New Year, Same Me

Posted on January 9, 2015January 9, 2015 by Amanda

I’m so joyous to be writing Yogi Vibes first blog post of the year 2015. I created Yogi Vibes in 2014 with aspirations to gain knowledge and truth, share it with others, and with faith to ignite a spark of inspiration within other souls. It was an enchanting year that awakened my consciousness to consuming a plant-based diet, intuitive communication with animals, and a deep understanding and appreciation of nature. This path of enlightenment has gradually led me to the decision of advocating for global social issues. In the year ahead, the universe whispered that I will embark on a unfamiliar journey taking an enormous step out of my comfort zone. What awaits is light-years ahead. I am unsure what the future holds, nevertheless my everlasting confidence in the stars will guide me home happily. I know whatever the universe brings my way is my destined truth. “Practice on and all is coming.”

Chase and I were fortunate to do a lot of traveling in 2014 with our most recent trip being to California. What better way to bring in the New Year than across the country with the one you love? We explored the coast of California through the Pacific 1 highway appreciating nature and its energy and all it has led us to- especially each other. It was a dreamy getaway filled with cacti, organic food, teal ocean waves, vegan donuts, and lots of love. The sights we crossed were gorgeous and continue to resonate with me deeply as I mingle around the East Coast.

Of course, we had plans to stop at several vegan restaurants to see what California had to offer us vegans, including the legendary fast food restaurant Native Foods who offers a complete vegan menu. It was superb and I look forward to sharing pictures with you of our yummy eats!

Sending Good Karma to all my readers for today, tomorrow, and the year ahead.

Namaste.

Tis’ The Season

Posted on December 9, 2014December 9, 2014 by Amanda

My life has been hectic the last two weeks while preparing for finals in my senior year of my undergrad. As well, holiday season has arrived and life is moving fast as 2015 approaches. I have been making efforts to incorporate yoga and meditation into my busy schedule for relaxation and solitude. Yoga and meditation has always been my peace of mind- my escape from the material world and into my heart and soul. It really keeps me balanced during a time where stress and anxiety may easily seep into my world and distort my clearly envisioned path.

I spent this weekend with my god-daughter, who has shown and taught me true love. She is so intelligent, beautiful, and graceful. I call her my yoga baby, as I started incorporating yoga into her life around 8 months. This weekend I also gave her a hand-me-down oceanic blue cushioned yoga matt. She repeated, “my yoga matt!” over and over in excitement and for a clear understanding that she actually had her own yoga matt now. A wave of joy washed over me. My yoga baby! I asked her what color it was, she announced blue. I asked her what else was blue, and hinted to her the ocean. She jumped up in excitement, “Rhode Island!” Her memory is incredible. Here are two quick pictures I was able to snap of us reading our yoga pose book, in which I have her go through and chose what pose she would like to try. We did a lot of downward dogs. It is safe to say it is her favorite pose, and she adores “wagging” her tail! She is too darn cute! I apologize for the quality of these pictures, as I rearrange my tiny little space. I am gently manifesting in 2015 to have “space” for our yoga practice and invite others to join!

I recommend this time of year you make time for yourself. Whether it is reading a book, writing, exercising, or cooking. Whatever it is that you do for yourself, do it. Give to yourself. Maybe it is yoga, which can be practiced at home yoga, on the go “work” yoga, or an hour at a studio. And don’t forget to eat your fruit and vegetables!

Best Ever Muffin Recipe!

Posted on November 30, 2014November 30, 2014 by Amanda

Welcome back! I hope every ones Thanksgiving was enchanting and giving! This Thanksgiving I decided to make a lot of tasty food to share with my loved ones. From tofu scramble, Mexican casserole, vegan stuffing, potato casserole, apple pie, and a delicious new recipe I have been concocting, banana blueberry crumb top muffins- whew! It was a successful day!

These muffins are everything! Nutritious enough for morning breakfast with a cup of tea, and sweet enough as a late night snack to curb cravings. These muffins are hearty, wholesome, and sure to have your taste-buds asking for more! I can guarantee this! Check out the recipe below!

Ingredients

Muffins:
2 Flax Meal Eggs
4 mashed bananas
1/2 cup of brown sugar
1/4 cup of vegan butter (Earth Balance can be purchased at Shop Rite)
1 tsp of vanilla extract
2 tsp of baking soda
1/2 tsp of salt
1.5 cups of whole wheat pastry flour
1/2 cup of rolled oats
1/4 cup of chopped walnuts
1/2 cup of blueberries
1/4 cup of coconut flakes

Crumb top:
1/4 cup of brown sugar
5 tbsp of unbleached all purpose flour
2 tbsp of vegan butter

Directions:
1. This makes between 12-15 muffins. Prepare your muffin tins and turn on oven at 375 degrees.
2. Prepare flax eggs in mixing bowl
3. Add in banana and mash well
4. Add brown sugar, salt, and baking soda. Whisk well.
5. Stir in vanilla, melted butter and mix.
6. Add in flour and oats and stir with a spoon. Lastly, fold in walnuts.
7. Divide batter evenly among muffin tins.
8. Quickly wipe mixing bowl, and add in sugar, flour, and butter mashing all ingredients together with a fork until crumbly. Generously top muffins with crumble.
9. Bake muffins for 15-20 minutes or until tops are golden brown. Let cool for a few minutes. Best served warm. Store in room temperature covered container. Muffins can be frozen for long term use.

Are you baking these muffins? Instagram or Facebook your creation at #YogiVibesCook and show off what your creativity! You will have a chance to be featured on the blog! Namaste!

Gewy…Chocolate.. Vegan Pancakes!

Posted on November 24, 2014November 24, 2014 by Amanda

Reminiscing over Sunday brunch! The most scrumptious ever! Moist warm rich gewy chocolate chip pancakes!

Comment if you would like the recipe! It’s a one bowl creation and can easily be made into your own!

Thanks for stopping by!

Happy holidays! Stay tuned for some YUMMY vegan thanksgiving dishes!

For The Love of Ginger

Posted on November 21, 2014November 21, 2014 by Amanda

Dinner last evening was spicy tofu scramble seasoned with extra hot paprika, raw turmeric, and raw ginger for the flavor (awesome combination I recommend it in almost anything). Especially ginger! I absolutely love cooking everything with it. Ginger brings about such a fun spunk of flavor. When you bite into even the smallest piece, it is a whole new taste and really refreshes your mouth for the next bite! Yum! Plus, it has wonders of benefits- as does turmeric! I also added red pepper, green pepper, onion, garlic, broccoli, mushrooms, spinach, kale, and three diced marinated tempeh strips! I used a recipe obtained from Catskill Animal Sanctuary Festival of Living Vegan in a previous post for shiitake bacon, which was sprinkled on top! Such a mouthful! Wrap it up in a tortilla, add some raw avocado slices, and spice it up even more with jalapeño pepper sauce or anything if your choice!

In my cup is raw Jamaican ginger brew. I bet you couldn’t tell I love ginger!

Ginger really strengths the stomach and digestive system, also allowing for smooth discretion and acting as an anti-inflammatory. Ginger in tea aids in soothing coughs and headaches. Overall, ginger is definitely a powerful super food!

Be creative with your food and love it!

Namaste!