The Happy Go Lucky Vegan

Easy Shepherd's Pie with Lentils

2013-02-28T13:07:00.006-07:00

The baby is down for a nap-aroo, which means I have a blink of an eye to post one of my favorite weekday dinners - Shepherd's Pie with Lentils. I love how quickly this tasty one pot wonder comes together - and the leftovers the next day are especially delicious. Trust me, if I could get this dinner done with a 6 week old who hates pacifiers, swings, and most recently, swaddle blankets - you can find time to make this one!

P.S.- I included a photo below of Leena and I during her first snowstorm. She was so cute looking up as snow fell gently on her face. She decided minutes later that snow was no bueno, and this is our photo once we came back inside. (Note the ticked off expression!)

Easy Shepherd's Pie with Lentils

Serves 5-6

1 cup dried green lentils (or 2 cans lentils)

2 cups water

3 russet potatoes, peeled and coarsely chopped

1/4 cup Earth Balance butter

3/4 cup non-dairy milk

1/2 onion, sliced into half moons

2-3 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups frozen mixed vegetables

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon dried thyme or sage

1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary

red pepper flakes

salt and pepper to taste

extra virgin olive oil

Method: In a large pot, boil the 2 cups of water with a good pinch of salt, and add the green lentils. Reduce the heat to medium, and partially cover the lentils leaving a little room for air to escape so it does not boil over. Simmer for 25-30 minutes.

Meanwhile, boil the potatoes until tender, and drain. Set aside. Using the same pot, add a little EVOO, and sauté the onions with a pinch of salt. When they start to sweat, add the garlic and the 2 cups of frozen mixed vegetables. Add the remaining seasonings (basil, oregano, sage, rosemary, and a pinch of red pepper flakes). Add salt and pepper to taste.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F, and lightly oil a medium sized casserole dish. Once the lentils are tender, add some salt and pepper, and any additional seasonings you prefer. I usually add a pinch of basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary tor additional flavor. Spoon the lentils at the bottom of the dish. Next, add the layer of mixed vegetables. Finally - add the potatoes back in the pot with almond milk, butter, salt and pepper. Mash until mostly smooth (I like my mashed potatoes a little chunky). Spoon potatoes on top until they completely cover the vegetables.

Lightly cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes. Drizzle a small amount of EVOO on top, and serve warm.

Cheers!

Jess :)

Easy Smokey Nacho Cheese Nachos

2013-02-01T14:05:00.000-07:00

These smokey nachos are so easy, you can make them in the time your newborn takes a quick cat nap and decides she's ravenously hungry 15 minutes later. With that said, I'm sure you don't mind the poor picture quality. Leena and I both agreed that a quick photo on my Iphone will have to suffice until she's at least 18. :)

Something tells me that I'm going to need more quick and tasty recipes like these in the future. I love the smokey flavors of this nacho cheese style sauce - it will surely be a hit when I make it again on Super Bowl Sunday.

Which team will you be cheering for?

Smokey Nacho Cheese Nachos

Serves 4-6

1 bag corn tortilla chips

1 can garbanzo beans, with liquid

2 Tbsp (heaping) nutritional yeast

1 Tbsp olive oil

2 cloves garlic, smashed

1/2 tsp onion powder

1 tsp smoked paprika

1/4 tsp salt

Method: Add all ingredients (excluding the chips) to a blender. Puree until smooth, and add more water if needed. Pour the cheese sauce over the chips, and bake for 10-15 minutes at 325 degrees F. until warm.

Mama Chia Banana Breakfast Muffins

2013-01-29T12:41:00.001-07:00

I love a good banana muffin, and was pretty psyched when this recipe landed in my inbox. Have you tried Mamma Chia products? I'm smitten! They are "vitality beverages" full of flavor and omega-3 rich chia seeds that are perfect for baking. This particular recipe uses a natural raspberry flavored chia seed - adding POW to any baked good. I'm dying to try the other flavors - how good would coconut mango chia seeds be in a tropical flavored dessert? Yum!

Mamma Chia Banana Breakfast Muffins

Created by: Sage Gordon

Ingredients:

* 1 1/2 cups organic whole wheat pastry flour

* 3/4 cup organic oats

* 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

* 1/4 teaspoon salt

* 1/4 teaspoon organic cinnamon

* 1/4 cup organic agave nectar

* 1/4 cup organic almond butter

* 1 cup organic banana (mashed)

* 1 bottle Raspberry Passion Mamma Chia

In a small bowl whisk together agave nectar, almond butter, mashed banana, and Mamma Chia (all wet ingredients). In a medium bowl combine wheat pastry flour, oats, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (dry ingredients). Add wet to dry and mix until evenly moistened.

For smaller muffins, divide evenly into a 12 cup muffin tin. Can also make 10 large muffins in larger muffin tin. Paper muffin cups recommended.

Bake at 400 degrees for about 18 minutes, until a wooden toothpick comes out clean.

Leena's Birth Story!

2013-01-21T19:29:00.000-07:00

I'm so thrilled to finally share our birth story with you all! Before I had sweet Leena, I had big plans to make this post lengthy and full of details of a natural planned birth - but it turns out babies call the shots, and Leena prefers I hang with her instead (the feeling is mutual:) ). To start our story, labor began in a surprising way, would you like to know why?

Proud "baba!"

Two weeks prior, I remember telling Siva that I felt strongly that our baby would begin making her way into the world on January 8th. Not only is January 8th my grandmother's birthday, but I also had some crazy mama intuition that something was going to happen on that day. Like clockwork at 1:30 in the morning on January 8th, I felt really intense pressure in my pelvis area. It felt almost like I ate something bad, and so for the next hour or so I was tossing and turning in bed... wondering if I was in labor or if I ate too many ice cream sandwiches that evening - ha! I remember waking Siva up, and us both not wanting to get too excited... in case the explanation was truly an ice cream sandwich situation.

But then...

At 3a.m., it felt like my water broke. I expected a dramatic burst, but instead it was more as if I was slowly leaking water. Still convinced that I probably wasn't in labor, I changed clothes and went back to bed. Only to wake up in more water. Strangely, I still wasn't convinced. I had some mild menstrual -like cramps, some pressure in my abdomen, and some water leaking... but where were the contractions? Where were the other signs?! It's so obvious now that I was starting labor. Yet, I can even remember talking to my mom and sister on the phone that morning, and telling them not to get too excited, it was probably just a weird pregnancy day. They weren't the least bit skeptical - they were convinced I was in labor (of course!).

Siva talked me into calling the midwives, and after some discussion with them, we decided that I should head into the birth center to evaluate whether my water broke, or if I simply peed myself (apparently there are plenty of women who mistakingly believe they are in labor, when in fact, they lost control of their bladder. As if pregnancy doesn't have enough strange symptoms!). After some tests, I was told that my water indeed broke (hooray!), but that water only breaks first in 10% of women, and it meant my labor was more complicated (oh man...). I was told my labor had only partially started, and I had a 24 hour window to get our baby girl out or there was a risk of infection. A midwife prescribed castor oil, as well as black and blue cahosh droplets as a homeopathic means to induce labor. Siva and I went home to rest and start the homeopathy (Siva made a mean castor oil milkshake!), and was surprised to find that labor started very quickly after the castor oil.

Laboring at home, and updating myself on my breathing techniques. :)

When I say quickly, I mean 15 minutes later. I was even more surprised to find that not only did labor start quickly, but it was really intense, right away. I immediately had contractions and back labor that were 5-6 minutes apart, which quickly turned into 3-4 minutes apart, and some were only 1-3 minutes apart. A little freaked, we called the midwives and they explained that it was normal after the homeopathic inducing, and if I couldn't manage the pain at home, I should go into the birth center. I labored at home for another 2 hours, but felt that everything was happening too fast without some extra help. So Siva and I set off for the birth center to have our baby!

We arrived there and were immediately psyched to get the room we wanted. It's decorated like a little bed and breakfast - a nice cozy bed, lace curtains, warm blankets, a little desk and a rocking chair - I found it so soothing. It also had a nice sized tub for a water birth. We labored there for another 8 hours - but I was having a difficult time even with the midwife's help (she was amazing). I was still struggling with painful back labor, and my contractions were 1-3 minutes apart for most of the 8 hours. I found myself completely and utterly exhausted from being up all night the previous day, and now headed into the wee hours of the morning the next day. I still find it funny that between contractions, I would literally fall into a deep sleep and dream, even for the minute "break!" We tried walking, a bath, Siva putting pressure on my back to soothe the back contractions, and deep hypno-birthing style breathing - but I was beginning to get really down. I felt like I didn't have the strength to continue on, and was even more frustrated to find that I went from 6 centimeters dialated to 5 centimeters in the last 2 hours.

I remember my midwife asking a few times, "What do you want to do?" It occurred to me that I may want an epidural but refused to say the words, and I now see that she was trying to lead me to that conclusion. Finally, in the most caring way, we discussed going to the hospital to get an epidural - which would speed up my labor and help me rest before the pushing phase. I cried and felt like I had failed - I planned on a natural labor for months and thought I was well prepared. She explained that you can't "plan your labor," and there was no way to anticipate having a more difficult labor. Her words were an incredible comfort. On our way over to the hospital, I suddenly felt excited to get on with the next part of labor (even at the hospital) and have our baby!

Smiling for the first time in 10+ hours after my epidural - ha!

When we got there, I received an epidural, took a 3 hour nap, and woke up ready to push. I can't help but wonder why I didn't go in sooner if it was that easy...?! I was also incredibly relieved to discover my midwife would still deliver our baby, and not some random doctor at the hospital. Pushing was favorite part of the experience - I liked feeling that I had made progress, and there was so much encouragement in the room! Siva helped hold my leg, and there was an unbelievable amount of support and excitement for the entire hour and a half of the pushing phase. Before I knew it, our little Leena was out and in my loving arms! Our Leena Joy was born at 6:13 on January 9th, and weighed a healthy 6 pounds, 13 ounces. I was immediately able to breastfeed, and felt an intense bond with her right away. The 26 hours of labor was indeed worth it! She's just perfect, isn't she?!

EXHAUSTED AND OH SO HAPPY!!!

On our way home...she was very patient and my heart swelled as she grabbed onto my finger!

I so very much enjoyed sharing this story with you all! I'd love to hear about your birth stories. Did you labor long? When did your water break? Were you surprised by the intensity of the experience, or did you find it easier than expected? What was your favorite phase of labor? DO SHARE!

Mindful Mama Monday: Taking Kids To The Botanical Gardens

2013-01-07T09:56:00.001-07:00

Seeing as I'm now 39 weeks pregnant (let the countdown truly begin!), nothing seems more appealing than a good movie or reading a book in my cozy bed. But in an effort to get me out of the house, Siva planned a trip to the Tucson Botanical Gardens - plus, I hear walking can start labor?

Do you have a botanical gardens in your neck of the woods? Not too long ago, I worked at the Tucson Botanical Gardens as a docent, and was eager to meander the gorgeous gardens again. The only difference was, I could imagine bringing our little girl next time and found myself daydreaming about that the entire time! It's the perfect weekend trip for families and kids of all ages, and considerably cheaper than a museum or aquarium. I love that children have plenty of room to run around and learn about nature - plus it's completely hands- on. Would you like to take a peek at our pictures?

What kid doesn't want to hold a fuzzy little caterpillar? Siva was amazed I was brave enough to hold them - I love these little guys!

We jotted down some ideas for some backyard gardening and composting ideas. How cute is that wagon full of fresh herbs?

There's just so much to see, wonder about, and learn from in a botanical garden. What kiddo wouldn't love to investigate some of these things?

Exhausted and ready to return home to my bed full of books. Baby... when will you get here?! If she's anything like my husband and I - she's going to love family trips to these gorgeous gardens.

Do you have any botanical gardens in your community? Have you visited them with your family? Which part do your kids love the most?

150 Best Vegan Muffin Recipes

2013-01-04T12:56:00.000-07:00

I felt pretty lucky receiving a copy of Camilla V. Saulsbury's new cookbook, 150 Best Vegan Muffin Recipes. Not only am I the ultimate pastry fan, I've been in a total rut only baking banana nut muffins because I have the recipe memorized. As I flipped through the pages of this muffin book, I noticed that I already dog tagged dozens of must-tries just within a few chapters. There were so many unique recipes I couldn't wait to try - take for example the French Toast Muffins... hello!

I love that each muffin recipe is categorized for finding the perfect muffin easily. There are five main chapters, starting with "My Top 20 Muffins" (a good mix of traditional and tasty muffins), "Breakfast Muffins" (including the Whole Wheat Morning Glory Muffins I made yesterday), "Coffeehouse Muffins"(I can't wait to devour the Jelly Doughnut Muffins which promise to be "more delicious than anything you could find in a doughnut shop"), "Lunch and Supper Muffins" (including Salsa Muffins - yum!), and finally, "Global Muffins" (my favorite category. It literally turns some traditional global favorites on its head into muffin form).

I used my juicer to make both the Whole Wheat Morning Glory Muffins and the Indian Gajar Halwa Muffins - both called for carrot shreds and carrot juice, along with some other simple ingredients. While they were baking, the scent of our kitchen alone was enough to make me a fan! I instagrammed the photos above. :)

Even better, both muffins had the perfect sweetness, texture, and crunch that I love in a good muffin. Plus - I can appreciate that most recipes are fairly low calorie, and call for simple plant-based ingredients and a low sugar content. Hoozah! The only issue I ran into was the batter was a little dry for each - and I added some extra carrot juice "just in case."

The bottom line: I'm smitten with this cookbook, and recommend it to anyone who loves a good muffin as much as I do!

What are your favorite muffins?

New Year's Resolutions

2013-01-02T10:17:00.002-07:00

Happy New Year! Now that we're officially in 2013, did you make any new year's resolutions? I'm normally not big on resolutions, but it never hurts to make a few...

Here are five of my resolutions this year:

Learn a new hobby, whether it's sewing, scrapbooking, or sky-diving? On second thought, probably just the first two. :)

Lose most or all of the baby weight, and get back to clean, vegan eating.

Allow time for more nature walks with out little girl - using our baby carrier.

Allow for romance and fun between work and babies.

Learn how to tell a really great joke.

What are yours? Here are a few ideas if you're feeling stuck:

5 Reasons To Start A Garden In 2013

5 Steps To Keeping Your New Year's Resolution

May 2013 be full of the simple and great joys in life!

-Jesse :)

Happy New Year!

2012-12-31T13:21:00.003-07:00

Happy New Year, happy go luckies! Do you have any New Year's Eve plans tonight? Siva and I are making vegetarian paella, and watching movies next to a cozy fire. Now that i'm 38 weeks pregnant, it's safe to say that I may be asleep by 9 p.m. sharp! And that's fine by me. :)

I have to say, I've had one of the best years of my life in 2012. In one year - a lot of my dreams came true. Siva and I bought a house, we got pregnant, I started a few new writing jobs, and my blog has doubled its viewership (with the help of Mindful Mama Mondays). I could pinch myself every day, and I can't wait to find out what 2013 will bring (but I'm mostly excited about the arrival of our little girl!).

Have a magical, warm, hopeful, and dance-y (even if just in your dreams!) count-down to 2013! I truly appreciate all of you, and it means so much whenever you stop by to visit my little blog.

-Jesse

Mindful Mama Monday: Our "Rocket Girl" Baby Room

2012-12-17T16:38:00.000-07:00

Happy Mindful Mama Monday! I'm pleased to announce that Siva and I have nearly finished our baby room (with just a few remaining finishing touches here or there, like waiting for this pretty "I Love You To The Moon" print to arrive). We officially have a loot of baby essentials plus some goodies for our sweet baby when she arrives, and truly have some wonderful friends and family to thank for that. We are ready for her... the question is... she is ready for us?! These days her kicks are so wild and full of athleticism - I swear she was trying to bust her way out early! But, I remind her that she has to stay in at least one more week to be considered full term. :)

I can't wait to snuggle, smooch, tickle, rock, and sing to our little one in this room. We chose a "rocket girl/night sky" theme because both Siva and I love to star gaze, and Siva especially is endlessly fascinated with space. For months we've gathered a hodgepodge of things from places all over Tucson and Phoenix -- Siva even grabbed a few things in Taiwan. Yet my favorite things are the gifts that were made from some dear friends (with some mad artistic skills!).

Would you like to take a tour of our baby room?

The gorgeous quilt was hand-made by our dearest friend Grace- she even included a tiny "L"for her first name. How sweet is that? Any ideas what the name could be? ;) Siva found these star decals in Taiwan, and oddly, we found they were made in the USA. If you thought these very cool stickers couldn't get better, there's more! They glow in the dark by night (cue the "ohhhhhh ahhhh" sound byte). The crib is actually a co-sleeper bassinet (I talked about it at length here). It will be moved into our bedroom once she is born.

I made this mobile and it hangs above her changing table. I used a branch from our wedding decorations, and added some colorful "planets and stars" to dangle below. Watch out Martha Stewart, there's a new craft-ress in town!

I also created sparkly star art using this DIY tutorial. It doesn't get any easier if you'd like to make your own. The door is framed with some space flash cards I bought at an educational store.

We bought the changing tables and cloth bins at Ikea, and I appreciate how sturdy yet inexpensive everything was. We plan on using Flip cloth and traditional diapers in unison until we can transition to using primarily cloth diapers. (Read more on cloth diapering here). How cute is the toy bear Siva bought in Taiwan? His head bobs from side to side when charged by the sun. Pretty neat, huh?

I love the bookshelf we bought at Ikea. It was my sister's genius idea to have friends and family bring a baby book to the shower in lieu of a card. I am thrilled to already have established her first library! I have great hopes that she loves to read as much as her mama does!

Notice the gorgeous moon artwork? It was made by our fabulous friend Laura. She has her own shop on Etsy where you can buy a variety of custom wall art made with new and vintage buttons and Swarovski rhinestones. Everything she makes is stunning - it's literally one of my favorite things in the room!

That's it for now. All this room needs is a baby! Oh, and I found this website that makes these beautiful story book diaper cakes -it would look lovely at a baby shower, don't you think?

I'm curious - what themes did you choose for your baby room? Did you go for a more "grown up" look or was the room full of baby pizzazz? I'd love to learn and get more ideas from you!

Mindful Mama Monday: Do You Make Your Own Baby Food?

2012-12-10T11:57:00.007-07:00

Recently, I made the decision that I would breastfeed for at least 12 months (or as long as I can!), but when I start introducing our little one to solid foods, I'd like to try making my own baby food. I assume I'll be endlessly busy and terribly sleep deprived at that time (I keep hearing so much about that - ha!). Yet, I'm determined to find a way to make and store organically grown baby food in an easy and efficient way. Do you make your own baby food? What are your favorite ways to make the process easier? We recently bought this magic baby food making machine...

It's a little spendy (although, we got a smokin' deal from an online sale), but because it can make baby food really efficiently (as well as juices, pastas, wheat grass shots... the works!), I think it will be a great investment for our adventures with baby food making. We also would love to use our home garden as a source of fresh vegetables. If you're looking to start your own garden or try more quality seeds, Humble Seed is my favorite source of organic, non-GMO seeds with heirloom varieties. Here's a blog post I wrote for Humble Seed that gives more insight on how to use your garden for baby food.

Here are a few other tips I learned to make the process easier:

1. Select fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables for optimal nutrition, and cook them lightly in a little water if you plan on pureeing them in a blender. Skip oils, salt and pepper, as well as common allergens like shellfish and nuts. Honey is also not meant for babies to eat early on (although, many vegans don't consume honey anyway).

2. Make big batches and store individual servings in ice cube trays (genius!). You can also transfer the cubes to a plastic bag, and use them up to 2 months of storage.

There are also some great books out there, and I particularly like The Best Homemade Baby Food On The Planet. It received outstanding reviews on their site, and from some friends who own it.

Friends, what are your favorite tips for making your own baby food? I'd love to hear. Do you grow your own food in a garden, buy your produce at the store or seek out farmer's markets? How many times a week do you make your own food? Do tell!

(Top photo: Fit Pregnancy)

Friday's Favorites: Phyllo Dough Pizzas, Beanies, DIY Wall Decals

2012-12-07T13:28:00.001-07:00

Happy Friday! What are your plans for the weekend? Siva and I are planning to work in the nursery on Saturday, and head down to our local street fair on Sunday. I love a good street fair, and even if the same stuff is displayed for purchase each season - it's always fun to poke around and talk to the local business owners. Plus it's a great excuse to nibble on those smoked almonds...

Below are my favorite photos and links from the week. Have a good one!

-Jess :)

Use your favorite vegan cream cheese to create a festive dip shaped into pine cones!

A hilarious pregnancy photo

A cute look for winter

Use phyllo dough for a pizza crust (and Daiya mozz cheese!)

My article for HellaWella.com - Natural Ways To Reduce Cold And Flu Symptoms

10 things to wear as a nursing mother

DIY wall decals

Fries with Lemon Salt and Rosemary

5 vegan casserole essentials (plus a killer recipe for shepherd's pie!)

Have a wonderful, Christmas-y weekend!

My Favorite Pregnancy Eats (plus recipes!)

2012-12-06T14:18:00.003-07:00

I've never been one of those gals that opted for a light salad at dinner, or shied away from a decadent dessert. Turns out, pregnancy has been no different! The first few months, the mere site of most foods sent me running to the bathroom. These days, pregnancy's big challenge is not eating us out of house and home. I'm not gonna lie - I get pretty excited about anything sweet, gooey or crunchy these days (or honestly, all 3) - and I had to find some ways to slow down some weight gain that had my midwife scolding me at each appointment - eeks! Has that happened to anyone else?

I'll admit, I've had some moments I'm not proud of (I may or may not have gobbled down 4 bowls of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal in one sitting). But typically, I've been trying to appease my sweet tooth with whole grain, natural, and low-sugar desserts and snacks. Below are my favorite go-to recipes, and thanks to their discovery, I'm back to gaining a sane amount of pregnancy weight. Hoozah!

Peanut Butter Quinoa Cookies - these are the bomb!

Coconut Zucchini Bread, and other sweet breads.

Sweet Potato Chips - a nutritious snack that beat most sugar cravings.

Nutty Double Chocolate Rice Crispy Bars - we took these camping.

Pumpkin Pie French Toast - perfect for weekend brunch sugar cravings.

Toast with vegan cream cheese, pistachios and maple syrup - (my non-vegan inspiration)

Chocolate Cake For One - probably devoured the most around here!

I made these Phyllo Dough Wrapped Bananas last night and they were ah-mazing.

These raw carrot cake balls are on my list to try. Don't they look yum?

Spiced Hot Chocolate (I usually add Stevia or brown rice syrup).

Friends, what are (or were) your favorite desserts and snacks to eat while pregnant? Did you crave sugary, salty, tangy, or spicy foods? Do tell!

World Vision Gift Catalogue AND Hand-Carved Serving Spoons Giveaway

2012-12-04T15:32:00.001-07:00

During the holidays, sometimes we find ourselves seeking out the shiniest and sleekest new toys and technology out there, and forget the bigger picture. While I'm certainly guilty of wanting to impress my friends and family with my savvy gift giving skills, I often wonder if there are more meaningful ways to give gifts and help families during the holidays. This is precisely why I was THRILLED to receive the World Vision Gift Catalog in the mail a few days ago. World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. How cool is that?

If you're looking to help a child, adult, family or community in need this year, there are plenty of options. Just a few include: purchasing a child's education or job training for an adult, buying a well of clean water for up to 150 people, owning gorgeous turquoise jewelry which proceeds work to prevent sexual exploitation, and owning pair of hand-carved serving spoons made to benefit orphans of the Kamba tribe (there are plenty more options for all different price levels).

I just received these serving spoons and hand-sewn bag in the mail, and find myself enamored with their beauty and quality of craftsmanship. They are made of rich olivewood, and have a gorgeous set of spiral handles that are easy to grip. The floral, earth tone bags are also delicately made by local women. Each set of spoons and bags are unique, and even better - owning these spoons help orphans in need.

The giveaway today (ends this Friday at 9 p.m.) is for a set of these hand-carved serving spoons and the floral bag they come in. I think this is my best and most meaningful giveaway yet! To enter, visit the World Vision website, and leave a comment below.

Mindful Mama Monday: Where Should Babies Sleep?

2012-12-03T11:31:00.000-07:00

Last night my mom and I were chatting about the baby (due in a little over a month - woop woop!), and we got to talking about where the baby should sleep. My mom is a firm believer that babies should have their own room, and their own crib. Yet, Siva and I have decided to take a cue from his Indian cultural background, and prefer the baby a little closer....

We decided that co-sleeping will work best for us. The conversation ended with both of us a little frustrated. I suppose no one was completely convinced about the other's perspective. I admit, I am a little nervous about having the baby sleep in bed with us. While I think that many families practice this safely, Siva is a very deep sleeper, and studies have shown that most infant deaths happen in bed with adults. To solve the problem, we decided to go with this sleeping method:

It's a co-sleeper bassinet that allows the baby to sleep safely and comfortably next to our bed. We bought this version from our dear friends that gave it rave reviews. This doctor also toots the horn of co-sleepers if you're interested in learning more. I'm relieved that I don't have to get up the many times in the middle of the night and stumble down the hall with blurry eyes to reach a crying baby. She'll literally be at an arm's length from me, making it easy to comfort her and breast feed without sharing a bed and worrying about her safety. Have you tried a co-sleeper bassinet? What did you think?

We plan on moving her to a crib after she reaches 3-5 months old, depending on her personality, needs and growth. I'm still not quite sure how we'll adjust her to a crib in her own room. Will she get separation anxiety and not learn how to self soothe? Perhaps - yet Dr. Sears seems to think that is based more on personality, rather than nighttime parenting. I love this quote:

"An important fact for you to remember is that your baby's sleep habits are more a reflection of your baby's temperament rather than your style of nighttime parenting. And keep in mind that other parents usually exaggerate how long their baby sleeps, as if this were a badge of good parenting, which it isn't. It's not your fault baby wakes up."

What do you think about where a baby should sleep? Is co-sleeping with a bassinet the way to go? Or, do you prefer having your baby directly in bed with you? What is your take on allowing children to have their own room and crib? I'd love to hear and learn from your perspective!

-Jess

Friday Favorites: Christmas In A Jar, Gift Ideas and Winter Salads

2012-11-30T14:29:00.001-07:00

So it's not even close to snowing here (mostly high 70's and lower 80's), but I'm hoping that posting lovebirds kissing in the snow can send some chilly weather karma our way soon! What's the weather like where you are? Is it freezing or are you still in tank tops like me? This weekend, Siva and I are relaxing at home after too many weekends of (chaotic) family fun and traveling. We may even catch Life of Pi - I love a good adventure film. What are your plans?

Here are my favorite Pins and photos from around the web this week. Have a great weekend!

-Jess :)

The BEST spaghetti and vegetarian meatballs (my recipe on Dinnertool.com)

Chalkboard paint for a playroom or kitchen area - genius idea.

A pretty holiday table idea.

A fun signature holiday cocktail: Raspberry Mojitos

Don't forget your vegan scarf and hat this winter.

Winter salads: Roasted Butternut Squash, Green and Grains

A thoughtful gift idea for your sister or close friend: an initial ring.

Sweet DIY kids room decorations. I love this!

Who doesn't love the smell of Christmas? A clever gift idea for your neighbors or friends.

A romantic gift for your lovebird - just use your favorite vegan chocolate cake recipe. (A list of my favorite vegan cakes)

Thanksgiving Leftovers Pie: Two Ways

2012-11-28T13:37:00.001-07:00

Am I the only one still staring at Thanksgiving leftovers in the refrigerator? If you're trying to find ways to use the last of it (without having to make another Tofurky sandwich), I have two Thanksgiving Leftover Pie ideas that your family will love. Typically, classic Thanksgiving dinner leftovers work best for these savory pies - though, feel free to substitute a variety of ingredients with what you have.

My first pie works well if your stuffing was completely devoured on Thanksgiving, or didn't last long (personally, it's my favorite side dish). You will need leftover Tofurky, mashed sweet or regular potatoes, a vegetable (or two), and my easy homemade herbed biscuit topping for a hearty pie that's ready in under 30 minutes.

Thanksgiving Leftovers Pot Pie
Serves 5-7

1 cup leftover Tofurky, coarsely chopped
1 cup sweet or regular mashed potatoes
1-2 cups vegetable of choice (I used roasted Brussels sprouts and coarsely chopped green beans)
1 recipe Herb Biscuit Topping

Herb Biscuit Topping
1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
1/4 cup ground flax seeds
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp sea salt
6 tbsp olive oil
3/4 cup non-dairy milk
2-3 tbsp fresh herbs of choice, minced

Method: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a lightly greased pie dish, evenly cover the bottom with Tofurky. Add the mashed potatoes, and top with vegetables.

In a medium bowl, make the Herb Biscuit Topping by whisking together the whole wheat flour, ground flax seeds, sea salt and baking powder. Stir in the olive oil, milk and herbs of choice. About a teaspoon full at a time, drop the biscuit topping on the vegetables. You may leave some space for the vegetables to peak out.

Bake for 23-25 minutes. Remove when the biscuit topping is golden.

The second option for creating a Thanksgiving leftover pie is using the ingredients you already have, and making a vegan Shephard's Pie. You will need the following leftovers: stuffing, Tofurky, vegetables, and mashed potatoes. Again, a variety of vegetables can be used here, and feel free to substitute other ingredients as you'd like. Cranberry sauce could also be used to give this dish a sweet and savory twist.

Thanksgiving Leftovers Shepherd's Pie

Serves 5-7

1 cup stuffing

1 cup Tofurky, coarsely chopped

1-2 cups vegetables of choice

1-2 cups mashed potatoes

Method: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees, and lightly grease a pie dish. Press the stuffing at the bottom of the dish, and in layers, add the Tofurky and vegetables. Top with mashed potatoes. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden.

Mindful Mama Monday: Vegan Maternity Clothes

2012-11-26T11:27:00.000-07:00

(The Day Book)

Before I became pregnant, I had visions of myself strolling around town in cute maternity clothes that showed off my little bump. During my second trimester, I loved to scout out maternity clothes that were made from cruelty-free fabrics, were comfortable, and flattered my changing body. If you're pregnant (yay!) or thinking about becoming pregnant, below are five of my favorite places to buy inexpensive, vegan clothes for preggos. If you're not sure what constitutes "vegan" clothing, feel free to read my guide.

*I found some great tunics and comfortable tees through all stages of pregnancy at Gap Maternity. This chambray pocket tunic is perfect for running errands with leggings.

*ASOS is a European line of chic clothing that's inexpensive and full of variety. I bought two summer cotton dresses that I wore constantly - one of which I featured on a Style Sunday. Stay away from fur or wool items -- you'll see these options on the site, and they are not vegan. I also have my eye on this long-sleeved swing dress, which I think would look lovely for a holiday party.

*Cafe Press features an entire line of vegan maternity shirts that make a statement. I found this tee hilarious.

*Motherhood Maternity has a fantastic line of maternity clothes with many, many vegan options. I'm smitten with their leggings selection, and was delighted to find that mine didn't stretch, shrink or rip even after wearing them practically every day for 6 months!

*The Target maternity section gets more expansive by the year. I found some pretty basics there, along with a few dresses that are perfect for at the office or for a romantic dinner date.

Congratulations to all of the pregnant readers out there! Let me know if you have any questions. Below are a few pictures of my baby shower. It was the loveliest day! Check out the center picture of my twin sister - can you believe she had a baby 4 weeks ago?

P.S. ~ My Pregnancy Survival Guide

Hope you're having a great Monday!

-Jess :)

Mindful Mama Monday: Pregnancy Survival Guide

2012-11-19T12:05:00.000-07:00

Are you pregnant now, or are hoping to become pregnant soon? I want to share a few tips that have helped me throughout my own pregnancy, and some of my favorite vegan dishes I've devoured along the way. Every pregnancy is different, but I'm hopeful that after 8 months of doing this whole pregnancy thing, I can share some advise that will truly help. Please feel free to share your tips too!

Food & Drink:

*As I mentioned in this post, I had some serious food aversions starting at week 12 to about week 20. I literally couldn't look at a vegetable, and gagged at the mere mention of broccoli. As much as my body wanted to eat sugary cereals all day long, I knew that I wanted to eat more plants in a non-vitamin form. So, my husband began juicing fruit and vegetables for me almost every day (I know, what a gem!). I had him add more fruit than usual to disguise anything that reminded me of "those green things that grew in the ground,"and especially enjoyed the juice served in a wine or martini glass to make it feel like an indulgence - ha!

*I found that drinking a few glasses of coconut water a day helped pretty well with morning sickness. I found it refreshing in the afternoons, and was delighted to find that one glass contains more potassium than a banana. Leg cramps are a common complain among preggos, and potassium is a great way to ward them off. I thought this was the best tasting coconut water.

*Because I live in the desert, I normally carry a water bottle with me everywhere anyway. Yet, I learned that drinking plenty of water is one of the most important parts of feeling great throughout a pregnancy (your skin will glow, and you can avoid dreadful symptoms such as constipation, swollen ankles and fatigue). Having a water bottle nearby was always a great reminder to keep drinking, fill it up, and repeat. I like this eco-friendly water bottle.

*Did you have any food cravings throughout your pregnancy? For me, it was (and still is) anything sweet. Fruit smoothies and hot cocoa sweetened with Stevia are my two favorite ways to get my sweet fix (so I don't go completely nuts and rip open a box of Cotsco danishes). I also began baking cookies, muffins and sweet breads at home using coconut sugar and whole grains. My favorite recipes that did the trick were these Natural Chewy Oatmeal Cookies, Potato Chip Cookies, this french toast recipe, and Coconut Zucchini Bread. Chocolate gave me indigestion, so I did try to stay away from it (but wasn't successful every time!).

*To avoid indigestion (my nemesis ), eat smaller meals more frequently, and avoid food 3 hours before bedtime. Taking Tums, chewing gum and eating an apple after a meal helped me, as well as 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar before a meal.

Books:

I tried to stay away from books that revealed too much about the scary things that could occur during pregnancy. It just made me overly nervous, and over think everything. I loved books that were informative, but also shed light on the positive experiences of being pregnant (there are so many!) Here are my favorite books:
*Ina May's Guide To Childbirth
*Great With Child, Letters To A Young Mother
*Hypnobirthing: The Mongon Method
*Spiritual Midwifery
*What To Expect When You're Expecting
*From The Hips: A Comprehensive, Openminded, Uncensored, Totally Honest Guide To Pregnancy, Birth And Becoming A Parent

Clothes:

*Depending on the weather you're pregnant in, I highly recommend getting a few maxi dresses to wear throughout all stages of your pregnancy. In the summer time, I wore them alone, and as it grew chilly, I'd add more layers (a t-shirt or long sleeved shirt to tie above the bump, or a sweater). I loved that they always looked pulled together, yet allowed my belly some breathing room. I also recommend investing in a pair of leggings, skinny jeans with a band, and some pregnancy tunics, blouses and comfy tees to wear to work and on the weekends. I found that Target, M otherhood Maternity and ASOS had my favorite options.

*For special occasions, have at least 1-2 pretty blouses you love, and a nice dress. You'll appreciate them for parties, a nice dinner, and at your own baby shower!

*Chunky necklaces are also a great way to balance out your growing belly (and divert attention from your growing ASSets). I've found some really pretty chunky necklaces at other jewelry options at Ruche.

*I was surprised mostly by my feet growing as much a full shoe size. When they were swollen from walking, they grew even larger (very reminiscent of Fred Flintstone!). Investing in a comfortable pair of loafers and Converse sneakers a size up from normal were a God-send. I discourage flip flops or other sandals, as these just led to the most unfortunate looking cankles.

*Maternity underwear is also great if you'd rather not stretch out the pretty underwear you already own. Trust me, they do stretch! I really like this maternity underwear, they are super comfortable.

A Few Tips To Feeling Comfy Cozy:

*While other parts of pregnancy were easy for me, getting a good night's rest was sometimes laughable. You have this big belly that doesn't appreciate any sudden position changes, bathroom trips throughout the night are crazy frequent, and after 20 weeks, sleeping on your belly or back are not recommended. As a back sleeper and chronic flipper over, sleeping became very, very tricky! This Total Body Pillow saved me from giving up all together. I even took it with me on vacation!

*If you're still having back pain while sleeping (I completely relate), I found that finding a small pillow to place under my belly while laying on my side helped significantly. My whole back felt supported and my back pain dissipated.

*Some of the best advise I received was from my mom, who recommended I get nursing bras a size larger than normal while I was pregnant. The stretchy fabric and support they offer is so wonderful as you'll notice your boobs steadily increase in size throughout your pregnancy (hoozah!). I bought mine at Target and Walmart, and surprisingly still really love them.

*My sister and I joke that we'd feel crippled without yoga. Start prenatal yoga as soon as you can, and listen to your body as your belly and body change. I love this yoga DVD because it includes accommodations for each trimester of your pregnancy, and I always feel awesome afterwards.

*If your nighttime routine used to include a glass of wine or a beer, replace it with another ritual you can love. I pour myself a cup of chamomile or cinnamon tea, or drink a glass of aloe juice mixed with water in the evenings. It feels good to have a routine in place, and can make night time especially cozy.

Emotions:

*While I was so thrilled to become pregnant and have this little soul growing within me, I was surprised by the nerves and wide range of emotions I felt as well. I'd lay awake at night (and still do) concerned that I ate something on the "bad foods list," or worried we'd never be completely ready to take care of a newborn. Unless these feelings are excessive, I think it's perfectly normal to have all of these emotions, and then some. A lovely mama friend once told me that there are no right ways to feel throughout the pregnancy, and even after the baby is born. Just trying the best you can is often times good enough.

*I was surprised by how often I'd feel emotional over small beans. In fact, when Siva was building the nursery, I started crying over the fact that this special moment for our first baby would never happen again. What is that?! Luckily Siva is always understanding and sweet. Especially when a "really touching" commercial comes on - ha!

What pregnancy tips would you share? Did you have any special cravings? Were you surprised by something? Were you worried about something that you didn't expect? Do share!

(Top photo: Blogs.babble.com, Emotions photo: Fit Pregnancy)

Friday's Favorites: Pregnancy Update, Tofurky Tips, Signature Cocktails

2012-11-16T10:49:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday, loves! What are your plans for the weekend? Siva returns from Taiwan tonight, and my bestie is visiting from Phoenix on Saturday. I'm looking forward to a few more voices, and some hustle and bustle around the house. It gets pretty quiet around here with just a pup that loves to sleep. :) Have a wonderful weekend before Thanksgiving.

Here are 10 photos and links from around the web this week....

-Jess

Me at 30 weeks. Feeling great!

Soba Noodles With A Sweet Ginger Scallion Sauce

A cute gift idea: build a child a library of books.

Handmade paper star garlands for the holidays

Apple Cider Sangria - a clever signature cocktail on Thanksgiving.

My Tofurky cooking tips on Dinnertool.com

Veggie Panang Curry - is it obvious I'm craving Asian foods? This recipe looks killer.

A garland of gratitude

A cute holiday photo idea

A pretty outfit to travel in during the holidays (minus the sandwich!)

Have a good one! :)

(Top photo: Trendy Traveler)

Thanksgiving Inspiration: Stuffed Acorn Squash

2012-11-15T15:39:00.001-07:00

I'm loving all things winter squash lately. I'm usually quick to grab a butternut squash, and will let the family go nuts over a Butternut Squash Lasagna dish, or this healthy, Baked Macaroni and Cheese. But... in an effort to lighten things up and try something new, I've been experimenting with stuffed acorn squash. I quickly found that this Mediterranean Stuffed Squash (photo above) really hit the mark! The stuffing is a delicious combination of cous cous, raisins, chickpeas and fresh herbs - and it all sits pretty on a warm, butter and brown sugar brushed squash. Check out the recipe over at Humble Seed.

If you're looking for a meatless Thanksgiving or holiday main dish, I was happy to feature (then devour) this fall inspired Roasted And Stuffed Acorn Squash for Dinnertool.com. I loved the combination of sweet and salty from the added pecans and dried cherries, while the tender rice and veggies made this autumn dish completely satisfying and filling.

P.S. ~ we're also serving up these easy sides and desserts on Thanksgiving:
Lemon-Scented Brussels Sprouts With Walnuts
Savory Green Beans and Roasted Tomatoes
Cauliflower With Curry Butter
Nutty and Rich "Pate"
Autumn Harvest Cobbler
Streusel Topped Pumpkin Pie

The Best Vegan Birthday Cakes

2012-11-14T09:33:00.002-07:00

Today is my birthday! Since my husband is in Taiwan for the week, we're saving any real celebrating until after he returns. We have some small plans to catch a local play with some dear friends this weekend, and treating ourselves to dessert afterwards (of course!). Although this birthday is the big 3-0, being 8 months pregnant, I've found my usual rockin' birthday traditions may have to wait for another year... :)

What do you like to eat on your birthday? I love a classic chocolate cake with white icing and tall candles. Yet, there are so many different vegan cake options out there I'd like to try. Below are five of my favorite, and are sure to make anyone feel extra special on their birthday... would you like to see?

P.S. ~ Check out the photo of my twin sister and I on this day about 20 years ago. Apart of me would love to hula hoop together again on our birthday. :)

(Top photo: A Vanilla Cake with Vanilla Icing by Going Home To Roost)

Raw Chocolate & Vanilla Layer Cake (nut free)

Chocolate Banana Birthday Cake With Maple Glazed Almonds

Blueberry Speculoos Streusel Cheesecake

Birthday Cake Reeses

Chocolate Beet Cake

Which cake is your favorite? I'm dying to try the Chocolate Banana Cake With Maple Glazed Walnuts. Seriously, how delicious does it sound? And as promised, a picture of my twin sister and I on our 10 birthday.

Mindful Mama Monday: Organic Baby Carriers

2012-11-12T10:51:00.001-07:00

With our baby born in just about 8 weeks, I'm already eager to carry her close to my heart while I'm running errands or out for a walk. It's important to both Siva and I that the baby carrier is made from sustainable fabrics, and with vegan materials. We were also looking for something comfortable, could distribute baby weight evenly, and could be worn by both Siva and myself.

After asking my mama friends and doing some research online, we narrowed it down to five baby carriers that are fantastic for babies, parents, and the environment. We've settled on the Boba Wrap, but would be happy with any of these choices. Which baby carriers do you love?

P.S. - Am I the only one completely swooning over the top photo? ;)

The Boba Wrap ($45-$65) - My sister and dear friend both own these wraps. I love that they are made with organic materials, and can stretch to fit babies up to 18 months. There are multiple ways to securely tie these wraps (without buckles and straps), while both mama and baby are completely comfortable. The site also mentions that these wraps are ideal for beginner and advanced babywearers. Total score!

Ergobaby Organic ($145)- This company stands by their carriers being organic, ergonomic, and ethical - which sounds like a plan to me. The carrier is made with organic cotton, twill, and sateen (the latter two are woven forms of cotton), and has a waisted belt to evenly distribute a baby's weight. It's also highly praised for it's comfort for both mamas and babies.

LilleBaby Everywear Organic ($120)- This baby carrier is made with organic bamboo fabrics, and promises to be the only baby carrier you'll ever need. It boasts six carrying functions, and offers contoured seats for healthy hip and spine development. It's also able to carry babies up to 40 pounds.

Baby K'Tan Organic Baby Carrier ($59.99) - Found at Target, these baby carriers can wrap in six different ways, and offer a back support band for mamas. It's also light weight and perfect for on the go or nursing, and can carry babies up to 35 pounds. These are less expensive than the Boba Wrap, and I hear they don't stretch quite as well. Yet, I had no idea that Target offered organic baby products - and was pleasantly surprised to find this wrap offered.

Didymos Baby Carrier Organic Wrap Sling ($151.99) - One of the more expensive options, but possibly worth the price considering it can transform into 15 different wearing positions. These are loved by women in Europe for over 35 years, and can carry children up to 3 years old - wow!

(Top photo: Bon*Chic*Bon*Genre)

Friday Favorites: Thanksgiving Ideas, Holiday Hair, DIY Wrapping Paper

2012-11-09T13:38:00.002-07:00

Happy Friday! What are your plans for the weekend? Siva is leaving for Taiwan tomorrow morning, which means I get to spend an inordinate amount of time watching romcoms and decorating for the holidays. I'll certainly miss him - but secretly enjoy a little "me" time. Are you the same? Tonight we're having some friends over for dessert, and I plan on making this drool worthy banana chocolate cake over at My New Roots. I can hardly wait to test how delicious banana and chocolate cake tastes once combined. Yum!

Here are some fun links and photos from around the web. I pinned lots of goodies for Thanksgiving - hope it helps. Have a good one!

-Jess :)

Red Quinoa with Butternut Squash, Cranberries and Pumpkin Seeds - so clever!

Apple Cider Sangria - a fun signature drink idea for Thanksgiving.

Pretty table decor.

A fun party look for the holidays.

A fall inspired pie crust idea.

Vegan Stoner's Green Bean Casserole

Pretty hair for the holidays.

Pom pom wrapping paper (I'm going to try a DIY version this Christmas!)

DIY cinnamon scented candles

Lemon and Thyme Potato Gratin - this looks easy to make vegan.

Thanksgiving Side Dish: Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Walnuts

2012-11-08T16:16:00.000-07:00

Looking for a Thanksgiving side dish that's both festive and delicious? This Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Walnuts recipe has the best of both worlds, and practically makes itself. If you haven't tried roasting Brussels sprouts, I highly recommend it! They become incredibly tender and flavorful after roasting, allowing the breadcrumbs, garlic and lemon zest to cling on when drizzled with a little extra virgin olive oil. I also love how the toasted walnuts gives this dish a nice crunch.

We're hosting Thanksgiving for the first time this year (eeks!), and I can't wait to serve this dish on our table this year! Friends - what are your favorite sides on Thanksgiving?

Lemon-Scented Brussels Sprouts With Walnuts

(Serves 4)

2 pounds Brussels sprouts, ends trimmed and halved

5 T extra virgin olive oil

1 tsp sea salt

1/2 tsp ground pepper

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 lemon, grated and juiced

1/4 cup bread crumbs

1/2 cup toasted walnuts.

Method: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. and toss the Brussels sprouts with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, salt and pepper. Toss them on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and caramelized around the edges. Transfer the sprouts to a large bowl, and add the last 2 tablespoons of olive oil, garlic, lemon zest and juice, as well as the breadcrumbs.

Fold in the toasted walnuts. Add additional sea salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately.

Vegan Winter Coats You'll Love

2012-11-07T11:37:00.000-07:00

The vegan line Vaute Couture launched their new winter coat line, and it's absolutely stunning, don't you think? While looking through their site, I found myself daydreaming about wearing one of these while out to dinner with girlfriends, or strolling with Siva on a romantic date. They are so much prettier (and eco-friendly!) than the sweaters and cheap chain store jackets I normally wear in cold weather. Would you like to see my favorite styles? These would look great paired with tights and vegan oxford shoes.

You can also see their full line of coats here.

Which are your favorites?

I hope you're all staying warm out there! It's supposed to drop down to the 60's here in Tucson by the end of the week. Can't believe we may actually get some winter weather!