What I’m Reading: Vegetarian & Vegan Cookbooks

7 Vegetarian Cookbooks to consider adding to your collection...even if you're not a vegetarian
March 14, 2018
Story By: Mandy Kellogg Rye
Filed Under > Everyday

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The best vegetarian and vegan cookbooks

The Vegan Pantry, The Better Bean Cookbook, Superfood Soups, Vegetarian Tagines & Couscous, Deliciously Dairy Free, The Oh She Glows Cookbook, The Vegetable Literacy

8 years ago, I embarked on the journey of becoming a full-time vegetarian, part-time vegan.  And that journey all started with a book, The Kind Diet, and a movie, Food, Inc. 

During my 7 years of being vegetarian the number one question I received was, “what do you eat?” This always baffled me, because I NEVER felt like I didn’t have options at restaurants or recipes to make at home.  And to answer the question you’re probably thinking…no I did not eat a lot of salads.  In fact I’d say I only ate 1 or 2 salads a week.  Sure, I had to sometimes get creative with my meal planning, and I also invested in vegetarian cookbooks. Vegetarian and vegan cookbooks was the easiest way to stretch outside my cooking comfort zone.

Educating myself on our food system and how food fuels and functions in our bodies was one of the most important, and best decisions of my life.  And I urge you to do the same.  This post is not about guilting, or standing on a soap box of any sort. But I truly believe we are at our best when we stretch our boundaries and learn new things. 

Those boundaries can be as simple as eating one more vegetarian or vegan meal a week. That’s why Meatless Monday became a thing. Did you know that an estimated 1,800 to 2,500 gallons of water go into a single pound of beef. A single pound! Think about that. Anyway, I could talk about this all day, but my intention when I sat down to write this was simply to share the vegetarian and vegan cookbooks I’m loving now.

Today, while I’m no longer a full-time vegetarian (read about that here), I am still very invested in vegetarian cooking. In fact, I’d say I eat vegetarian/vegan about 60% of the time. So that’s why I still love picking up vegetarian and vegan cookbooks.  Especially now when it seems there’s a new cookbook on the shelf every week.

I’ve listed the vegetarian and vegan cookbooks I’m currently reading above and below. And if you need some other vegetarian recipes check out our vegetarian and vegan section in my recipe index. Some of my favorite recipes would be my breakfast nachos, stuffed sweet potatoes, and best every veggie burger.

I’d love if you’d share if you have a current favorite vegetarian recipe?  Truly, MKR


 

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Signs of Spring?

Transitioning seasons with the perfect green, striped dress
March 2, 2018
Story By: Mandy Kellogg Rye
Filed Under > #OOTD (Outfit of the Day)

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Dress | Heels | Bag | Ring | Ring | Earrings | Sunnies | Lipstick

Is the weather this time of year crazy or what? One day it’s spring, the next it’s snowing. Which means trying to predict how to dress is nearly impossible. But I’ve learned over the years the key to dressing through these few months is to have pieces that with a few easy switches of accessories can go whatever way the weather blows. Literally.

Take this green striped dress for instance.  I originally purchased this for my trip down to Sea Island this month. Knowing the weather would be unpredictable I felt this was the perfect option for either a warmer or cooler evening out.

Dressed with neutral heels like so, and a fabulous coat if temps dip, I can easily wear this through these last few weeks of winter. But because of it’s light, breezy material and bright vibrant color I can easily wear this well into those warmer months.

In fact I have this packed for my trip to the Bahamas this week were I plan to pair it with these bright yellow earrings and my favorite studded sandals and bucket bag.

And did I mention how comfortable this dress is?! Just watch out for the slit, it’s a little high and if the wind hits you just right you may be flashing more than you had planned.  Happy weekend Friends! Truly, MKR

 


 

Photography, Kathryn McCrary

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The Envelop Sectional of My Dreams

And just like that our living room is finally complete
February 26, 2018
Story By: Mandy Kellogg Rye
Filed Under > Living

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Envelop Sectional c/o, Art, Draperies c/o, Blinds, Rug c/o, Chandelier c/o, Floor Lamp, Coffee Table, Tray, Candle, Calligraphy Brushes, Large Bowl c/o, Blessing Beads (call the store for availability)

If you remember correctly, my last One Room Challenge was left incomplete.  The reason; the envelop sectional I’d been dreaming of for months, that was the perfect fit for the room would not be able to arrive in time.  Well friends, I’m hear to say the wait was well worth it.

Technically my Bassett Envelop Sectional arrived about a week after the ORC wrapped. But by that point the holidays were in full swing and between WOMH, hosting friends and family and all the Christmas decor there was no way I was going to be able to do it justice by having it photographed for the Blog then, so here we are.

Having lived with this sectional since November I feel I can better share why it’s truly the perfect fit for me.  A few things I really love about this Envelop Sectional;  it’s BEYOND comfy.  Like it’s name, it really does envelop you. The frame is fully encased in foam for extra softness, and the seat toppers and back pillows are a blend of down which mimics my bed pillows perfectly.  And they’re removable which makes them much easier to clean.

Second, the Envelop Sectional is modular.  Meaning you can move the pieces, at any time, to create the sectional of your dreams.  I like to move the center pieces in to create almost a full square during movie night, and then move them out during every day.

Third, I loved the overall modern, yet cozy look and I really really love the light Bone color.  A lot of lighter fabrics tend to come off too warm which is a big turn off for me.  But, this Bone coloring was cool without being cold, and just made the whole room feel bigger, lighter and more airy.

I know, I know when talking about the light bone color the next thing I’m bound to hear is, “oooooh it’s so beautiful, but I could never get a sofa that that’s light, it would get ruined”.  So let’s talk about this.

First things first, this is our only living area in our home, which means this sectional is VERY lived on. While light in color, the Bone fabric is a performance grade fabric meaning its more stain resistant than most. Bassett also has amazing warranty policies that I implore you to check out and should put your mind a bit more at ease. I do take some precautions by laying Addison’s blanket down during the day, though she still finds her way on to every pillow and cushion.  And I’m extra careful when eating and drinking red wine on the sofa. But other than that, I don’t do much else to ensure the sectional stays stain free.

My main thought on this point though is you should always design your home based on what makes you happy. Decor that you love, and that you will absolutely live on and in. For me, I didn’t want anything dark which means my only option is a lighter fabric.  Embracing the fact that stains are inevitably going to happen is something I had to let go of in order to make my home feel the way I yearned for.  Besides, cushions can be flipped.  And the cushions, as mentioned above can be removed and professionally cleaned! 

So with this space finally being complete I can honestly say I’ve never loved my home more.  Just by transforming this one room, the whole home feels lighter and calmer.  And with this challenge I feel like I’ve finally pinned down the design that makes me the happiest.  Truly, MKR

 


 

Photography, Rustic White

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