Shoe Game: Summer Sandal Addition

We're in the swing of Summer and I can't even look at a boot or a close-toed shoe. I've been living in chic and work-appropriate sandals. 

I love a good sandal that can be dressed up or down but what I love more is a stylish sandal that's cruelty-free! Sacrifice the animal products not the style {I think I have a new tag line there} My recommendation to starting a vegan closet is NOT to throw everything non-vegan out. That is wasteful and expensive :) I think it's very admirable to just do the best you can to purchase vegan clothing items moving forward. No judgement here, even the smallest contributions matter. 

I've compiled a list of the most stylish Vegan sandals {and some are on sale!} for your summer wearing pleasure!

1. Tie Up Sandal 2. Chambray Stripe Sandal 3. Carvela Kurt Geiger 4. ASOS FRECKLE Embellished Flat Sandals 5. Tadpole Sandal 6. Colette Sandal

Mama Pip's Protein Breakfast Bowl

This breakfast recipe is inspired by a request from my very own Mother, who we all call Mama Pip. My Mom is ageless and exceptionally fit, I've always loved her zest for eating healthy without restricting or obsessing. She is always listening to her body and eats accordingly. Over the past few years she has incorporated more plant-based recipes into her home as my Dad and I have gone crazy vegan. I was talking to her the other night and she mentioned how after a grueling workout {intense kick boxing classes that I infamously could not leave my bed the next day after} she wants more than a smoothie with protein powder; you know like satisfying and satiating comfort breakfast that also refuels the body. 

Between the Quinoa, Chia Seeds and Walnuts one serving of this breakfast is about 18g of protein! Quinoa is the base of this meal; your probably quite used to having it with dinner or lunch but I assure you; it's great for breakfast too. Quinoa is rare in the fact that it is a complete protein and not animal based; meaning it has all 9 of the essential amino acids.  Other notable reasons to enjoy your Quinoa:

-Twice as much fiber as other grains

-Contains Iron

-Rich in Magnesium

-Great source of B2 for energy production

-High in Manganese which helps prevent damage to cells

So here we have it, a vegan complete protein breakfast bowl for those mornings your body wants a little more. 

1 Serving

Almond Milk & Vanilla Extract Quinoa

1/4 cup of Quinoa {I used tri-color, any type will work}

1/2 cup Almond Milk

1 tsp Vanilla Extract

Toppings

Toasted Coconut Flakes {to taste}

Toasted Walnuts {1/4 cup}

Chia Seeds {2 tbsp}

Maple Syrup {to taste}

Blueberries

Apricots

Vigorously rinse the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer; this is an important step or Quinoa will have a bitter taste. Once rinsed, empty into a deep sauce pan with the almond milk and vanilla extract. Bring to bowl then cover and simmer until all liquid is absorbed.

Plate the quinoa and top with coconut flakes, chia seeds, walnuts, maple syrup and seasonal fruit. I suggest topping to taste but to keep this protein rich I recommend 1/4 cup of walnuts and 2tbsp of Chia seeds.

I'd love to see your Mama Pip's Protein Bowl so tag me on Instagram @veggafied or on Facebook 

Blueberry, Coconut & Lavender Popsicles

We've been getting into the 100s here in Sacramento and a cold snack on the patio is my own slice of heaven. I've dreamed up this recipe for an indulgent summer snack wanting something free from additives and added sugar while remaining high in flavor. Treats feel a little less guilty when they include some health benefits so, I've harnessed the natural sweetness of ripe blueberries and included chia seeds which among many other things; regulate your blood sugar. Chia seeds control the speed at which sugar enters your blood stream; creating a barrier in your stomach and keeping insulin levels from spiking. Here are some other reasons to love Chia Seeds:

-High in Fiber

    -Rich in Protein {14% by weight}

    -Vegan source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

     -Packed full of Vitamins and Antioxidants

 -Great source of Calcium

I chose to layer the coconut yogurt and chia seeds and the blueberry, lavender, coconut milk infusion. Feel free to combine everything together if you prefer. 

Coconut/Chia Seed Yogurt

{3/4 cup} plain unsweetened coconut yogurt

{2 tbsp} organic chia seeds

Blueberry and Lavender Infusion

{1/2 cup} blueberries

{1/4 cup} filtered water

{1-1/2 tbsp} maple syrup

{1/4 tbsp} lavender 

Blueberry, Lavender & Coconut Milk Blend

{1/2 cup} blueberries

Blueberry and Lavender Infusion

{1/2 cup} full-fat coconut milk

Combine the chia seeds and coconut yogurt and set aside for 5 minutes.

In a small pot add the blueberries, water, maple syrup and lavender and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer for 20 minutes. While the Blueberry Lavender Infusion boils; add the coconut chia seed yogurt to the Popsicle molds and pop in the freezer {skip this step if you're combining everything}.

Once the Blueberry and Lavender Infusion is done simmering, pour the through a mesh strainer so that you have only the liquid reserved. I went ahead and used a spoon to push through the mixture and get as much liquid as possible. Discard the solid and add the liquid to the blender, with fresh blueberries and coconut milk. I gave it a very quick, low speed blend so that blueberry pieces were not purified. Blend to your liking.

Once combined and if layering; add the blueberry, lavender and coconut blend on top of the frozen coconut chia seed yogurt layer. Pop back in the freezer till frozen solid.

Enjoy under the warm sun with a smile :)