In October if this year,
Chris and I decided to drop all of our excuses, and commit to integrating a yoga practice into our daily lives. We decided to go for an
unlimited pass at our local yoga studio, to motivate ourselves to consistently attend, in hopes that we would not only allow for an invigorating workout, but also a chance for us to step away from our daily lives and bring calm and stillness to our minds.
Yoga to me used to just be yet another workout class I would attend to get my heart rate up and break a sweat, when I did not feel up to the intense weight lifting courses I would take at the gym. Nowadays, however, as cliche that it may sound to some, yoga to me has been at outlet of relaxation, realization of inner joy, a personal connection with my mind, body, and spirit, and a new outlet and level of connection with my boyfriend
Chris.
Although I have been attending yoga courses for a few years now, I have not, until now, ever followed a consistent schedule, or integrated it into my daily life as I have done so now. For the first time in my life, I was able to actually silence my mind from all thoughts outside of the studio, a focus on the present moment, the inner strength I hold in my body and mind, and all all-peaceful state of meditation.
This morning, as all other mornings, I couldn't decide what to make for breakfast for my boyfriend and I. What I had in mind was either banana ice cream or zucchini oats {zoats}. I texted Chris as I was leaving the gym to see what he would like for breakfast, to see if he could offer another option. His response? Banana ice cream or zucchini oats {zoats}...
What to do?! Well, I decided to go home and make a little bit of both :)????????
This past Christmas season, a few friends and I put together a Vegan Holiday Potluck here in LA and gathered the community together for an afternoon of good food, friends, and of course, dogs :) I wanted to bring a healthy oil-free option to the potluck, and this is what I came up with.
Chris and I went to the Hollywood Farmer's Market and came home with among other things, 2 fresh sourdough baguettes + dill & chives, two ingredients we use often on our avocado toasts for breakfast, in salads, and now in our newfound favorite, bean dips! We went to Whole Foods following the farmer's market to pick up grains and legumes for his 
This year was our first Christmas together, spent here in Los Angeles. Chris moved here a few months back in October, and what an experience it has been having him here. The connection we have made in such a short amount of time is one is something I have never experienced before, we resonate on so many different levels and I am so happy to have him here by my side to help me grow as both a person and a blogger <3 I was nervous for this holiday as I wanted my gifts for him to be perfect, and I think I nailed it...I hope :p I tried to get him a little something for every aspect of his life, and I think that these gifts would also be great for any of you looking to get your loved one a little somethin' as well :)
My boyfriend Chris and I stepped back into the kitchen to bring to the table yet another easy and delicious vegan spread for the holiday season. All of these recipes are oil-free, low-fat, and can all be made gluten-free as well. We wanted to share dishes that were comforting and familiar, featuring flavors our family and readers would be receptive too.
All of the dishes & their recipes are either linked or listed below. Let us know what you think + share if you have any other healthy recipes for the holidays :)
+ Last month, we shared a 
I always love myself a gooood gingery stir fry, and this one hits the spot. I put together this recipe 2 days ago, and I have already made it twice since then. Not only is it a simple recipe, but it keeps well for a few days and when served with rice, is a substantial and nutrient dense meal.
Always be sure to use organic & non-GMO tofu, and for this recipe, opt for extra firm to avoid crumbling.
This recipe is a part of my Healthy Oil-Free Vegan Christmas Menu from my 2015 dinner with my boyfriend 