Happy Holidays from Me to You!

Hey hey hey!

What a year it's been.  I can't believe 2015 is right around the corner.  I'm stopping in to wish you a wonderful holiday and a happy happy happy New Year!  I'm a little early, but I plan on taking a blogging break until the New Year.  I've got 10 days left of my maternity leave.  Crazy, I know...

I plan to spend the next 10 days soaking up as much family time as possible.  It's been an incredible four and a half months.  I can't even put into words what these 20 weeks have meant to me.  To say I'm grateful for this time with Sage is an understatement.  Going back to work is a tough transition.  I am experiencing an assortment of emotions across the spectrum of happy to sad.  It's just going to be an adjustment is all.  And all in good time, we will get into a rhythm and I know it won't be so hard.

It's been a blast sharing this time on maternity leave with you.  I'm not sure what the return to blogging will look like in 2015, but I'll still be here...eating lots of plant-based yums, running, drinking lattes, and most importantly spending time with my family.  If I'm not around as much through regular posts at first then I'll definitely be on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.  I'd love to connect with you there. 

And again, I truly hope 2014 finishes fantastically for you.  See you in 2015! 

Cashew-Peanut Butter Cups (vegan & gluten-free)

Hey hey hey!

I am not typically a recipe creator.  I so admire all of you that do create your own wonderful recipes though because I certainly love making them!  It's a hobby of mine to skim through recipes and try them out.  Desserts are some of my favorites.  

I decided to be a little adventurous the other day.  I had a jar of cashew butter sitting in the refrigerator that I wanted to do something with.  I was finishing up my salad at lunch and thinking about dessert (as I often do) and peanut butter cups came to mind.

The Gardein Seven Grain Crispy Tenders are AMAZING!  I had a side of Vegenaise/BBQ sauce mixture for this salad.

I've made them with just peanut butter and I've made them with peanut butter and almond butter, but never with cashew butter.  Time to give it a try!  Turns out, it's a splendid combination.

The cashew butter just scrumptiously compliments the peanut butter.  I had to share the recipe for you to enjoy and because I don't want to forget what I did.  Great healthy fats and protein packed into this dessert, or mid morning snack, or late night snack, whenever the craving hits you.  They are also 100% vegan and gluten-free.  Another super cool thing is they take no more than 15 minutes to make.  That's my kind of treat.  

Makes six large servings:

1st layer: 

1/3 cup peanut butter

1/3 cup cashew butter

1 tbsp. maple syrup

1 tbsp. coconut oil

1/2 cup brown rice krispies

2nd layer:

1/4 cup cacao powder

1/8 cup coconut oil

1/4 cup chocolate chips

1/4 cup vanilla almond milk

1. Line muffin tin with six liners.

2. Melt all the ingredients in first layer over medium-low heat and divide among the six cups.

3. Melt all the ingredients in second layer over medium-low heat and pour on top of peanut butter/cashew portion in each cup.  Spread with spatula if needed.  I don't go crazy trying to make them look perfect.

4. Place tray in freezer for an hour.  Note:  I keep mine in the freezer and then let thaw for 10 minutes before eating each time.

5. Indulge!

Tell me if you try these! I so hope you do because they are worth it.  

Do you like to create new recipes?

Rough Patch with Sleep

Hi there!

I'm currently enjoying an Amy's vegetable pizza topped with some daiya and vegan parm.  Simple lunch is where it's at.

Sage is currently taking a nap.  I'm trying the one arm out of the swaddle.  Last night was rough.  Baby boy was up every two hours.  I'm not sure what the deal is.  I didn't feed him at his 1 o'clock wake up and fortunately got him back to sleep until 3 o'clock.  I never know what to expect anymore with nighttime sleeping.  We really want to transfer him to the crib (he's in the rock n' play in our room right now) but it's proving a bit difficult.  He was sleeping better at three months old than he has been at four months.  

We haven't done any sort of sleep training and I'm starting to think maybe we should.  I know it's not for everyone and from what I've heard from other mamas it sounds quite challenging, but I want Sage to learn to self soothe.  He needs to learn for his benefit and mine. 

(Update added 12/4/14 - I put Sage to sleep swaddled in his crib at 8:30pm.  He woke up at 9:30pm and 10:30pm but did not eat.  At 10:30pm I switched him to the rock n' play, but in his bedroom with the white noise playing on the iPad and he slept until 5am!!! We shall see what tonight brings...) 

Mamas:  Any advice?  Have you done sleep training?

Even after being up so much last night, the little man woke up so happy!  Makes me smile and laugh even in my sleep-deprived state...love love love...

In other news, our treadmill is being delivered tomorrow!!!  I can't wait.  It says it takes an hour and a half to setup, so hopefully that doesn't actually mean like 4 hours for someone who is bad at building things.

I want to start wrapping Christmas presents.  I stopped at the Dollar Store and wow did they have wrapping galore.  That is so the place to go!  This weekend we are decorating gingerbread houses with family.  Such a fun tradition that I definitely want to pass onto Sage.   

Ok, Sage has been sleeping for 30 minutes with one arm out of the swaddle.  I consider that I big success.  Woohoo!

Sage and I had to run an errand to my husband's school this morning and of course he fell sound asleep in the car.  I took advantage and went through the drive-thru at Starbucks.  Grande soy steamer with a pump of peppermint.  It just screams holiday spirit.  However, I'll be needing something much more caffeinated when I'm back at work...all in good time.  

Any sleep advice you have for a 4 month old, please share!

How's your week going?

I Can't Believe it is December

Happy December!

I'm staring out at green grass right now so it's odd that it is December, but I'm sure the snow will be returning soon and I'm definitely not complaining.  We had a bunch of snow just after Thanksgiving, but then it got warm and melted.  That's how it works around here.

I came across this Tazo chai at Wegmans last weekend and fell in love.  It's way better making homemade drinks because I always think the ones from Starbucks are too sweet.  I like just a 1/2 cup of the chai and then I fill my mug with lots of soy milk and add ice.  I need to stock up on this stuff because it is quickly becoming my favorite thing first thing in the morning.

And speaking of new things, yay for vegan mac & cheese!!!  I like the orange cheddar best.  Serious comfort food here.  I added a tbsp. of earth balance butter and a shot of soy milk and it rocked.  Thank you, earth balance.

I have four more weeks of maternity leave.  Part of me knows it will be good to get back into a rhythm with work and of course the extra money will be nice, but the other part of me is having a rough time.  I will most certainly cry lots of tears during the transition period.  Taking a 20 week maternity leave has been such a blessing.  

Sage is showing me how to Jingle Bell rock and we're getting in the holiday spirit.  Time to start wrapping gifts soon!  Today, Sage and I are going to pick up my new glasses and we have a play date with the babies on the street this afternoon.

I hope you have a fantastic Tuesday!

How are you?

What's new in your world?

31 Foods in My Kitchen

Hi!

I actually did my hair for a dinner we had on Wednesday, so I got a picture with my sweet baby boy.  Normally he's all dressed up and I'm in sweats.  I swear I put socks on his feet, but they never stay on!  I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!  We traveled to visit family and had two delicious meals, one for lunch and the other for dinner; therefore, I was definitely stuffed.  

On that note, let's talk food.  With the arrival of snow, I like to make sure my kitchen is always stocked with food because I hate having to go out on a snowy, freezing day because the refrigerator is empty.  I'd much prefer to stay cozy at home with my family, drink tea, read, cook (and run because soon our treadmill will be arriving!!!).  Here are 31 foods you can almost always find in my kitchen.   Ironically my refrigerator is close to empty right now though and we really need to get to the store!  I chose 31 foods simply because I listed every food item I could think of that I always want around and that's when my brain stopped.  They are all vegan.  Having these items around makes putting a healthy meal together simple.

In no particular order...

1. Almond Milk and/or Soy Milk

2. Chia Seeds

3. Spinach 

4. Kale 

5. Oats 

6. Peanut Butter and/or Almond Butter

7. Tofu

8. Tempeh 

9. Sprouted Wheat Bread

10. Broccoli 

11. Avocados 

12. Brown Rice 

13. Whole Wheat Flour

14. Chocolate Chips 

15. Nuts (one or more of: almonds, walnuts, cashews, pecans)

16. Bananas

17. Black Beans 

18. Whole Wheat Pasta 

19. Marinara Sauce

20. Faux Chicken Patties 

21. Garlic

22. Onion 

23. Tomato 

24. Nature's Path Cereal 

25. Flax (ground)

26. Udon Noodles

27. Vegenaise 

28. So Delicious Ice Cream

29. Squash and/or yams

30. Apples

31. Tofutti Cream Cheese

If you need a grocery list, that's actually a pretty good start!  And check out these cookbooks if you need a little more assistance in the meal preparation part (like I did!).

What are a few items always in your kitchen?

Do we have any of the same?

Things To Do & Happy Thanksgiving Week

Hey there!

I have things to accomplish today.  First stop is Wegmans to get the ingredients for the pumpkin pie I'm making from Vegan Pie in the Sky.  It will be the first time I make a pumpkin pie, and vegan!  I'm excited.  Next stop is Home Depot to get my dad the drill he wants for Christmas.  It's on sale for another few days while supplies last so Sage and I need to get over there quick.  And lastly I need to get to Babies R Us to exchange our baby monitor because it won't charge and I want to have it for when we visit family for the Thanksgiving.  A day of errands...

But right now Sage is napping.  I'm trying to wean him from the swaddle because we want to start the transition to sleeping in the crib at night very soon.  This is the first time I left an arm out so we'll see how it goes.

Last night I made a new favorite meal of mine.  Creamy Vegan Butternut Alfredo.  You must try it!  The recipe makes a ton of sauce so I have enough leftover to last me the week.  Here's the link for the recipe.  My husband thought the nutmeg flavor was a little strong, but I loved it.  You can always go lighter on the spices.

Yesterday my mom visited and we took a glorious walk.  It was 70 degrees out!  It's back in the 40's today, but man it was wonderful.  I hadn't gotten out with Sage for a walk in a while due to the cold.  He was so happy.  

I really just wanted to pop in and say hi and wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving week!  I probably won't be back until after the holiday.  I hope you eat lots of amazing food and enjoy the loving company of family and friends.  

I'll keep you posted via Instagram on all my vegan eats of course!  

Talk to you soon =)

What are you doing for Thanksgiving?

Holiday Nog Pancakes (vegan!)

Hi there!

Saturday mornings are all about pancakes.  It's rare that I don't make pancakes on the weekends.  There's just something so comforting about them.  I'll recap my Saturday morning which started at 6:30AM when Sage got up (well, you could say it started at 3AM, but luckily he went back to sleep by 4 o'clock and mama got a few more hours of sleep!).

GOOD MORNING!

This was my view from breakfast.  Lincoln wanted my breakfast and Sage was no longer amused.  Basically he was ready for his 8AM nap which happened just after I scarfed down those pancakes and chugged my kukicha tea.

These pancakes were everything I wanted.  Light and fluffy and rich with flavor.  I don't even consider them a splurge.  They have a lot of healthy goodies for your body mixed in with that holiday spirit.

Main ingredients:

And now, onto the recipe (serves one)...

You'll need:

1/2 cup whole wheat flour

1/2 tbsp. coconut sugar

1/2 tsp. baking powder

1/8 tsp. salt

1/2 cup So Delicious Coconut Milk Nog (I know Silk makes a vegan Nog as well)

1.  Heat pan on medium.  I greased mine with a tsp. of coconut oil.

2. Mix dry ingredients. Add in the Nog and mix.

3.  Pour batter onto heated pan and cook until bubbling on first side (about 3 minutes).  Flip and cook another three minutes or so.

4.  I topped my pancakes with pecans and maple syrup, but do whatever sounds delicious to you!  A hearty pat of earth balance also does the trick.

Would you try these?  I swear they are so good!

What's your favorite holiday food?

Also, if you missed it, check out my list of cookbooks that make great holiday gifts :)

Holiday Spirit + Cookbook Gift Ideas

Hi there!

I got a 6 1/2 hour stretch of sleep last night; therefore, I'm feeling energized like I can do anything!  Sage hasn't slept that long in at least a week, so I am very thankful.  I was so spunky this morning that I decided to dress Sage up for the day.  I know, I know...it's not even Thanksgiving, but I couldn't resist.  And clearly Sage didn't mind.

It's that time of year when everyone starts running around like crazy looking for gifts.  This year we are keeping it very simple at our house.  I got a treadmill (which is really more a family gift) and my husband got a weight bench.  We went with what we really wanted and needed.  We also did some outlet mall shopping a few weeks back where I got a new purse and my husband some sneakers.  Some years we go crazy with gift buying, but this year we're trying to save, and really baby Sage is the greatest gift of all.  

TREADMILL IS ON THE WAY!!!

That being said, if you know someone who likes to cook/bake and needs some cookbook inspiration, here are a few of my favorite cookbooks that would make great gifts.  I've linked them all to Amazon for easy purchase.  They are all vegan, but trust me even if the person you're shopping for is a meat eater, these recipes will satisfy!

Isa Does It

Oh She Glows

Color Me Vegan

Vegan Cookies Invade Your Cookie Jar

Vegan Pie in the Sky

The Kind Diet

The Kind Mama

Forks Over Knives

I haven't mentioned it much, but my poor pup Jax has had a really rough time adjusting to baby Sage being around.  He used to be the spoiled baby of the family and he just doesn't get the same amount of attention that he used to, but we tryyy.  I can tell he's just a bit sad.  I tried to cheer him up today by taking a selfie with him, but that didn't seem to do the trick, so we just cuddled instead while Sage napped.  I love you so much, Jax!

Tomorrow I am getting an eye exam that is extremely overdue and new glasses!  I'll still wear the old ones, but it would be very nice to have an extra pair just in case something were to happen to the one pair I have and which my seeing clearly heavily relies upon.  Besides that, I hope to just relax with family and cook a bunch this week.  I cannot believe Thanksgiving is next week.  I'm making this sweet potato casserole.  It looks delish!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend :)

What are your plans?

What's your favorite cookbook?

Winter Wonderland + Sage Cuteness

Hey!

Is it snowing by you?  The ground is a beautiful white here.  It's just flurrying right now.  I made the mistake of not putting my car in the garage last night so I get to brush it off later.  Learned my lesson.  I'm functioning on more sleep that I was a few days ago.  Sage has gotten me up at 2AM and 5AM the last two nights, so at least I got a solid 4 hour stretch to start me out.  Before that I had like three nights when I was up every two hours.  I was really starting to feel crazy and emotional.  It's amazing what just a little extra sleep will do for your mental health.  Thank you, Sage.  I still don't know where my 5-7 hour stretches of sleep disappeared to, but I will now take a 4 hour stretch any day!

This morning when Sage woke up I put him on my pillow for a few minutes because he likes to stare up at the light and fan.  Such happiness.

We then got up for the day while my husband was getting ready for work.  I've been making my husband and I smoothies every morning.  This morning's smoothie was organic chocolate soy milk  + chia seeds + oats + almond butter + spinach + banana + ice.  So tasty!  Smoothies are the perfect breakfast if I want to multitask.  I can feed Sage and get my breakfast at the same time.  It's a win-win.

I'm working on letting Sage fall asleep more on his own rather than me always rocking him.  Just now he played in his crib looking at the mobile for about 30 minutes, I heard him start to get fussy, I swaddled him, and he immediately fell asleep.  Now I just need to work on him sleeping without being swaddled.  Mamas:  Any suggestions?

Today I want to make these festive brownies.  Peppermint Black Bean Brownies - yes please!  I'm yet to make a black bean brownie where I can't taste the black beans and I really like them, but I have full faith that these are going to be incredible.  I've also got a few Thanksgiving recipes I wanted to test out, but I'm not sure I'll get around to that today.    

Sage is going to the babysitter's for an hour this afternoon so she can work with him on taking a bottle and I can once again practice leaving him.  I've got six weeks of maternity leave left.  I spoke with a Lactation Consultant about our bottle troubles and she didn't seem overly concerned.  She said babies generally eat less when they are away from their mama and they'll make up for it later.  I suppose that made me feel better, but really I just hope Sage will take a bottle.  I want him to be happy and well fed while I'm at work.

I bought Sage a new hat yesterday because he definitely needs one in this snowy weather!  I wish I had one of my own because it's so cute.

Lastly, but not least, we bought a treadmill from Nordic Track!  We saw that Sears was going to have Black Friday deals on Nordic Track treadmills, but my husband called them directly and they were willing to give us a comparable deal.  It should be here within two weeks.  I'm SO excited.  I don't think I've ever been so excited about getting on a treadmill before.  I just want to run and sweat, and starting training for my half marathon.  If you missed it, here's my plan.  Clearly I'm a bit behind, but oh well.  I really can't wait to get running...

How's your week?  

Smoothie Week: Comforting Butternut Squash-Apple Smoothie

Hey!

Today, I am sharing a smoothie with you perfect for the month of November.  I was going to call it a Thanksgiving Smoothie because it's festive and tastes like something that would be fitting for Thanksgiving morning.

Last week Williams-Sonoma reached out to me to share a smoothie for their Smoothie Week.  Sounded fantastic to me!  I was asked to talk about a weird ingredient I use.  That got me thinking.  To me, including vegetables in smoothies is no big deal, but it really might not sound appetizing to someone else.  What's my odd ingredient?  For this smoothie, it's butternut squash.  Especially if you're sick of pumpkin at this point in the season, butternut squash is an awesome alternative.  And I promise it tastes fantastic.  

I typically don't crave smoothies when the weather turns cold, but this year is different because I've been making smoothies with what I consider to be fall comfort foods like butternut squash and apples.  It makes a smoothie much more appealing on a chilly day.  Plus, they are filling and delicious. 

So plan a meal that involves roasting a butternut squash in the oven the night before, so you then have just a half cup of leftovers for your morning smoothie.  

Since having baby Sage, I have had a smoothie close to everyday.  They are easy and nutritious and they keep me energized in the morning.  I need that while taking care of my baby boy.

Little dude LOVES blankets as much as his mama loves smoothies.  

I use my blender daily.  It's a KitchenAid blender that we got for our wedding a few years ago and it's a powerhouse.  In fact I never use my food processor, just my blender for everything.  It's a piece in my kitchen I could not live without.  Need a blender, or maybe just a better blender?  Just sing..."All I want for Christmas [or insert your holiday of choice here] is a new blender..."  Check out these blenders if you're in need or know someone who is.

Onto the smoothie recipe!

Comforting Butternut Squash-Apple Smoothie

Add to the blender:

1 cup vanilla almond milk

1 apple (peeled and chopped)

1/2 cup roasted butternut squash (mashed for measuring)

1 tbsp. oats (I used quick oats)

1 tbsp. chia seeds

1/2 tsp. cinnamon 

1 tbsp. maple syrup (or more if you like it sweeter)

8 ice cubes (if you like it nice and chilled!)

Blend until smooth.  Drink.  Feel like a superhero before the day has even begun!

What do you think of using vegetables in smoothies?

Would you try this smoothie?

Hello, November + I'm thankful for...

Hey!

It's never jumped from August to November so quickly in my life.  Having a baby and spending all your days with him will do just that. I am so thankful for my maternity leave from work.  I'm going back just after Christmas and I'm soaking up every minute home with Sage.

Even if that means getting up at 6:30AM (after getting up at 3:30AM for a feeding) this morning.  Sage was awake and ready to play!  At least that gave me time to grab a bowl of granola and my tea, and realize I needed my glasses if I planned to really wake up.

I thought a great way to kick off the month would be to list 20 things I'm thankful for it being the month of Thanksgiving.  I am the most grateful for my family. That goes without saying. They are my greatest blessing.  And having our sweet baby boy with us this Thanksgiving is the biggest blessing of all.  But here are 20 little pieces of happiness that make me smile.

This face of joy (I had to include the cuteness!)

Tea every morning

Too many pairs of sneakers

Early morning quiet time just sitting in silence when Sage is napping in my arms 

Jax (poor jealous pup) being so loving and just wanting attention 

Wegmans, THE BEST grocery store

Lots of windows in my kitchen/living room area letting me enjoy autumn

Long maternity leave 

So many cookbooks (vegan!).  Pictured is The Kind Diet and the incredible PB Cups I made for Halloween.

A family car that we (pups included) can all travel in

Friday night takeout (Chinese last night).  I always get the same thing - mixed veggies and tofu in spicy garlic sauce, please.

All Sage's amazing hand-me-down clothes that were lent to us and are so darn cute.

A really good blender for all my smoothies, soups, chopping nuts, grinding oats into flour...

Lincoln, my husband's family dog, at 14 years old he still has so much energy.  Wherever I go in the house, he's there.

A beautiful neighborhood in Central New York to live in.

Running goals. Races I want to accomplish.

Other life goals that excite me.  Macrobiotic Counselor. Vegan Lifestyle Coach. Someday...

Being in my late twenties.

My health.  I largely thank my whole foods, plant-based diet for that.

My home...but especially all the special people (hubby + baby) and pups in it!

What's on your thankful list?