Cozy Night Smoothie Bowl

Hi you! Today I have a super quick and easy recipe for you: the tumblr guru's dream: the smoothie bowl. Smoothie bowls are one of my favorite things and they are so filling and nutritious. Here's the details:

(Makes 2)

•5 ripe bananas

•1 package of frozen mango

To top: frozen mango, chia seeds, coconut sugar, granola, and hemp hearts

Blend 'em up and top with whatever you like. Enjoy!

Audrey xx

What I Ate Today ~ 3 October 2015

Hello you! Saturday has come again, and today I happened to have the day off rehearsals, so I took full advantage to rest and be lazy today.

Breakfast: Half of a large watermelon
Favorite breakfast EVER!

We also took a little trip to the farmer's market this morning to see what kind of goodies they had this weekend. We came back with loads of fresh broccoli, a massive zucchini, and some gorgeous-looking pears!

Bella and I laid around in bed pretty much all day. It's a good life.

For lunch I made up some potato wedges and served them over greens with some spicy chili sauce. It was so tasty and filling and I had about three bowls of this.

I wasn't hungry for a while, so when dinnertime came around, I just made up some rice and ate it plain. My taste buds have changed drastically since going vegan, and most food tastes better to me without loads of seasonings, spices or sauces.

For a little bedtime snack, I munched on some strawberries (these are unfortunately going out of season). 

I hope you enjoyed this brief post! I hope you had a nice Saturday and have a great rest of the weekend.

Audrey xx

Audrey's Cozy Veggie Soup

Hello gorgeous people! As cold season is once again upon us, it's time to start eating better and taking better care of our bodies. More fruits, more veggies, more whole carbohydrates will keep us from catching the nasties. Here is a super simple and easy soup recipe that actually takes good and is the perfect remedy for the fall sniffles.

You will need:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 yellow summer squash, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, pressed
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon rosemary
• 1 quart vegetable broth
• 2 cans cannellini beans
• 1 can no-salt-added diced tomatoes with juices
• 3 cups chopped kale, stem removed
• 2 teaspoons salt

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add onion, carrots, celery, zucchini and squash. Saute for 4 minutes
Add the garlic, red pepper flakes, thyme and rosemary
Stir in the broth, beans, and tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat down to low and add kale
Cover pot and simmer for 15 minutes
Add the salt, pepper and vinegar.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Enjoy!

Audrey xx

Finding Peace

The modern world is full of crazy madness, and sometimes we just need a break from it all. I've had a crazy past couple of weeks, from nonstop rehearsals and endless schoolwork that seem to have clouded my brain. Here are some things that can help you take your foot off the gas and find your peace again.

Music

I've always had a love for listening to music, playing instruments, and singing. It brings a sense of unity to my body and I always feel better after spending some time with it. You will feel more yourself after listening to something you truly love and bring you back to where you feel most at home.

Books

Books are one of the best ways to relax. It focuses your body on relaxing and you forget all about why you were feeling anxious or stressed as you melt into the story. Turn off your phone and chuck it across the room and delve into good-quality reading material. 

Incense 

Incense is usually found in a stick of plant materials and often essential oils that when you light them, they infuse into the air and release a calming scent and bring about a sense of warmth and calm. It's especially relaxing to just watch the smoke curling through the air and twirling around.

Essential oils 

Essential oils are truly magical things. Whether you want to perk up, calm down, or clear your head, essential oils can assist. Pop your favorite scent into an oil diffuser, or sprinkle a bit on your pillow to soothe you. I love lavender essential oil to relax and calm down, especially in the nighttime. 

Nature walks

This is one of my favorite things to do to wind down. If you have a dog, take him along with you. Find a quiet spot, preferably in the woods or along water and discover the serenity of nature.

Candles

Never forget about the healing power of candles! The ambient glow and flickering flame always calms me down and makes me feel more one with myself and my energy. It reminds me to think warm and comforting thoughts. 

"There is no path to peace. Peace is the path." --Gandhi

What's In My Washbag ~ Fall 2015

Hello you! I have recently been switching over all my products to more natural and vegan versions whenever I have a little extra money. While most natural products are more on the expensive side, I think it's totally worth not harming the environment, the animals, and your own body while doing daily tasks. Plus, I've found some pretty budget-friendly items that you won't have to break the bank for. Here's what I've been using and loving lately!

 

Hair: Hask Macadamia Oil Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner

($5.99 each)

This duo is an awesome one for my curly girls or those with thick, unmanageable hair. It's super conditioning and moisturizing and smells incredible as well. I shampoo about every couple of days, and if I need a little refresher, I'll just use the conditioner.

 

Body: ACURE Clarifying Body Wash

($9.99)

This body wash is freaking amazing! It is a clarifying body wash, so it helps clear up any blemishes on your body. While I personally do not struggle with this, I still feel like my skin is super clean after using this, and it smells so nice as well: mint and lilac. It makes my bathroom smell really nice after I've used it!

 

Body: Coconut Oil

($5.99)

I have tried countless different skin moisturizers and lotions only to find that none of them truly work to actually nourish my skin. Now, I have seen the light, and recently started using coconut oil instead! If you're not a fan of the "greasy" feel, you probably would hate this, but if you don't really mind, I highly recommend giving it a go!

 

Face: Charcoal sponge

($3.99)

Before I cleanse my skin, I like to kind of loosen up the crap (oil, makeup, sweat, all that nasty stuff) with this charcoal sponge. It's super revitalizing and really helps me wake up in the morning. Using some kind of exfoliator before cleansing really helps to properly clean your skin.

 

Body: Dry brush

($6.99)

I just recently got into dry brushing, which means using a soft-bristled body brush to literally brush your body. It's really good for getting rid of cellulite and stretch marks, and it also improves the blood flow to your skin and really makes your body glow!

 

Face: Sukin Foaming Facial Cleanser

($9.95)

I am in love with this cleanser! Not only is it 100% vegan and cruelty-free, it really does its job. My face feels its best after using this product and it's great for all skin types!

 

Face: Avalon Organics Moisturizer

($14.99)

Last but definitely not least, we have a face moisturizer. I have the Lavender scented one, which smells absolutely fabulous, it kind of tingles when you put it on. It's a little pricey I guess, considering its small size, but I could see myself repurchasing it in the future as it feels amazing on.

 

There you go! That's what I am using in the shower, in case you're weird like me and enjoy seeing what people use to clean themselves. Wow I'm strange. I highly encourage you to "naturalize" your skincare and bodycare items whenever you have the money to do so! I hope you have a gorgeous day,

 

Audrey xx

feels like summer ~ an OOTD

I hope you had a gorgeous day xx

Audrey

Speak Your Truth

When we wake up in the morning from our rest in the morning, we are setting ourselves up for the day. We unconsciously plan out in our mind  how our day is going to go and how we will handle tough situations that try to knock us off course during the day. Basically, all we focus on is how we are going to "survive" each day. When we get into the mindset of, 'I just need to survive today and I'll be alright,' we forget how much time we are wasting when we could be creating the life we want. When we waste away the day saying we just want the day to be over with and done so we can rest again, we forget to speak our truth. When you say what you feel, people are going to notice it. Whether they like it or not is their problem. Speaking your truth means to open up your heart to others and speak about and demonstrate your ideas and values that protect you and others. It's tough to open yourself up for people to pick apart, disagree with, or criticize you. When you open up your mind and your heart, you become vulnerable. When you become vulnerable, your heart no longer has armor around it. You must remember that opening up will always have the chance that you could get hurt, however, opening up your heart does not mean you will always get hurt. Speak passionately, with love and kindness. Love, listen, and speak your truth.

"Speak your truth, even if your voice shakes." --Robin Sharma

Transform Yourself

 

 

Hello gorgeous people. Lately I've been feeling different. A good different, feeling lighter, brighter, happier, and younger. I've had some big realizations that have taken me long enough to find. I have felt peaceful, more connected, more within my body. I have been spending more time with myself, alone, to think and be. Normally, my thoughts and mind would torment me, hounding me with anxieties and bringing about things that cause me distress. My mind has almost snapped out of it. My dreams are vivid and vibrant, a happy place that encourages love and peace. I feel inspired by almost everything. Music is sparking creativity into me. I'm living the life I want to live, and it feels amazing. Since I feel how I've always wanted to feel, I want to share what helped me come about these realizations and this feeling of peace, as I want other people to feel happy and loved.

 

 

 

Spend your days in the sun

 

Nature and the outdoors is one of the only things in this world that moves at a slow pace. It's perfect for creating, relaxing, and living in. Go outside. Realize how small the grass blades are, and how vast the sky is. If nature is where you live, nature is where your heart will be. Your heart will learn to love the little things, and the vast, incredibly large things, and everything in between.

 

 

 

Read simple, old novels

 

Read about life before the difficulties of the modern times, read about true love, adventures and mishaps, resolution and promise. Connect with the characters, allow them into your life. Fill your mind with stories and tales, and let those be your escape.

 

 

Nourish your body

 

Eat with soul and purpose. Eat foods that don't harm others and that come from the earth. Eat with the intention to feed yourself with foods that don't harm your body or anyone else's body. Drink water, loads of it.

 

 

Be by yourself

 

Spend time with your most important person in your life: yourself. Feel gratitude towards your body, not hate. Love yourself. Spend time in your thoughts, acknowledge your imperfections and think deeply. Learn new things. Speak highly of yourself and others. Let yourself experience old and new emotions. Listen to music that makes you feel full and loved.

 

 

Be in your natural state

 

Wear less makeup, wear your hair natural, love yourself for how you are. Feel raw and exposed more often. Say what comes to your mind, be spontaneous, play and be.

 

 

 

Most of all, never stop discovering new things about yourself and the beautiful planet we live in.

"Be the change you wish to see in the world." -Gandhi

 

Audrey x

 



Signs You Might Have: Gluten Sensitivity / Intolerance

Gluten is a protein found in rye, wheat, and barley. While most people can handle eating foods containing this protein, there are millions of people in the U.S. who have difficulties with it. Gluten is found in most pastas, crackers, and bread. My brother struggles with digesting it, and I went through a time where it was hard for me to digest it as well. I notice that when I'm feeling particularly stressed or anxious, I will have difficulties processing it. While for most, it's just a sensitivity, severe cases are typically diagnosed with Celiac disease.
Here are some symptoms of gluten intolerance: (all occurring after consuming gluten)

• nausea
• fatigue
• headaches
• bloating
• diarrhea and/or vomiting
• abdominal pain

You could have one or two of these symptoms, or you could have all of them, depending on the severity of your sensitivity. If you have any of these symptoms after consuming gluten, you may want to get tested for Celiac disease so you can get treated before it gets out of hand. To help in the meantime, try out some gluten-free alternatives! Most gluten-free products use a different flour than wheat, such as corn, bean, quinoa, or tapioca. (Don't worry, not all gluten-free products suck).

Hope this was helpful,

Audrey xx

August Favorites 2015

Here I am again sharing my monthly favorites! It feels like just yesterday that I was doing my July favorites *wide eyes emoji*. Buuuuut that means it's almost fall! *heart eyes emoji*. Okay I'm done with emojis. Let's get into my fave things.

Foods:
Banana + frozen mango = the best smoothie in the world
Thai Kitchen Spring Onion soup (holy moly if you haven't tried this, TRY IT)

Beauty:
Tea Tree Oil - If you've got a pesky spot or blemish, this essential oil will be your best friend! I've been having a bit of a breakout recently, and this oil really helped clear it up. Just dip a cotton bud in the bottle and lightly dab your spot, morning and night.

Fashion:
Flowy Floral pants (UO) - I featured this gorgeous thing in a recent OOTD. This month equaled loads of beach trips, and these beauties became my go-to beach fashion item.

 

Random:
"I Love Lucy" - Recently, I can't stop watching this show. It's so funny and lighthearted, it's easy to fall in love with the characters. Simply classic.

Tilley Australia Soy Candle - this candle smells absolutely amazing. Such a relaxing scent that makes me feel calm and ready to rest.

Thanks for reading! What have you been loving this month? Let me know in the comments below. See you soon!

Audrey xx

15 Questions and Answers

Hi everyone! Here are 15 questions I have answered about myself to aid you in getting to know me better. Enjoy!

1. What are your nicknames? What do you prefer to be called?

I have been given so many nicknames by so many different people it's unreal. My best friend calls me Chummy, as do I her. My mom calls me Audrey E (as in Audrey Elizabeth), my dad has called me Kookamunga as well as Mousekin (the weirdest names in the world), but in my family I'm mainly called Aud or Audrey.

2. What books on your shelf are begging to be read?

I have a lot of old classic novels on my shelf at the moment. I have the Jungle book, the Diary of Anne Frank, the Hobbit, etc. I am currently reading the Harry Potter books for the second time.

3. How often do you doodle? What do your doodles look like?

I don't doodle very often. Doodling happens in class when I feel so bored that I'm going to die. They are usually not very clear as to what they are, just a mess of lines and shapes.

4. What do you do when you can't sleep at night?

Honestly, it's very rare that I can't sleep. I usually fall asleep within ten minutes of lying down for bed. When I can't sleep, usually just changing positions helps me fall asleep.

5. How many days could you last in solitary confinement?

This honestly sounds like a dream to me. No annoying people! However, after a while it could get kind of lame. I could last a couple of weeks though.

6. Do you save old greeting cards or letters?

I literally save almost everything that comes into my possession. I don't like throwing cards away because someone actually took the time to send them to me so... yeah I can't just throw them away!

7. Who is the biggest pack rat you know?

If you read my last question, you already know.

8. When making an entrance to a party, do you make your presence known?

What's a party?

9. What is your strongest sense? If you had to give one up, which one would it be?

I have a super sensitive sense of hearing. If I had to give up a sense, it would be my sense of touch.

10. How many times a day do you look at yourself in the mirror?

Not gonna lie, I'm a pretty vain person. I look at the mirror probably 10 times a day.

11. What is the strangest thing you believed as a child?

For some reason, as a child, I had this idea in my head that I was destined to become one of Santa Claus's elves and I would do anything to be one. I even wrote a letter to him and sent it in the post (my mom played along). You can imagine how distraught I was to find out that Santa wasn't real.

12. What is one guilty pleasure that is too hard to give up?

I honestly don't really have any guilty pleasures. Well. Kind of. I don't think I could ever live without hummus, but that's not that bad for you, just loads of oil and sodium. :(

13. Are you more likely to engage in conflict or avoid it?

I definitely avoid conflict as much as possible. Honestly, drama is so not worth my energy.

14. Which animals scare you the most?

Snakes! They are so unpredictable and I have a reoccurring nightmare that poisonous snakes bite me and I can never walk again. Plus, they just look slimy and scary.

15. What is something that amazes you?

The vastness of the universe, how big everything is. Billions of people live on just this one planet, and we think it's huge, when the sun is even bigger, but in comparison to a galaxy, it's just a little dot. It is so hard to wrap my brain around how freaking huge space is!

I hope you enjoyed this little get-to-know-me post. Here's a question for you: what amazes you? What kind of things inspire you? Answer those in the comments or to yourself. It's great to think about these things. Have a great day!

Audrey xx

What I Ate Today ~ Vegan and Healthy ~ 28 August

(Started the day with 1L of water)

Today's breakkie was 8 ripe bananas. Always eat your bananas when they are ripe! The more spotty the better. Unripe bananas will usually give you a tummy ache, and we don't want that!

On our way to the beach, I snacked on some of these awesome chips. They are super yummy and they're low in salt. I had to hold myself back from eating the whole bag!

Here are some photos from our beach trip:

After the beach, we went back to my Auntie's house to hang out for a bit. I made up a smoothie (4 bananas and some assorted frozen berries) for a little sugar boost while I planned some blog posts. 

Relaxing outside in the hammock definitely helps spark some creative ideas  for blog posts. 

For dinner, we had a spaghetti feast with salad, French artisan bread, and a zucchini tomato sauce. It was all so tasty and quite filling. It's not often I have bread because of the high salt content, but it sure is a guilty pleasure. 

I hope you enjoyed this "what I ate today" post! Enjoy the rest of your Friday evening. 

Love, Audrey xx

Audrey's Super Simple Everyday Makeup

Hi everyone! I'm one of those people who loves putting on makeup, but hates the feeling of it once it's on. By the end of the day, I'm usually more than ready to take it all off as I love the feeling of a fresh, clean face. Seeing as I love this feeling, I try to reflect it upon the makeup I wear. Clean, natural and light is how I like to go. I hope this is either helpful for creating your own everyday look, or interesting to those who are curious. Enjoy :-)

I start off with a freshly washed face. I find my makeup goes on a lot smoother if my face is clean and stays put all day.

NYX HD concealer mixed with moisturizer to sheer it out and make it into a BB cream

ELF Eyebrow Kit on those brows

A light brown eyeshadow to contour my face a little.

Burt's Bees chapstick and Clinique Chubby stick in Super Strawberry.

Too Faced Better than Sex masara (this stuff is INCREDIBLE).

Always brush through your brows to give a more natural effect.

Mark Touch & Glow shimmer cubes on my cheekbones and inner eye corner.

And there's the finished look! I hope you guys enjoyed this blog post! See you soon, Audrey xx