TGIF: Labor Day Vegan Country-Fried Seitan Recipe

It's been a long week for all of us, but it's finally Friday And even better news, we have a three day weekend to kick back, relax and perhaps entertain some friends with a cook out or barbecue. Other than the mandatory fruit salad with under ripe strawberries and way too much cantaloupe that someone manages to bring to each and every potluck, it can be hard for us herbivores to partake in the tasty treats. But never fear, because we've unearthed this delicious recipe for Country-Fried Seitan Cutlets that is not only easy, but will be sure to please any vegan or vegetarian guests you may entertain over the holiday!

This Recipe is makes about 6-8 small cutlets

You will need a 18 oz box of water-packed chicken-style seitan, with the water drained.

For the marinade you will need
2 tbsp tamari
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp baking powder
1 tbsp Ener-G egg replacer powder
1 tbsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar

For the dry mixes, in two separate bowls, you will need
1st bowl (spices)
1 tbsp parsley
2 tsp garlic granules
2 tbsp nutritional yeast
1 tsp paprika
2 tbsp flour
1/4 tsp pepper

2nd bowl
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs


1/4 cup safflower oil for "frying"

To make:
1. Prep your 3 bowls (one for spices, one for panko crumbs, and one for all the liquids) The Ener-G egg replaces acts as a "fluffer" and will be activated by the liquid in the bowl (tamari, etc).
2. Drain your seitan and set aside
3. Set a non-stick skillet to high heat and add the safflower oil. Start with just enough oil to coat the pan.
4. Now start the process of crusting your seitan: dunk in the liquid bowl, then spices, then submerge in panko until covered. You want a good think coat on the seitan
5.Place the breaded seitan in the pan and continue crusting pieces until the pan is full. Flip each piece quickly. Each piece of seitan only needs 1-2 minus on each side to cool in the oil. Since the seitan is actually already "cooked" you don't need to worry about under-frying it as you would with meat.
6.When pieces are browned on both sides, pale on a paper towel and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice and serve or serve as is!

Enjoy your holiday, and don't forget to check back in for recipes, info, and DIY projects.

Healthy snacks to munch on!

Snacks are probably the only thing humans can agree are the best thing in the world. What is even better are healthy snacks. Yeah, that's right. Snacks that don't come out of a vending machine, but healthy stuff. 

Junky snacks to healthy snacks can be a difficult conversion, especially in this day and age where we are in a constant rush and shove anything in our mouth for that immediate gratification. I am very guilty of this and I'm sure you can relate to this predicament. However, there are alternatives to our junky snack problem...

-Fruit 
Yes. Yes. YES. Fruit will keep you stuffed and prevent you from aimlessly shoving food into your mouth. 

-Nuts
Almonds and other nuts are a "naturally high source of vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, and potassium and are rich in protein and fiber." Source Basically, it is good for your health. 

-String cheese
It is always fun and distracting to play with your food. 

And more...
-Baby Carrots with hummus 
-Egg whites on wheat toast 
-Dark chocolate
-Yogurt with granola
-Quesadillas (my favorite)
-Smoothies
-Raisins, dried cranberries

Happy Monday!

Literally, Darling Review!

Healthy foods for your teeth!

We've all had the occasional cavity once in our life, well at least I had over 6 (yikes.) This was due to my addiction to sweets and sugary foods as a kid. Now that I'm older I've learnt to maintain good oral hygiene by learning to prevent and reverse the damage 8 year old me caused. Surely you can pick up some tips and strive for that white tooth smile!

1. Water

Obvious one, yes. Water helps wash sugars and acid off teeth. It contains fluoride, a mineral that protects your teeth from eroding. 

2. Green tea

I love, love, LOVE green tea. The best part of it is that it contains antioxidants that protect your gums.

3. Cheese and any other dairy products

Dairy is naturally abundant in calcium. This mineral is essential for both your bones and teeth. Once you start lacking in this mineral, your teeth and bones will weaken. So, drink your milk and eat cheese to strengthen them bones and teeth!

4. Strawberries

We all love strawberries. Don't deny it. This yummy berry contains malic acid which is a natural enamel whitener. You could do this at home by smashing up a ripe strawberry and dipping your toothbrush in it. Afterwards, make sure to thoroughly rinse with warm water. 

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Pick Me Up Monday!

Good morning. Back at the work office and I'm sure you're loving every minute of it. Or maybe not. But here's a cute bundle of joy to cheer you up and hopefully get you through this week!

It's Friday!

It's Friday, Friiiday, gotta get down on Friiiiday! Everyone's looking forward the weekend! Don't hate me for singing that, but the weekend is here so I could not help myself! Enjoy this uberly adorable photo of a giraffe sleeping. I'm sure you will be pursuing the exact same activity as this calf (don't lie to yourself.)

P.S.
Don't miss out on our summer savings at Lulu Blossom! 25% off EVERYTHING. Enter code SUMMERLOVIN at checkout.

The Effects of Sleep Deprivation

Happy Friday!

It's finally Friday! YAY! To cool off from this scorchy, summer heat we are introducing you a Citrus Tea Punch.

To start off you will need:

• 6 cups water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 3 whole cloves
• 2 family sized tea bass
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 cup orange juice
• 16oz lemonade thawed

1. Combine 4 cups water and sugar in heavy saucepan and boil.

2. Cook until sugar dissolves; remove from heat.

3. Add cloves, tea bags, and cinnamon.

4. Steep 6 mins.

5. Strain into pitcher; discard solids.

6. Add 2 cups water, juice. lemonade, and still well. 

7. Chill and serve over ice. 

Throwback Thursday ~ Coconut oil liquid soap

I bet most of you don't remember Lulu Blossom made coconut oil liquid soap.For today's Throwback Thursday we are offering a DIY recipe that you can make at home.

To start off you will need:

• 4oz coconut oil 
• 10.7oz Potassium Hydroxide for lye/water solution
• 32.2oz distilled water
• 4tbs 5% Borax solution per 8oz of soap paste (neutralizes)
• 4-5oz distilled water per 8oz soap paste for dillution
• Stainless steel pot or crock pot
• Rubber gloves
• Protective eye wear
• Ball jar or glass container 
• Utensils (spoons, spatulas) only to be used for mixing lye. Lye is poisonous and should be mixed outside or in an area with plenty ventilation. Never cook with utensils or pots that have come in contact with lye. 

Directions:

1. Measure and melt coconut oil.
2. Mix lye and water for solution.
3. Mix oil and lye together.
4. Bring to trace (which is when it starts to thicken.)
5. Cook the paste either in crock pot or stove top- usually about 4 hours.
6. Add 4tbs of 5% borax to 4-5oz distilled water and mix per 8oz of paste.
7. Once the solution is mixed and neutralized, pour into glass container and cap lids until the solution starts to become viscous and cloudy. It will go from clear to the color in the picture above. Once this has happened feel free to add any fragrance or essential oil for a scent. However, we find that unscented is pleasant as well. 

***When mixing water lye solution, make sure to wear protective eye wear like goggles or glasses and mix lye slowly as it becomes very hot quickly.***

Wellness Wednesday ~ Foods for Healthy Hair

What you eat reflects entirely on your body, especially your hair. Today's Wellness Wednesday, we will focus on foods that promote healthy, luscious hair. 

1. Fruits and Vegetables

This seems pretty obvious and you probably saw this one coming. Fruits and veggies are rich in vitamin C, helping your body absorb iron. Without iron, your hair will start to fall out(especially in women!!!!)

2. Spinach

Yeah, yeah, yeah... I'm not a big fan of spinach either. However, spinach is rich in iron, beta carotene(which transforms into vitamin A), folate, and vitamin C. All in all, it's great in keeping those fancy follicles healthy!

3. Blueberries

Yum! Blueberries are perfect in producing vitamin C. The vitamin that prevents hair breakage and is essential for circulation to the scalp. Plus, they're absolutely delicious!

4. Eggs

Eggs are a great source of protein and iron. Much like fruits and vegetables, eggs will prevent hair loss.  

5.  Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Your body is not capable of producing omega-3 fatty acids, which is essential for hair growth. However, you can get it from salmon, walnuts, sardines, flaxseeds, and mackerel. 

Happy Monday!

Let's begin Monday off with a good start. Enjoy the rest of your week hanging out by the sun and getting tanned! We sure are loving this weather!

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Churro Waffles recipe!

Good morning, fellow readers! Recently, while browsing the interwebs I stumbled upon a recipe that I'm pretty sure was crafted by the hands of all the Greek gods.  The churro waffle is a delicious food that is perfect for breakfast or brunch. You decide!

To start off you will need:

1 teaspoon salt 

4 teaspoons baking powder

2 tablespoons white sugar
2 eggs                                                                      
2 cups of all purpose flour1 1/2 cups warm milk 
1/3 cup butter, melted                                                

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

 3 shakes of cinnamon plus

For the churro topping:
1 cup of white sugar
1/2 cup cinnamon
1/2 cup of melted butter

1. In a large bowl, mix together flour, salt, baking powder and sugar; set aside.  Also at this time you can combine your churro topping and set it aside. Preheat waffle iron

      2.In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Stir in the milk, butter and vanilla. Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture;  Next fold in three shakes of cinnamon beat until blended

       3. At this time you can also melt your 1/2 cup of butter used to pour over waffles. Next generously spray your waffle iron with no stick cooking spray. Than ladle the batter into a preheated waffle iron. Cook the waffles until golden and crisp. Once fully cooked immediately pour melted butter on each side of the waffle and than dip each buttered side into your cinnamon/sugar churro mixture.

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Wellness Wednesday ~ Get that H2O

To start off Wellness Wednesday, let me fill you in on an experience of mine. On a summer day, I was battling with an excruciating headache. I didn't know what the root of this problem could be, until I realized that I hadn't had any water all day. Then, I gulped copious amounts of water. I instantly felt better and swore to myself to drink more water to avoid headaches like the one I had that day. Ladies and gentlemen, keep in mind that your brain tissue is 70% to 80% of water, and depriving yourself of water can lead to migraines!

We all know that water is great to quench your thirst on a hot summer day, and even to prevent headaches, but staying hydrated is import for many different reasons. Here are five other reasons for you to grab a glass of cold water!

First off, the largest organ of your body, skin, functions as a protective barrier to prevent excess fluid loss. Drinking more water will prevent your skin from becoming dry and flaky and is a natural anti-aging regiment. You can wear all the creams and skin treatments you want, but it won't help you if you don't drink your water! 

Secondly, your body is made up of 60% water. It is essential that your body gets the water it needs to help out other bodily functions. The functions include digestion, circulation, creation of saliva, and maintenance of body temperature. 

Thirdly, water boosts your metabolism. At this very moment, many chemical reactions are taking place in your body. Drink water to keep these chemical reactions moving smoothly. One of the best ways to lose weight is to keep your metabolism going. So kick the soda, and replace it with a bottle of water.

Ever had kidney stones? Well, as it turns out water helps your kidneys. You probably know that, but it's important to be reminded that we can avoid those debilitating kidney stones by simply drinking more water. It is a great toxin cleanser for your body. 

Lastly, if you are reading this from work and you're feeling a little glum, you probably should gulp  a glass of water. It will make you more alert at work! 

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Pick Me Up Mondays

Lulu Blossom loves pin ups! Including this one of Robert Downey Jr's face photoshopped onto a pin up girls body. Doesn't he just look fabulous? To add on to the fabulousness, we are having a sale.
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