so i should take a what for what and what what?

some people swear by supplements, and don't go a day without them, while others will swear up and down that you're just making really.. really no seriously, really expensive pee. i happen to be one that believes in supplements as long as you take them correctly (especially as a vegan), and don't over do it. { i don't take each of these every day, just ones i recommend }

these are listed in order of importance (to me), starting with most important:

multivitamin - when you are a vegetarian or vegan, unless you carefully keep track of what you eat, you could be lacking in essential vitamins & minerals that you need. it's recommended to take a multivitamin to cover all your bases. B12 is a big one that vegans lack, so this is covered with a multivitamin or nutritional yeast. just makes me feel like i'm taking care of myself. i've taken a few brands, but i really like the pomology women's daily multivitamin the best.

vitamin c - now this one is controversial because there isn't a whole lot of research behind the positive effects of using vitamin c, but after watching the movie food matters, where they explain that vitamin c drips at high doses kills cancer, i take a vitamin c every single day. i had taken a vitamin c pill twice a day for about 4 months, didn't take any for a week and got sick. now, this could just be a coincidence, but i haven't stopped since, and haven't been sick, that was 8 months ago.


vitamin d - vitamin d is important for your bone health as well as dental health. i take 1 vitamin d at the highest potency every other day.




evening super primrose oil - this is a lifesaver for all women having their period. it helps relieve cramps and period symptoms naturally, and i can't say enough about this oil supplement. also, it's great for fertility, so if you're trying for a baby... this could be very helpful with that.


flaxseed oil (omega 3, 6, 9) - "you have to eat fish to get omega 3,6,9's..." um... no i don't. i just take a flaxseed oil supplement. the human body can not produce omega 3 or omega 6, they are important for brain development, immune system functioning & blood pressure regulation.

my uncle recommended this brand: ovega 3, he says it's great, and once i'm out of my flaxseed oil, i'm going to give it a shot.


essential enzymes - enzymes help you break down food, and most people don't chew food to the extent that we should, so we use up more enzymes to break down that food, which means that your body pulls enzymes from organs that aren't related to digestion and doesn't allow your body to digest properly. this is where the enzyme supplement comes into play. as you grow older your body produces less enzymes, so it's necessary to take 1 enzyme supplement before every meal you consume to help digest it properly.


hair / skin / nails formula - this is exactly what it states, it helps your hair , skin and nails grow strong. this gnc brand really works.


hyaluronic acid - i can go on and on about hyaluronic acid or hydrolic acid as my mom calls it. basically hyaluronic acid is a natural liquid found in your joints, as you grow older your body produces less and less of it, hence joint pain for middle aged people & the elderly. hyaluronic acid supplements lubricate your joints, and in some studies helps prevent cancer. you can also put hyaluronic acid in a liquid form on your skin to hydrate it and prevent wrinkles... there are 2 types though, there is the natural vegetarian version from plants, and the non-vegan version made from chicken combs... so do your research before you purchase.


7 day pill case - this is such a great case. i fill up the cases on sunday, and then just grab & go during the week. so great & convenient
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illinois cutting board

being a chicago girl, i <3 illinois. it's my heart. so, i bought the cutest illinois cutting board! don't fret if you're not from illinois... they make all 50 states!



 quarter to show the height.


ah, beautiful.

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joseph joseph 8 piece prep set

i've been eyeing this set for about 2 years, but never caved. last week i just went for it, and decided to just get it! it's so much fun... i can't wait to bake something! you can buy it here.


measuring cups





small bowl / measuring cup & sieve


colander


large bowl


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how to cut a jalapeno {leaving the seeds out}








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seitan saute {burrito style}


RATING: 7 OUT OF 10. THERE WAS GREAT FLAVOR.. BUT LACKED SOMETHING TO REALLY MAKE IT POP.


i found a really great vegan website called post punk kitchen where everything i've made is delicious. it's actually by the same ladies that made the vegan cookbook "bible" aka veganomicon, which explains their awesomeness with such great recipes! here's the seitan saute recipe here! you can serve this over rice like i did, or use as a burrito filling.


i saw this recipe... and had to make it. it looked so refreshing for summer, and it was really good. they recommended serving it with guacamole, so I made homemade guacamole, recipe here. yum!


onions & jalapenos sautéing.


i used UPTON'S NATURALS Traditional Seitan... my favorite!


slice it into thin slices.


I grilled the corn to give it a little added summer flavor.


everything sautéing in the pot.


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guacamole



RATING: 10 OUT OF 10... WHO DOESN'T LOVE SOME GUAC.


i've made this guacamole a few times. it's delicious... and so easy to make!


3 Avocados
1/2 Cup Chopped Red Onions
1/2 Cup Chopped Cilantro
1/3 Cup Chopped Jalapeno
1/8 Cup Lime Juice
Garlic (As much as you prefer) Minced
Pinch Salt




Mix Avocados with fork to blend evenly.



Add all ingredients and mix until blended.


Add fresh squeezed lime juice.


Voila. You've just made guacamole.


Refrigerate in a open container for about an hour, then move to a closed container for storage.


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