How about a life-y things type update? It’s been a while! I’ll start, and you can fill me in on what’s new with you, if you’d like. Don’t mind the occasional blurry iPhone photo below (they secretly kill me).
1. June Challenge
For the month of June I challenged myself to 1 smoothie a day and 1 salad a day. So far it’s going strong and I’m packing in more veggies and fruit (check out the slew of smoothies, smoothie bowls, and parfaits taking over my Instagram lately). And chocolate for good measure. Want to join me? This smoothie bowl below is going in the next cookbook. Adults and kiddos alike are going nuts over it. I’m having so much fun coming up with summer breakfasts lately…
2. May fun.
May was a fun and busy month! There was my first Mother’s Day and birthday celebration, a visit from my mom, another visit from my mom and stepdad, celebrating my Grandparents 50th anniversary (!), and a lot of baby milestones in between (we now have a crawler on our hands!).
3. Morning Sing Songs
As it turns out, Adriana loves to sing when she’s in a good mood. Check out this video I shared on Instagram last week (turn on the volume). I have no idea how she hits some of those notes! I certainly can’t (a reality she knows all too well). We’ve had some challenges with teething and other developments this month, so these sweet, happy moments are all the more appreciated! I may or may not watch this video before bed every night…girl kills me.
4. Organic CSA
An easy way to get more veggies into your diet? Support a local CSA (community shared agriculture). We just had our first delivery yesterday. I had forgotten how exciting it is when the loot arrives! It takes all of my restraint not to tackle the delivery person. Since we don’t have a veggie garden in our current backyard, I figure this is the next best thing. It’s already helping me break out of cooking ruts. Random question – what would you make with this loot? The first thing I did was sauté the mushrooms and throw them over a salad. The second thing I did was make collard wraps (SO GOOD). A new obsession has formed…
5. Kitchen Adventures
The state of my kitchen lately (on a good day). Note: only one drawer is open Eric! I’m currently wrapping up the recipes for my next cookbook over the next month or so. The kitchen reno that we did last summer is definitely being put to good use! It’s easily the most used, loved, and enjoyed room of the house.
6. Current state of mind.
Image via heyokreal.
I feel like I could write an essay on this topic, but I’ll save that for another day.
7. A couple press things
I recently found out the University of Guelph (where I pursued my undergrad studies) included me in their alumni spotlight. See: University of Guelph Alumni feature
The Oh She Glows Cookbook was #1 on the Globe and Mail Bestseller list (Food and Cooking) again last month. Thank you all so much for your continued support! It’s making me all the more excited for cookbook #2 in 2016. There are so many awesome recipes I’m dying for you to try (I seriously think I’m going to have to host a big kick-off party with all my fav recipes or something).
8. Updated blog header + pictures
You might have noticed an updated blog look for the summer (or until I get bored of it again). Eric took a couple updated photos of me and I added those to the sidebar, About page, and Before and After page. It feels like just yesterday when our photographer Dave Biesse shot my last headshots for the cookbook, but as it turns out, that was 2 years ago already. Slow down time!
So there’s a random update. Much more to share, but this is a good start.
Ok, tell me about your plans for June and this summer. Any exciting work/personal projects or travels on the horizon? Also, what would you make with my CSA loot?
I am working with a holistic nutritionist right now. I love it. I am working on meditating daily at least 10 min. I am also working on a green smoothie, a big salad and a grain bowl every day. So far I love it. I have been eating one of your salad recipes. I think it is the nourish salad bowl with the dill dressing. The dill dressing is amazing. I have your cookbook and just love it. I can’t wait to get the new one coming out. That smoothie bowl looks so yummy.
Do you have any collard green wrap recipes????
Adriana singing is the most precious thing ever!! I’m getting very, very excited for OSG cookbook #2!!
Angela, I have been a veg/vegan for 28 years now. Never been to concerned about what I ate as long as it wasn’t animals. As I am getting older I figured I should start being more concerned about my health (it’s always been good but could be better). I only recently came across a couple of your recipes and they looked good. I decided to buy your book and have had a couple of weeks now. Every recipe I make is just delicious! I am hooked on your Glow bars and just finished eating my first batch yesterday. I went into a newish coffee shop near work yesterday and unbelievably they had Glow bars!! Now I need never run out! Love your book Angela and can’t wait for the next one.
Hi Angela!
I`m with you for the smoothie challenged :))
I like green smoothie bowls top with any kinds of your granola!
My other challenged for this month is 21 days of meditation…
to help me reduce some stress.. even good stress is a stress! :P
And i`m already excited for your second cookbook!
Congradulation and thank you for changing my life so weeeellllll :))
that bowl looks so so delicious!! yumm I love it
https://aspoonfulofnature.wordpress.com/
I love your honest photo of your kitchen! Yes, there are many, many days when my kitchen looks like that too. The joys of being a food blogger! And what would I make with the produce in your CSA box? I’m thinking, green smoothies! (Collard wraps sound awesome too, although I’ve yet to try them…really should…)
Hi! Just wondering- my local natural food store can’t get raw buckwheat groats right now. Can I use roasted buckwheat (kasha) in your buckwheat porridge recipe? Buckwheat is a safe grain for me but I don’t have any experience with it. Thanks!
Wow. Seriously, your little girl has nailed the vibrato!? I didn’t even know that was possible at that age. You may truly have a singing prodigy on your hands in another year or two. I kid you not!
Angela,
I’m not vegan, but I love your website. Cutting out my favorite guilty pleasures like mac and cheese and my morning yogurt has been a blessing to me, not only to my health, but to my wallet and my lifestyle. As a busy college student, I use your chia pudding recipe for great energy throughout the day and I love to use your vegan burgers and your fantastic vegan mac and cheese when I’m craving it. Even though I enjoy meat, cutting out heavily processed animal products is important to me. So I have a challenge for you and I think you are the perfect person for the job! I have one last obsession that I can’t find a good substitute for. I LOVE my litehouse ranch with my raw veggies. I feel so guilty because it’s not only expensive, but it’s also very processed. It’s very thick ranch dip, not dressing, that I love to have with my carrots, cauliflower and broccoli and I just would love to have a healthier vegan alternative to. If you are up for the challenge, I would be so grateful! Let me know if you are interested and hopefully you have this fantastic brand in Canada to test your hubby with! I would love you forever!
Adriana is so cute singing! =)
I like the new header too. I wish you all the best with your cookbook to come, it must be so much work!
I totally relate to that last quote. Life as a working mom is always challenging, overwhelming, and yet so rewarding. A constant balancing act that once I think I have it figured out, changes with new milestones and responsibilities or projects.
I love everything about this post! I love the idea of a smoothie and salad a day! I’ve so been craving fresh fruits and veggies as the temperatures continue to rise. I cannot wait until your second cookbook comes out, your first is something I look at basically every day! I love your recipes so much! Thanks for the update and your raw honesty-it’s so beautiful! <3
Thanks for the update! I recently found your website and I’m loving it. I’ve been vegetarian for too many years than I can count, and this month decided to give it try with a vegan lifestyle. Your website has been very inspiring and helpful as I’ve searched for new recipes and ideas. I’m also a mother of two and I am happy to be offering my boys new, inventive dishes as well. Thank you!
Hello!
First, thank you for all the amazing recipes! I love them all! Random question: my husband is allergic to walnuts, but he can eat any other nut. Which nut is the best substitute? I really want to try the Italian bean balls and walnut lentil taco meat!
Loving your new blog layout! The colours are perfect. And I also can not wait for your next cookbook. SO excited :)
www.nikkisplate.com
June is all about welcoming summer for me! I just wrapped up my 70 miler and now it is back to maintenance and training for my bigger summer races. I love the idea of committing to a salad and a smoothie a day. I will have to join you! :)
Loving the new header with that watercolor beet!
I am so excited for your next cookbook!! I LOVE your first one. I hope your first mother’s day was very special!
Danielle
I’m pretty jealous of your smoothie bowl. We just did a cross country move and our blender is buried somewhere DEEP in storage until we get a permanent place to live. My June plan is a trip to Iceland with my brother in his wife and continued training for my first half marathon in the fall! Which means pumping in nutrients so I’m fueled for my runs!
Positive change always starts from inside out. I find this blog exceptionally great!
Angela,
So I’m sitting here in bed, unable to sleep as per usual, so I decide to grab my laptop and I’m like, “hey i should check up on angela’s blog, i wonder if she has posted anything since the almond butter fudge..” and then BAM! Not that I don’t love all the recipes you share, but it was so refreshing to just read about YOU and whats going on! I follow you on instagram and I love getting little peaks into your everyday life, inside and outside of the kitchen, especially the updates on your precious baby!! Anyway, enough fan-girling…. I love your June challenge, although the month is half over.. I’m going to give it a go! Maybe it will carry on into July.. wishful thinking.
As for the CSA loot, I immediately thought about a savory breakfast scramble! I usually sauté some mushrooms and onions for about 15 mins with some tofu, then throw in the veggies that won’t take more than 5 minutes to cook, like broccoli! And of course the base, which is always several leaves of either kale or collard greens. Paired with maybe a slice of toast, some almond butter, and pear slices! Mmmm.. Okay Sara, focus! Haha anyway. Just want to say I love these type of posts every now and again! I am a huge supporter of yours and cannot wait for osg cookbook #2!!! Many blessings to you and your beautiful family! Thanks for keeping us in the loop :)
Adriana is such an adorable child! I am totally in love with her! :)
I was wondering if you ever thought about doing a post about how to start a blog, how to build your blog, and just blog tips in general?
Loving the new graphics on the website! Also, just have to say that is an awesome photo of you two – you’re both glowing! :)
(Referring to the pic of you and Eric)
I am curious about your smoothie and salad. It’s really yummy. Thank you for the recipes.
Your blog has been my go to place for healthy snacks and meals for awhile now. I have your first cook book and can’t wait for the second one to come out. I’m with you trying to balance having a career, young kids and being healthy – not always easy. Thanks for all your fantastic recipes they make my life easier and always put a smile on my face :)
Ahh it’s so good to catch up with you in this post, Ange! (And I know my email reply to you is long overdue – it’s coming I promise!) Your smoothie bowl looks divine and I’ve been loving smoothie + salad combos lately too, now that the weather is so nice and warm. Your kitchen is absolutely stunning (even if all the drawers and cupboards are open) and I hope to have one just as gorgeous some day! :)
Oh! me too… love to work; love being a mom! I did put the ‘work’ part aside though, 13 years back! And for your June challenge, you could include a mini parfait too :)
http://www.handfulofrecipes.com/mini-parfait/
Been thinking about supporting a local CSA, but haven’t pulled the trigger. Your photo definitely convinced me I should try it!
A second cookbook!? So excited!
Love the new header, very festive for summer. And such a great quote. My kitchen looks like that a lot too especially after playing dueling chefs with hubby.
Hi Angela, I love your update posts. Just a quick question for you that I don’t believe you have addressed before. I am a relatively new vegan (less than a year) but sometimes I find it difficult and I “cheat” sometimes by eating things including dairy/egg ingredients (but never meat). It is satisfying in the moment, but afterwards I feel guilty and get mad at myself for making that choice which results in unnecessary self-loathing. Just wondering if you ever dealt with this when becoming vegan, or if you are ever tempted to sway off your vegan diet, and how do you deal with it? Anyone else can feel free to comment as well. Thanks!
Hi, Melanie! I’ve run into that problem as well, and it does stink how we can beat ourselves up about it. I reframe it – a), behavior change is always hard, and transitioning to a Vegan diet is a HUGE transition…so kudos on how far you’ve come in just under a year’s time! And b) I’m eating a heck of a lot healthier than I was as a carnivore, so every good step is in the right direction.
Here’s a couple things that have helped me. Take whatever sounds do-able for you, and you can delete the rest: :)
Know that you will lose the cravings for dairy eggs, milk and cheese over time, and most likely your body will eventually not be able to process it because it’s “foreign.” I’m now not able to “snitch” on any of that without having bloating and several other uncomfortable symptoms, so it’s just not worth it. I talked with a long-time Vegan who’s also a bakery chef/nutritionist, and she forewarned me. According to her experience/study, many who transition to eating Vegan will become lactose-intolerant (or may have been all along and didn’t know it).
Planning is key. We’ll go for the “old stuff” when we’re low on energy, stressed, feeling overwhelmed or just out of kilter. It’s the body’s natural way of compensating to make us feel better. So advanced preparing for those times helps. I won’t go to the grocery store really hungry because I might buy that cheese pizza or shredded mexican blend on impulse. I find that even with just prepping for our meals and planning the menus. “Who has time to eat Vegan?!” I’ll say. “I have to work, look after my family and keep up a house!” So we’re setting aside time to browse recipes/plan meals (a folder with ones we want to do and pick them out weekly) and one physical time to chop up/prep foods for that week – usually a Saturday or Sunday. Angela’s got a lot of great advice on her blog and a listing of freezer-friendly meals, ready-to-go snacks, etc… I won’t keep dairy in the house and if I’m going someplace new (restaurant, party where I don’t know people), I’ll check the menu (if available) before going or ask if I can bring something to share. It takes the pressure off eating what I don’t want to eat and doesn’t sacrifice my goals.
Like you said, it lasts momentarily when we indulge. It’s the majority of our (Western) culture who eats dairy; while the awareness of ease of finding Vegan foods is growing, it is still a novelty in many areas. And we realize we’ve eaten something that’s not healthy for us and feel like carp because the whole foods always are best for us.
-For cheese, we look for Daiya shreds on sale and keep one of each in our freezer. I haven’t used their slices much – I haven’t had much luck with it and other brands so I just use the shreds. I also buy nutritional yeast in bulk at a local whole-foods-type/organic grocery store (it’s a cheesy-tasting powder loaded with B vitamins and other minerals and very good to eat as a vegan). Most bulk places that carry it have it in large flake or small. You can use either. It’s great mixed with toasted sesame seeds as a parmesan substitute (check out, “1,000 Vegan Recipes” – it’s called “Parmesio”-hello, Italian recipes!). I use straight NY as an equivalent ounce for ounce with shredded/grated cheese in recipes.SO good.
AT HOME:
So, if I’m craving a Velveeta-like sauce, I can whip up one (I use a recipe from, “The Idiot’s Guide to Gluten-Free, Vegan Cooking,” or “Happy Herbivore”). If I want plain ‘ol melted “cheese,” we have the shreds (just take what you want from the frozen bag and then put the bag back in the freezer-stays better longer).
For milk substitutes, I rotate different types so I don’t get bored (I used to drink milk like it was going out of style). I haven’t made Angela’s recipe for homemade oat milk yet d/t time, but I want to. So, we rotate hemp milk, flax milk, rice milk, almond milk and for splurges coconut or cashew. It’s fun to try to make them and Angela has done at least two or three kinds on her blog, in her first cookbook and the recipe bundle.
For eggs, the options are a lot more limited, namely Soy/Tofu. It scrambles up a lot like scrambled eggs but will be watery. Press it first and buy the extra firm variety. There’s something called ener-g egg replacer that I’ve heard of, but I don’t know how it works. Haven’t tried. I eat limited amounts of Soy for myself, but it is great as a, “I really want ‘eggs’!” every once in a while. Those who like Soy and can eat it in larger quantities use it for a lot of things dairy.
Hope this helps. It’s a long post, but there’s a lot I’ve learned. It was soooo helpful to have people who I could ask who’d been there before. My transition took about 4 1/2 years but it’s paying off in so many ways, and I love what it’s doing….for me, the planet, and everyone/everything in between. Good luck!
Love the June challenge! Smoothies + salads = the best.
Congrats on your cookbook; that’s awesome news!
enjoying ur blog thus far! :) very informative and entertaining at the same time. :)
i blog here: https://shalloweuphoria.wordpress.com/
I would love to have that smoothie bowl recipe for the summer to enjoy with the kids. Book won’t be out for a while, right?
The smoothie challenge sounds great! Angela, Do you typically use protein powder? If so, have you tried the Arbonne protein powder? It’s made with plant protein. I’m a nursing mom trying to find a safe protein powder, I was wondering if you have used it and liked it or have a favourite.
That breakfast “smoothie bowl” looks delicious – love the colour and look forward to the recipe! And that looked liked a nice box of organics, food just tastes better when it’s local!
A very nice article, thank you for keeping us updated.
I enjoyed this post – blurry iphone photos as all. :) I especially enjoyed the shot of your kitchen – good to know I’m not the only one who makes a mess. ha ha
I like the idea of include a smoothie and a salad a day into your meals. I imagine this is a good way to stay on track with healthy eating. I might have to give it a try myself!
Don’t forget about us, old people, on facebook. I don’t instagram so I’ve missed a lot of your yummy smoothies.
where can i find the recipe for that yummy looking smoothie bowl?? it looks amazing… ;-) plans for june — let myself and my girls (i have an 11 and 14 year old…it really does fly way too fast) sleep in!! lots of reading, lots of cooking together, and lots of sunshine!
Hello,
I just signed the petition, “President of the People’s Republic of China: STOP THE YULIN DOG MEAT EATING FESTIVAL.”
I think this is important. Will you sign it too?
Here’s the link:
http://www.change.org/p/president-of-the-people-s-republic-of-china-stop-the-yulin-dog-meat-eating-festival
Thanks,
LIA
Hi, Angela! I’ve not tried Collard greens that I can remember, so you’ve piqued my interest! I’m working to add more greens and reduce any pre-packaged gluten free/vegan breads thanks to the high glycemic index, calorie count and low nutritive value. So your idea for those as wraps sound great!
I credit your cookbook/blog/FB with introducing me to things like buckwheat groats, hemp seed, raw cacao powder, cauliflower as a sauce (YUM!) and who knows how many other wonderful nutrient-dense whole foods. I’m sure the next cookbook, just like your blog, will continue to do the same.
…and in the meantime, I’m trying very hard not to blow through all of the recipes in your bonus recipe bundle and the recipes I have printed out. Must pace myself…I finally received it and as usual, every recipe looks incredible…I think we “ate” our way through the first cookbook in about 5 months. :0 lol
Happy Summer and so glad you, Eric and your little bean are enjoying it! You all deserve it for the good you spread to people around the world.
haha.. I love that quote, only that I have few more things to add and I don’t know how to do it all.. thoroughly enjoyed reading ur post
Love this post! I’m in the process of renovating my kitchen. I’m loving your countertops. What are they and do you love them?! If there’s a of post on your kitchen that would be awesome. Thanks! Kelly
Hello Angela…sorry to use this format but there is no email address on your website for contacting you. Just read your cookbook and wanted to say that it would be nice to give credit to the ‘Mother of Green Smoothies’, Victoria Boutenko, who was making them a full decade (1999) before your discovery. It is so easy to change an ingredient and make a recipe one’s own but with a trend like Green Smoothies, it’s nice to honor Victoria and the Raw Foods movement which, while not a new concept, took a leap in knowledge and popularity about 15 years ago. I’m not sure of the publication date of Victoria’s book “Green Smoothies” but it was around that time…revised editions have come out since.
Just taking a moment to say how much I enjoyed this new cookbook….new to me , and at 57, at the other end of child rearing… I am patiently waiting for grandchildren to enjoy. I remember being so bloody tired juggling two kids when I taught fulltime …and trying to just take better care of myself. Cooking was a dreaded chore for me. You have so many solid management techniques and wellness strategies both in your cookbook and in your blog. I commend women who know the importance of that life balance early on… Thanks for sharing so much more than recipes .
Hi Angela,
Thanks for sharing your stories and awesome recipes. I really enjoy this blog!
Alyssa
I’ve never seen food look so appetizing than from browsing those completed recipe pics on your site. The best, icing on the cake is that I can be confident that even the icing is a healthy option. I’m a baby boomer, 4 grown children, was one of those earthy crunchy moms….birth assistant, breastfeeding, homebirth etc….you get the picture. Miss it all. My youngest son, now 27 has been a vegetarian for 10 years. The first several years were hit or miss with knowledgeable options. Too much soy at first….then years of lots of raw veggies, then years of eliminating gluten, GMO, soy (for sure) etc. However, he has developed a sever leaky gut which seems to have effected his focus and thought process as well. It was recommended by an ethnobotanist, Dawn Combs, we met at the Mother Earth Fair in PA, that it’s not that uncommon that too much fiber can slough off the membrane in the intestinal lining causing leaky gut and preventing absorption of nutrients, often resulting in a form of starvation. Sooo, she recommended, not eating meat, but trying to sip on bone broth, from grass fed, sustainably and lovingly raised cows, chickens, and steaming the veggies for now until the gut is healed. She went on to say that the bone broth has the nutrients that the body desperately needs to heal the intestinal lining. Has anyone had experience with this?