Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Peach Avocado Sushi Rolls With Teriyaki Sauce (vegan)


Over the Christmas holidays, we'll definitely be hitting our favourite all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant...maybe more than once! But the leisurely days of vacation also offer up time for experimenting in the kitchen. It's a good opportunity to make your own sushi rolls (maki) if you've never done it before, or even if you have. If you're new to sushi making, it seems more complicated than it is. Once you get the hang of it, it's an easy and convenient process. Make a little sushi for a snack or a lot for dinner, and get the family involved. Kids can layer the toppings on the seaweed and try their hand at rolling the sushi. Our latest family favourite homemade sushi rolls are these Peach Avocado Sushi Rolls With Teriyaki Sauce. They are simple to make and have a fresh taste that combines sweet and savoury elements.

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Easy Cheezy Tofu Loaf (Vegan, Gluten-Free Option)


When you become a vegan or vegetarian, holiday dinners don't have the allure they once did. If everybody else is looking forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners centred around a big (let's face it, dead) bird, the herbivore might feel a little left out. Whether you are said herbivore or you are welcoming one to dinner (son has a new girlfriend, huh?), this Easy Cheezy Tofu Loaf is a simple addition to your festive food menu.

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Grapefruit, Carrot, Ginger Juice Smoothie (Vegan, Gluten-free)


There's a lot of buzz around the holidays already - people are talking about shopping for gifts, making goodies and putting up the Christmas tree. It's exciting, for sure. But the holiday season also comes with a lot of stress. It's a bit of a whirlwind. There are so many tasks to manage and maybe you're preparing your home for company or worrying about spending time with people who stress you out. Cold and flu season is also ahead and all the time spent indoors in close proximity to other people increases the possibility of viruses spreading.

All of this sounds dismal, and I don't mean to take the fun out of the holidays. I just want to be conscious that we need to balance the excitement of the holiday season with the need to stay healthy during late fall and winter. Now is a great time to reduce stress as much as possible and provide appropriate care for yourself and your body. One easy way to do this is to drink lots of fluids, like water and herbal tea. Add good sources of fibre to your diet and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Which brings me (finally) to this tasty and healthful juice/smoothie combo.

Friday, November 10, 2017

Quick Banana Cake With Caramel Drizzle (vegan)


The first thing to know about this Quick Banana Cake With Caramel Drizzle is that it smells sooo good when it's baking. The combo of banana and cinnamon makes for such a lovely, fragrant scent emanating from the oven. It's the perfect antidote for a dreary winter day. It's also packed with nutritious, natural ingredients while still tasting as sweet and decadent as cake should. As with all of my recipes, this banana cake is vegan, meaning no eggs or dairy needed.

Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Quick Holiday Decor Updates With Cricut & A Cricut Maker Giveaway


Yes, it's true. There are 47 days until Christmas! Seems like plenty of time to be sure. But one area I like to get a head start on is crafting. If you have any DIY holiday projects in mind, it can't hurt to get going now. Especially if you're thinking about making an Advent calendar. (You can see my rustic Advent calendar in this post.) I made a couple of quick holiday decor projects this week using my Cricut Explore Air™. There are plenty of ready-to-make projects in Cricut Design Space™. You don't even have to think up your own DIY - just get ahold of the supplies in the project description and get to cutting!

Monday, November 6, 2017

Double Chocolate Banana Bread (vegan)

This delicious vegan Double Chocolate Banana Bread is simple to make and would make a lovely addition to Thanksgiving or Christmas Day brunch. #vegan #bananabread #baking #holiday #Christmas #chocolate

Despite having lived in Canada my whole life, I'm always surprised (or maybe disappointed is a better word) when the temperature drops near and below zero. I'm not a fan of the cold weather...at all. Things that get me through winter - roaring fires in the fireplace, cuddly dogs, endless cups of tea and looking forward to Christmas. And baked goods. Plenty of vegan baked goods. Like this Double Chocolate Banana Bread.

Wednesday, November 1, 2017

How To Get A Good Night's Sleep


Parents of babies and toddlers know all about sleep deprivation and its negative consequences - reduced mental clarity, lower productivity and sheer exhaustion. But there are many other reasons people can experience difficulty falling asleep or sleeping through the night. Stress, anxiety, a too-active brain and the hormonal and physical changes that come as we age are just a few of them.

Sleep is so important to restoring our minds and bodies. Without proper sleep, we feel grumpy, sore and forgetful. I often go to sleep with achy legs and wake up after eight hours feeling restored. Lack of sleep is thought to contribute to more serious issues too - the sleep-deprived are more prone to obesity, heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and high blood pressure.