Spring Roundup: Top Vegan Shoe Picks

 Hey y'all!

I'm so happy the weather is finally warming up here in Texas! We still occasionally get a chilly morning, but so far, my husband and I have been able to get lots of use out of our backyard. My day feels complete once I get to stretch out on a blanket and read a book.

The warm weather also brings a whole new level of #shoegame. I usually buy a new pair of sandals each year that I wear the heck out of all throughout spring and summer (and honestly sometimes into the fall because Texas weather is weird, y'all). 

Here's a great roundup of some vegan-friendly shoes for spring and summer!

Click the images below to shop the post!

My Favorite Vegan Recipes You Have to Try!

 Hey y'all!

I have been vegan for a looooong time now. It's still just as easy as ever! My fiance, Michael, says I used to be one of the pickiest eaters that he had ever met (I'll admit that I was the girl who got chicken tenders at every single restaurant we went to).

Easy Vegan Chocolate Fudge Brownies

Hey y'all!

Looking for the perfect sweet treat to take with you to all the ugly sweater parties this holiday season? I've got you covered! These brownies have one of my fave ingredients ever -- Chia seeds! They're actually one of the healthiest foods on the planet. These tiny seeds are full of nutrients, antioxidants, and fiber! They mix right into the batter so you don't have to feel guilty eating one or two slices ;)

Let me also add that in no way am I a food blogger. Honestly, food photography is one of the hardest things for me. I'm the type to slap something on a plate and dig in. So don't mind my photos, I promise that these brownies are full of all sorts of ooey-gooey deliciousness!

15 Eco-Friendly Gifts for Under $15

Hey y'all!

Who doesn't want to help save the world? I know that we all try to do our best to recycle and skip out on the plastic straws, but why not #treatyoself (or your friends and family) this holiday season to something a little more bojuee.

Don't worry, I'm not about to ask you to only wear clothing made of hemp. Instead, just make a few tiny switches here and there to maybe use a little less plastic in your life. You'll be surprised at how simple it is!

Did you know that one plastic straw can take up to 200 years to decompose? So imagine all of the straws that you've ever used in your entire life. Not even the first one you've ever used has decomposed yet. It really does make you think about what you're using and the impact you have on the planet -- even after you're gone.

15 Healthy Snack Ideas That Won't Break the Bank

Hey y'all!

So I'm a member of like a lot of facebook groups. What can I say? I like reading other people's drama and also pitching in a few of my own ideas. I was recently scrolling through my timeline and saw two different posts in different groups asking

"Hi 🙂 so I’ve just started a new healthy eating lifestyle.. but what are some of your favorite healthy snacks??"

"Looking for snack ideas to eat!"

And girlies, have I got them for you! I don't think anyone should feel guilty for snacking. As long as you're making healthy choices, then it's okay. It's important to listen to your body. So if you need a snack, then eat a snack!

My All-Time Favorite Green Smoothie Recipe

Hey y'all!

Green smoothies get a bad rap. Whether you think they taste too much like grass or feel like you're biting into a bunch of kale, I want to promise you that not all green smoothies are created equally.

Last year, I finally bought one of those frozen packs to make your own smoothies at home. I was feeling adventurous and bought one that was Jamba Juice brand for a green smoothie. I had it sitting in my freezer for a month before I finally decided to try it out. Spoiler: I. Loved. It.

I think what's off-putting to a lot of people is the color. Why would you expect something sweet out of something that looks like the green slime off of Nickelodeon? The trick is to cover up the green taste with powerful tasting fruits (banana, mango, pineapple, etc)!

A Beginners Guide to Plant-Based Eating

Hey y'all!

I started a plant-based diet in January of this year (2017 if you're reading this 100 years from now). My skin has cleared up, my body feels a lot better, and I actually know how to cook now!

P.s. I might be making a cookbook for my readers about all of my fave new recipes!

Even though my mom and boyfriend think I'm a "crazy" vegan, I'd like to think I do an okay job of not pushing my beliefs onto other people. I know how off-putting it can be when someone asks you "omg why are you eating meat???" 100 times a day.

But now I also know what it feels like to be asked: "omg how do you NOT eat meat and dairy???" 100 times a day. Both are very very annoying.

Enough rambling from me though, you're here to learn about how to live a healthier and happier life!

Simple Avocado Toast Recipe

Hey y'all!

I think we can all agree that avocados are pretty trendy. Think I'm wrong? Then let me know why they have their very own emoji 🥑 (still waiting on the flamingo, Apple..) Along with the avocado cult is the one and only avocado toast. Not only is it extremely delicious, but it's also aesthetically pleasing, as I'm sure you've seen all over your Instagram feed.

The first time I ever made avocado toast, I literally just put a mashed up avocado on toast. Don't get me wrong, I love avocado and I love toast, but it was just so bland. Needless to say, it wasn't super yummy, and I didn't really understand the hype.

But after experimenting and listening to other people's opinions of what the perfect avocado toast recipe is, I have finally perfected my own vegan avo-toast!

How to Avoid the Freshman 15

Hey y'all!

I'm pretty sure everyone has heard of the "Freshman 15", but if you haven't...

Freshman 15 : when a first year college student comes back the following year and appears to have gained about 15 pounds from eating too much and not enough exercise. - Urban Dictionary

I think a lot of people think it's a myth, but it really isn't. I have so many friends that have felt discouraged because they gained weight during their freshman year (or the sophomore 30). A lot of the time, weight gain sneaks up on us and it's not until we look back at a picture and think "wow, I used to look like THAT?"

Well, I'm lucky enough that I actually lost 5 lbs when I was a freshman in college! So I hope that you take my advice because it's a lot easier to be proactive and avoid gaining weight rather than to gain it and try to work it off!

Vegan Grocery List Staples + Free Printable Checklist

Hey y'all!

I think a lot of people have the mindset that vegans only eat kale. That couldn't be further from the truth. I still get to enjoy things like cookies, popcorn and most importantly, ice cream. It's all about looking at ingredients! Once you learn how to read a label, it's easy.

This is a simple list of things that I always like to have in my kitchen. This list has everything a vegan could need to snack on! Some healthy and some not-so-healthy!! I linked the particular brands that are vegan, but like I said, always be sure to check the label. 

6 Vegans You Need to Watch on YouTube

Hey y'all!

If you're anything like me, you watch YouTube videos like they're going out of style. I watch anything from vlogs to makeup tutorials. And believe it or not, there are plenty of vegan (or plant-based eaters) to watch! Below I have linked a few of my favorites.

Almond Milk & Berry Smoothie

Hey y'all!

Part of my New Year's resolution is to eat a more plant-based diet or essentially eat vegan! I plan on doing some more blog posts in the near future about my decision, my favorite snacks and even some good documentaries to watch if you're considering it!

Here's a yummy smoothie recipe that's perfect for vegans and is super easy to make! I originally found this recipe on Food Network's website and just had to share with my readers, but I changed it up a tiny bit.