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  • Tofu Scramble with Veggies and Roasted Potatoes

    Tofu Scramble with Veggies and Roasted Potatoes

    Tofu Scramble with Veggies and Roasted Potatoes

    Ingredients

    Tofu Scramble

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 14-ounce pack of extra firm tofu, drained
    • 1 small red onion, diced
    • 1 red bell pepper, diced
    • 1 pound of mushrooms, sliced
    • 5-ounce pack of baby spinach
    • 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
    • 10 grape tomatoes, cut in half
    • 2 teaspoons turmeric
    • Kosher salt and pepper to taste

    Roasted Potatoes

    • 4-6 Yukon gold potatoes or whatever you have on hand
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
    • Kosher salt and pepper to taste

     

    Directions

    1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

    2. Cut the potatoes into fork size pieces. Place into a pot and cover with cold water. Add a couple pinches of salt and bring to a boil. Simmer until the potatoes are just done.

    3. Drain, then toss in a bowl with olive oil and the seasoning. Spread out the potatoes on a sheet tray lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20 minutes at 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

    4. Chop all your veggies and drain the tofu.

    5. In a large skillet, add the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions, pepper, and mushrooms. Season with salt and pepper and sauté for 5 minutes.

    6. Add the broccoli, tomatoes, and crumble in the tofu. add the turmeric and mix well. Cook for an additional 5 minutes. Add the spinach, mix well and turn off the heat. Check the seasoning and adjust. Serve with hot sauce and ketchup.

  • How to Manifest (video)

    How to Manifest (video)

    Hiya Gorgeous!

    We’ve all got wishes, dreams and desires. Maybe they’ve been hanging out in your mind for years, waiting to get noticed. Or maybe you think about them all the time—but you don’t know how to make them a reality.

    That’s why today I want to talk about one of my favorite topics: How to manifest!

    Get this, our thoughts have the power to create our reality.

    Really take that in. Pretty nifty, right? That’s why we want to point our thoughts in the positive direction of your soul’s desire. Because on a practical, day-to-day basis, what we think, how we feel and the energy we put out in the world, all contribute to what we get back.

    So the goal of manifesting is to align our thoughts and energy with the energy of what we desire. Then the next step is to both take action and believe that what we want to call forth is on its way.

    Here’s a fun example from my own life:

    Before I was a full-time wellness warrior, I was an actor and a dancer. Back in those days, I had this big, stay-up-all-night-thinking-about-it dream to work at the Sundance Theater Institute. This was the gig to get—and I was up against some pretty fierce competition.

    So, I wrote my dream down where I’d see it every day. Each time I looked at it, I imagined it had already come true. I let myself dive in and run wild with that vision.

    I saw myself kicking up my heels and flexing my creative muscles on that dazzling stage. And then, (while my dreams were percolating out in the universe) I took all the jobs I could get and dedicated myself to perfecting my craft so I’d be ready when the opportunity came along.

    I bet you can guess what happened next. One magical, wonderful day… there it was. My dream!

    (To learned exactly what and how it happened, don’t miss my latest video.)

    It’s living proof that our thoughts have the power to create our reality. I manifested my dream with those powerful thoughts (and a whole ‘lotta elbow grease and belief) and so can YOU.

    Haven’t tried this at home? Fear not, honey! Learn how to manifest by pressing play.

    In this lil’ ole video, you’ll learn:

    • How to get clear on what you want
    • Feel what it feels like to embody your dream
    • Take inspired action
    • Find trust that your dreams are coming true

    Your turn: What’s one thing you want to manifest? Share in the comments below! Or share a great manifesting story from your own life.

    Peace and happy manifesting,

  • Vegan Kimchi Cream Cheese Stuffed Rice Balls

    Vegan Kimchi Cream Cheese Stuffed Rice Balls

    Vegan Kimchi Cream Cheese Stuffed Rice Balls

    Ingredients

    Dashi Simmered Rice

    • 4 cups sushi rice (short-grain rice)
    • 4-5 cups water
    • 2-4 pieces of dried kombu (Japanese kelp)
    • 2 tablespoons mirin
    • 2 tablespoons sake
    • 4 tablespoons soy sauce
    • 2 teaspoons sesame oil

    Kimchi Cream Cheese Mix

    • 8 ounces vegan cream cheese (any brand will work- kite hill, daiya, tofutti, etc.)
    • 1/2 cup or more depending on your taste of kimchi (I used mother-in-law brand vegan napa cabbage variety)

    Breading

    • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
    • 1/2 cup unflavored soy or nut milk

    Sriracha Cashew Dipping Sauce

    • 1/2 cup raw cashews soaked in water for an hour, drained and rinsed
    • 1/3 cup water
    • 1/2 lemon, juiced
    • 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
    • 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1/4 cup chopped scallions
    • Kosher salt to taste
    • Sriracha sauce to taste

     

    Directions

    1. Rinse the rice in water and drain.

    2. In a rice cooker or pot add the rice, water (up to the 2 cup line if using a rice cooker), mirin, sake, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir to combine. Add the kombu on top and if using a rice cooker select the white rice function.

    3. If not using a rice cooker, bring the liquid to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until the rice has absorbed all the liquid. Scoop out the rice onto a sheet pan lined with parchment paper and let cool.

    4. Chop up the kimchi and mix with cream cheese in a small bowl. Taste and adjust how spicy you would like it to be.

    5. In the palm of your hand, spread out a small amount of rice. place a teaspoon of the kimchi cream cheese mixture into the center of the rice and form a ball around the kimchi cream cheese mixture. Place onto a sheet pan lined with parchment paper and repeat until all the rice is used up.

    6. Preheat the oven to 425°F.

    7. Pour the panko breadcrumbs into a gallon zip lock bag. Pour the soy milk into a small bowl.

    8. Lightly dip each rice ball into the soy milk and then into the bag with panko. When you have 4-6 rice balls in the panko bag, seal it up and shake to coat. Place each coated rice ball back onto your parchment lined sheet pan. Repeat until all are finished.

    9. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown. Serve immediately with dipping sauce.

    Dipping Sauce
    1. In a blender, place the cashews, water, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and garlic powder.

    2. Blend on high for 1-2 minutes or until completely smooth. Add more water if the consistency is too thick. Scoop the mixture out into a small bowl.

    3.Mix in the chopped scallions and season to taste with the sriracha sauce and salt.

  • What Other People Think About You is None of Your Business (video)

    What Other People Think About You is None of Your Business (video)

    Hiya Gorgeous!

    Today I want to share some life-changing advice I was given. We all experience fear of taking a risk and self-doubt. You know, that naggy inner voice that whispers negative nonsense that makes us feel insecure about standing out or doing things differently?

    Well, sometimes we can trace that voice back to what other people have said to us (or about us). And this is what I want to work on with you today—because nobody puts baby in a corner!

    Ready for one of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received? Here goes…

    What other people think about you is none of your business.

    Ha! Yup, it’s their business, not yours.

    The thing that matters most is what YOU think about you.

    What you think about your dreams, about who you love, how you live, how you contribute to the world and so on. That’s what matters—your healthy opinion of you.

    The more we rely on outside permission and validation, the less empowered we’ll feel to go our own way, share our unique gifts, or rise up to challenge injustice.

    Sure, feedback can be a good and useful thing. I’m not suggesting we live in a self-indulgent bubble. I’m absolutely grateful for the times my best friend (and even my mother) have pulled me aside and encouraged me to look at things a different way. But not everyone has our best interests in mind–even when they think they do.

    Therefore, discernment is really important.

    We’ve gotta sift through the feedback in order to decide what’s valuable and what’s the other person’s baggage or boo boo.

    Folks who like to flex their nasty or frightened muscles are often acting from a place of their own wounds. Have compassion for them but don’t let their drama dull your sparkle, dampen your dreams or plant seeds of doubt!

    Again, if it’s the opinion of someone you truly trust and value, carefully look for the nugget of wisdom that could help you. But remember—their feelings aren’t your facts.

    And no matter what, just keep doing your best and spreading your magic.

    I’ve got a lot more to share on this topic, so press play to get my take on how to stay in your power, so you don’t let other people’s opinions tear you down.

    In this video you’ll learn:

    • How self-doubt plagues us all
    • More nuggets from the best advice I’ve ever gotten
    • Tips for staying focused—not afraid
    • How to deal with haters and rise above negativity

    Feelin’ inspired? I sure hope so! You are meant for great things, sweetheart. Believe in yourself. This is your one great life and you get to decide how you want to live it.

    Your turn: How would your life improve if you weren’t so worried about what other people thought? Or if you have advice for how to handle criticism, please let us know! Leave a comment below.

    Peace and kindness,

  • Smoky Southwestern Hummus

    Smoky Southwestern Hummus

    Ingredients

    • 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed (or 1 3/4 cups cooked chickpeas)
    • 3 tablespoons ice-cold water
    • 3 tablespoons tahini
    • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
    • 1 teaspoon ground chili powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
    • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • Black pepper to taste
     

    Directions

    1. Place all ingredients in a food processor fitted with the S blade and pulse to combine.

    2. Scrape the bowl down with a spatula, then blend for a full 2 minutes, or until the hummus is super creamy.

    3. Serve with veggies or crackers.

    Notes:
    Hummus will keep for up to 6 days in an airtight container in the fridge.

     
  • Smoky Southwestern Hummus (video)

    Smoky Southwestern Hummus (video)

    Hiya Gorgeous!

    I don’t know about you—but my to do list is abundant. I have so many exciting projects I’m working on this year, and all that takes quick and easy fuel to keep my brain (and positive attitude) humming!

    Many of us find it hard to stick to our healthy routines when we have more things to do. With that in mind, I wanted to share one of my go-to plant-powered snacks that helps charge my batteries when I need a pick me up—HUMMUS!

    Who doesn’t love hummus? I swear I could live on the stuff.

    Do yourself a favor and check out this delicious and tasty Test Kitchen Tuesday creation: Smoky Southwestern Hummus

    This recipe is the BEST hummus I’ve ever had in my life! It’s the perfect dish to make and nibble on while you’re on the go. And don’t be stingy—share this with your family and friends too!

    Hit play to see just how easy it is to make this delicious snack. Now, let’s make some fantastic hummus together!

    Smoky Southwestern Hummus

    Makes 1 ½ cups (6 servings)

    Ingredients

    • 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed (or 1 3/4 cups cooked chickpeas)
    • 3 tablespoons ice-cold water
    • 3 tablespoons tahini
    • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
    • 1 teaspoon ground chili powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
    • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • Black pepper to taste

     

    Directions

    1. Place all ingredients in a food processor fitted with the S blade and pulse to combine.

    2. Scrape the bowl down with a spatula, then blend for a full 2 minutes, or until the hummus is super creamy.

    3. Serve with veggies or crackers.

    Notes:
    Hummus will keep for up to 6 days in an airtight container in the fridge.

    And finally, a very special thanks to our talented Chef Lauren and the rest of the test kitchen crew for helping to create this magical snack!

    Your turn: What’s your favorite plant-based snack? I’d love to know what you’re munching on at home!

    Peace and healthy snacks,

  • Peachy Tahini Sunshine Smoothie

    Peachy Tahini Sunshine Smoothie

    Hiya Gorgeous!

    Peachy Tahini Sunshine Smoothie

    Serves 1 | Prep Time: 5 min

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups frozen peach slices
    • 1 1/2cups nondairy milk
    • 1 cup chopped carrots
    • 2–3 medjool dates, pitted*
    • 3 tablespoons tahini
    • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
     

    Directions

    1. Blend all the ingredients until smooth.
    2. Transfer to glasses to serve.

    *If you aren’t using a high-speed blender, you may want to soften the dates by soaking them in hot water for 5 minutes so they blend smoothly.

    Sunshine & smoothies,

  • Everything You Need to Know about Fostering a Pet

    Everything You Need to Know about Fostering a Pet

    Hiya Gorgeous!

    As you know, saving animals is very important to me. I love being an advocate for my beloved furry friends—it’s part of my mission here on this planet. So today I want to shine a light on a wonderful organization that’s doing so great work on behalf of dog fostering.

    Perhaps some of you are considering fostering but don’t know how it works. Or maybe you just love staying informed about great organizations making a difference, either way, this blog is for you. Fostering is an important step in finding homeless animals the safe and cozy homes they deserve. By getting dogs out of the shelter and into a home, they’re far more likely to find their fur-ever pad.

    That’s why we asked the spectacular Sarah Brasky, a pioneer in getting pups fostered, to show us the ropes and teach us about her organization, Foster Dogs NYC. She’s here to coach us on how we can help our animal friends—no matter where we live around the world.

     

    Want to see Sarah in action? Watch this beautiful video highlighting her wonderful work…

    Feeling inspired? Let’s dive in and learn from Sarah…

    How was Foster Dogs NYC born?

    Sarah: Nearly nine years ago, I was out of college and working in Manhattan. During my breaks, I would check pet adoption websites to see what sort of dogs were out there looking for homes. It was intense, and I knew I had to do something.

    I learned about fostering from a program hosted by Animal Care Centers, the city shelter. It felt like a little secret that no one knew about: fostering a shelter dog! After bringing home my ACC Pittie Mocha, it became apparent that there needed to be a resource for foster parents to promote their dogs and for people to learn about fostering in the first place.

    Mocha was with me for one month before being adopted by a lovely young woman who spotted her profile online. People began reaching out to me as a foster expert, and rescue groups utilized my website fosterdogsnyc.com as a reputable space to promote their dogs in need of foster care and currently in foster care.

    Now, I have over 20 volunteer committee members, am running over 50 events per year, posting hundreds of dogs on our website and social media annually, and placing an average of one dog per day into a foster or adoptive home.

    We work with dozens of rescue groups in the NYC area, as well as others around the country. Foster Dogs is a grassroots effort that grew out of a real need. Now that fostering has become so popular and publicized, I feel pride in knowing that we helped make that happen. Our work is never done, and that’s why education and support are so key, helping people save dogs in whatever way they can.

    Right on, Sarah! So what’s the role of a foster parent––what’s their ‘job’?

    Sarah: In many cases, Foster parents are the missing link in getting a dog out of a shelter and into an adoptive home. A kennel is no place for a dog to live long-term. By getting a dog into a home, the dog will adjust to home life and become more appealing to adopters!

    Foster parents help with housetraining, providing a warm comfortable place to sleep, socializing dogs with people and possibly other animals, adjusting to their city’s sights and sounds, and can even get nice photos to promote on adoption websites!

    The foster parent makes this all possible, and it’s a beautiful thing to feel like you’ve gotten this dog adopted. In turn, the foster dog gives you a feeling of accomplishment, pride, and joy — not to mention, forces you to walk a little more often and boost those endorphins!

    Why do you think we are still seeing so many animals in need and what can we do to help?

    Sarah: Our work is far from over, but animal rescue efforts are improving and increasing every year. Since the beginning of Foster Dogs NYC, it’s become a widely discussed and hugely popular commitment among New Yorkers who desperately desire to make a positive change in the world through the hands-on incredible experience of saving a dog.

    Animal shelters around the country, and world, are overflowing with homeless animals, and some states do not practice spay and neutering like we do in New York. By not spaying or neutering your dog and letting him or her out to mingle among other animals, you are creating unwanted litters of puppies who may end up in a shelter, or euthanized.

    Luckily there are many incredible animal rescuers out there working hard to save dogs, transport them to safe areas, change laws, and ensure the safety of each animal they meet. I’m constantly astounded with the rescue stories I hear, and the lifesaving efforts performed on a daily basis, sometimes by rescuers who are working on a solely volunteer basis.

    What one thing would you to tell someone who’s thinking of fostering?

    Sarah: Do it! Many people believe that they shouldn’t foster a dog because they work full time or because it will be sad to say goodbye. But it is all worth it and workable!

    For people who work during the day, some dog walkers will offer a discount for fosters. Or your pup might not need to take a potty break outside mid-day if they use pee pads or are too young to go outside. And regarding the aspect of “Goodbye,” the first time is often the hardest. But you should remind yourself why you wanted to do this in the first place: to provide a safe space for homeless dogs who need our help. You can foster as many times as you want, and each foster dog will teach you something new about animal care – and about yourself!

    Tell me more about your powerful Fospice program.

    Sarah: Fospice is a unique program started by Foster Dogs NYC several years ago. We provide “lifetime” support for each dog, from the moment they leave the shelter until their last moment on Earth. It’s a beautiful and sometimes heartbreaking program for end-of-life hospice care for homeless dogs.

    We sponsor 10-15 dogs every year from dozens of local rescue organizations. We provide a donation to support the dog’s initial vet exam, a BarkBox monthly subscription, an in-home professional photo shoot, a custom watercolor portrait, a fashionable dog leash, food and material support, and euthanasia support when the time comes.

    How can people who aren’t able to adopt or foster still help?

    Sarah: There are many ways to get involved with animal rescue, even if you can’t bring a dog into your home. One method is by volunteering at your local animal shelter, either in-person or remotely by helping them post their animals online and write bios. You can offer your skills, with photography, graphic design, copywriting, fundraising, and more.

    Donations are always welcome, as we are a grassroots local NYC-area organization working to expand our reach all around the East Coast and across the country. Through the support of individual donors, Foster Dogs has been making a huge difference in promoting fostering and adoption since 2009, saving at least one dog per day!

    Another excellent way to help animals which doesn’t cost you any time or extra money is by using Amazon Smile. We receive a small percentage of each purchase using our Smile link, and this is valid all-day-every-day. No expiration date, so please continue choosing Foster Dogs Incorporated when using Amazon Smile!

    One easy (and free!) way to help is by tagging friends and sharing posts online. When you see photos of adoptable animals that your friends might be interested in, share, share, share! Social media has proven to be an incredible tool in getting homeless animals into loving homes.

    Your turn: Did this interview inspire you? Let me know in the comments below! Also, what animal organizations do you love? Please, share. I feature rescue animals in my weekly newsletter and on social media. Let’s save some critters together!

    Peace and happy pups,

  • Meet my heroes! (video)

    Meet my heroes! (video)

    Hiya Gorgeous!

    This week I have something extra special for you. I don’t want to ruin the surprise—but this is awe-inspiring, motivating and totally uplifting.

    Here’s a hint: it’s all about heroes.

    I don’t know about you, but I’ve got a big list of people I admire. People who make me think and feel and helped me heal. And most importantly, folks who inspire me to take action, in some way—from teachers, mentors, doctors, and activists, to friends and family members, and everyday people who I don’t know personally, but applaud from afar.

    Heroes make our world a better place through their energy and actions. They’re the ones who shine a light on the areas of darkness that we’re often too afraid or unwilling to address.

    And guess what? Heroes can be anyone—even our fur friends. In fact, I’ve known quite a few remarkable critters who’ve done more to change the world than we give them credit for.

    So, last year I decided to share my inspiration with you by starting a love project on social media called the #HeroOfTheMonth. If you follow me on Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter, you’re probably familiar with it. If not, hop on board (I share lots of other valuable and fun stuff there, too)!

    Anyway, the purpose of the #HeroOfTheMonth project was to get their amazing work seen by a wider audience. I’m so lucky to have such a big platform and want to share it!

    Well, I thought it would be fun to do a round-up of all the heroes I chose, tell you a little something about their work and take it one step further by creating a little award for two spectacular winners. (it was gonna be one award, but it was too hard to pick, they’re all winners!)

    So it would mean the world me if you join me in celebrating our winners. Hit play and get ready to be supercharged and super-inspired!

    Here’s a roundup of ALL our wonderful 2017 Heroes!

    Take a look at this list of ah-mazing humans, starting with our two winners. Follow them, support them, and let them inspire you!

    Sophie Gamand began Pit Bull Flower Power, a series of photos of pit bulls wearing beautiful flower crowns to help change the “violent” perception of this precious breed. Sophie travels around the U.S. photographing shelter dogs for free, to help bring awareness to their fate, and help them get adopted. Learn more here.

    Haile Thomas is a 16 year old health activist, popular blogger, plant-based chef and founder and CEO of The Happy Org, a non-profit empowering youth to plant-power up and thrive. She also advocates for underserved/at-risk communities by offering life-changing health and disease prevention education programs. Learn more here. 

    BJ Miller is the Executive Director of the Zen Hospice Project and a palliative care specialist at the University of California San Francisco. B.J. lost both of his legs and one arm during an accident. He harnessed his experience to pioneer a new model of end of life care in hospice settings. He connects art, spirituality, and medicine to improve the way we die. Learn more here.

    Julia Olson is the Executive Director and Chief Legal Counsel of Our Children’s Trust, where she works with youth on advocacy and engagement for protecting the environment. After becoming a mom, Julia realized the greatest threat to humanity is climate change, so she’s working to empower youth to take a leading role in environmental causes. Learn more here.

    The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is the most successful orphan-elephant rescue and rehabilitation program in the world and one of the pioneering conservation organizations for wildlife and habitat protection in East Africa. Learn more here.

    Pets of the Homeless is the only national organization focused exclusively on feeding and providing veterinary care to pets of the homeless. Founded by Genevieve Frederick, this organization believes that no pet should go hungry or suffer. Learn more here.

    The Holistic Life Foundation is a Baltimore-based nonprofit committed to nurturing the wellness of children and adults in underserved communities. They help children develop their inner lives through yoga, mindfulness, and self-care. Learn more here.

    Friends of the Feathered and Furry Wildlife Center is dedicated to helping injured and orphaned wildlife in New York State. Founded by Missy Runyan, a licensed wildlife rehabilitator and powerhouse, they also offer educational programs to teach communities how to peacefully coexist with wildlife and to know how to help them when they’re in need. Learn more here.

    Growing Home is Chicago’s leading expert in farm-based work training for people with employment barriers. They provide 25 hours per week of paid on-the-job training at their farms to underserved communities, using vacant lots to provide fresh produce and jobs. Learn more here.

    Dr. Anita Krajnc is an animal rights activist and co-founder of Toronto Pig Save, an organization that exists to erect glass walls at area slaughterhouses and encourage plant-based lifestyles. Learn more here.

    Roots & Shoots, founded by Dr. Jane Goodall, this organization is dedicated to creating a new generation of conservationists. They seek to empower and encourage young people to become leaders to ensure a better future for people, animals and the environment. Learn more here.

    Asuka Takita, is a veterinarian who manages the Mara Conservancy’s anti-poaching canine unit in Masai Mara, Kenya. She also co-founded Tears of African Elephants, an elephant conservation and anti-poaching organization. Her fearless work has led to the arrests of approximately 3,476 poachers over the last 16 years. Learn more here.

    Aren’t these people totally remarkable? I hope they inspire you as much as they inspire me and that they encourage you to take action on the causes that are near and dear to your heart.

    Your turn: Is there a hero in your life that you’d like to shine a light on? Maybe it was your math teacher or the nurse who helped you through chemo. Whoever it is, give them a shout-out in the comments below. Let us know how much their actions meant to you. And while you’re at it, share this with them too.

    Peace and inspiration,