Eating Vegan Paleo / Baked Sweet Potato with Beans and Greens

29 Apr

My favorite "lazy" meal. Baked sweet potato with greens and beans.

For the past several months since I’ve gone grain-free, I’ve been on the search for really quick, easy to make “lazy day” meals that will keep me satisfied without hitting up Seamless for takeout.  These types of recipes are especially important for me when my work schedule gets insane and my days really long.

While perusing Pinterest one day I came across this recipe on the Kitchn and have been hooked making variations of it ever since.  The formula is pretty simple.  Take a baked sweet potato, and stuff it with a tasty combination of beans and greens. Depending on how you cook the potato, it can be ready to eat in 10 minutes start to finish.

If I have some extra time, I’ll actually roast the sweet potato in the oven (which takes an hour).  Otherwise, if I’m being super lazy it just goes in my microwave on the baked potato setting.  The beans and greens get sautéed in a pan with olive oil, garlic, and maybe some onions or shallots while the potato cooks.  They also can be mixed and matched depending on what you are in the mood for.

Here’s some examples of the different variations I’ve made:

The Original

(i.e. the Kitchn version)- Sweet potato, kale, white beans.

The Mexican

Sweet potato, spinach, black beans and top with salsa and avocado.

The Italian

Sweet potato, broccoli rabe, chickpeas and a squeeze of lemon juice. (shown above, this one was AMAZING)

The Clean-Out-the Fridge

Sweet potato, whatever greens are in my fridge, whatever beans are in my cabinet.  It can also include other “leftovers” from that week.  One particularly good version included some leftover lentil salad I had made for the bean component.

The possibilities are pretty endless.  Plus it’s pretty damn tasty.

What’s your favorite “lazy day” recipe?

The Big Chop

26 Apr

Haircut Appointment 2013

At this point in time it’s no secret, I chopped off all my hair!  It happened last Wednesday at Adelaide Salon here in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.  It’s not that often I make a drastic hair length change like this, so to commemorate the event, photographer Joel Stigliano tagged along to document it.

My long time stylist Casey (who also did my dip-dye) did the honors.  I wanted to donate the hair to Locks of Love, and I had so much hair it resulted in two ponytails we chopped off.  All in all I think it was about 10 inches we took off.

Haircut Appointment 2013

Haircut Appointment 2013

Haircut Appointment 2013

The style I wanted was an inverted bob, which is longer in the front than it is in the back.  Casey took her time really perfecting the shape and when it was done, it was perfect!  Very flattering to my jaw line.

Also, for anyone wondering, the best way to cut curly hair is when it’s dry so you can see the natural curl pattern.  That’s why Casey’s cutting my hair prior to us washing it.

Haircut Appointment 2013

Haircut Appointment 2013

Haircut Appointment 2013

Haircut Appointment 2013

Haircut Appointment 2013

During my entire appointment, we had this adorable guy watching us.  Can you believe he’s just a puppy?!  Probably the most well-behaved puppy I’ve ever encountered.

Haircut Appointment 2013

Haircut Appointment 2013

Haircut Appointment 2013

Once my bob was pretty well-shaped, it was then time for color.  I decided I wanted to dye my hair back to my natural brunette.  While I loved the red, it was too high maintenance for me.  Adelaide Salon carries Organic Color Systems which is a vegan line, so I was all set!

Haircut Appointment 2013

Haircut Appointment 2013

Haircut Appointment 2013

After the dye set it was then time to wash, set and dry the curls.

I often get a lot of questions from readers on how I style my hair, so stay tuned next week as Casey walks us through a curly hair styling tutorial!

PHOTOGRAPHY  BY // Joel Stigliano

Little Black Dress / The Lack of Sleep Cure

25 Apr

LBD
WHAT IM WEARING // KAREN KANE Wrap Dress (very old via Filene’s Basement) // TARGET Vivian Heels // JUSTFAB Cuff // CORNELIA GUEST Nicholas Satchel

As you can see, spring is in full bloom here in Brooklyn!   Here’s my first post with my new hair.  What do you think?

This LBD (little black dress) has been in my wardrobe for probably 8 years now.  Last time it made an appearance on the blog was in 2010 I think!  It’s true testimony that every girl’s wardrobe needs the perfect LBD.  Actually, multiple LBD’s if you ask me.  This is technically my “daytime” LBD.  It works for day or evening, but is a little too casual for cocktail or formal events.  I have a sexier Dolce & Gabbana one that I wear to those.

Not only is this wrap version very flattering on, but since it’s a jersey knit it’s INCREDIBLY comfortable.  Just like jammies.  Any time I roll out of bed, have no idea what to wear and am incredibly cranky I always put this on.  This was the case the day these photos were taken, I had literally gotten only 4 hours sleep due to my cat waking me up multiple times in the middle of the night.  I’m not embarrassed I was so tired I actually cried.  She’s such a brat.

I also like to wear this dress a lot when I travel for work.  Jersey wrap dresses are just as comfortable to wear on planes for hours at a time as leggings and a sweatshirt.

LBD

LBD

LBD

So lesson of the day is, if you’ve gotten zero to no sleep, try a little black dress.  No one will know the difference.

Do you have a go to LBD?

Jill Milan Luxury Vegan Handbags

24 Apr

Jill Milan Art Deco Clutch
Jill Milan Art Deco Clutch $2,500

How sexy is this clutch?  Did I mention it’s vegan?  I wish I was famous and could attend red carpet events just so I could carry it for a few hours.  If my wish came true, I wouldn’t be the only starlet to grace the red carpet with this clutch.  Anne Hathaway (my vegan fashion girl crush BTW) and Kerry Washington have both had this bag on their arm working the carpet, and oh is it fabulous!

Museum Of Moving Image Salute To Hugh Jackman - Arrivals

Django Unchained - UK Premiere - Red Carpet Arrivals

This particular bag is a Jill Milan Art Deco clutch, and one of many evening, day and business bags the vegan luxury designer makes. They are truly a luxury brand, with all their pieces crafted in Italy. All their pieces feature the highest quality PVC-free and cruelty-free faux leathers and patents, velvets and ultrasuedes.

One reason I’m crushing on Jill Milan’s pieces is not only are they gorgeous and luxurious, but their pieces aren’t accidentally vegan. They are a luxury brand 100% focused on working with vegan materials. In fact, the company supports several organizations furthering the protection of animal welfare. They’ve also been a sponsor of The Genesis Awards, which is an event hosted by The Humane Society of the United States which honors members of the media and entertainment industries for works promoting animal welfare. If that isn’t the most beautiful definition of glamour and philanthropy I don’t know what is.

If money was no object, I’d have all of these in my closet or on my arm. How amazing are these?

Jill Milan Soho Oversized Carry all

Jill Milan Soho Oversized Carryall $1400Jill Milan Hollywood Hills Crossbody

Jill Milan Hollywood Hills Crossbody $650Jill Milan Newbury Street Portfolio

Jill Milan Newbury Street Portfolio $800

So if anyone would like buy me a Jill Milan Art Deco clutch and fly me out to LA for the next Genesis Awards so I have a fancy schmancy event to wear it to, I’d totally be game.  Just sayin’.

Giveashit

23 Apr

Giveashit
WHAT I’M WEARING // A QUESTION OF Tee (bought in Iceland) // ZARA Blazer // H&M Jeans // TARGET Heels // CORNELIA GUEST Handbag // JUSTFAB Sunglasses

I’m not usually a fan of graphic tees, but I spotted this one at a boutique while in Iceland and just had to get it.  I absolutely love its Givenchy reference, and at the same time speaks to my values in a weird way.  The fact that it’s somewhat profane also sold the deal for me.  Even my mother was like “Oh!  You have to buy that shirt it’s soooo you!”.

So in other news I cut all my hair off last week!  These are actually the last photos I took prior to the big chop.  Now that it’s been a week and I’m used to the new ‘do, it’s actually kind of strange for me looking at my old, long locks.  I must say though, I’m a much bigger fan of short hair on me.  I think it’s much more flattering not only for my face and physique, but also for my curls.

Since I was going to chop off over 12 inches of my hair, there was no way I wasn’t going to get it documented somehow plus I wanted the photos for when I donated my hair to Locks of Love.  So stay tuned later this week for photos of the final result as well as some from my actual appointment.

Giveashit

Giveashit

The Intrepid Civilian Military Combine

22 Apr

Intrepid Civilian Military Combine

If you follow me on Twitter or Instagram, you may be aware that on April 6th I woke up ridiculously early to head over to the Intrepid Air and Space Museum in NYC to participate in the Civilian Military Combine.

If you’ve never been to the Intrepid, it’s pretty cool.  It’s a museum on a retired aircraft carrier.  I remembered visiting it as a kid and loving it.  So when my friend Lindsay from my Crossfit gym asked me if I’d be interested in participating in the event and that it came with free tickets to the museum, I was sold.  I joined Team Down Bottom Position (named after a popular phrase one of our coaches often uses) and signed up for the event.  Lindsay and our teammate Kristi even made us some great shirts to rock during the event.

Intrepid Civilian Military Combine

Intrepid Civilian Military Combine

Intrepid Civilian Military Combine

The Civilian Military Combine is a competition that puts civilians against military personnel in a test of fitness.  It starts off with a Crossfit style “WOD” strength component, and then you move onto a 1/2 mile long obstacle course.

Intrepid Civilian Military Combine

The PIT element consisted of as many rounds as possible in 7 minutes of

  • 7 45 pound push presses
  • 7 26 pound kettlebell swings
  • 7 20″ burpee box jumps

So the goal is to get as many reps as you can in the 7 minutes.  I completed around 89 reps, mostly because I’m slow (or so my coaches tell me).  I’ve been working pretty hard to try to get faster during these types of workouts.  It really makes you have to push yourself outside of your comfort zone.

Intrepid Civilian Military Combine

Intrepid Civilian Military Combine

Intrepid Civilian Military Combine

After the PIT, you were immediately sent over to the half a mile long obstacle course.  It consisted of a weighted sled push…

Intrepid Civilian Military Combine

Carrying an insanely heavy sandbag up three flights of stairs and back down…

Intrepid Civilian Military Combine

Monkey bars…

Intrepid Civilian Military Combine

Rope wall climbs…

Intrepid Civilian Military Combine

Scaling numerous walls…

Intrepid Civilian Military Combine

Ladder type walls….

Intrepid Civilian Military Combine

Carrying large buckets filled with water through a maze…

Intrepid Civilian Military Combine

And this lovely obstacle at the end.  It was basically two rope meshes, one on top and one on the bottom.  You had to roll your way through it and pull yourself out the other end.  Holy ab workout.

Intrepid Civilian Military Combine

We all finished and had a fantastic time!

Intrepid Civilian Military Combine

Immediately after we finished, we got to explore the Intrepid Museum.  Although it was pretty cold out (it was in the 40′s!), we still had a crystal-clear perfect day to check out all the planes.

Intrepid Civilian Military Combine

Intrepid Civilian Military Combine

Intrepid Civilian Military Combine

Have you ever visited the Intrepid or completed a CMC Event?  If so I’d love to hear about it!

*Special thanks to Chris for getting all these photos the day of the event.

Loving This Deux Lux Bag

18 Apr

Camera Roll-1044

So a few weeks ago I ordered this Deux Lux bag via a Gilt sale and OMG I am so glad I did.  I love it so much I just wanted to share.

That is all!

Spring Has Sprung

16 Apr

Spring Has Sprung

WHAT I’M WEARING // HANES Tee // YASO Faux Leather Jacket (similar)// H&M Jeans // JUSTFAB Sunglasses // TRIPLE 5 SOUL Tote Bag (old)

Spring is officially here!  I love that it’s been in the mid-50′s to 60′s consistently for more than a week!  That means no more winter coats for me and instead I get to wear my favorite faux leather jacket on repeat.  It also means it’s now light out later, so I can do more outfit posts!

My big hair appointment is tomorrow, and I have to say looking at the photo below of my curls I’m somewhat nervous to chop it all off.  It’s really pretty at the length it’s at and I know a lot of girls would love to be in my position.  Then I remember how long it takes me to get my hair to dry (which is over 30 minutes, blow-drying!) and I remember going shorter is the best decision for me at this moment.  I just simply don’t have the time to maintain it, which means I’m constantly wearing a ponytail or bun.  Not very chic.

I’m pretty excited to see how it comes out!  Spring is the perfect time for a change.

Spring Has Sprung

Spring Has Sprung

I’m Speaking at the Seed!

12 Apr

TheSeedAnnouncement

I am so excited to finally get to announce this!

The Seed is a huge vegan event being held from May 18th and 19th here in NYC at 82 Mercer.  There will be lots of delicious vegan food, products, services, world-renowned speakers, films, and more.  Best part about the Seed is it’s designed around a more “veg-curious” crowd, meaning if you are not currently vegan but are interested in the lifestyle, it’s a great place to come on out and see what it’s all about.

To my surprise, the organizers of the event  have invited me to be a featured speaker!  I’m not exactly sure which date I’ll be speaking just yet, but will be sure to let everyone know once it’s been announced.  I’ll be talking about how to best represent the vegan cause through what you wear and how to transition your wardrobe to a cruelty-free one.

I’m honored to be included with a huge variety of renowned speakers in the vegan community, all of which you can see here.  I had a near freak out seeing my name directly next to Brendan Brazier.  His Thrive Sports Nutrition Diet and Vega Sport Performance Protein is keeping me on track with my Crossfit goals so he’s been a huge inspiration for me!

Will you be attending the Seed?  If so I’d love to meet you so let me know!

I’m Going to Wanderlust

4 Apr

Untitled

IMAGE CREDIT // AbbeyLey

My friends Glenna, Sharon and I have been talking about going to the Wanderlust Festival since early this year.  We all met years ago doing marathons with Team in Training, so to say we’re all pretty active and athletic is an understatement.  While we all enjoy yoga, I wouldn’t describe us as die-hard yogis.  I haven’t been able to go as often as I used to now that I’m Crossfitting.  Glenna and Sharon however both practice yoga as supplements to their current race training.

This past week we finally booked the trip and made it official.  I’m so excited!  We all went out for dinner on Monday and decided on activities to book together, which include Ashtanga (my personal favorite style of yoga), paddle boarding, sunset hikes, lectures, and even hip-hop yoga!  There also should be some yummy vegan eats according to the event’s website.

We’re making it a long weekend and leaving Thursday evening after work, doing the festival on Friday and Saturday, and on Sunday exploring the town and later leaving that afternoon.  The weather in June should make for a perfect road trip, and from what I hear the scenery in Vermont is not to be missed.  I’ve never been to Vermont so I’m really looking forward to it.

Are you going to Wanderlust?  If so, let me know.  Maybe I’ll see you there!

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