Raspberry, Almond and White Chocolate Smoothie Bowl

I feel like I've outdone myself for this bowl, not only is it delicious and beautiful, it's pink! Pink, guys, get excited. This is the second smoothie of autumn and it's perfect for mornings when you have some extra time, or you're feeling particularly decadent.

Ingredients

• 1 handful of frozen raspberries
• 1 bar of vegan white chocolate (in the UK, these can be found in the freefrom section of supermarkets, but only around Easter and Christmas. Around October time they start selling white chocolate father christmases. I used one of these)
• 10-15 almonds (that have been left to soak overnight)
• 100ml almond milk
• Coconut shavings for garnish
• freeze dried raspberries for garnish (can be found in the baking section of most supermarkets)

1. First, melt your white chocolate in the microwave for 1 minute, stirring every 20 seconds.
2. In a blender, blend together the almonds, raspberries and almond milk.
3. Pour the smoothie into a bowl.
4. Add the melted white chocolate to the centre of the bowl and create a marble effect with a chopstick or the back of a spoon.
5. Garnish with coconut shavings and freeze dried raspberries.

HOW TO GO VEGAN

This is a post for all of the lovely people thinking about going vegan, but aren't quite sure how. It can be quite daunting at first if you're not used to checking labels or restricting what you eat, but trust me, once you know what you're doing, it's the easiest thing in the world.

The Tree Kisser: Vegan Fashion

Today I want to introduce to you a company that I love. The Tree Kisser. They make beautiful, well-made American Apparel shirts, hoodies, tanks and more. Take a look at some of their designs on their website here or see some of my picks below.

 

Apple and Blackberry Smoothie Bowl

Autumn is officially here. The clouds and rain were so heavy this morning, the so called "natural light" didn't want to cooperate and I was left with a mediocre picture and very little time to eat and get to work.

Enough complaining from me. This is my new seasonal smoothie recipes series. I'm going to make ten recipes per season and to start off Autumn, here is a very simple, fruity recipe to get you in the mood.

Ingredients:

• 1 pink lady apple, cut into chunks (save a small slice for garnish)
• 1 handful of blackberries, washed (save 2-3 for garnish)
• 1 tsbp maple syrup
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 100ml almond milk
• 2 tbsp of soy-based yoghurt. I used Alpro vanilla (for garnish)

1. Add your apple, blackberries, almond milk, maple syrup and cinnamon to a blender and blend until smooth. You can add more almond milk if you prefer a thinner smoothie.
2. Pour into a bowl. Add a dollop of soy-based yoghurt to the middle of the bowl and create a marble effect using a chopstick or the back of a spoon.
3. Garnish with the rest of your apple and the blackberries.

Lulu Vegan Shoes

Long gone are the days of ugly, hemp and soy-based vegan shoes. We live in a new world with options, options, options! Shoes to suit the fashionista, the conservative and the outrageous.

Lulu's is an online clothing company who make vegan shoes. These shoes are less flamboyant then some of my previous shoe brand picks, however, they're perfect for lovers of the classic shoe, and those who don't want to destroy their bank account.

Vegan Deodorant: Introducing Herban Cowboy

Going vegan can be extremely daunting when you're not familiar with cruelty free products. Not all vegans are about being one with nature, growing out our armpit hair and frolicking in the wilderness, thank you very much. Some of us like our luxuries, like soap, razors and deodorant.

Unfortunately, it is one of those products, like toothpaste, that we all just take for granted (most of us anyway), and having to find a new brand is extremely stressful. What if you choose one that doesn't work? We've all been there, on a hot summer's day, and the air conditioning at work is broken, and you're running around trying to do make sure all the customers are happy but you bought a natural, eco-friendly deodorant that is basically the equivalent of rubbing leaves on your armpits. Okay, maybe it's just me who has experienced that, but I am here to tell you about my favourite brand of vegan deodorant so that you'll never have to experience that feeling.

Herban Cowboy is an organic, cruelty free and vegan company that specialises in making colognes, deodorants, shaving creams and perfumes. At first, they only made scents for manly men (although gender marketing is totally a thing you should ignore - you'll save gazillions) they recently broke out into the girly girl market and released this gorgeous smelling deodorant for us ladies.

Blossom is floral, pink and best of all, it actually works. I've seen lots of vegans raving about this product and I have to agree with them. I've yet to have experienced any problems with this brand.

You can buy any of the Herban Cowboy products on amazon, if you live outside the US or Canada. Or if you do live there, you can check their website for retailers here. 

Raw Vegan Spaghetti with Creamy Cauliflower Sauce

This recipe is simply to die for. You'll never believe you're eating something vegan, let alone something raw and cold. It's so delicate and creamy in taste, you'll instantly forget the temperature and become absorbed in the thick, delicious sauce. It's simple, inexpensive and luxurious. Keep in mind you will need a blender and a spiralizer.

(Serves 4)

Ingredients:

• 1 large cauliflower
• 100ml raw almond milk
• the juice from 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp cayenne pepper
• 4 large courgettes

1. Combine the cauliflower, almond milk and lemon juice in a blender or a food processor until you get the texture you desire.
2. Using a spiralizer, spiralize your courgettes and add to a mixing bowl.
3. Pour the cauliflower sauce over the courgettes and mix together until all the courgette 'spaghetti' is combined with the sauce.
4. Sprinkle over the cayenne pepper for an extra kick.