CheekyChicago

High tops. Pigtails. Rainbow bright jackets and pants. The 80′s. What does Cheeky remember about this time? Punky Brewster. There’s not a Cheeky gal who doesn’t recall what it was like being young and carefree, curled up watching this American sitcom. Nothing reminds us of that inner girl and how far she has come more than seeing Punky (Soleil Moon… Read more

It’s no surprise that movie theatres are devoid of healthy snacks. Even those soft pretzels – which might seem like a safe choice – pack almost 500 calories and over 2008 milligrams of salt! There’s something about being in a darkened theatre that seems to not only inflate one’s appetite but makes all awareness for healthy eating go right out… Read more

We all know them. The ones who are negative, the ones whose glasses will perpetually be half empty no matter how bright the sun is shining, how great their lives are, or how great the day could be. I believe we all fit into this camp from time to time and we must shake ourselves out of it (especially when… Read more

When cravings strike, there are many options, and zucchini can help tame even the unhealthiest urge. Packed full of fiber and vitamin C, this fruit (technically zucchini is a fruit, though we refer to it as a veggie) has a 95% water content, making it incredibly hydrating and low in calories. A good source of vitamin B6 as well, it… Read more

“Assume the position.” This isn’t a phrase you hear everyday and it can conjure some pretty graphic visuals. But, when you actually examine the phrase, it’s what we do all day everyday – we assume various positions in life. I’ve written about assumptions many times (i.e. – Everyday, I assume I will wake up. I assume I will eat breakfast.… Read more

When the weather warms up, a nice, refreshing drink is the perfect way to end the day. Though I am not a mixed drink kind of gal, a crisp Mojito will cure whatever is ailing you. I first sipped this fabulous drink many years ago during a vacation in Martha’s Vineyard. It was an instant reprieve from the uptight conservatives… Read more

In a flurry of white dresses and patent leather shoes, little girls will flock to church this Easter Sunday, holding their mothers’ hands. Little boys with slicked hair and clean mouths will wait patiently for their Easter baskets, where they can tear into multi-colored wrappers and demolish chocolate bunnies with their small, bare hands. As Easter approaches, it seems the… Read more

I love easy, portable snacks that I can cart with me wherever I go (being very pregnant, this is a necessity). While I love my no-bake energy bars and fruit and nuts, sometimes I want something a bit savory. About a year ago, I started making YumUniverse’s buckwheat blender pancakes and then saw a post for orange sesame pancakes. Not… Read more

Though the weather in Chicago is far from predictable, spring has arrived. As flowers bloom and fashions shift, what better time than now to pay attention… to yourself. Whether you are in a relationship or single, how often do you really stop and pay attention to what you’re thinking, wanting and feeling right in the moment? How often do you… Read more

I am 30 weeks pregnant; deep in the throes of organizing my “nest” and feeling possessed to clean out, purchase and get everything ready before little Sophie Leona Holguin arrives into this world. It is definitely the mark of the third trimester beast: get your home in order because you might not ever have time to get it in order… Read more

As the weather heats up, tropical fruit becomes abundant, and there’s nothing better for a morning or afternoon pick-me-up like a healthy smoothie. One of the best go-to fruits right now? Mangoes. Mangoes are known as a “super fruit” and are rich with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Their rich flavor and high fiber content will keep you full and supply… Read more

Pregnant women like to eat – and they often like to eat a lot. As a fully pregnant woman, I like to remind myself that I am eating for 1.1, not two. As if eating healthy wasn’t hard enough, when you compound it with the extra needs for pregnancy, it can seem overwhelming. Tack a vegan pregnancy on top of that and your doctor’s… Read more

There are few things I love more than a big, crunchy bowl of granola. I’ve experimented with several recipes over the last year, but this is one of the easiest and definitely a favorite in taste alone! Eat by itself, mix with a healthy non-dairy yogurt, or eat topped with berries and some delicious non-dairy milk. In a word: yum.… Read more

I am a bit of The Bachelor junkie. It’s the one show where I can zone out, eat some good food and marvel at the monstrosity that has become reality TV and dating in general. And my husband is sweet enough to watch it with me, yell at the TV and roll his eyes right alongside me. After countless seasons… Read more

Who doesn’t love pasta? When you have a leftover fridge full of veggies you don’t know what to do with, toss them with some olive oil and heart healthy pasta (brown rice pasta and quinoa pasta) for a wonderful primavera. The addition of veggie stock, soymilk and a tablespoon of flour gives the dish a richness without excess calories. Use… Read more

She was last seen wearing a red coat. Weight: 128 pounds. Eyes: brown. Height: 5’5″ on a good day. She drank her coffee black and always had a book in hand. She was last spotted in September, breezing through the streets, before she discovered a life was growing inside her. Now, she is a woman in waiting. She can still… Read more

Everyone knows that oatmeal is the breakfast of champions (and if you don’t, you should). This amazing grain contains fiber, is naturally sugar-free, has Omega-3s, iron and boosts immunity while lowering cholesterol. It is best steel cut, but also comes rolled (which has been processed and takes less time to cook), and then there is instant, which is usually sweetened… Read more

Perusing through Women’s Health, I stumbled upon an article about a 60-minute relationship fix (and, no, it didn’t involve an hour in a therapist’s office). Always on the hunt for good advice, I perused the article and agreed with much of its advice. It got me thinking about what can be done in an hour, and how valuable that time… Read more

As the weekend wound down and I began to prep our meals for the next week, I was craving a healthy but indulgent snack for that mid-afternoon slump. Since I love oats and coconut, I stopped when I came to YumUniverse’s recipe for Caribbean Coconut Oat Bars. Simple, filling and full of healthy nuts, fresh lime, coconut and oats, I… Read more

Sometimes it seems like we make life harder than it needs to be. We hear the all-too-common adage: “Life is hard.” But this doesn’t have to be your life. Today’s woman is much different than those of generations past. We don’t just stay home and play house. We build the house, we furnish it, we run it, we have full-time… Read more

I like to consider myself a bit of a massage connoisseur. Over the course of my life, I’ve probably had close to 1,000 massages (no, really). To me, it’s not about being pampered – it’s part of living an active lifestyle. When you work hard, exercise hard, and then spend the majority of your days planted in a chair, your… Read more

There are few things I love more in this world than my mother’s banana bread. As a child, I could detect its scent upon waking. Quietly, I would pad down our short hallway and find her in the kitchen, flour and ripe banana peels littering our countertops. The bread was always best the next day, after it had grown a… Read more

The art of breaking up – is this ever easy? While some break ups are cut and dry (and so much better in the long run), usually the urge to “break up” can simply reveal chinks in the relationship armor that can be fixed with just the right tools. We’re so quick to “run” these days when the going gets tough,… Read more

‘Tis the season to be married! Meet Cheeky chick Nikki McFadden, wedding photographer extraordinaire. A Nashvillian who jets to Chicago on a regular basis for photo shoots, she’s no typical photographer. Cheeky sat down with Nikki to talk weddings, photography and all things bridal. The best part? She’s offering the Cheeky ladies of Chicago a 10% discount on all packages… Read more

During the winter months, butternut squash is a staple in many dishes. Last year, I had a friend ask if I’d ever eaten butternut squash fries, to which I replied, “Um, excuse me? Butternut squash fries?” I was immediately intrigued. A big fan of sweet potato fries, I had not let my imagination wander over to the possibility of squash fries.… Read more

I was ruminating over my past relationships recently (while trying to come up with article ideas) and I stopped to ponder if I’ve ever dated an ex. I have, only once, and it lasted for about four days before I realized that, “Oh yeah, this guy is a total douche.” So, the question remains: can you happily date an ex?… Read more

There’s nothing better on a frigid night than a comforting bowl of soup. One of my favorite ingredients to cook with is pumpkin – for its wonderful vitamins and minerals, as well as its flavor profile. If you want something hearty or to pair with a healthy salad or sandwich for lunch, look no further than this easy soup. Play… Read more

It’s no secret that I’ve always felt more like “one of the guys” than a girly girl. I never paint or even file my nails, I can go days without styling or washing my hair, I’ve never worn foundation and my idea of awesome shoes are a big pair of fluffy boots with a flat heel. Perhaps it was having… Read more

The temperatures are finally frigid, and nothing sounds better than a piping hot latte. However, contrary to popular belief, warm drinks don’t actually increase our internal temperature. All the more reason to swap that latte for a healthy juice first thing in the morning (and not the store-bought juices that are loaded with added sugars and preservatives). During the winter… Read more

January 12, 2012 Dear Sophie, I met you today, as a wand with warm goo brought you into my sight… and you were easily the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen. Your little face with the tipped up nose and tiny lips. You, with your fisted hands and strong legs, and the brilliant fish scale-like quality to your perfectly formed… Read more

In the afternoons, I always crave something healthy but a tad sweet. Something with ample amounts of protein and natural ingredients, but something reminiscent of my days when I used to grab a chewy granola bar (or four). With a little experimentation, here is my take on a protein packed granola bar that takes no time to make. Play with… Read more

What does it mean to be in a happy relationship? How do you measure your relationship against others you know? Do you have a scale of happiness? I started to ponder this question while reading The Happiest Baby on the Block, which takes new parents through the myths of crying infants and shows you how to deal with the first… Read more

We’ve all been guilty of ending the year with a celebratory bang, which usually involves drinking too much, eating rich, carby things and then making a mental list of all the things you’re going to do differently this year: 1. Never eat cake again. 2. Exercise every single day. 3. Cut back on alcohol and takeout. 4. Forget all of… Read more

It’s no surprise that stress is a killer (Happy New Year!), but an even more surprising fact is how many different types of stress can wreak havoc on your health. One of the silent killers? Nutritional stress. Nutritional stress is stress created by food because of its unhealthy properties (think typical American fare). According to Brendan Brazier, author of Thrive,… Read more

Every year after the holiday, there’s usually an interminable funk that falls upon my head. The holidays – my absolute favorite time of the year – are suddenly over, leaving the blank canvas of the year ahead… with none of the fun holiday music, movies, delicious food or quality family time. This year, however, I am determined to avoid it… Read more

There’s no such thing as a perfect relationship. Sure, there are perfect moments – moments that light up your face, capture your heart and are ingrained in your psyche (or at least a very exquisite photograph) – but they rarely last forever. Sometimes these moments can be small – a few hours spent talking and listening to music, a magical… Read more

Who doesn’t love brownies? As a vegan, making brownies can feel like just a slightly healthier version of the full-fatty kind. Usually packed with flour and sugar, YumUniverse (and Heather Crosby specifically) again came to the rescue as I searched for a quick, healthy fix for my sweet tooth. These flourless, gluten-free brownies are completely vegan and packed full of protein… Read more

We’ve all been there: heavy sighs, arms crossed, neither you nor your partner saying a word. Perhaps you said something spur of the moment and pissed each other off. Perhaps he was insensitive and just doesn’t get it, and you’re not speaking until he does. Perhaps boundaries have been crossed one too many times and you’re sick of it. Regardless,… Read more

You know the mantra: you have to get enough calcium to have healthy bones and teeth. The quickest way to do that? Down a large glass of milk. However, it’s no coincidence that this animal product is hard to digest, leaving many people lactose intolerant and searching for calcium in other ways. Here’s the issue: cows are supposed to have… Read more

Who can ever understand what a mother goes through until you step into her shoes? Growing up, I was irrationally close to my mother. Our bond vacillated between an abnormal attachment and later, in my teenage years, a steady love/hate as I tested boundaries and wore her down to the shell of the luminous woman she is today. I had… Read more

It always seems to happen at the end of traveling (or just an exceptionally long day). Alex and I return home, exhausted, to an empty refrigerator. The last thing on earth we feel like doing is going to the grocery store. Or ordering in (as we’ve usually just spent too much on restaurant food). So, what to do? If you… Read more

Sex is a difficult topic, and not one I write about often. Always a tomboy and essentially hanging out with boys as a child, sex was a typical part of the conversation. I asked questions and learned a great deal, but never realized how sacred it can be until I met my husband. That being said, everyone goes through ebbs… Read more

The turkey has been eaten. The leftovers heated up and ingested, the food comas lingering just a day or two too long. For our family, we had one of the most enjoyable Thanksgivings, replete with delicious dishes that satisfied vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. One of the hits of the night? My delicious dark chocolate pistachio bar, that took minutes to… Read more

Giving thanks. Two simple words that aren’t always so easy to remember. Generally, we surround Turkey Day with food and family, but there is a deeper meaning… one that should take place as soon as your feet hit the floor in the morning: being thankful. Not because of any one thing, but just because. You are here. You are breathing.… Read more

I love Thanksgiving. As a child, I used to sneak into my grandmother’s kitchen and pluck from the trays of dark and white meat. I would tear off edges of fresh, warm bread and stuff them deep into my cheeks, smiling innocently up at my grandmother. She would pull me into a hug, and I would press my face into… Read more

Typical day: Wake up. Make breakfast. Clean up dishes from last night. Give husband and puppy a kiss. Nudge them from bed. Eat breakfast. Check emails. Train clients. Go work out. Shower. Check more emails. Meet writing deadlines. Go to the store. Unpack groceries. Pay bills. Make lunch. Clean up lunch. Cuddle husband and puppy. Return phone calls. Check to… Read more

I love pasta dishes, but I rarely order pesto. I usually opt for a red sauce chock full of extra veggies. However, if you don’t want to take the time to make your own sauce from scratch, constantly stirring and adding ingredients, then this kale pesto is for you. Kale is a superfood. Full of chlorophyll, it does a great… Read more

We all get into fights. Chances are you can spin a small little misunderstanding into World War III if not careful. While there’s no one way to avoid confrontation, we can limit the drama in our lives. This doesn’t mean avoiding confrontation like the plague, but rather, diffusing situations before they become dire. If you bottle your feelings and then… Read more

Meet Cheeky Chick Tara Leggero, skin guru extraordinaire. I sat down with Tara to discuss one of our most important features: skin. Our largest organ, there’s no “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to skin care. Getting a professional opinion can go a long way in helping you understand what your complexion needs. Cheeky: Give us a little bit of your aesthetician… Read more

Soup is one meal that can handle constant variety. Creamy soups, broth-based soups, chili, spicy soups, sweet soups… You can cure almost any craving with a warm bowl of soup. Pair soups with a salad or have as an appetizer and you will not only eat less, you can get a wide variety of vegetables and antioxidants in every bite.… Read more

Fantasy: If I work hard and do the right thing, I will be spared from death, unhappiness, tragedy and pain. Fact: Everyone will experience ups and downs: loss, pain, misery and happiness. It’s how we react to these truths that matter. It’s how we bounce back that counts. To say there can be beauty in losing everything seems odd. You’ve… Read more

Halloween puts me in the mood for pumpkin entrées. Packed with vitamins A, E, iron and B6, pumpkins are good for more than just carving. The next time you’re at the store and want to save time, stock up on organic pumpkin (not the pie mix) and use it for an assortment of dishes. This entrée is delicious and makes… Read more

Watching Oprah’s new show, Lifeclass, I was intrigued by the simplistic plot and the message behind it: distancing ourselves from our ego. How many of us actually think about our egos throughout the day? While it’s easy to identify someone who is egotistical, we don’t often attribute our own behaviors to being tightly linked with our egos. Our fears of… Read more

I adore mashed potatoes. It brings me back to my grandmother’s kitchen, as she used to slice into a Yukon gold, smearing her knife across her apron. Experimenting with two of my favorite ingredients – mushrooms and thyme – I decided to make a vegan version of this usually heavy-buttered and milky treat. Mushroom and Thyme Mashed Potatoes Ingredients: 3… Read more

I love desserts. You love desserts. But, sugar wreaks havoc on our bodies, leading to diabetes, disease, cancer, obesity, mood swings and a host of other health problems. In a study in 2009, the average American was said to consume 22 teaspoons per day of added sugar, with teens coming in at 34. It’s a definite problem. But, if you… Read more

We’ve all been in that spot when our partners won’t talk. You feel the dissonance, you know something’s off, and you’ve got a running list of things you want to say.

There are few things I love more in this world than a big batch of chocolate chip pancakes. For breakfast, dessert or a snack, these pancakes, originally inspired by YumUniverse’s buckwheat pancakes, can be eaten hot or cold – and they travel well on road trips (bonus!). Loaded with vegan chocolate (which is dairy, nut and soy free) and easily… Read more

Taking a few pages directly from my book, The Cheat Sheet, I thought I would examine the tough spots marriages go through and the questions to ask to “pull” you out of the fog. Often, when we’re going through rough patches in relationships, we look for answers instead of asking ourselves tough questions to figure out how we really feel… Read more

Kale is my favorite vegetable. I love to eat it raw, sauteed or even blended into smoothies. This delectable meal, however, has become a staple in our kitchen, thanks to Heather Crosby of YumUniverse. My husband and I double the original recipe, nix the salt and add fresh veggies to the sauce for a truly satisfying, cleansing meal. It’s the… Read more

Everyday, we do more than enough. We exhaust, we cajole, we strive, we prosper, we mire, we wither. We triumph. We wallow. We find ourselves uncertain and unglued. We become tangled with life, not in harmony beside it. Being tired is normal. Drinking copious amounts of coffee is normal. Working so hard for your family that you don’t see your family is… Read more

Nutella: a staple in every family’s home if you have children, and a decadent hazelnut spread that can take an ordinary piece of bread to extraordinary. Traditionally made with milk, hazelnuts and chocolate, this spread can be taken into vegan territory in no time with just a few adjustments. All you need is five minutes and five ingredients. The best… Read more

It’s no surprise that people are watching their spending these days. However, if you’re like me, you don’t want your health to suffer in today’s more money-conscious society. Instead of joining that fancy gym, perhaps you dust off your running shoes or bike. Instead of ordering $50 worth of takeout, order a small dish and then steam some veggies and… Read more

On Thursday, I attended the first annual Common Threads cook-off, where top Chicago chefs gathered for a good cause to cook and have patrons judge their selection of food. At the end of the night, four chefs would reign victorious out of the following categories: on a stick, in a glass, on a bun or in a shell. As I… Read more

Over the holiday weekend, I had an epiphany. Actually, a few epiphanies. As my husband, Alex, and I threw routine out the window, we borrowed a couple of mountain bikes, made some snacks and hit the road down south for some much needed clarity. The moment we made it seven blocks east to the lake, the spirals of buildings shrinking… Read more

Kale is my new favorite veggie. You can eat it raw, saute it, or in this recipe, stuff it into a delectable mushroom cap and douse it with a healthy, dairy-free, oil-free aioli sauce and other veggies. Kale is a great source of vitamin A, K and beta-carotene, while mushrooms offer vitamin D – an often hard vitamin to get… Read more

Flat on my back with my knees in the air and an intense cramping in my stomach, I attempted to breathe. Wendy, the technician, continued to spout her wisdom as I tried not to have a full-blown panic attack: “It’s not about what you eat that’s the problem,” she said. “It’s literally about the shit that’s going on in your… Read more

We think so much about what tastes good when we eat that it’s easy to forget about what we need. (A little reminder I got as I visited the amazing Wendy Beyer for my very first colonic – and yes, I will spare you the details.) However, I was relieved to know that my body seems to assimilate food quickly.… Read more

These days, it seems like there’s always a “condition” with love. I love you until I meet someone better. I love you until I get bored. I love you until I change. I love you until I get older. I love you until you get sick. I love you until you change. I love you until I find out something… Read more

It never fails. After a healthy dinner, I will drink a full glass of water, twiddle my thumbs and then whine: “I want brownies!” Or cookies. Or cake. Just something sweet. Sometimes I really do want something sweet; other times it’s out of sheer habit, and mostly, I just feel rebellious. If I eat a healthy dinner, I should be rewarded… Read more

I know plenty of couples who subscribe to date night. No matter how crazy their schedules, they carve out that single night per week to go to dinner and a movie and disconnect from the world. While this is lovely, I don’t ever want to have to carve out just one day per week to date my husband. I want… Read more

Mac and cheese was a childhood staple. Fish sticks? Check. Mac and cheese? Double check. No matter the “main course,” mac and cheese was often the accompaniment. Unfortunately, cheese is not our friend (Don’t believe me? Read all about it here). And if you’re a vegan, giving up cheese can feel cruel and make many meals – such as mac… Read more

Last week, with reality programs reminding me why I loathe television, Alex and I decided to revisit Mad Men. The entire box set stared back at me; cool, minimal and teeming with imagination. Every time I dive in, I get lost in the advertisements; I admire the beauty of the women, with their heavy hips, impossibly tiny waists and perfectly… Read more

Summer is the season of parties and barbecues. Friends gather under Citronella candles to talk, eat and drink. If you want to provide your own food, but don’t have a lot of time, look no further than these easy (amazingly tasty) little party poppers that are ready in just minutes, cure any sweet craving and can even double as perfect… Read more

I’ve been divorced.  A lot of people I know have also been divorced (sadly). Unfortunately, over half of married couples will suffer the same fate. Sometimes there’s a legitimate reason. Sometimes it’s your choice. Sometimes it’s not. Whatever the reason, it’s tough to navigate the waters and know what to do, who to contact and how to behave. (What? Screaming… Read more

Thanks to this month’s issue of Whole Living, they dedicated a few pages to the benefits of eating raw. While this way of eating is easy to some, those sweet cravings still raise their ugly heads every now and again. Look no further than these strawberry oat bars to tame even the toughest sweet tooth. Ready in just minutes, these… Read more

There’s a huge difference between being alone and being lonely. Many of us don’t even know what it means to be alone or enjoy all the perks that go along with being single. We’d rather relationship hop than be single, because society makes us feel bad if we’re on our own. We are married to our cell phones, we are… Read more

It’s summer: time for a cool, decadent dessert without all the guilt. Look no further than this vegan chocolate pudding, which was inspired by a raw recipe section in this month’s Whole Living magazine. Made with only four ingredients, you can wow guests with this creamy, delectable concoction that takes one minute to make; in addition to making a delicious… Read more

Do you ever notice how we tend to fall harder and faster during the summer? During the warmer months, we take vacations, swim, relax and enjoy outdoor activities. It’s easy to find happiness and bond together beneath the sun. However, summer flings can extend into steamy fall and winter romances with just a few simple tips. When the months turn colder… Read more

There’s nothing I love more than a refreshing summer salad, but sometimes I don’t feel like eating yet another romaine or spinach concoction. Luckily, I stumbled upon a version of this simple, flavorful salad when dining at Marché in Nashville a couple of weeks ago, a delectable little French bistro known for its innovative and fresh food. On a hot… Read more

What is vagabonding? Vagabonding is the art of long-term travel. It is a mindset in the way you take your place in the world. It’s about shifting habits and taking full advantage of the only commodity we really have: time. In 2007, I ventured to Paris for a five-week writing workshop. Rolf Potts, serial long-term traveler and writer, was one… Read more

One of the most common questions I get asked is what to eat before and after a workout. Ask this question to anyone, and you will get a wide range of answers. Eat simple carbs! Eat complex carbs! Eat fat! Eat no fat! Eat something small! Eat something substantial! While pre-workout food is very important, what you eat post-workout is… Read more

Recently flipping through an Oxygen! magazine, I came upon a short list of “rules to live by” from the cover model Fran Dennis. Obviously, everyone is different in what they deem important, but she rang on many personal truths… truths that got me thinking about my own relationships, how I love, how I want to be loved, and just living… Read more

Every time I go to a Greek restaurant, I order falafel. I try and convince myself they aren’t fried and laden with so much salt that I will be gulping down water for the next two days. I usually can’t ever resist them (until a swift look at the nutrition facts has me running for the hills). So… why not… Read more

Recently, I bought the book Life is a Verb by Patti Digh. In it are words of imagination, wisdom and wonderful exercises. A quote she wrote really affected me, and it has been at the forefront of my mind lately – with every decision, every response, every action or reaction. She wrote, “If I recall correctly, the death rate for… Read more

Who doesn’t love mashed potatoes? Hailing from the south, mashed potatoes were definitely a staple at all my family gatherings. The potatoes were never complete without big pats of butter melting in the middle of the stack. I’ve had fluffy white potatoes, thick, dense potatoes and one unfortunate incident when my aunt attempted to make them and they landed like… Read more

What does it mean to have unconditional love? We love our pets unconditionally. We adore our children. We stand in front of hundreds of friends and family on our wedding day and vow to love one person forever. But what happens between those early “I love you’s” and the bitter end of a breakup? When does love become conditional? Our… Read more

Coconuts have gotten a bad rap over the years. However, the fats found in coconut oil are not stored as fat and can be great in place of other oils when cooking. Coconut milk can add succulent flavor to almost any sauce (try it in stir-fries and pastas and opt for the “light” variety if you are watching fat grams).… Read more

When I was a child, I didn’t imagine moving away. I loved our 1,100 square foot home, with its 1.5 bathrooms and thin walls. I didn’t dream of what I would do as an adult; I dreamed of making mud pies and climbing trees and biting into my mother’s delicious French toast. I dreamed of one more hour of sleep… Read more

Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. The rotation goes as follows: oatmeal with berries, hemp seeds and agave, buckwheat chocolate chip blueberry pancakes or a green smoothie. But, sometimes, I crave muffins. There’s nothing like a healthy muffin (this muffin is not glorified cake, I promise – though it tastes like it) and a giant cup of Peet’s… Read more

Alex, He wrote in Chile, in a house on a bluff, with his third wife, surrounded by random objects: ships in bottles, sea shells, clocks, postcards, a cobbler’s shoe. My favorite poet, Pablo Neruda went through many changes during his writing career, but he was as prolific as they come, waxing poetic about small things, emotions, death, even his country.… Read more

I love milkshakes. As a child, I used to bundle up in my winter coat and hop into the passenger side of our Toyota and drive to Dairy Queen. There, my dad would order me an Oreo Blizzard and I would gobble it up with that long, plastic spoon before we’d made the short trip home. I can still taste… Read more

I love milkshakes. As a child, I used to bundle up in my winter coat and hop into the passenger side of our Toyota and drive to Dairy Queen. There, my dad would order me an Oreo Blizzard and I would gobble it up with that long, plastic spoon before we’d made the short trip home. I can still taste… Read more

The rules of attraction are a funny thing. By definition, the word attraction means “the power of evoking interest, pleasure or liking for someone or something.” I would like to harness this power and live my life by it. But, most days, I want to stay in pajamas and eat heaping spoonfuls of chocolate and peanut butter instead. I am… Read more

The rules of attraction are a funny thing. By definition, the word attraction means “the power of evoking interest, pleasure or liking for someone or something.” I would like to harness this power and live my life by it. But, most days, I want to stay in pajamas and eat heaping spoonfuls of chocolate and peanut butter instead. I am… Read more

As warmer weather approaches, I love the simplicity of a healthy, clean meal. Little preparation, fresh flavors and satisfying ingredients that will keep me full for hours: this is the primary goal. This chickpea and red pepper salad is not only tasty, it’s easy because there’s no cooking involved! Chickpeas are one of the best sources of folate (helps red… Read more

As warmer weather approaches, I love the simplicity of a healthy, clean meal. Little preparation, fresh flavors and satisfying ingredients that will keep me full for hours: this is the primary goal. This chickpea and red pepper salad is not only tasty, it’s easy because there’s no cooking involved! Chickpeas are one of the best sources of folate (helps red… Read more

Once upon a time, I stood in a boxing ring. I wore leather gloves flecked with red. I threw jabs and overhand lefts and body shots into the soft bellies of men. I got brain surgery; I stopped boxing; I lost heaps of hair on the left side of my head. As a freshman in college, I would carry on conversations,… Read more

Once upon a time, I stood in a boxing ring. I wore leather gloves flecked with red. I threw jabs and overhand lefts and body shots into the soft bellies of men. I got brain surgery; I stopped boxing; I lost heaps of hair on the left side of my head. As a freshman in college, I would carry on conversations,… Read more

Saying “yes” can be a lovely experience. Whether it’s uttering that word to an engagement, agreeing with a friend in an amicable conversation or piling up the “yeses” on your to-do list, that word can be beautiful in its simplicity. But, it can also be a hindrance. It’s no surprise that we say yes too much (ladies, you know what… Read more

Saying “yes” can be a lovely experience. Whether it’s uttering that word to an engagement, agreeing with a friend in an amicable conversation or piling up the “yeses” on your to-do list, that word can be beautiful in its simplicity. But, it can also be a hindrance. It’s no surprise that we say yes too much (ladies, you know what… Read more

I love burritos. Breakfast burritos, lunch burritos, burritos for dinner… If there were a dessert burrito, I would eat that too. (That might be my next recipe.) But eating burritos can set you back a whopping 600-1000 calories, thousands of milligrams of salt and overly processed ingredients that leave you full and sluggish for the rest of the day. If… Read more

I love burritos. Breakfast burritos, lunch burritos, burritos for dinner… If there were a dessert burrito, I would eat that too. (That might be my next recipe.) But eating burritos can set you back a whopping 600-1000 calories, thousands of milligrams of salt and overly processed ingredients that leave you full and sluggish for the rest of the day. If… Read more

Dialogue of an inner self-critic… I’m so bloated. God, I look disgusting. How can I look like that when I work so hard! I stare in the mirror, clothes removed, seconds from entering the steaming shower. I turn to the side, let my stomach billow out to its normal shape – six months pregnant, easy. I pull on the skin… Read more

Dialogue of an inner self-critic… I’m so bloated. God, I look disgusting. How can I look like that when I work so hard! I stare in the mirror, clothes removed, seconds from entering the steaming shower. I turn to the side, let my stomach billow out to its normal shape – six months pregnant, easy. I pull on the skin… Read more

Though I am not a big proponent of soy products mimicking meat, I happen to enjoy the nutty, grainy flavor of tempeh. Made with organic soybeans and wild rice, Lightlife’s wild rice tempeh gives the perfect texture to a stir-fry. Packed with 11 grams of fiber per serving and 21 grams of protein, this is a perfect addition to any… Read more

Though I am not a big proponent of soy products mimicking meat, I happen to enjoy the nutty, grainy flavor of tempeh. Made with organic soybeans and wild rice, Lightlife’s wild rice tempeh gives the perfect texture to a stir-fry. Packed with 11 grams of fiber per serving and 21 grams of protein, this is a perfect addition to any… Read more

No one wants to think about the possibility of having an affair. As you delve into a new relationship, it’s the last thing on your mind (hopefully). But there’s a reason about half of men and women in committed relationships are expected to cheat: quite simply, we want to desire and be desired. We want to feel. This intense level… Read more

No one wants to think about the possibility of having an affair. As you delve into a new relationship, it’s the last thing on your mind (hopefully). But there’s a reason about half of men and women in committed relationships are expected to cheat: quite simply, we want to desire and be desired. We want to feel. This intense level… Read more

I have been known to crush cereal. I mean boxes of cereal. In one sitting (think 5-10 boxes, all dumped into a big bowl with no milk, my open palm arching around mounds of processed sugar; you can now imagine a large portion of my childhood). Suffice it to say, I don’t buy cereal anymore. Unless it’s granola. My brother… Read more

I have been known to crush cereal. I mean boxes of cereal. In one sitting (think 5-10 boxes, all dumped into a big bowl with no milk, my open palm arching around mounds of processed sugar; you can now imagine a large portion of my childhood). Suffice it to say, I don’t buy cereal anymore. Unless it’s granola. My brother… Read more

Fulfill – bring to completion or reality; achieve or realize (something desired, promised or predicted) I’ve been thinking a lot about happiness and fulfillment lately, and how those concepts have changed for me now, versus even a few years ago. There is such a fine line between a fulfilling life and a life fulfilled. A life fulfilled can be in… Read more

Fulfill – bring to completion or reality; achieve or realize (something desired, promised or predicted) I’ve been thinking a lot about happiness and fulfillment lately, and how those concepts have changed for me now, versus even a few years ago. There is such a fine line between a fulfilling life and a life fulfilled. A life fulfilled can be in… Read more

A few weeks ago, I attended the grand opening of Chicago’s own Monkey Bar Gym - a wide open space situated at 2255 S. Michigan Avenue. The premise? This is not your ordinary gym. Creator Jon Hinds explains how the fitness industry has become broken. “You isolate your muscles with machines. Isolation of muscles leads to the isolation of your mind.”… Read more

A few weeks ago, I attended the grand opening of Chicago’s own Monkey Bar Gym - a wide open space situated at 2255 S. Michigan Avenue. The premise? This is not your ordinary gym. Creator Jon Hinds explains how the fitness industry has become broken. “You isolate your muscles with machines. Isolation of muscles leads to the isolation of your mind.”… Read more

Have you ever stopped to think about the wide scope of our emotions? How you can be absolutely certain of how you feel one minute and then just as easily feel completely different about everything the next? I marvel at our capacity to feel and then just as simply to “unfeel.”  As though we are unzipping our love/lust/infatuation/certainty and replacing it… Read more

Have you ever stopped to think about the wide scope of our emotions? How you can be absolutely certain of how you feel one minute and then just as easily feel completely different about everything the next? I marvel at our capacity to feel and then just as simply to “unfeel.”  As though we are unzipping our love/lust/infatuation/certainty and replacing it… Read more

Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. I wake, I pour that first decadent cup of coffee and I marvel at the quiet of the city, the lean buildings shadowed by impending sunlight and the soft thrum of taxi engines roving by. And while I usually eat oatmeal loaded with goodies, sometimes (okay, most of the time) I want… Read more

Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. I wake, I pour that first decadent cup of coffee and I marvel at the quiet of the city, the lean buildings shadowed by impending sunlight and the soft thrum of taxi engines roving by. And while I usually eat oatmeal loaded with goodies, sometimes (okay, most of the time) I want… Read more

In the gym the other day, I noticed two men who did not stop talking for a full hour. They hopped from machine to machine, so lost in conversation, I turned down my iPod to see what had these two so rapt in conversation. They were not complaining about how fat they were or obsessing about their partners. Instead, they… Read more

In the gym the other day, I noticed two men who did not stop talking for a full hour. They hopped from machine to machine, so lost in conversation, I turned down my iPod to see what had these two so rapt in conversation. They were not complaining about how fat they were or obsessing about their partners. Instead, they… Read more

I like to think of myself as a bit of a chili connoisseur. I have been making chili with my brother since I could practically walk, and we have perfected the recipe over the years (always using our three key ingredients: dark chocolate, beer and ketchup). Traditionally made with ground turkey, different types of beans and a hearty pasta, this… Read more

I like to think of myself as a bit of a chili connoisseur. I have been making chili with my brother since I could practically walk, and we have perfected the recipe over the years (always using our three key ingredients: dark chocolate, beer and ketchup). Traditionally made with ground turkey, different types of beans and a hearty pasta, this… Read more

We have the best intentions in every relationship. We want to bring out the greatest versions of ourselves and each other. We want to encourage not cajole, inspire not aggravate. Yet, this is not always the case. In some relationships, one person might encourage the other to become fit and healthy, but most of the time, we enable each other… Read more

We have the best intentions in every relationship. We want to bring out the greatest versions of ourselves and each other. We want to encourage not cajole, inspire not aggravate. Yet, this is not always the case. In some relationships, one person might encourage the other to become fit and healthy, but most of the time, we enable each other… Read more

I was flipping through an older issue of Real Simple and stumbled upon a wonderful article about sweet potatoes. Since I am a huge sweet potato fan (Sweet potato fries! Sweet potato chips! Sweet potato soup! Sweet potato hash! The options are endless.), I was happy to see a magazine actually writing about their health benefits. A great source of vitamins… Read more

I was flipping through an older issue of Real Simple and stumbled upon a wonderful article about sweet potatoes. Since I am a huge sweet potato fan (Sweet potato fries! Sweet potato chips! Sweet potato soup! Sweet potato hash! The options are endless.), I was happy to see a magazine actually writing about their health benefits. A great source of vitamins… Read more

Men are the masters of the midlife crisis. Shiny cars, affairs, hair transplants, vacations, unnatural tans, bad tattoos… the list goes on. Many a wife has stood back in silence and watched as her husband disappears into what one can only sum up as a midlife crisis. However, people discuss much less the idea of a midwife crisis, and many… Read more

Men are the masters of the midlife crisis. Shiny cars, affairs, hair transplants, vacations, unnatural tans, bad tattoos… the list goes on. Many a wife has stood back in silence and watched as her husband disappears into what one can only sum up as a midlife crisis. However, people discuss much less the idea of a midwife crisis, and many… Read more

Who doesn’t love cheese? The fact is, cheese doesn’t always love us. Whenever I walk into Whole Foods or a fresh market, I marvel at the distinct wedged shapes, the pungent aromas and the hefty price tags. Having become vegan, I have not found a good cheese substitute (I loathe the very concept of soy cheese – plastic does not… Read more

Who doesn’t love cheese? The fact is, cheese doesn’t always love us. Whenever I walk into Whole Foods or a fresh market, I marvel at the distinct wedged shapes, the pungent aromas and the hefty price tags. Having become vegan, I have not found a good cheese substitute (I loathe the very concept of soy cheese – plastic does not… Read more

We’ve all been there. You’re carrying on in your relationship when you meet someone else you are attracted to. Perhaps it’s a fleeting attraction – a projection of what you’re not getting in your current relationship. Regardless, the signs are evident; it’s impossible to hide (which is why you must read my book, The Cheat Sheet, hitting bookstores in June! Sorry, shameless… Read more

We’ve all been there. You’re carrying on in your relationship when you meet someone else you are attracted to. Perhaps it’s a fleeting attraction – a projection of what you’re not getting in your current relationship. Regardless, the signs are evident; it’s impossible to hide (which is why you must read my book, The Cheat Sheet, hitting bookstores in June! Sorry, shameless… Read more

I love salads. I eat them almost every day, piled high with fresh veggies, seeds, nuts, beans and grains. Dressings consist of hemp or olive oil and apple cider vinegar, or on those rare days, just a squeeze of lemon. But, like most people, I love the creaminess of a rich dressing – it just makes those greens so much… Read more

I love salads. I eat them almost every day, piled high with fresh veggies, seeds, nuts, beans and grains. Dressings consist of hemp or olive oil and apple cider vinegar, or on those rare days, just a squeeze of lemon. But, like most people, I love the creaminess of a rich dressing – it just makes those greens so much… Read more

There are many definitions for the term “open.” Ones I particulary like include: not fastened or sealed; not buttoned or fastened; free from obstruction; unlocked; not constipated; not clenched into a fist. It’s a word that rules us as children. We are living, absorbent sponges, excitable and free. We are not yet bogged down by self-awareness or harsh judgment against… Read more

There are many definitions for the term “open.” Ones I particulary like include: not fastened or sealed; not buttoned or fastened; free from obstruction; unlocked; not constipated; not clenched into a fist. It’s a word that rules us as children. We are living, absorbent sponges, excitable and free. We are not yet bogged down by self-awareness or harsh judgment against… Read more

I love to bake. Nothing makes me happier than using my new gun metal KitchenAid mixer. With a flip of the switch, I can make an exceptional batter, all while saving my forearms the excruciating task of mixing for minutes on end. I can make fluffy frosting, pancake batter, cupcake batter… the list goes on and on. There’s something about… Read more

I love to bake. Nothing makes me happier than using my new gun metal KitchenAid mixer. With a flip of the switch, I can make an exceptional batter, all while saving my forearms the excruciating task of mixing for minutes on end. I can make fluffy frosting, pancake batter, cupcake batter… the list goes on and on. There’s something about… Read more

It’s a known fact that men and women are different. So different, in fact, that I have questioned how these two sexes are supposed to live in harmony. While I’ve had many types of relationships over the years, these are the things I’ve learned (my glorious husband excluded, of course!): 1. Men don’t listen. No really, they don’t. While you are… Read more

It’s a known fact that men and women are different. So different, in fact, that I have questioned how these two sexes are supposed to live in harmony. While I’ve had many types of relationships over the years, these are the things I’ve learned (my glorious husband excluded, of course!): 1. Men don’t listen. No really, they don’t. While you are… Read more

Having recently returned from a decadent vacation in Asheville, NC, I delighted in no exercise, endless glasses of wine and some of the best vegetarian food I have ever had. Touring the Biltmore, I reveled in all the history, the exquisite clothing and the sprawling house, which was larger and more beautiful than any I’ve ever seen in the States.… Read more

Having recently returned from a decadent vacation in Asheville, NC, I delighted in no exercise, endless glasses of wine and some of the best vegetarian food I have ever had. Touring the Biltmore, I reveled in all the history, the exquisite clothing and the sprawling house, which was larger and more beautiful than any I’ve ever seen in the States.… Read more

In today’s divorce-riddled society, how do you live with just one person forever? As we build more into our lives, with children, jobs, pets, mortgages and endless responsibilities, the “doting” of a new relationship becomes secondary as the massive to-do list takes hold. Conversations often turn to the logistics of a life together. How are we going to pay rent? What are you… Read more

In today’s divorce-riddled society, how do you live with just one person forever? As we build more into our lives, with children, jobs, pets, mortgages and endless responsibilities, the “doting” of a new relationship becomes secondary as the massive to-do list takes hold. Conversations often turn to the logistics of a life together. How are we going to pay rent? What are you… Read more

When I lived in Paris (okay, it was only five weeks, but still…) there was a fabulous panini shop beside my apartment. Everyday, I would indulge in a foot-long panini, loaded with gobs of cheese, hunks of chicken and magical spices (and yes, this was pre-vegan). The baguette had a crisp crust, but was chewy and fresh on the inside.… Read more

When I lived in Paris (okay, it was only five weeks, but still…) there was a fabulous panini shop beside my apartment. Everyday, I would indulge in a foot-long panini, loaded with gobs of cheese, hunks of chicken and magical spices (and yes, this was pre-vegan). The baguette had a crisp crust, but was chewy and fresh on the inside.… Read more

This week brings to a close how to “fight fair” with your partner. Hopefully, you have been able to put a few rules to the test to see how you can actually learn to communicate in a nicer way when you disagree. See below for this week’s final fighting fair tips! 1. Sit beside each other when you fight and touch.… Read more

This week brings to a close how to “fight fair” with your partner. Hopefully, you have been able to put a few rules to the test to see how you can actually learn to communicate in a nicer way when you disagree. See below for this week’s final fighting fair tips! 1. Sit beside each other when you fight and touch.… Read more

True or false: most of us don’t eat enough vegetables? I’m going to guess… true. (And no, French fries don’t count.) So, perhaps the next time you’re at the store, you load up on produce with the very best intentions. However, by the end of the week, more than likely the produce is still sitting there, gathering condensation in plastic… Read more

True or false: most of us don’t eat enough vegetables? I’m going to guess… true. (And no, French fries don’t count.) So, perhaps the next time you’re at the store, you load up on produce with the very best intentions. However, by the end of the week, more than likely the produce is still sitting there, gathering condensation in plastic… Read more

Last week, I delved into how to fight fair with your partner. While there’s not one right way to argue, there are tips and tricks to getting your point across in an amicable manner (even if you feel like ripping each other’s heads off). See below for the second installment of fighting fair tips! 1. Don’t assume the other person is… Read more

Last week, I delved into how to fight fair with your partner. While there’s not one right way to argue, there are tips and tricks to getting your point across in an amicable manner (even if you feel like ripping each other’s heads off). See below for the second installment of fighting fair tips! 1. Don’t assume the other person is… Read more

Usually, lunch consists of quick trips to restaurants because people don’t have the time to make a meal at home and bring to work. That, or they want to get out of the office for a while. You can still make a quick (I repeat, quick!) lunch at home and use your lunch break to run errands or go to… Read more

Usually, lunch consists of quick trips to restaurants because people don’t have the time to make a meal at home and bring to work. That, or they want to get out of the office for a while. You can still make a quick (I repeat, quick!) lunch at home and use your lunch break to run errands or go to… Read more

In relationships, fighting is inevitable. You know the drill: someone gets upset, tempers fly and usually someone says something they regret. Done the right way, however, fighting can be cathartic and allow bottled emotions to erupt – but in a slow stream rather than a fiery spew. So, having been on both sides of the fighting coin, here are the first couple… Read more

In relationships, fighting is inevitable. You know the drill: someone gets upset, tempers fly and usually someone says something they regret. Done the right way, however, fighting can be cathartic and allow bottled emotions to erupt – but in a slow stream rather than a fiery spew. So, having been on both sides of the fighting coin, here are the first couple… Read more

There’s nothing worse than constantly being on the go and not having time to eat. A foreign concept to me (as I get cranky if I go more than two hours without food), many people I know say: “I was too busy. I just didn’t have time to eat.” This is when I look at them, mouth agape, and wonder… Read more

There’s nothing worse than constantly being on the go and not having time to eat. A foreign concept to me (as I get cranky if I go more than two hours without food), many people I know say: “I was too busy. I just didn’t have time to eat.” This is when I look at them, mouth agape, and wonder… Read more

Snow makes me hungry. Perhaps it’s all those big, silvery flakes that remind me of sugar or heaping mounds of ice cream. Instantly, I want something sweet (see last week’s flourless cookie recipe) amidst all the healthy meals in between. However, soups are my true savior in winter. There’s something so comforting about a big bowl of soup, but I… Read more

Snow makes me hungry. Perhaps it’s all those big, silvery flakes that remind me of sugar or heaping mounds of ice cream. Instantly, I want something sweet (see last week’s flourless cookie recipe) amidst all the healthy meals in between. However, soups are my true savior in winter. There’s something so comforting about a big bowl of soup, but I… Read more

The night after our wedding, Alex buried his face in my shoulder as we danced in our hotel room. His hands lightly traced the lines of my back, as he whispered “my wife” again and again into my ear. Later, he would re-read his vows and I would read mine to him; the two of us sharing a private moment,… Read more

The night after our wedding, Alex buried his face in my shoulder as we danced in our hotel room. His hands lightly traced the lines of my back, as he whispered “my wife” again and again into my ear. Later, he would re-read his vows and I would read mine to him; the two of us sharing a private moment,… Read more

I live for mornings. Perhaps because morning conjures the days of old, when writers would wake, light a fire and sit at their desks, dipping quills into fat pots of ink. To me, morning is about honing creativity at my own desk, the skyline to my right, the snow blowing backwards, like erratic white popcorn in a giant microwave. My… Read more

I live for mornings. Perhaps because morning conjures the days of old, when writers would wake, light a fire and sit at their desks, dipping quills into fat pots of ink. To me, morning is about honing creativity at my own desk, the skyline to my right, the snow blowing backwards, like erratic white popcorn in a giant microwave. My… Read more

Recently having attended a wedding at The Palmer House, I marveled at the extravagant beauty, the elite crowd and all of the personal touches. However, I also knew this kind of elegance comes with a hefty price tag, hours of debate, endless meltdowns and a sense of relief when it’s all said and done. People chugged alcohol, ate the food… Read more

Recently having attended a wedding at The Palmer House, I marveled at the extravagant beauty, the elite crowd and all of the personal touches. However, I also knew this kind of elegance comes with a hefty price tag, hours of debate, endless meltdowns and a sense of relief when it’s all said and done. People chugged alcohol, ate the food… Read more

The great thing about vegan food is that you don’t have to be a vegan to enjoy it. You just have to be open to eating fresh foods with less preservatives. Case in point: last week, I was invited to Red Light, a Pan-Asian restaurant focused on vegetarian and seafood dishes, to do a tasting of their new vegan menu. As… Read more

The great thing about vegan food is that you don’t have to be a vegan to enjoy it. You just have to be open to eating fresh foods with less preservatives. Case in point: last week, I was invited to Red Light, a Pan-Asian restaurant focused on vegetarian and seafood dishes, to do a tasting of their new vegan menu. As… Read more

A wedding can be a daunting undertaking. After the excitement of an engagement settles, there are more details, “to-do” lists and headaches than one can possibly imagine. However, if nothing else, remember these six little words: “It’s supposed to be about you.” It’s so easy to get lost in the mayhem: to please your parents, your husband’s parents, your girlfriends,… Read more

A wedding can be a daunting undertaking. After the excitement of an engagement settles, there are more details, “to-do” lists and headaches than one can possibly imagine. However, if nothing else, remember these six little words: “It’s supposed to be about you.” It’s so easy to get lost in the mayhem: to please your parents, your husband’s parents, your girlfriends,… Read more

As a vegan, my daily choices are easier when it comes to food cravings. Once you make a conscious decision to eat whole foods, you’re off the hook for giving in to decadent desserts, cheeseburgers and thick slices of pepperoni pizza. (And trust me – saying “no” can be a lot more gratifying than saying “yes.”) Eating healthy doesn’t mean you… Read more

As a vegan, my daily choices are easier when it comes to food cravings. Once you make a conscious decision to eat whole foods, you’re off the hook for giving in to decadent desserts, cheeseburgers and thick slices of pepperoni pizza. (And trust me – saying “no” can be a lot more gratifying than saying “yes.”) Eating healthy doesn’t mean you… Read more

March 2004.  There I stood, in my $4,000 Vera Wang strapless gown, looking at the $40,000 event that was minutes from unfolding. I glanced at my father, who was trembling uncontrollably beside me. His hair, which had been freshly cut, was vibrating. I tapped him on the arm, all the color having drained from my face. “I…” my voice died,… Read more

March 2004.  There I stood, in my $4,000 Vera Wang strapless gown, looking at the $40,000 event that was minutes from unfolding. I glanced at my father, who was trembling uncontrollably beside me. His hair, which had been freshly cut, was vibrating. I tapped him on the arm, all the color having drained from my face. “I…” my voice died,… Read more

Vegan: A person who does not eat or use animal products. It’s inevitable that some will roll their eyes when they hear the word “vegan.” Instantly, visuals of long-haired hippies eating nothing but beans and sprouts sporting peace signs are conjured, but this couldn’t be further from the truth (at least in most cases). Being a vegan just means you… Read more

Vegan: A person who does not eat or use animal products. It’s inevitable that some will roll their eyes when they hear the word “vegan.” Instantly, visuals of long-haired hippies eating nothing but beans and sprouts sporting peace signs are conjured, but this couldn’t be further from the truth (at least in most cases). Being a vegan just means you… Read more