Winding Down or Up

Heya Everyone! 

I hope you all enjoyed seeing some photos from my cottage in Canada in my last post. I just got back a few days ago and have been super busy ever since! Why? Well, I am off to New York for a yoga intensive camp in just a few hours. While I am not necessarily looking forward to the 11+ hour car ride, I know it will be an absolutely amazing experience. The bonus is that I will be taking a quick to NYC right before and after the camp. You can bet I already scoped out the vegan scene; I will definitely do a few posts about it when I get back. I also have a few recipes that I am excited to share with you all when my new blog launches. Get ready for some fun; summer may be winding down but I am certainly not!

What are your plans as the summer winds down?

Have a lovely day! 

xox,

Mandiee

Cottage Time

Cottage time

noun

1. the reward for extremely busy lives
2. the state of being in which time simply does not exist
3. the reason that dinner is eaten at the usual bedtime, (vegan) s'mores are craved, and produce that is grown just miles away is enjoyed in abundance

Examples

When in cottage time, eating breakfast for lunch is the perfect way to start the day. Good old Scottish oatmeal is encouraged.

...Especially with lots of fresh fruit...

...or maybe even a dollup of coconut milk yogurt.

Since lunch is a silly term (as discussed above), the usual midday feasting occurs in stages during the cottage time day. The grazing that usually escapes that camera even doubles as an educational lesson.

"What's that?"

What kind of a cousin would I be if I did not educate this sweetie on veggies?

Future veggie-lover? I am definitely working on it.  For now, at least we can both enjoy oranges (clementine for me, mandarin for her), and she agrees to embrace the greens by saying "peas" for the camera. And yes, I might have had something to do with that...

Even for a breakfast lover like me, dinner is clearly the most important meal of the day for cottage time.

Sure, it may occur while the sun is slowly setting...

vegan sloppy "snobby" joes

...or even after, forcing you to take a cozy photo inside.

grilled portobello mushroom and sweet onion quinoa

Either way, it is the loving company that matters. With cottage time, all time is family time. Period.

Three Little Words

Guess what?

You are beautiful. 

...

Yes, you. 

And guess what else? 

...

You are amazing just the way you are.

.....................

Today is the official launch date of Caitlin's book, Operation Beautiful, and I could not be more excited. I initially found out about the website Operation Beautiful through different bloggers who have participated in Caitlin's cause.

It seems that no matter where we go nowadays, there is some sort of pressure to be a certain way, be it in appearance, personality, or even the choices we make. In a world full of stick-thin models and an abundance of advertising promising no this or no that, it is hard not to get involved. Sometimes it seems as though the subliminal messaging never stops! Luckily, Operation Beautiful is on a mission to end negative self talk, one sticky note at a time.   

Though Operation Beautiful initially started with a focus on ending "fat talk," it has expanded to so much more thanks to all of its contributors. I believe that negative self talk has a lot to do with personal choices. 

[Muffin sundae made with a chocolate muffin, strawberries, and a cherry on top]

Only a year ago, I followed the herd with my friends and was afraid to discover who I really was with my family. I felt pressured to be a certain way around these people, especially because I loved them very much. I though that by taking a road less traveled, I would be dissappointing them. 

[Roasted kabocha, roasted mixed veggies, and kale chips]

I decided one day that I would make a small change. For many years, I knew in my heart that I wanted to be a vegetarian. Something just clicked with me. However, not all my loved ones agreed. Long story short, my little adventure down a new route did not go so well. Even my Dad fought it!

[Millet and Cheeze with broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, avocado, and roasted red pepper]

Lucky for me, my mom was there by my side. She supported me though this decision and many more to come. Saying it was not easy is definitely an understatement. However, sometimes just hearing that you are loved no matter what is enough to get you through. 

[The sandwich "that might change your life": an Ezekiel english muffin, avocado, roasted kabocha, and zucchini]

I struggled with my first decision as the true Mandiee, but did not let up. Those 3 little words said by my mom, "I love you," kept me going. Since then, I have been able to really explore who I am. As you can see by my blog, I made the choice to become vegan and practice yoga. Honestly, I have never been happier.  

[Millet and tofu stir fry with broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, and brussels sprouts]

Just three little words can make a world of difference. What will yours be?

You. Are. Beautiful. 

xox, 

Mandiee

P.S. Sweet Treats and Vegan Eats is getting quit a makeover right now! If any of you had trouble accessing the website this weekend, never fear, things should be up and running now. Speaking of which, I finally made the Wordpress switch. More details are to come, but for now, I am excited to have some packing to do for a little getaway...