my own!



Mini Review: Thomas Pizza Bagels

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Hello everyone,

I was in the middle of a Target run and recently had a cart stopping experience. I saw Thomas PIZZA BAGELS! And they happen to be vegan. Who doesn’t have fond memories of making pizza bagels in college? But now, the bagel is already preseasoned to get the pizza party started. Start your week off right with the perfect scrumptious lunch or late night snack!

Ingredients

  • 1 Thomas Pizza Bagel
  • ¼ cup pizza sauce (I used Muir Glenn’s)
  • ¼ cup Daiya mozzerella cheese

Directions

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Place the two  halves of the pizza bagel on a baking sheet.
  • Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the insides of the pizza bagel halves.
  • Sprinkle with Daiya and whatever additional topping you like.
    • Try green peppers, onion, or basil!
  • Cook for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted to your liking.
  • Enjoy!

These are on shelves for a limited time only so go get some while they last!

Happy eating!

Jocelyn

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

Restaurant Review: Forage Public House

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About a year  ago, many of my ‘westside’ friends started talking about this new restaurant
called Forage Public House in Lakewood. I took a quick look at the menu and decided it wasn’t for me. It’s a farm to table concept, heavy on meat and dairy. What’s for a vegan to love?

I’ll admit, I was quick to judge. Perhaps it was because I’d never been to cult classic Deagan’s in Lakewood either, and after all, this is Chef Demetrio’s newest American gastropub.  Continue reading “Restaurant Review: Forage Public House”

VeganCuts Review

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My name is Jocelyn, and I love snacks. There is nothing better than a small, sweet or savory pick me up in the middle of a long work day. Or after work. Or before bed. Or anytime really. You get my point.

In addition to loving snacks, I also love receiving mail. So what’s better than a monthly subscription for vegan snacks? Nothing!

I have been an on again off again Vegan Cuts subscriber for the past few years. I recently renewed my subscription again and thought I’d review this month’s box. Continue reading “VeganCuts Review”

San Diego: Moncai Vegan

Hello Friends,

Sorry for the lapse in new entries. I’m in always 70 and sunny San Diego for a long weekend! I thought I’d share a review of my favorite meal I’ve had since visiting.

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Continue reading “San Diego: Moncai Vegan”