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  • Category: Vegan Eats

    • The natural difference.

      Posted at 9:15 AM by morningdaydreams, on December 5, 2017

      So, I posted a few months back about switching my beauty products and cosmetics to vegan friendly, cruelty free items. To read the full post on body and hair care, click here. I have been loving the Live Clean Shampoos and Conditioners and have tried a variety of options their line has to offer.

      This week, I was running low on conditioner, before I had a chance to grab more at the store, I was in desperate need of hair washing so grabbed a bottle of Dove that had been in my spare bathroom. I didn’t realize how much other products smelled of chemicals until I stopped using them and switched to a cleaner, more natural product.

      Two things I noticed this week. I could barely stand the smell of Dove, a product I used FOR YEARS. The second thing I noticed my hair even after it was dry still stank of the conditioner. I haven’t done the research on what is in all of these products, but since using a more natural product, there was something so unnatural about the smell and the fact that it seemed to stick to my hair for hours.

      Have you switched to more natural, chemical free products?

      What differences/benefits have you found?

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      *I also just realized that I posted about this shampoo/conditioner at the end of July and I JUST ran out. I wash my hair almost every day since I workout so much…. so that is REALLY good value – in my opinion! SEE it don’t have to cost you an arm and a leg to purchase cleaner, more eco-friendly products!*

      Until next time day dreamers.


       

      Posted in Vegan Eats, Vegan Life | 0 Comments | Tagged Blog, Blogging, Cruelty Free, Eco-Friendly, Environment, Hair Care, Life, Lifestyle, Live Clean, Natural, Skin Care, Vegan, Vegan Beauty, Vegan Friendly, Vegan Life
    • Vegan eats.

      Posted at 9:06 AM by morningdaydreams, on October 12, 2017

      Getting all fancy this time on vegan eats!

      For thanksgiving I decided to get creative and try out a new recipe and according to my taste buds I thought it was a success. I followed a recipe from Delicious Everyday, with a few minor tweaks/cheats, to see the original recipe, click here.

      Mushroom Wellington – with Spinach & Onions

      • 4 Portobello Mushrooms, cleaned and trim the stem
      • 1 Bag Spinach (approx 300g)
      • 1 – 1 1/2 Large Yellow Onions chopped
      • 2 tsp Thyme (I didn’t have fresh as recommended in original post)
      • 3 Tbsp Olive Oil
      • 1 Tbsp Dijon Mustard
      • 2 Sheets Puff Pastry (I bought mine – i’m a cheater! – homemade recipe above)
      • Salt & Pepper – to taste

      Vegan Egg Wash

      • 1 Tbsp Chickpea Water
      • 1 Tbsp Almond Milk
      • 1 tsp olive oil
      • 1/2 tsp maple syrup

      Heat 1 Tbsp of olive oil in a large frying pan, add onion salt and pepper, sautéed 10-15 minutes or until golden brown, on medium-low heat. Place in a bowl to cool. Add second Tbsp of olive oil, add spinach, sautéed until wilted, 2-3 minutes on medium-low, move to bowl to cool. Add final Tbsp of olive oil to pan, place mushrooms stem down, cook for 5 minutes on medium to medium high. Flip and cook for a further 5 minutes. Remove and place on paper towel on a plate to cool (will release water as it cools). Pop all three dishes in the fridge to fully cool.

      **I sautéed my veggies in the late morning and left in the fridge. Then assembled about 45 minutes out from dinner time – it seemed to work well and saved time if you are having company!**

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      Pre-heat oven to 390F.

      Place parchment paper on a baking sheet. Gently lay first sheet of puff pastry on the paper. Place half of the onions on the pastry (leave about a two inch edge, so you can close it once filled). Place half of the spinach on top of the onions and sprinkle 1 tsp of thyme. Place the 4 mushrooms (I did them in a square), spread dijon on each. Cover with the rest of the spinach and 1 tsp thyme. Finally add the remaining onion.

      Very carefully place the second sheet of pastry on top and fold the edges under the bottom sheet (you want the seams down and tucked underneath). Once assembled, add all ingredients of the vegan egg wash in a small dish and whisk. Brush the top and edges of the pastry with the wash and place in the freezer for 10 minutes. Brush with the wash a second time and place back in the freezer for another 10 minutes. I did a few small cuts to let the steam out (see picture), then bake in oven for 30-35 minutes, until golden brown.

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      BOOM Vegan Thanksgiving dinner!

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      *I also made up some mushroom gravy…store bought…who do you think I am?!? It was a lovely addition to this dish!

      Until next time day dreamers.


       

      Posted in Vegan Eats, Vegan Life | 0 Comments | Tagged Blogging, Easy Vegan, family, Fancy Vegan, Food, Guelph, Guelph Life, Lazy Vegan, Thanksgiving, Vegan, Vegan Eats, Vegan Life
    • Vegan eats.

      Posted at 9:15 AM by morningdaydreams, on September 19, 2017

      I am obsessed, I probably eat these with a side of smoked tofu and BBQ sauce… at least 3 times a week, I just can’t get enough. I have these down to a science that even the julienning of veggies seems to be faster now. These are packed with veggies, are low carb and they are super filling. Not to mention they are so pretty!

      Enjoy!

      Rainbow Fresh Rolls & Spicy Peanut Sauce

      Rolls:

      • 1/4 Small Red Cabbage Grated/Shredded
      • 2-3 Mini Cucumbers Julienned
      • 2-3 Carrots Peeled and Julienned
      • 1 Avocado Sliced
      • 8 Mint Leaves
      • 4-6 Rice Paper Wraps

      Soak rice paper in warm water, dry on a clean towel. In the middle of the paper stack the cucumber and carrots, top with cabbage, avocado and mint. Roll tightly and cut in half to enjoy.

      Peanut Sauce:

      • 1/4 Cup Smooth Peanut Butter
      • 2 Tbsp Water
      • 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce or Tamari (for gluten free option)
      • 1 1/2 tsp Rice Vinegar
      • 1 1/2 tsp Maple Syrup
      • 1 Small Clove of Garlic, Minced
      • 1/8 tsp Crushed Red Pepper

      In a small bowl, whisk all ingredients and enjoy!

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      Until next time day dreamers!


       

      Posted in Vegan Eats, Vegan Life | 0 Comments | Tagged Canada, Easy Vegan, Fresh Rolls, Guelph, Healthy Vegan, Lazy Vegan, Ontario, Summer, Summer Eats, Vegan, Vegan Eats, Vegan Friendly
    • Vegan life – make up.

      Posted at 10:40 AM by morningdaydreams, on August 14, 2017

      Good Morning All,

      A few weeks ago I did a post on year two of being vegan and how my focus has gone from food to transitioning bath and body items to cruelty free/vegan products. To view the last post on bath and body products click here.

      Today, I wanted to share some of the makeup brands that I have found recently. As I finish old products I have been trading them in for these cruelty free options.

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      1. Live Clean Daily Moisturizer – $21.59 (Well.ca). I am totally in love with this face cream. It makes my face feel great and is keeps my skin hydrated all day. The price is a bit higher on this one, but the bottle is large and will last, even with daily use!
      2. Marcelle Make Up Remover – $14.95 (Shoppers Drugmart). I am super picky about make up remover, I hate when I use a brand and the next morning I still have makeup on. This one is great, it isn’t super oily and it takes everything right off. Marcelle has become a go to brand for me as they have a wide range of products and they are available in Shoppers Drugmarts!

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      1. REALHER Eye Shadow – $35.57 (Online). So this one is a bit more than I would typically spend. I actually got this in a FabFitFun box that I was gifted. But you can buy direct from the Realher site. Regardless, a pallet like this will last me a long time so I was so excited to be able to try out these eye shadow colours!
      2. Marcelle Blush – $15.95 (Shoppers Drugmart). Like I mentioned, Marcelle is my go to brand. Being able to find it at a local store is key for me! I love this blush and they have a great selection of colours for everyone.
      3. Cargo_HD Bronzer $30.00 (Online). This is another one I got in my FabFitFun box, but I will definitely try again. If you search online you can also purchase this one direct from their site. It goes on so light and is perfect for getting that flawless look! Come winter time, this will be a daily staple in my makeup routine.
      4. GOSH Cosmetics ‘Show me Volume’ Mascara – $18.00 (Shoppers Drugmart). This one is actually a Shoppers brand and I love that they made their line of products completely cruelty free. Again, for me convince is key. There are cheaper brands in store, but I found GOSH to be middle of the road when it comes to pricing and to purchase it guilt free makes it worth the few extra dollars! Plus the brush on this one is AWESOME if you love big full eyelashes.

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      This is what I have changed over so far. I don’t wear a lot of makeup, but I do like my basics for everyday, so as I finish current products I am replacing them with brands like these. Like I mentioned in my last post, bring your phone shopping with you or do your research before hand, you will be surprised at how many mainstream brands are already cruelty free!

      Until next time day dreamers.


       

      Posted in Vegan Eats | 0 Comments | Tagged Blog, Blogging, Canada, Cosmetics, Cruelty Free, Easy Vegan, FabFitFun Box, Guelph, Makeup, Toronto, Vegan, Vegan Beauty, Vegan Friendly
    • On being vegan – year 2.

      Posted at 9:25 AM by morningdaydreams, on July 25, 2017

      When I first decided to go vegan back in 2016, my focus was food. This is the biggest switch that people focus on when they think, oh that person is vegan. Avoiding the consumption of animal products and bi-products however is not the whole picture. Now that I have found my cooking groove and easily navigate through my vegan kitchen and pantry, I have moved to beauty products.

      What is this now? We all know about cosmetics being tested on animals. However if you are like me, it was not something I thought about often and not really something that I thought was still happening. The reality is many products, especially cosmetics, lotions and shampoos are still tested on animals and I am not down with that.

      The good news!!! There are SO MANY companies that are no longer doing this, most of which are also attempting to be eco-friendly as well (which is another bonus in my books!). The second piece of good news is you can find these brands at your local drug stores, groceries stores, even WALMART (I like my savings okay…).

      So year two is all about beauty products!

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      1. Live Clean Shampoo & Conditioner – $8.99 – Found at Shoppers, online at Well.ca, and some local grocery stores. Not only is this product cruelty free it is also eco-friendly. They have lots of different lines for any hair types and they work. I have been using this line for a few months now and love it!
      2. J.R Watkins Body Wash – $9.99 – I found this gem at Wally World (also lovingly known as Walmart). For a specialty brand the value was totally there. I am trying this one for the first time, but I love the scent and I can sleep easy knowing it is cruelty free.
      3. BWC or Beauty Without Cruelty Facial Cleanser –  $14.79 – This one is a bit pricey, but I watch for sales and often get it for $9-10. However, I am OBSESSED. My face has never felt better. The cleanser is so creamy and leaves my face feeling so fresh! I have not found this one in stores, I buy this online at Well.ca (LOVE THAT PLACE). They are an online company based in Guelph, Ontario.  You can find EVERYTHING here and you can search products based on Canadian Made, vegan, cruelty free etc.

      Semi-Pro Tip 1: Buying cruelty free does not have to break the bank, like I said some of these products can be found at Walmart, don’t feel like you need to find these fancy schmancy brands that were handmade and infused with gold in someones kitchen.

      Semi-Pro Tip 2: Bring your phone shopping with you, most brands do not say that they are vegan/cruelty free etc. (especially make up) so let Google help you out in your search. There are many mainstream companies that are, you just have to do your research! PETA actually has a list of companies which is a great reference!

      Until next time day dreamers!


       

      Posted in Vegan Eats | 2 Comments | Tagged Bath and Body, Blogger, Canada, Cruelty Free, Guelph, Health, Healthy Living, Healthy Vegan, home, Mommy Blogger, Vegan, Vegan Beauty
    • Vegan eats.

      Posted at 9:11 AM by morningdaydreams, on November 29, 2016

      Breakfast. Avocado. ‘Cheese’.

      Interested yet? Making a fancy breakfast that was vegan did not come to me right away. After being vegetarian for so long, moving away from eggs at breakfast was a tough transition, I wasn’t totally sure what to make myself other than my usual toast with peanut butter and banana. But I have finally found it and I am obsessed.

      A.C.T. – Avocado, ‘Cheese’ + Tomato Sandwich

      • Two slices multi-grain bread
      • 1/2 of an Avocado
      • 2-3 thin slices of tomato
      • 1 slice Earth Island Cheddar Style Slices (my current fave faux cheese slice)
      • Salt & pepper to taste

      Place ‘cheese’ slice on one piece of bread (if you have a toaster oven – so it melts), thinly slice tomato. Once bread is toasted smash half an avocado into the non-melted cheese slice of bread, layer tomato on top, add salt and pepper to taste, complete sandwich with cheesy slice of toast, and enjoy!

      This breakfast is filling, delicious and something a little more fancy than your usual toast!

       

      Also, please note how bad I am at cutting bread slices, lol!!

       

      Until next time day dreamers.


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      Posted in Vegan Eats | 0 Comments | Tagged Breakfast, Canada, Earth Island Cheese, Easy Vegan, family, Healthy Vegan, home, Lazy Vegan, Simple Vegan, Vegan, Vegan Eats, Vegan Friendly
    • Vegan eats.

      Posted at 9:03 AM by morningdaydreams, on September 2, 2016

      Hi all,

      It has been a while since I did a vegan eats post and the other day as I scoured my fridge to make myself lunch I ended up making some pretty awesome tacos. I love when a random assortment of things in your fridge and cupboard make an amazing meal.

      Bean, Tomato, Mango Tacos – and a collection of other things in my fridge.

      • 1/4 can romano beans strained (or beans of your choice)
      • 1/4 mango sliced
      • Handful of grape tomatoes chopped
      • Handful of arugula
      • 2 Tbsp medium salsa (or salsa of your choice)
      • Dash of garlic powder
      • Dash of chili powder
      • 2 Tbsp chipotle hot sauce (I used Cholula brand)
      • 2 corn tortillas

      Strain beans, add about 1/4 can and the chopped tomatoes into a frying pan. Add 1 Tbsp of the chipotle sauce, garlic and chili powder to the beans and cook over medium heat. Slice mango and heat tortillas if desired. Once the tomatoes looked cooked and the beans are warm, layer them on the tortilla. Top with mango, salsa, the second Tbsp of chipotle sauce and arugula.

      Enjoy!

      Until next time day dreamers.


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      Posted in Vegan Eats | 0 Comments | Tagged Canada, Easy Vegan, family, Food, Mexican cuisine, Taco, Toronto, Vegan, Vegan Eats, Vegan Protein
    • Vegan eats.

      Posted at 9:13 AM by morningdaydreams, on July 14, 2016

      Ever have those nights where you don’t have much left in the fridge and you know you really shouldn’t order in pizza (again!!). Well my go to is pasta, lucky for me basil and tomatoes are two things I always have in my house, even when I am in desperate need for groceries.

      Look like you are a master chef with the easy and delicious pasta dish!

      Caprese Pasta

      • 2 cups pasta of your choice
      • 1 container grape tomatoes
      • 8-10 basil leaves
      • 3 Tbsp olive oil
      • 2 Tbsp italiano seasoning
      • 2 tsp garlic powder
      • oregano, salt & pepper to taste
      • Chili flakes to taste (optional)

      Cook pasta, as per box instructions. As water comes to a boil chop tomatoes and basil, throw in a frying pan with 1 Tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp garlic powder and salt and pepper. Once pasta is cooked, drain In a bowl add remaining olive oil and spices to the pasta and stir. Plate pasta and top with tomatoes and basil. Serve and enjoy.

      Until next time day dreamers.


       

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      Posted in Vegan Eats | 0 Comments | Tagged Canada, Easy Vegan, family, Food&Drink, home, Pasta, Toronto, Vegan, Vegan Eats
    • Vegan eats.

      Posted at 10:13 AM by morningdaydreams, on May 26, 2016

      This week I am not posting a new recipe but rather chatting about some vegan cheeses and meat alternatives I am loving right now.

      When I was in Arizona I was pleasantly surprised to find a brand called Field Roast. I have seen this brand in Canada at Whole Foods, but I was excited to try out a few products. The first was the Chipolte Mexican and Italian ‘sausages’. These were both great and nicely flavored. I ended up chopping them and adding them to a variety of dishes.


      The second was the Field Roast Tomato and Cayenne ‘cheese’ slices. I AM OBSESSED!! I still must check my local Whole Foods, but these are so good. I mostly buy Daiya as you can find it everywhere, but I do find it does have a bit of an aftertaste and I only like it when melted. This one was great, so much so that I ate Tomato, ‘cheese’ and mustard sandwiches the entire time I was there. Yum!!


      The final ‘cheese’ I have  been splurging on is a Canadian made brand called Zengarry Fauxmagerie (love the little play on words). It is a cashew based product and it was more like a spread that I used for sandwiches, a dip with crackers and it was nice as a cream cheese substitute on a toasted bagel. Beware though this was and actual splurge for $14-15!!

      Until next time day dreamers.


      Help me become a top rated Mommy Blogger! If you enjoyed this post, click the Top Mommy Blogs button in the sidebar or below! If you clicked, you voted.

      Thanks Everyone!

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      Posted in Vegan Eats | 0 Comments | Tagged Canada, Easy Vegan, Toronto, Vegan, Vegan Cheese, Vegan Eats, Vegan Protein, Whole Foods
    • Vegan eats.

      Posted at 6:33 PM by morningdaydreams, on April 29, 2016

      In the spirit of being in Southern Arizona. I thought this weeks vegan eats post on tacos would be perfect! I love Mexican food and I was excited to serve up tacos this week with my parents. So next week enjoy taco Tuesday with this recipe or if I had my way, enjoy tacos everyday!!

      Taco Tuesday – taco EVERYDAY!

      • 2 corn tortillas 
      • 1/2 cup red peppers
      • 1/2 cup yellow peppers
      • 1/4 cup yellow onion
      • 1 Field Roast Mexican chipotle ‘sausage’
      • 1 tsp olive oil
      • 1 tsp oregano
      • 1 tsp garlic powder
      • 1  tsp cumin
      • 2 slices of avacado or 1 Tbsp guacamole 
      • 1 tsp salsa of your choice
      • Dash of chipotle hot sauce (optional)

      In a frying pan add olive oil, peppers, onion and sausage (sliced). Add spices and fry to taste. Heat corn tortillas in a frying pan when veggies and sausage are almost ready. Add veggies and sausage on tortilla, top with avacado, salsa and hot sauce and enjoy!!


      Until next time day dreamers.


      Help me become a top rated Mommy Blogger! If you enjoyed this post, click the Top Mommy Blogs button in the sidebar or below! If you clicked, you voted.

      Thanks Everyone!

      Posted in Vegan Eats | 0 Comments | Tagged Easy Vegan, Field Roast Products, tacos, Vegan, Vegan Eats
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