sunny vegan » food, photography, and fun

10.17.13

Happy Halloween Granola

It’s that time again, when the ghouls appear with buckets of candy filled with carmine, gelatin and more artificial colors than I care to mention.

This also means that I spend a fair amount of time saying “NO” to said candy. I don’t like it. they don’t like it so I have to find a way to keep Halloween fun and tasty in a way that makes us both happy.

Bring on the granola! This year we added chocolate chips making it a great candy alternative( last year was cranberries) . It’s sweet, salty chocolaty goodness you will all enjoy.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups oatmeal
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 1/2 tablespoons ground flax seed
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 cup plus1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon turbinado sugar
1/2 tsp organic vanilla extract
1/4 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
1/4 cup vegan chocolate chips
1/4 cup roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

Method:

preheat oven to 315 degrees. in a large bowl, mix dry ingredients ( oats though salt). in a small bowl, stir wet ingredients together until smooth. gradually add wet mixture to dry, stirring continually. spread in a single layer on non-stick cookie sheet. bake for 10 minutes, then stir. bake an additional 15-20 minutes or just until lightly browned. allow to cool slightly then add chocolate chips and roasted pumpkin seeds.

Seriously, isn’t that simple? I will be making a big batch of this to send to friends and family, a healthy treat that also travels well is perfect for gifting!

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9.6.13

Take 5 spa water with melon and cucumber

I know how important drinking water is, and I suck at it.

Every day I set the goal of drinking more water and pretty much every day I fail. But not today!
Today’s Take 5 spa is the treat of spa water. Mix. Sip. Ahhhh.

This works great to get the kids drinking more water too, but make sure to treat yourself first.

Ingredients: per 1 serving

2 cups chilled filtered water
1/4 cup cucumber, sliced very thin
1/4 cup watermelon, sliced or cubed

Method:

combine ingredients in glass, allow to stand for 5 minutes.

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9.4.13

take 5 spa – body scrub recipe

I know school is back in session for most of us and I should be writing healthy lunch ideas, but I am not! If you are anything like me, you spent the past 3 months entertaining, feeding, chauffeuring, and truly enjoying time with your kids which was great. But as I did so much with them and for them, I neglected myself a bit and it’s time for me – and YOU- to take 5 minutes for yourself with daily spa breaks.

My skin has definitely seen the worst of this neglect. I am dry, scaly, splotchie and just plain yuck! So if you too are in need of a re-charge, this pampering body scrub is easy and will make your skin look so much better in just minutes! and the ingredients are things you probably have at home right now which leaves you no excuse not to join me and Take 5!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup olive oil
1 cup turbinado or brown sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon lemon zest

Method:

combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well.

Usage Instructions:

in the shower, scoop up a small amount of scrub and rub into skin in a circular motion, paying extra attention to knees and elbows. rinse well and follow with your favorite lotion.
Common Sense Notes- avoid eyes and mucous membranes, use of oil will make your shower or bath slippery so be careful.

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2 comments on “take 5 spa – body scrub recipe”

Anna on September 5, 2013 at 5:36 am said:

I <3 your photography! And this scrub looks like just the thing. You're right, school's in and Mama needs some me time! Thank you for sharing this, I'm going to make it today!

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Jes on September 8, 2013 at 12:09 pm said:

This looks like such a great way to take care of me, and it looks easy, which is right up my lazy alley!

Two quick questions: How long does this keep? And should I store it in the fridge, or will it be okay if kept in my shower?

Thank you!

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8.6.13

stress buster smoothie

What, am I stressed out? Just because we have moved, rented out our house, am living among boxes and the girls are starting at a new school doesn’t have to mean Iam stressed! Whaaaaahhhhhh!
Yes, I am totally stressed. Happy, but stressed. So today I am going to do something about it, take a few minutes for myself and turn to nutrition to help relieve some of this stress naturally.

Blueberries are full of vitamin C which is a great natural stress reliever. Almond milk contains vitamin E which is known to fight free radicals and reduce stress, and add a banana rich in potassium, another natural stress reliever. Throw in a little flaxseed oil for those omega 3′s which are known to prevent surges in stress hormones and you have an all natural treat to help beat that stress.
That’s the nutritional side of reducing stress, but then there is the emotional side. Taking a few minutes to take care of myself ( instead of the dog, kids, email) playing some of my favorite music and a few deep breaths. ahhhhh, I feel better already.

What do you turn to when you are stressed?

Ingredients: per 10 ounce serving

1 frozen banana
1/3 cup blueberries
1 Tablespoon flaxseed oil
2/3 cup almond milk
1 teaspoon maple syrup * optional

Method:

place all ingredients into blender and mix well. serve immediately.

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7.16.13

moving on up!

It’s official, we are moving to the mountains!

That means that instead of making beautiful food this week, I am packing, cleaning and sorting. It’s overwhelming going through this stuff that I have accumulated over the years, but somehow with each drawer I empty, I feel liberated from my old consumerism practices.

So I will update you from the cabin next week with some beautiful healthy food and scenery. I’m going to need it after this week for sure.

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