 Hello, Sunshine. Let me start off by admitting that I have the worst sweet tooth, and it’s always worse at night. The other night, as I was searching for a midnight snack, this delicious recipe popped into my head. One of my go-to late night snacks are Dates filled with Peanut Butter and Cacao Nibs. Since Thomas and I always talk about how they taste kind of like a snickers bar, I decided to make a “candy bar” version of my favorite late night snack! With only 5 ingredients — and no need for all the fancy equipment — I’m sure these treats will become a staple for satisfying your sweet tooth!  Ingredients: 6 Large Medjool Dates 2 Tablespoons Crunchy Peanut Butter 1/4 Cup Nondairy Chocolate Chips 1/2 Tablespoon Coconut Oil 1 Teaspoon Sea Salt Flakes Instructions: Slice into the dates lengthwise, and remove the pits. Then, fill the middle of the dates with crunchy peanut butter and set them aside in the freezer for a few minutes. Meanwhile, melt the chocolate, and stir in the coconut oil for a smooth chocolate dip. Remove the peanut butter filled dates from the freezer and dip them in the melted chocolate. Place them back in the freezer for about 10-15 minutes. Sprinkle with Sea Salt Flakes, and they’re ready to enjoy! 
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 Hey, Sunshine! This recipe was definitely inspired by both my motivation to clean out the fridge, and a sauce I love making for my “Bang Bang Broccoli” recipe. The Maple Chili Lime sauce is just healthier take on my sauce for bang bang broccoli. On that note, feel free to substitute the tofu with broccoli, or add in broccoli to your baked tofu. You will not be disappointed! Also, in other exciting news, we have officially started filming for the Raw Sunshine Youtube Channel. If you haven’t already found our channel on YouTube and subscribed, go do it now. Our first video will be up soon! In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this Buddha Bowl Recipe as much as we do.  Buddha Bowl Ingredients: (Makes 2 Buddha Bowl Servings) 1 Block Super Firm Tofu, Cubed 4 Tablespoons Maple Chili Lime Sauce 1 Cup Quinoa, Cooked 2 Tablespoons Garlic, Minced 4 Cups Kale, Chopped 1 Avocado, Sliced 1 Cup Grape Tomatoes, Halved 1/2 Cup Carrots, Julienned Toppings: Green Onion, Chopped Remaining Maple Chili Lime Sauce Sesame Seeds Maple Chili Lime Sauce Ingredients: 4 Tablespoons Maple Syrup 1 Tablespoon Sriracha 2 Tablespoons Lime Juice 2 Tablespoons Coconut Aminos, or Liquid Aminos  Instructions: Preheat your oven to 450 degrees. Combine all ingredients for the Maple Chili Lime Sauce in a small bowl and stir until well combined. Toss your cubed Super Firm Tofu in 4 Tablespoons of the Maple Chili Lime Sauce, and set the rest of the Sauce aside. Lay the marinated tofu onto a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 10 minutes. Flip the tofu cubes and bake an additional 10 minutes. Set aside baked Maple Chili Lime Tofu. Next, heat a pan to medium heat and add in your chopped kale and garlic. Make sure to take the stems off of the kale before adding it to the pan. Saute the kale for about 5 minutes, or until its wilted. Set aside for Buddha bowl assembly. Start your bowl by adding in about half of the cooked quinoa to the bottom of each bowl. Next, add in the Maple Chili Lime Tofu, and Garlicky Kale. Layer with the remaining ingredients: carrots, tomatoes, and avocado. Top with green onion and sesame seeds. Drizzle the remaining sauce over the bowls and enjoy!   Hey, Sunshine! This is the second part of our "Favorite Cruelty-Free & Vegan" Products blog posts. You can find the first one, Cruelty-Free + Vegan Makeup, a few posts down on the blog, if you're interested! Today, I'm excited to share with you my favorite Cruelty-Free & Vegan skincare products. My skin has been on quite a journey. I have had cystic acne from the age of 12. Cystic acne is an uncommon and very severe form of acne. It is much deeper and painful than your typical acne pimples. Around age 21, my cystic acne became so severe, and so painful, that I had decided to go on a "miracle" drug called Accutane. Shortly after going on the drug, I also transitioned to a vegan lifestyle. The combination of 6 months on Accutane, and removing animal products from my diet and skincare, has changed my skin forever. I'm so happy to say that I have not had any cystic breakouts since. I still get the occasional hormonal breakout around my chin area, but I am beyond grateful for the skin I have now. If I'm being honest, I feel that I'm pretty picky about the brands and products I use on my face and my body. So, without further ado, here are my favorite skincare products! My Favorite Brands: Pacifica First Aid Beauty Alba Botanica Mario Badescu Facial Cleansers: Pacifica Beauty Kale Detox Deep Cleaning Face Wash Pacifica Beauty Sea Foam Complete Face Wash First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser Toners: Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Chamomile, and Lavender Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Cucumber, and Green Tea Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs, and Rosewater Moisturizers: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Josie Maran Light Argan Oil Makeup Removers: Alba Botanica Hawaiian Detox Makeup Removing Towelettes SKINNY & CO. 100% Raw Virgin Coconut Oil for Skin Masks: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask Yes To Coconut Moisturizing Mud Mask Acne Treatments: Mario Badescu Drying Lotion Alba Botanica Acnedote Face & Body Scrub Sets: Mario Badescu Spritz, Mist, and Glow Facial Spray Trio FAB Faves to Go Kit (Repair Cream, Cleanser, & Radiance Pads in travel size) Let us know in the comments, or on social media, if you would like to see a Youtube Video of a Cruelty-free + Vegan skincare routine of my Cystic Acne to Clear Skin Journey!   Hey, Sunshine! As soon as I found the Violife Vegan Feta Cheese Block at Fresh Thyme last week, I knew I had to create a greek salad and homemade creamy greek dressing. When I first took a bite of this salad, I was blown away. I haven't had Feta Cheese in over 2 years - basically, since we switched to a vegan lifestyle. The Violife Feta is exactly what I remember Feta tasting like, and the consistency is so similar! If you can't find Violife's Feta, you can still make this salad, but I HIGHLY recommend trying this recipe in its entirety.  Salad Ingredients: 2 Cups Spring Mix 1/2 Large Cucumber, Sliced 1/4 Red Bell Pepper, Chopped 1/4 Cup Red Onion, Chopped 1 Cup Grape Tomatoes, Halved 1/4 Cup Kalamata Olives 1/8 Block of Violife Feta, Crumbled Creamy Herb Dressing Ingredients: 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice 1 Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar 1-2 Tablespoons Tahini 1/2 Tablespoon Garlic, Minced 1 Teaspoon Dijon Mustard 1 Teaspoon Nutritional Yeast 1 Teaspoon Basil 1 Teaspoon Oregano 1/2 Teaspoon Parsley 1-2 Teaspoons Water Salt & Pepper, to taste  Instructions: Mix together all Dressing ingredients, besides the water, in a small bowl until well combined. Slowly, add in 1 teaspoon of water at a time, until you reach desired dressing consistency. Add all of the prepared salad ingredients to a bowl, and top with the Creamy Herb Dressing. Enjoy!   Happy Sunday, Sunshine! This Berry Cobbler Bowl is a rich, satisfying dessert bowl, or a breakfast bowl, if you prefer your breakfast on the sweeter side. Regardless of the time of day, this recipe is sure to warm your tummy and satisfy your sweet tooth, as well as nourish and energize your body. Berries are loaded with antioxidants, which aid in keeping free radicals under control, and preventing free radical damage. Berries also contain beneficial amounts of Vitamin C, Manganese, Vitamin K, Copper, and Folate. Purely Elizabeth Granola is also packed with ancient grains and superfood seeds, which help improve digestion, boost immunity, and deliver massive amounts of nutrients, like Omega-3 Fatty Acids, into your body.  Ingredients: 2 Cups Frozen Mixed Berries 2 Tablespoons Coconut Sugar (Optional) 1 Cup Purely Elizabeth Granola Toppings: Whipped Coconut Cream Coconut Flakes (Optional) Note: Store-bought Whipped coconut cream will work, but you can also make it yourself at home! Homemade Whipped Coconut Cream: Stick a can of full fat coconut milk in the fridge overnight. Open the can and scoop out the hardened coconut cream, leaving the excess coconut water in the can. Transfer the coconut cream to a stand mixer or blender. Add in about 1 Tablespoon of coconut sugar. Using the whisk attachment, whisk the cream for two minutes, or blend in a blender for approximately 30 seconds. Stovetop Instructions: Heat the frozen berries and coconut sugar in a saucepan on medium-high for 3-4 minutes, or until thoroughly cooked and combined. Pour berry-sugar mixture into a bowl and top with granola. Add a dollop of whipped coconut cream and a sprinkle of coconut flakes. Microwave Instructions: Add frozen berries and coconut sugar to a microwave safe bowl, and microwave on high for 2 minutes. Top the bowl with granola, and any preferred toppings. Stir & Enjoy!   Hey, Sunshine! A few days ago, on social media, I asked if you would be interested in some posts featuring my favorite Cruelty-Free + Vegan Makeup, Skincare, or Haircare. I was beyond thrilled to get such a positive response! So, here is the first post of 3 on my favorite Cruelty-Free + Vegan Products! When I first transitioned to Veganism, I was working as a hairstylist for Ulta Beauty, and I am so happy I had the opportunity to discover and play with tons of Vegan and Cruelty-Free Makeup, Skincare, and Haircare. (Feel free to message me with any questions you may have on the subject.) Also, shoutout to my Ulta Fam for supporting me while I transitioned into a healthier lifestyle! So, without further ado, here are some of my favorite makeup brands and products... My Favorite Makeup Brands: Tarte Cosmetics Pacifica Urban Decay Anastasia Beverly Hills It Cosmetics First Aid Beauty  Eyes: Tarte Cosmetics Lights, Camera, Lashes, 4-in-1 Mascara Pacifica Dream Big Lash Extending 7-in-1 Mascara Tarte Cosmetics Maneater Liquid Eyeliner Anastasia Beverly Hills Norvina Eyeshadow Palette Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Eyeshadow Palette Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion - Anti-Aging Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz - Taupe  Face: Tarte Cosmetics Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Foundation Tarte Cosmetics Smooth Operator Clay Finishing Powder Tarte Cosmetics Amazonian Clay Waterproof Bronzer Urban Decay Beached Bronzer - Sun Kissed Tarte Cosmetics Amazonien Clay 12-Hour Blush - Exposed Tarte Cosmetics Amazonian Clay 12-hour Highlighter - Exposed It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Full Coverage Concealer Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray Lips: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Lip Therapy Pacifica Bali Coconut Lip Balm Tarte Cosmetics Tarteist Quick Dry Matte Lip Paint - Festival Pacifica Lemon Sugar Natural Lip Scrub  Makeup Brushes & Tools: It Cosmetics Brush Set Tarte Mermaid Brush Set Eco Tools Brush Set Tarte Cosmetics Quickie Blending Sponge Tarte Cosmetics Eyelash Curler Note: All links are directed to the product on Amazon.com, however, some product prices are lower on each Brand's Website. Leave a Comment below, or on Social Media(Facebook or Instagram), if you would like to see more info on these products in a Youtube Video!   Hey, sunshine! I’m keeping it simple for you today. This two ingredient juice can help boost your immune system, and it just tastes like orange juice! Everyone already knows that Oranges contain a lot of Vitamin C. What you may not know is that Carrots also contain Vitamin C, as well as antioxidants that help your body fight off free radicals, cell damage, and inflammation. Carrots are a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Potassium, Calcium, Folate, and Magnesium. So, why not add some carrots into your morning Orange Juice? Ingredients: 3/4 Pound of Carrots 8-10 Large Oranges Instructions: Put both ingredients through a juicer, or blend very well and strain with a fine sieve or nut milk bag. Pour over ice and enjoy!   Happy Sunday, Sunshine! We just had a huge snowstorm here in the Midwest, which makes me want to stay inside all day, sit by the fire, and cuddle my pups! I am definitely not a snow lover. However, it gave me the perfect excuse to make a big batch of Chili! Note: This recipe requires only one large pot, or stock pot, and to store my leftover chili seasoning, I typically use a small mason jar. Chili Ingredients: 1 Medium Onion, Chopped 1 Green Bell Pepper, Chopped 1 Cup of Corn 2 16 oz Cans of Chili Beans, or Pinto Beans 1 16 oz Can Kidney Beans, Drained 1 & 1/2 28 oz Cans of Diced Tomatoes 3 Tablespoons Hot Chili Seasoning(See Recipe Below) 2 Tablespoons Nutritional Yeast Optional Add-ins: 1 Cup Boca Crumbles 3/4 Cup Macaroni Noodles 1 Tablespoon Frank’s Red Hot Sauce Chili Seasoning: (makes approximately 2 servings worth) 3 Tablespoons Chili Powder 1.5 Tablespoons Crushed Red Pepper 1.5 Tablespoons Dried Minced Onion 1.5 Tablespoons Garlic Powder 2.5 Teaspoons Cumin Powder 3 Teaspoons Dried Parsley 2 Teaspoons Dried Basil 1 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika 1 Teaspoon Coconut Sugar  Instructions: Place the chopped onion, chopped green bell pepper, and the corn into a large nonstick pot. Note: If you don’t have a nonstick pot, I suggest using a Tablespoon of oil as well. Cook over medium heat, until the onions are slightly translucent, about 8 minutes. Add in the Chili beans, Kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and stir together. Stir in 3 Tablespoons of the homemade Chili Seasoning and 2 Tablespoons of Nutritional Yeast. Stir well, cover, and Reduce the heat to low. Simmer for another 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let the chili rest about 5-10 minutes before serving. Suggested Toppings: Sliced Avocado Cilantro Nondairy Cheddar Cheese Nondairy Sour Cream Enjoy!   Hey, sunshine! I want to share with you 5 books that ultimately helped change my life in 2018. In one way or another, each of the following books have helped me gain: the courage, the confidence, the knowledge, & the methods, that I needed to make big changes to my life in 2018. These books helped me learn to: grow, create, organize, be mindful, and surrender to the energy of the universe. Below you will find the title, author, a small synopsis, a few of my personal takeaways -- and favorite quotes -- from each book! Note: Each of the following book titles have a clickable link to the books on amazon, for your convenience.  The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing By: Marie Kondo Synopsis: The Life-Changing Magic Of Tidying Up guides you through the process of simplifying, organizing, & storing your possessions with the KonMari Method, to help you make your home a place of joy, peace, and clarity. My Takeaways: Learn to let go of anything that doesn't spark joy in your life. Clutter can create chaos in your home and your mind, so make your surroundings as clear and peaceful as you wish your mind to be. Favorite Quotes: “The question of what you want to own is actually the question of how you want to live your life.” “No matter how wonderful things used to be, we cannot live in the past. The joy and excitement we feel here and now are more important.” Give a Sh*t: Do Good. Live Better. Save the Planet. By: Ashlee Piper Synopsis: Give a Sh*t gives you the knowledge you need to transform your life to live more sustainably when it comes to your home, closet, eating habits, grooming, and the rest of your life outside of your home. Ashlee Piper has done the research for you, and lays it out in an easy to read (or listen to, if you prefer audiobooks) informative book. My Takeaways: We need to be informed on all of the subjects Ashlee Piper covers in this book. We make choices constantly in our daily lives that have direct consequences to the environment, so why not do as much as we can to live better and protect the planet? Favorite Quotes: "We are the ones we have been waiting for!" "Pick up trash you see on the street or at the beach, buy a homeless person a plant based meal, foster a senior cat, give someone struggling a job or a compliment, and, above all, lead by kind, cool, open-minded example." You are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life By: Jen Sincero Synopsis: You Are a Badass is a book for anyone who is ready to make huge changes in their lives. Jen Sincero teaches you to face your fears, take risks, realize your own potential, create your own reality, and even touches on the subject of making money. If you need a nice push to help you grow, and someone to lift you up, this is the book for you. My Takeaways: We are all badasses, and each of us has the power to control our own reality. We have everything we need, within ourselves, to create the life we want to live. Favorite Quotes: “What other people think about you has nothing to do with you and everything to do with them.” “If you’re serious about changing your life, you’ll find a way. If you’re not, you’ll find an excuse.” “Our thoughts become our words, our words become our beliefs, our beliefs become our actions, our actions become our habits, and our habits become our realities.” Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear By: Elizabeth Gilbert Synopsis: Big Magic will give you the courage, and confidence, that you need in order to pursue your creative interests. Elizabeth Gilbert shows you how to confront with your fears, inspire new ideas, & act on them. Most importantly, she helps teach you how to take the stress out of creation. My Takeaways: Why do we fear judgement of our creations and ideas, when we are our own biggest critics? Don't be afraid; just be yourself. Create anything that comes to your mind. Express yourself to the fullest extent. We are all amazing creatures creating amazing things, so share your magical creations with the world. Favorite Quotes: “Follow your own fascinations, obsessions, and compulsions. Trust them. Create whatever causes a revolution in your heart.” “You can measure your worth by your dedication to your path, not by your successes or failures.” “Own your disappointment, acknowledge it for what it is, and move on.” The Universe Has Your Back: Transform Fear to Faith By: Gabby Bernstein Synopsis: The Universe Has Your Back is full of personal stories from Gabby Bernstein that teach you to release the reins a bit and go after what you most long for. Gabby Bernstein helps guide you to learn to stop chasing life and truly live. My Takeaways: When you have the courage to surrender to the universe, you open yourself up to receive all that the universe has to offer. The universe is constantly sending us signs to help guide us along our own paths, as long as we are willing to see and believe in them. Favorite Quotes: “It's the journey that matters, not the destination” “In the midst of the darkness, grab a flashlight.” “Your presence is your power. Be mindful of how your thoughts, words, and energy disconnect you from the Universe. And know the difference between what it feels like to be connected to the presence of your power versus what it feels like when you’re not.”  I hope you enjoy reading and learning from these books as much as I did. And remember, you are a badass, who can do anything they set their mind to. You have the power to change your life, and the world around you!
Much Love, Katie Spread the Sunshine.  Happy New Year, Sunshine! To start 2019 off right, I wanted to share a super simple juice recipe, that is so yummy it almost tastes like candy. The secret ingredient? Beet juice! Now, stick with me, I know beets aren’t typically everyone’s favorite vegetable, but when combined with the apple and lemon juice, you really can’t taste the beet. It just gives the juice this beautiful bright red color, and also adds a ton of nutrients to it! Beets have so many wonderful health benefits. They help reduce inflammation in our bodies, and they’re loaded with minerals like magnesium, potassium, copper, iron, and phosphorus. They’re basically nature’s vitamin supplement! Ingredients: 12 Red Apples 1 Lemon 1 Beet Note: This recipe makes around 55-60 oz. of juice, so feel free to cut the recipe in half. I love preparing juices in bulk ahead of time. That way I can pour some into a mason jar and run out the door! Instructions: Put all of the apples, the lemon, and the beet through a juicer, or blender. If using a blender, or if you prefer a smoother juice, strain the juice through a fine sieve, or nut milk bag. Pour over ice, and enjoy!  |
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