Friday Favorites - Week 340

Hi friend,

I'm glad you're joining me for this week's linky party!

How do you feel about fall? Melancholic? Excited for Christmas? Ready to throw off your leaves and de-clutter? Personally, I'm finding pleasure in knowing this whole hemisphere is beginning to be ablaze in colour at this time. It makes me feel excited and cosy at the same time. Oh, and of course I'm constantly going through my stuff and culling every cupboard, wardrobe and drawer that I own.

I want to feel super comfortable at home. Scented candles and a big snugly blanket on the couch are a big part of that. Fall is one of the best times to decorate, all the pumpkins, pretty leaves, natural elements and candles... however, I've never really been a fan of huge table centrepieces. They seem so space-consuming (me being a bit of a minimalist). So this rustic, minimalist autumn centrepiece that I chose for this party is perfect as it is basically made of Mason jars in different sizes, wine corks, a bit of twine and tea light candles. Such an easy way to create a lovely cosy fall atmosphere.

Now - onto the party!

Chocolate Zucchini Brownies (vegan, gf)

reading time: 3 min

These brownies are FUDGY
in a BIG way
Not too sweet, and full of rich chocolate flavor.

And yep, I'm smuggling vegetables into desserts again, and nobody noticed!!

After making Cauliflower Brownies, Sweet Potato Brownies, Kidney Bean Brownies, Avocado Brownies, Zucchini Pancakes and Zucchini Oatmeal, it was just a matter of time before I would make zucchini brownies.

It's still zucchini season, so I decided to make these beauties for my 25th birthday. And you know what? They were everyone's favourite!! Even after I told my guests what the main ingredient was ;)

Be assured that these brownies do not taste like zucchini at all. I would even say, these are my personal favourite so far! They are super soft, fluffy, fudgy, sweet, and chocolaty. So so good. And secretly healthy of course. But shhh, don't tell...!

Pamper Night Routine

reading time: 3 min

So, you're really stressed out with work or school? You feel like you're caught in a hamster wheel and you can't seem to get out? Your kids, your spouse, your dogs the people around you are driving you crazy? My friend, you need a pamper night.

Oh, I've been looking forward to this post. 

Golden Turmeric Milk

reading time: 2 min

Many people like to end their day by sipping on a cup of chamomile tea, but I've formed the new habit of making myself a cup of "golden milk" one hour before bedtime. It's spicy and warming, and lightly sweet. If you haven't heard of it yet, it's the turmeric powder that makes this beverage a "health potion" and that gives the "golden milk" its beautiful orange hue. 

I've provided you with two versions below, one a little simpler than the other. I'll admit to falling in the first (quicker) camp more often than not for my evening fix.

Friday Favorites - Week 339

Hello hello, and welcome to the linky party! I'm 25 now, and summer is officially over. So, happy autumnal equinox!

Since apples are in season, I chose a blog post on various uses for apple peelings. Apart from apple pies, applesauce and baked apples, there's a lot you can use these fruity gems for this time of year. Did you know you can make jelly, tea, pancake syrup and vinegar out of apple peels?!

Personally, I'm looking forward to trying some homemade apple tea and eating a piece of apple pie with it :)

Have fun with the party today!

Light Chestnut Pancakes (vegan & gluten-free)

reading time: 3 min

IT'S MY BIRTHDAY TODAY!

Say whaaaat? Another year older already? I'm turning 25 today, isn't that crazy!? Okay maybe not as crazy. Either way - to mark this occasion, here's my favourite fancy pancake recipe at the moment!

This is probably the pancake I could eat EVERY time. Chestnut flour is a great alternative to wheat based flour in any recipe. If chestnut flour wasn't so expensive, sigh...

These pancakes come with a super light filling as opposed to cream, chocolate sauce or ice cream, and are much healthier than your chocolate or maply syrup drowned ones. Just spread a little bit of plain soy yoghurt between each layer and fill with your favourite fruit - in my case: berries! But this would also work well with more exotic fruit too (I'm thinking banana or mangoes, yum). If that's not sweet enough for your taste, you can top your pancakes with a drizzle of agave syrup or a light dusting of icing sugar! Or go for a savoury topping instead! And obviously you can substitute the soy yoghurt for coconut yoghurt or what ever you have lurking in the fridge. 

These pancakes taste delicious, nutty and light, and are perfect for breakfast, lunch or dessert!
 

DIY Coin Necklace

reading time: 3 min

Hello fellow crafters!

I've been longing to make a DIY again, and here it is, one of the crafts that I've been wanting to make for over 3 years now!!

Last afternoon, my boyfriend and I finally got around to do a little crafting session making these. If you ask me, coin necklaces are not only a cute and unique piece of fashion, but also a great way to "recycle" old coins that you brought home from travelling. It's super easy to make, too.

Friday Favorites - Week 338

Welcome back to our Friday Favorites linky party! It's my 25th birthday next week, but until then I'm spending my days working on my masters thesis (and watching Youtube videos to procrastinate)... another of my favourite ways to procrastinate and spend time is by doing something crafty. I haven't done this in a while, but I'm determined to pick it up again, now that the days are getting shorter and I will spend more time inside. 

Since I am a sucker for lip care products, the tutorial for a homemade lip balm was immediately my favourite link this week :) It's not only easy to make, but also perfect in time to prevent those dry lips during fall and winter!

Check out the tutorial and all the other fun features below. And perhaps - add your own link to the party!

Alkaline Diet Detox : What I Ate

reading time: 4 min

Ever since introducing wheat back into my diet this spring, I have been ill three times already (during summer time), and as much as I love being able to eat vegan without having to check for gluten-free ingredients as well, I feel like I need a break.

I don't believe in bikini body detoxing to lose weight as fast as possible, nor do I believe in fruit juice cleanses (they are too high in sugar and are lacking fiber) or water fasting (starvation and yo-yo effect), but I do believe in the balance of alkalinity and acidity in our body, and I do believe that my increased consumption of glutinous grains has caused an increase of acid in my body. Which is why I decided to balance out my system with an alkaline "fast" for a week after returning from my trip to Portugal. The great thing about this is, you will:

- Cleanse your body from excess acids
- Increase your energy
- Shed excess weight
- Clear your mind
- Boost your immune system
- And consume a lot of nutrients, a lot of calories and a lot of food in general! This is not a starvation diet. Eat as much as you care for. 

Here's what I ate on my 10 Day Alkaline Diet Detox, and how I felt afterwards!

Thai Sticky Rice with Mango

reading time: 3 min

Oh my god you guys, this is literally heaven on a plate!

This is Sticky Rice with Mango and the third part of my "Thai cuisine" blog series where I recreate meals that I've eaten in Thailand (so if you have any suggestions for other Thai dishes to recreate, please let me know!). Sticky Rice with Mango (kao niew mamuang, literally: rice sticky mango) is one of the most popular Thai desserts, it's sweet, slightly salty, creamy and super sticky. Yum!

Friday Favorites - Week 337

Hi there friends!

Welcome to another round of Friday Favorites, and welcome fall. With the leaves turning golden and the days getting shorter and darker, fall is the perfect season to take some time for DIY projects, makeovers, de-cluttering and renovations.

I love being able to make my own stuff, such as candles, jewellery, beauty products etc. because it enables me to have full control over the ingredients while also saving money. The tutorial for handmade soap that I chose for this week's favorites is great because 1) it's affordable and 2) it looks and smells just like a store-bought soap bar (if not better). For the delicious creamsicle fragrance, the author used vanilla soap fragrance and orange essential oil, and she also added in some orange zest for colour. All natural!!

Now let yourself be inspired by the awesome crafts and tutorials below! And if you want to share your own project or recipe with me - go ahead :)

Lifestyle Favorites ❤ August /16

reading time: 4 min

If you are new here (welcome!), this is where I share my most recently discovered everyday "essentials" that I call my Lifestyle Favorites (outfits, food findings, books, movies, activities, inspiring ideas...) each month. This month I've been a little experimental, so hop along if you're curious to see what I've been up to lately.
 

No Churn Banoffee Pie Ice Cream (raw, vegan)

reading time: 2 min

Banoffee Pie Ice Cream without an ice cream maker

Preparation time: 20 mins + 3 hours freezing time
Main ingredients: banana, dates, buckwheat, coconut milk
difficulty level: easy - moderate
serves: 2 - 4
suitable for: vegan, lactose-free, gluten-free, soy-free, paleo, raw food

Since this is the finale of my Ice Cream Galore, this has got to be something extra fancy!

In case you're wondering what Banoffee Pie is to begin with, it's an English dessert. The term "Banoffee" comes from its two main ingredients: banana and toffee. Traditionally, you add graham crackers and chocolate and whipped cream - and yeah, it's pretty much a recipe for heart disease, especially when it comes in the shape of fibre-less, high-fat ice cream! Now luckily there are ways to make this dairy-free, gluten-free and healthier, and that's what I'm gonna do today.

No dairy, no nuts, no fancy ice cream contraption... you're gonna go bananas for this ;)

Friday Favorites - Week 336

Hello hello, and welcome to another Friday Favorites linky party! 

August has officially ended, and a last stretch of summer has begun: September. My personal favourite month because it's my birthday month and it's also the golden month of harvest, changing leaves and the most beautiful afternoon light.

Sounding the bell for September and the beginning of fall, I chose a recipe for a rich, hearty and somewhat autumnal sweet potato and black bean soup that will warm your bellies and hearts.