unveganed // veganed

Remember in July when I confessed I'd been living vegan? Well, here we are again.
 
Only this time it's the opposite: I'm unvegan. I called it off a couple of weeks ago. It wasn't quite getting me where I'd hoped and I also just couldn't get my protein fix. You can only eat so many almonds, nahmean?
 
Also, my body just wants eggs like every day. Meat and cheese were actually easier to steer clear of than I expected. But eggs. Man oh man. A tofu scramble isn't scrambled eggs and there's no two ways about it.
 
I did, however, learn a lot of positive things from the adventure. I used to always need meat for a meal to feel complete, but now I can be satisfied with beans as my base. I have also fallen madly in love with vegan pancakes and like them even more than regular pancakes.
 
So, if you're looking to dabble in a little veganism, enjoy:
 
Mix:
1 cup almond milk
2 t. apple cider vinegar
4 T ground flax
1.5 cup flour or oats
3.5 t. baking powder
1 t. salt
2 T honey
.5 cup water
3 T canola oil
.5 t vanilla
 
I tried subbing pumpkin for the oil a few times and actually preferred them that way. However, it makes them a lot more dense and less pancakey.
 
 
Also, I'm a chef's worst nightmare, because I don't follow recipes at all. Those are the recommended measurements, but I was pretty liberal with the oats. The only thing you really need to follow are the vinegar and salt ratios, because those give it the pancake taste.
 
I topped with raw almond butter and honey, then ate them for breakfast almost exclusively for the last five months. I'd make a big batch on the weekend, then freeze and toast throughout the week.
 
Oh the joys of being vegan! Happy health, all!
 

::order::

This weekend I binged in the best way possible. 

On organization. 

Lately I've been feeling a little out of control, mainly because I haven't been able to workout as I'd like to. And so, after going to yoga and spinning last week and tasting that bit of control I so deeply crave, I suddenly needed order in every way: my closet, under my bed, desk drawers, nightstand, dresser drawers, the bench at the end of my bed, kitchen cabinets, under the sink, in the bathroom...

I couldn't stop. And I didn't want to. 
I didn't intend for it to fall exactly between Nourish and Order, Weeks 6 and 7 of the Wellness Challenge, but it undoubtedly fulfilled both. I felt so relaxed and at ease by the fact that every inch of my space was in order. It was the perfect way to leave things before two crazy weeks of traveling. 

I can't wait to get back to my happy house tomorrow and see things still neatly arranged. Spring cleaning may get all the attention, but there's something to be said for going into the winter with everything in order, too.

Happy Wednesday!

image via my instagram

yesterday ethiopia, today vegas

...but this time for real. 

I'm headed to Vegas for work for the first time ever. I've had a long-standing obsession with the city because of the show, Las Vegas, which was only marginally popular in real life, but wildly popular in my mom and mine. I'm still hoping for a reunion season. 

I get back Thursday night, then leave Friday for Denver to see Ash and Court. Sunday, I get home from Denver, then leave Tuesday for Indy. I'm all packed for the three whirlwind trips and can't wait to get in the air. 

Here's to hoping for three sunny cities!! 

we're going to ethopia! // get set, let's go!


That's right, my friends! You, me and all 67 beautiful, wonderful people who donated to my charity : water campaign are riding our dollars all the way to Ethiopia, where they're digging
well loved // one tri : one well!
I was so excited to receive an email last week, detailing the campaign's progress. In 18 months a town in Ethiopia will have clean water for the first time, and will hang up their jerry cans filled with dirty water forever. Yes - forever.
I was overwhelmed when we reached $5,000 and now I am even happier as I watch the real action begin to take place. I can only imagine how I will feel when the well is complete - all thanks to your amazing support. I will be sure to update you on progress. :) thank you!

Appropriately enough, today charity : water launched its holiday campaign. And it's ahhmazinggg. Watch it below - I've already played it a bajillion times/am just listening to it on repeat.

Are you ready?
Get set, let's go!
images - some from Ethiopia!