Woman in Real Life

I have been reading How Not to Die: Discover the Foods Scientifically Proven to Prevent and Reverse Disease and perusing The How Not to Die Cookbook: 100+ Recipes to Help Prevent and Reverse Disease. I know I'm late to the game, but to tell the truth, I figured the recommendations in Dr. Michael Greger's books would be pretty close to the plant-based diet I currently enjoy. And they definitely are, but Dr. Greger's Daily Dozen checklist has been helpful in encouraging me to get more nutrient-dense foods in my diet (as well as water and exercise) on most days.

I have found that in order to check off most of the 24 boxes on the Daily Dozen checklist, it's helpful (pretty much necessary) to start the day with a healthy breakfast that includes at least a few of the items on the checklist. That's where this smoothie comes in. You can check off a few boxes with just one lovely bowl of fruity, superfoods goodness.

You know I love my vegan cookbooks. I have shelves full of them to prove it. I'm a little more discriminating now when buying or reviewing cookbooks because I've run out of room to store them. But I jumped at the chance to review Olivia Biermann's cookbook, Liv B's Vegan on a Budget: 112 Inspired and Effortless Plant-Based Recipes. Why? For one, I like the vegan on a budget concept. (It's a common misconception that vegan eating has to be expensive.) But my favourite thing about this plant-based cookbook is that the recipes are super simple to prepare.

Despite being the creator of a popular vegan YouTube channel, Liv B doesn't want to spend tons of time in the kitchen. I completely understand - I love food but I opt for dinners that take less than an hour to prepare. The recipes in Vegan on a Budget - from breakfast to dessert - don't call for fancy or expensive ingredients and they are quick and easy to make. This cookbook is perfect for students, beginner vegans, busy parents and anybody who enjoys everyday plant-based meals that are simple to put together.

It's been over four years since we changed my daughter's bedroom from very pink to very purple. Now that she's in high school, she's once again ready for a whole new look. She's thinking a mix of boho and vintage, with lots of white, will be just the right fit. We'll probably paint the walls this summer when the inertia of winter lifts, but in the meantime we wanted to make her bedroom look and feel more cozy for this extremely cold winter.