Author: xoxo, Susel

Life changes, oh my!

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Well hellooo strangers! Long time no see! I am still alive and well, I promise, I just have been neglecting this blog. There’s no excuse besides just life. And man oh man, life has changed since I last wrote a post.

First of all, Happiest of 2019!! Can you believe that it’s TWENTY NINETEEN?! How did that happen? I swear, 2018 just went by in a blink of an eye.

2019 is starting out to be a year of transitions for me. First of all, I now have a full time job (YAY).  I went back to my job that I had 10 years ago when I first graduated college. Is it the ideal position? No but it is the ideal company for me, at this moment of my life. I am so grateful to be back to having a reliable paycheck, benefits, and just overall better financial health. I have lofty goals within this company and I am so so excited to see where I can go (up and up, that’s the goal) the second time around :).

Second, which is the biggest life change, I WENT BACK TO SCHOOL! For nursing! Like whhhaaa?? I am currently doing the pre-reqs and should be able to apply for the actual program next year , so please wish me luck! I’m having to train my brain to be a student again. Why did I decide to go back to school , you might ask?  Bottom line: I want to be able to have a job wherever I go. And I believe that when you’re a nurse, you will have an easier time finding a job than let’s say a marketing job in a town saturated with marking people and businesses. But that’s just been my experience (the marketing job , not being a nurse, at least not yet 🙂 )

So, suffice to say, 2019 has started with a bang for me and I am excited to see where else this year will take me.

How about you?? I want to know how your new year is starting. Let me know what you’re hoping to accomplish this year. I can’t wait to know!

Until next time,

xoxo, susel-6

 

Adaptogenic Protein Bites ♥

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These bites are so delicious and oh so easy to make! I am a big fan of adaptogen elixirs to anything I make and these are no exception! For this one, I used Wylde One’s Immune Shrooms. Per their website:

“Immune Shrooms is a powerful, synergistic combination of immune-boosting mushrooms and adaptogenic herbs to help strengthen, protect, and balance the immune system. This anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich elixir is great for when you’re feeling worn down, fatigued, and need to revitalize your body and recharge your immune system. Also great taken daily to support overall vitality and wellbeing.”

I am all about that! I mean, winter is on its way, and it’s definitely getting colder, even here in NC so I love anything that will help my immune system. And of course I added some protein powder in there because a little protein never hurt anyone ♥

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poor doggy, adaptogenic protein bites are for ME! 

Here’s how I  made my bites:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of dates (softened in warm water for 10 mins)
  • 3/4 cup of oats
  • 1 packet of Wylde One Immune Shrooms (optional)
  • 1 scoop of protein powder (I used Huel)
  • 1 tbsp of walnuts 
  • 1 tsp chia seeds
  • 1 tbsp of almond butter

Directions:

  • pulse all ingredients in a food processor until it’s smooth and clump into a ball
  • use your hands and form mixture into balls
  • enjoy right away or put in the fridge to harden a bit, depends on you! Either way, it’s delicious!

That’s it! Easy peasy! Let me know if you make it and what you think!

Until next time,

xoxo, susel-6

Europe Trip 2018

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I love traveling and this past summer was no exception. If you read my past blog posts, you can see that I did some traveling within the US but my big vacation this year was going back to Europe to visit family. We try to go back every 2 years and we’ve been very fortunate that we have been able to do that! This trip was definitely my favorite trip to Europe. We got to travel to other countries other than France (which is an amazing trip by itself) and we also got to spend so much more time with family and I also got to meet some of my husband’s family members that I’ve never met before!

First stop was Belmont to meet some of the family I’ve never met before. It was such a fun 3 days filled with hiking, food, and WINE. And I mean lots of wine. It was great 😬

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Belmont in red 🙂

I obviously took WAY too many pictures but restrained myself from posting them all 😅 But how beautiful are the views? And of course a quick snapshot of my sweet sweet french family ❤︎

After Belmont, it was time to go to PROVENCE!!! I have been wanting to go to this region forever and this year was the year to go! We had a whole week there! Yes, we saw the lavender fields (duh), sunflower fields, more food, more wine, more hiking and family time! This region is so so beautiful! If you ever have the chance to visit France, please make a point to visit the Provence region!

While we were in Provence, we took a day trip to Nice since it was only 2 hours away. We wen to the beach, explored the city, and ate such good vegan food.

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After Provence, we went to SWITZERLAND!! My brother in law and his gf lives in Vevey and we had the chance to stay with them for a couple of days. And man, this town is so beautiful!! Literally no words to describe it, you just have to see it for yourself. And yes, I had fondue (NOT VEGAN!!) but I just couldn’t pass it up!

After a couple of days in Vevey, it was time to say goodbye to Switzerland and hello to Belgium! My other brother in law and his gf lives in Brussels so of course we had to go stay with them too, it was only fair 😜 And you guessed it: food ,wine, family time!

After Brussels, it was on to the last leg of our trip: Paris ❤︎ Seeing the Eiffel Tower will never get old to me!

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After Paris, it was time to go back home and back home to the dogs! But you better believe I’m already thinking about our next trip back  ❤︎

What about you?? Did you travel anywhere this past summer? Let me know in the comments!

Until next time,

xoxo, susel-6

Philly 2018 Girls Trip!

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“In West Philadelphia born and raised
On the playground is where I spent most of my days
Chilling out, maxing, relaxing all cool
And all shooting some b-ball outside of the school

I had no idea how to start this blog post but Fresh Prince came to my head when I thought about Philly so it just made sense to start with the song, right? 😬 Anywhooo!

This time last week, I went to Philadelphia for the first time with 3 of my girlfriends to attend The Good Fest, a Wellness Festival, “A full day experience that will challenge and excite you – and leave you happier, healthier, and more fulfilled than when you arrived.” – and boy, did it deliver!

We arrived in Philly very early Friday morning, dropped off our bags in our hotel, and then explored a little bit. And by explore, I mean we walked around to look for food… and I was oh so pleasantly surprised how many vegan options there are in Philly! For our first day, I went to Hip City Veg and ordered the Udon Noodle Salad. Laaawwwd, I am still dreaming about that salad. I cannot recommend it enough.

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My friend, Shamira, ordered this sushi burrito and I am posting it because look how beautiful!

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Then it was time to check in to our hotel. GUYS. We stayed at The Windsor Suites and I cannot recommend them enough. I am definitely staying there next time I’m in Philly. First of all, central location. Second, our suite was AHHHMAZING AND HUGE. Third, the customer service was out of this world. I made a quick video tour of our hotel room with a disclaimer that I am not a videographer and I have no idea how to edit videos 😝 But I really wanted to show off this suite!!

We also had the sweetest welcome from the staff: goodies from Whole Foods and local PA coffee!

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If our room wasn’t cool enough, the hotel also has a rooftop pool. SOLD.

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city view from the rooftop pool!

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Breakfast at the hotel restaurant!

I’m surprised we even left the hotel! But indeed we did. Philly was calling to be explored!

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Sweets from The Reading Terminal!
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Reading Terminal
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THIS VIEW
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hey gfs!
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Mission Taquiera

Before we knew it, it was Saturday and it was off to The Good Fest! I actually didn’t take a lot of pictures because I was too busy enjoying the speakers and activities but here are some that I took. My favorite speakers were Ruby Warrington who wrote “Material Girl, Mystical World” and Shan Boodram who talked about how to Keep to keep your vag poppin … Yep, you read that right 😝

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For more, check out my stories on my instagram… it was such an amazing experience!

Sunday: Soul Cycle (duh!) , PS & Co, and exploring more of Philly!

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It was a quick weekend trip but oh so many memories made! All I know is that I will have to go back to Philly soon and explore more…and eat more 😬 What about you? Have  you been to Philly or from Philly? Any recs?? Let me know!

Until next time,

xoxo,

xoxo, susel-6

 

Seattle!

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Ahhh Seattle. It’s always a good trip when Seattle is the destination. Two of our best friends were getting married and we had the opportunity to travel to Seattle for their wedding (my husband was the best man!). We were there for less than 5 days so you know I had to pack that trip in with as much goodness and yumminess as I could aka food! coffee! friends! Soul Cycle! 😜

Our Hotel:

We stayed at Hotel Andra, a boutique hotel in Downtown Seattle, 1 block away from the wedding. You guys. I cannot recommend this hotel enough! First of all, the hospitality and customer service is out of this world, from the moment we entered the hotel to the moment we checked out (at 4 am!). Second, the hotel itself and our room was beautiful! It had everything we needed, including chocolate and COFFEE. I also could’ve just lounged around all day in their bath robes 😆

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A panoramic view of our room.. so spacious for 2 people!
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Coffee 24/7 in our room.. trouble! LOL

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Would’ve just chilled in the room in their robes 12/10
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Their lobby was beautiful.. and had a fireplace that was much needed because Seattle BRRRR
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Checking out at 4 in the morning 😬

If you’re ever traveling to Seattle, I highly highly recommend staying at Hotel Andra!

Food! Coffee!

You know I had to yelp some places to check out while I was in Seattle. Here’s some of my faves:

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Taro latte from Moore Coffee Shop.. YES PLEASE!
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Macaron from Lady Yum
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Breakfast at Portage Bay Cafe
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The biggest and best avo toast from Mr. West Cafe Bar
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The bar area at Oddfellows Cafe
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Kale & Farro bowl from Oddfellows Cafe.. OMG SO GOOD

If I could only recommend one place, I definitely recommend checking out Mr. West Cafe Bar. The aesthetics alone…

The main event:

Like I mentioned in the beginning, we were in Seattle for our friends’ wedding. The wedding was beautiful and I heard that I had way too much fun 😬

The ceremony and reception was held at the very beautiful Kimpton Palladian Hotel  
The bride looked gorgeous, the groom looked handsome and the best man of course looked super handsome 😜

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Etc…

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Even the streets are cooler than GSO 😆
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You might have heard of this…

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Of course I had to hit up Soul Cycle while I was there
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The Mariners won!
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Vegan hotdog at the baseball game!

Seattle, you’re awesome. Can’t wait to visit you again!

Until next time,

xoxo, susel-6

 

No Bake Cashew Butter Bar

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Are you looking for a delicious, healthy-ish, snack? breakfast? bar? Look no further than this recipe … No Bake Cashew Butter Bar 😍

This bar is delicious for an on-the-go breakfast, post workout fuel, or anytime you’re crazing a sweet snack! For this recipe, I used ingredients that I already had in my pantry but you can definitely switch the ingredients to whatever you have in your pantry, i.e., protein powder, nut butter, etc!

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup Huel powder
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil
  • 1/3 cup of cashew butter (I used Georgia Grinders)
  • 3-4 tbsp of Birdseed Kasha Crunch Granola (I used this because it already had coconut flakes, kasha, pumpkin seeds, etc. but if you don’t have this specific granola, you can really top the bar with anything you want like coconut flakes, chia seeds, goji berries, etc!)

Directions:

  • Melt coconut oil and combine with cashew butter.
  • Add all ingredients and stir to combine
  • Spread mixture into a baking dish and stick in the fridge for at least half an hour
  • Enjoy!!!!

Let me know if you make this recipe… I promise you will not regret it!

xoxo,

xoxo, susel-6

CBD Fudgy Brownies- VEGAN!

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Take my advice and make these ASAP. These are a healthy vegan version of a brownie and it’s delicious! Your non vegan loved ones will never believe that they are made of black beans! For an even more decadent treat, slather that baby with your favorite nut butter- I’ve been loving mine with Georgia Grinders Cashew Butter 😍 Another thing I added to the batter is CBD Oil. I’m sure that you’ve seen or heard a lot about CBD oil lately and might be wondering what the heck it is or what it does. CBD is one of the roughly 100 compounds known as cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, CBD will not get you high. CBD has been found to have many benefits and applications, including:

  • Pain relief
  • A great beauty ingredient, due in part to its anti-inflammation properties
  • Anti-inflammatory — redness, swelling, pain
  • Moisturizing — skin irritation, sunburn, skin conditions, flakiness, acne
  • Reduction in anxiety and stress
  • Migraine relief

The specific one I used for this recipe was the Irie Lifeline Blend but please do your own research to see if this is a product you want to use for yourself and which one. There are a LOT of options and I encourage you to do your own research.

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Now on to the recipe!

Ingredients:

  • 1 15 oz can of black beans, well rinsed and drained
  • 1 banana
  •  1/2 cup cocoa powder (I used the Trader Joe brand)
  • 1/2 cup oat flour
  • 2 flax eggs ( 2 tbsp of flax meal + 6 tbsp of water mixed)
  • 1/4 cup of almond milk
  • 1/2 cup of maple syrup
  • 1.5 tsp baking powder
  • sprinkle of salt
  • 1 tbsp of Moodbeli Mushroom Adaptogen (optional) – I add this to everything!
  • walnuts (optional)

Recipe:

  • Preheat oven 350 degrees
  • Add all ingredients ingredients except the walnuts (if you’re using them) to a food processor. Puree until smooth.
  • Pour the batter into a lightly greased 9×9 baking dish
  • Top with walnuts if using
  • Bake for 40 minutes
  • Let cool ( or not, go ahead and be a rebel but make sure to blow on it so you at least don’t burn yourself!)
  • Enjoy by itself or live your best life and slather with your favorite nut butter.

Et voila! That’s it! Let me know if you make this recipe!

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xoxo,

xoxo, susel-6

 

Vegan DELICIOUS Banana Bread!

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YOU GUYS. This banana bread recipe is insane. I didn’t add any type of sweetener- no sugar, agave, maple syrup, honey, NONE OF THAT, but it was still sweet enough and oh so delicious! I could’ve probably eaten the whole pan but I had some sort of self control 😅 Who said banana bread couldn’t be healthy?? So without further adieu, here’s your new favorite banana bread recipe 😜

Ingredients:

  • 2-3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 3 tablespoons chia pudding (2 tbsp chia seeds soaked in 3 tbsp water or almond milk)
  • 3/4 cup almond milk
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1/2 cup of your favorite nut butter
  • 1 cup oat flour ( I made my own by using 1 cup of Trader Joes GF oats and making it into a flour using my magic bullet)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 cup of walnuts (optional)

Instructions:

  • Preheat oven 350 °
  • Mix all ingredients except walnuts in a bowl
  • Pour mixture into a 9 inch banana bread pan
  • Top with walnuts if adding
  • Bake for 50 mins
  • ENJOY and try not to eat the whole pan in one sitting 😝

Let me know if you make this recipe!

 

My favorite food blogs!

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vegan pancakes? UM YES PLEASE

Recipe development is hard y’all! I give props to all the food bloggers out there that consistently put out new content and recipes for all to enjoy. My husband and myself thank you all 😝

So I thought I would share my favorite food bloggers and some of my favorite recipes from their blogs. And whether you’re following a specific diet or not, there’s something for everyone!

Without further ado, here are some of my favorite recipe developers (and now I’m hungry!):

What about you??? Leave me a comment of food websites that I need to check out!

Until next time,
xoxo, susel-6

Ratatouille + Cilantro Cauliflower Rice

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Did you know that Ratatouille is a super simple but super delicious french recipe and not just the name of the Pixar movie? If not, it’s your lucky day! This is such an easy recipe and I feel like everyone, meat or non meat eaters alike will enjoy!

I was first introduced to this recipe by my french husband (oui oui!) and it’s been one of my favorite recipes to make and eat ever since. For this recipe, I paired it with cilantro cauliflower rice but you can eat it by itself, with a baguette, with quinoa, with rice, whatever you prefer!

Without further ado, here’s the recipe!

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Ingredients:

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 zucchinis, peeled and diced
  • 1 medium eggplant, peeled and diced
  • 1 red pepper, chopped
  • 1 green pepper, chopped
  • 5 tomatoes, chopped coarse
  • 3 tbsp of olive oil
  • salt and pepper
  • cilantro
  • 1 cup of cauliflower rice (I bought my bag from Trader Joe’s)

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Instructions:

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over low-medium heat.
  • Add the onion, stirring occasionally, until the onion has softened.
  • Add the peppers and cook for 2-3 minutes
  • Add the zucchinis and eggplant and cook for another 2-3 mins
  • Add the tomatoes, stir all the vegetables together. Bring to a gentle boil then reduce the heat to low.
  • Cover the skillet and let all the ingredients marinate together for 30 minutes.
  • While the ratatouille is cooking, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat
  • Add the cauliflower rice and roughly chopped cilantro to the pan, stirring occasionally, let it cook for 5-10 mins
  • Sprinkle the ratatouille with salt and pepper. Serve with the cauliflower rice.
  • Enjoy!

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Hope you guys enjoyed this recipe! Let me know if you make it, comment or tag me!
Until next time,

xoxo, susel-6